Just think about it, strolling in a stretch that covers over 1,200 miles of some of the most beautiful country on earth. This is composed of Atlas Mountain and Sahara which is the largest desert in Africa. Morocco is one of those countries that can offer a great travelling experience especially for hiking lovers. It features a blend of high mountains and large area of desert.
Extending from the Toubkal Mountain which is the highest mountain in North Africa with the height of 13,665 feet, the desert, the Saharan sand sea; morocco is the perfect hiking destination. It is a place through which he or she can get to interact with nature like he or she has never done before.
So, Morocco has trails for beginners as well as for those who hikes quite often. While joining a moroccan tour, one can start from the village of Imlil, referred to as the ‘’Little Chamonix of the Atlas Mountain’’ or enter the isolated Anti- Atlas chain. On the way, there will be stunning views on the mighty gorges, the history and culture of Berber people and you will certainly fell deep connection with the earth.
The Atlas Mountains: A Trekker’s Paradise
These mountains run through Morocco, Algeria as well as Tunisia countries in North Africa. It provides green valleys; red desert rocks and high trails. The highest mountain of both North Africa and the entire area of the Atlas Mountain ridge is Toubkal which is 4,167m (13,671ft) high.
Adventurers since 1937 have thronged to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco for hiking. The first group that I met climbing Mount Toubkal was from Imlil which is reputed as the “Little Chamonix” of the Atlas. With regard to the second question, it has also been determined that Imlil is also a significant place for tourism in terms of the organization of outdoor activities, as in the Alpine region.
Mount Toubkal is just the beginning. There is still many more trails, and peaks in the Atlas Mountain that is yet to be explored and conquered. For multi day hikes, lower keys are less crowded, and for trying out the Jebel M’goun, Morocco’s second highest mountain, Mgoun Massif is the place to be. The Anti Atlas is the second highest range and has the Jebel Sirwa rising up to 3,304 meters.
If one wants to go for a cultural experience, then the unique looking Ait Bouguemez Valley is the place to go. That is why it is called the ‘Happy Valley,” thanks to green fields, walnut groves, and planted terraces. Here you can make treks and also have interaction with the famous Berber Indigenous community. With regard to the treks, the prizes of the Atlas Mountains are varied and surreal.
Trekking with Local Guides and Berber Hospitality
Here at Morocco Top Trips, we are all about ensuring you get the true feel of the Atlas Mountains. The personnel list consists of fifteen experienced guides from the CU region. They know New York, the mountains, and ski trails. He joked, lived, and worked through such incidents as trekking with tourist groups through the Atlas Mountains and the deserts.
All our guides are native people and they were born in the Atlas Mountains. It is specifically enjoyed by people as they take time to explain their culture and their knowledge in trekking to the outsiders. Trekking with us you will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the hospitable Berber people from villages.
Trekking lovers will find the Kasbah du Toubkal located at the base of Mount Toubkal very interesting. has been acquired from two British brothers and enhanced over the period of almost one and a half decade. It is a place that helps a government to be Green.
Meeting with our guides site seeing along with them is a unique experience to listen to their way of living Berber. This is where arts and crafts are still made by hand including traditional rug weaving, you can try Berber food, or even see old Welws villages. Our treks are cultural in nature and are highly memorable.
Trails and Trekking Routes in the Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains in Morocco are a paradise for hikers and trekkers. They offer trails for all levels of experience. You can enjoy day hikes or multi-day treks, taking in the beautiful landscapes and the vibrant Berber culture.
The High Atlas is a top spot for atlas mountains hiking. It’s home to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, at 4,167 meters. Climbing this mountain in two days is a dream for many. For a more relaxed hike, the Three Valleys Trek is perfect. It goes through beautiful valleys at lower altitudes, great for families and casual hikers.
Mount Toubkal is just the start. The Atlas Mountains trekking routes offer many more adventures. The Jebel Sahro Trek takes you through unique wilderness and shows off Berber culture. The Berber Villages Trek lets you see the daily life of remote mountain communities. It’s a deep dive into the local culture.
No matter if you like tough climbs or easy walks, the best atlas mountains hikes are here for you. With expert guides from moroccan trekking routes, you can go on amazing journeys. These trips to Morocco will give you memories to cherish forever.
Hiking in Morocco: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Morocco has many treks; the most well-known is the Toubkal trek which lies in the High Atlas Mountains. However, it has many other small and lovely places for hiking. Bathing in the tranquil atmosphere, sightseeing, watching stunning scenery and hiking forests, villages, valleys in the Rif Mountains. These are places that provide different experiences from the generic offbeat tourism locations.
If you are a trekker then a must go place for three or six days is M’Goun Massif. It is trail from Aït Bougmez Valley showing people places with welcoming locals and other beautiful sections. As in Porcelain Valley and in Anti-Atlas range, Tafraoute leads to the AmeIn Valley. This place is associated with almond trees, slippers and prehistoric paintings.
In case you want nature and calm walking, one can recommend Rif Mountains near the blue city of Chefchaouen. This trek provides a chance to meet native population of Morocco, the Berbers. The Talassemtane National Park Circuit is embraced among trekkers as the four day trek. It is an opportunity to meet Morocco’s nature and culture without having to follow overcrowded paths.
hiking in morocco: Coastal and Desert Hikes
Morocco’s attractions include the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert, thus making a reserve for Moroccan hikers. But also, it is a great place for those who like to hike because its coast is equally beautiful. Some old trading ways used by the Portuguese can be traced along the atlantic coast south of Essaouira. This leads us through small fishing villages and also breaks the persona as wild, windy coastline.
If you are in search of a desert trip, then your starting point has to be M’hamid. It leads to the vast Erg Chigaga dunes which is Morocco’s biggest and most beautiful sand sea. Private transport can be used to go up the tall erg chigaga dunes through a hike or by using camels. We then can slide down them on sandboards and it will be rather quiet to experience the trip of sahara desert trekking morocco. At evening, we can view the night sky when the stars come out.
An another best place to go for hiking in desert is erg chebbi dunes for Merzouga. There are opportunities to have night stops in comfortable desert or go up and down rolling sand hills. This allows us to have the calm of the morocco desert treks.
IF you woul like to explore more on tours for which we include interesting ones like the 10-day tour from Casablanca or the 10-day tour from Marrakech. To delve deeper into Moroccan culture, opt for immersive experiences like staying in a traditional Berber desert camp or interacting with Berber nomads, offering insights into ancient traditions and nomadic life.
When to Hike in Morocco and What to Pack
Hiking in Morocco is possible throughout the year, but the seasons can be different from each other. Yes it is also equally informative to continue what you were saying by saying that planing is fundamental.
This can be done best between March to October of the year. Said it can be so sunny and warm and it inspiring for the travelers to go outside. Don’t expect to see too many flowers blossoming, though this is the case in the High Atlas specifically. Note it again, depending on when you are going, what you pack can be different.
If tire would be a winter companion their would be crampons and ice axes needed for some not very friendly rock. These are vital especially for morocco hiking gear during the cold seasons. The best months to go trekking especially to the highest mountain in North Africa, the Jebel Toubkal are during the winter months, November to April. It is as simple as that just be prepared to embrace the chilly nights.
When is best to hike, really doesn’t matter, however what is best to wear is another thing when hiking in morocco. You will require warm jacket, base layers as well as thermal wear, good quality hiking boots, sleeping bag, and a basic first aid kit. For towns such as Imlil, you can hire morocco trekking equipment if you don’t want to transport your personal gear.
To reduce on the possible mishaps one is advised to acclimate his body to the high altitude especially when climbing a mountain as that of Mount Toubkal. It would be advisable to relocate to an area with a lower standard altitude for a day or two to acclimatize. This makes your hiking trip to Morocco much better.
Embracing the Challenge: Preparing for Your Atlas Mountain Trek
The treks are tough in the Atlas Mountains but they can be done by hikers of all levels of difficulty though at higher altitudes. That is the reason why physical fitness is plays an important role. Managed backpack weight could be anywhere from 5-7 kilograms, the twist being that you would be walking for about 10-12 hours a day with the backpack.
To minimize on the risks of altitude sickness, spend some time at low altitude before going up the higher altitudes. Yes, mules can carry your gear, and thus make the trek much more enjoyable. Some people refer to guides as leading managers and customer satisfaction scouts—they check that you are going the right way and do not get lost.
Unlike other countries, Moroccan guides have to follow six months of training before they are allowed to guide the tourists. It should be noted that each type can be subdivided according to the levels of difficulty.
Getting to the top of North Africa’s highest peak is a huge mission for any climber. You’ll walk 6. On the first day the walks 2miles (10km) winding up a cumulative height of 1,540m. On the first day, you will cover 10 while on the second day, you will cover another 10. Five miles long and the track rises 1,130m and falls 2,530m. This is a very difficult task over a weekend; therefore, getting well prepared is crucial.
Additional Information
While you are hiking in Morocco, you can take some of the Moroccan Products as souvenirs and you can choose from moroccan lamps, moroccan lanterns, a Berber carpets, moroccan Arg oil product or Handmade leather product.
If you would like to join our tours of Morocco Morocco itinerary 7 days, Morocco itinerary 8 days, Morocco itinerary 10 days, Morocco itinerary 11 days,Morocco Itinerary 12 days, Morocco itinerary 13 days,and Morocco itineray 14 Days.
You can always pass our partners: Morocco Luxury Tours and Luxury travel Agency.
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Overall, safety and meanwhile introducing various options to the hiking route during your trip to Morocco is a must. we asnwer these questions :is Agadir safe, or is Marrakech safe, and is Rabat safe.
Conclusion
As a result, having a close look at the Atlas Mountains of Morocco we can mark the feature of a non-conventional trekking experience. We have hiked the Atlas mountain and reached the top of the highest mountain in North Africa, planted our feet in valleys its escalating greens and leveled our senses with the beauty of the traditional Berber villages. Thus, the trekking in the Atlas Mountains is very versatile.
In Atlas Mountains we had an opportunity to observe a friendly people and an impressive density of cultural activity. I was introduced to passionate locals doing their guided tours explaining the Berber culture. This has enriched me and added to knowledge about the country of Morocco and it people. They all want to tour in the Atlas Mountains either for the rigorous climb to the summit or a smooth cultural experience.
We still will be happier to discover more peculiar places and wonderful views in the Atlas Mountains. Sights such as Dades Gorges and Talassemtane National Park are yet to be explored. This way the tourists get at a real and enjoyable experience in this fascinating region of the world.
