The Magnificent Morocco
With its main religion being Islam, Morocco has a rich culture that is blended with Arab, Berber, African and European influences.
If you are a fan of the great outdoors, a trek in beautiful Morocco will take you to the untouched Atlas Mountains and provide you with real insight on traditional mountain culture and offer some great views. Morocco treks are becoming ever more popular, with more and more people realizing the value in discerning its beauty on hiking holidays to this beautiful country.
However, before you embark on this hiking trip, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
1. You should have a tolerance for changes in climate as you are going up mountains. Nights may be cold and days can be hot; so be sure to pack sufficient outdoor clothing.
2. Reasonable physical shape and a willingness for adventure is the minimum recommendation. Vehicles will be left behind and you will have nothing but your legs and a mule to aide you in the journey.
3. The village inns, locally known as gites, have showers, kitchens and reasonably comfortable beds; but Morocco is the only known country with a hot climate and no insects so pack a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars.
4. If you like a cup of tea in the morning, bring your own. Moroccan tea is a blend of Gun powder green and lots of sugar. Bring your own alcohol too.
You can find a certified English speaking guide who will show you the ins and outs and his team will be available to cook your meals and help you with your luggage as you spend your days exploring pastoral valleys, hidden passes and Berber villages.
Ruined Kasbahs, mountain village gardens and spectacular views of the Sahara desert await you once you traverse the stark crags and rocky trails.
1. The Ourika Valley
After you have explored Marrakech and heard the story tellers in the Djemaa el Fna square, head out and discover the real Morocco. There is no end to the excursions you can have out of Marrakech with the Draa River to the south and the Imlil Valley and Ourika valley and Zat valley only an hour away.
2. The Mt Toubklal Climb: 3 Day Circular route Via Azzaden valley.
The highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal Summit will offer you stunning views of Berber villages and green valleys with Marrakech to the north and the Sahara desert to the south. It involves 2 days of walking while holding an ice axe. It does not involve any actual climbing but be prepared to do a little scrambling and experience some snowy slopes.
3. The Sahara desert and Atlas Mountains combined.
Nowhere else but Morocco can you see the wondrous Atlas Mountains and the sand blown dunes of the Sahara in one go.
You can go up the Atlas Mountains with the help of mules, then down into the desert and ride camels in true Moroccan style. If you are lucky, you could even meet with a group of nomads along the way and share some gun powder tea.
Not only a remarkably beautiful place, Morocco is also full of unforgettable memories that you will be sure to cherish for a lifetime.
If you’re less interested in the outdoors and are more of a city person you may want to check out Casablanca instead.
