Morocco is a destination to add to your to-do list! You will not be disappointed by its landscapes, sporting discoveries, cuisine and culture. In short, a guaranteed change of scenery!
Here is why:
- Why trekking is the best way to explore Morocco
- How to kit out for a trip to Morocco or a desert trek
- Adventures not to miss
The best way to explore Morocco: trekking
Trekking or a trek is a hiking trip on foot, characterised by its duration over several days and by crossing wild or hard-to-reach areas by motor vehicle, as is the case in the mountains.
What is also known as adventure hiking is often punctuated by bivouacs. Trekking is a unique experience that can be organised independently or with a guide. But it remains a safe activity when you are well prepared!
Organising your trek independently
Choosing to do a trek independently is better suited to experienced hikers. It requires experience, both physically and in terms of equipment.
An experienced walker knows their ability to sustain effort over several days, especially with a load on their back. If this applies to you, make sure you regularly study your route’s topography and weather conditions. Crossing the Moroccan desert is no easy task when the weather changes!
In addition, the heat, which can be oppressive, must also be considered when planning the daily distances you intend to cover before stopping for the night, in a bivvy or Moroccan kasbahs (citadels).
With a realistic view of the terrain and conditions, you can plan this trek and its duration as effectively as possible: 2–3 days, 5–6 days or more than 6 days.
The duration you choose will affect your equipment. If you decide to go trekking independently, you need to carefully consider the weight of your backpack. You also need to think about the amount of food and water to take with you.
Hiring a guide
From Marrakech, Agadir and Ouarzazate, you can also explore the Moroccan Sahara through a travel agency. Camel rides, souk visits, mint tea tastings and nights in tents: they offer tailor-made options to suit you.
For an even more unique shared experience, some travellers now hire a private guide, such as Jenny Diab, creator of the JDroadtrip blog. She mainly accompanies groups of women in Morocco and other destinations, and shares plenty of advice for women travelling alone or together. In winter, she also leads excursions in Finnish Lapland.
These travel-loving guides sometimes take their groups to unusual places that they have fallen for themselves, or to meet locals they have got to know during their various trips. You may get to share a tagine with a Moroccan family, go hiking in Morocco in the footsteps of nomads, or enjoy a unique sunset. The perfect way to make lasting memories!
How to kit out for Moroccan trekking
On a Moroccan trek, the incredible beauty of the landscapes will be a feast for the eyes. But Morocco’s desert, with its sand dunes, holds plenty of surprises. The better prepared you are, the better off you will be!
Choosing equipment suited to hot weather
Specialist agencies can sometimes provide the equipment needed to hike in the Sahara and bivouac in a Berber tent.
If you are travelling independently or semi-independently and want to climb a few summits such as the famous Mount Toubkal, here is the essential kit list:
- a hat or cap and a neck gaiter or cheche to protect your neck
- a lightweight, breathable technical T-shirt
- a lightweight long-sleeved shirt for when the sun is strong
- lightweight trousers with pockets, ideally convertible into shorts
- good lightweight, breathable walking shoes
- a backpack of no more than 30 L (capacity to be adapted to the duration of the planned trek)
Choose lightweight, breathable UV-protective clothing to protect your skin as much as possible. Remember sunscreen and sunglasses, and you will be ready for a desert or tropical trekking adventure!
Dealing with the wind
In the Sahara Desert, another formidable element is the wind, which can quickly become incredibly strong. To protect yourself from it, a neck gaiter or cheche will do the job. Wear it around your nose and mouth to prevent grains of sand from getting in.
And if you get caught in the middle of a sandstorm, a ski or paragliding mask is clearly what will protect you best!
Clothing for cool nights
In desert environments, evenings are cool, unlike the daytime. Night-time cooling is due to the low humidity in deserts and the lack of cloud cover.
Your overnight stays in a bivvy or Moroccan kasbahs (citadels) should be considered carefully. Without overloading your backpack, you can choose a selection of items that may also be useful during a stopover in a region with unpredictable weather or on flights:
- a warm, breathable base layer
- a lightweight, easily packable down jacket
- a pair of comfortable, warm and breathable merino wool socks
- a thin, lightweight beanie
You can easily find this type of clothing and accessories on the Cimalp website.
Adventures not to miss
Morocco has a thousand and one wonders in store! To experience them, dare to meet local people and their culture, and take part in unusual activities.
Immerse yourself in the local culture
One of the best experiences on a trip to Morocco is immersing yourself in its history and heritage.
Immerse yourself in Berber culture, distinguished by its Mediterranean, African, Eastern, European and international influences. It is very present at special events such as weddings, births and religious celebrations, but also in everyday life. In southern towns, you may see women displaying traditional Berber colours through their clothing or henna make-up, for example.
Another unusual experience you can treat yourself to: cooking with locals, whether in citadels or through a chance meeting with nomadic communities. Around a campfire, sharing a meal is magical!
Fun activities for a guaranteed change of scenery
Among the activities to keep in mind, a trek in the Saharan desert is of course unmissable. Despite its dunes and expanses of sand, Morocco is known for its 4 mountain ranges: the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas and Rif. A real feast for the eyes!
You can also explore Marrakech’s vast palm grove. Dating back to the 11th century, it is part of Morocco’s natural heritage. Made up of nearly 100,000 palm trees (there are 5 million date palms across Morocco) over around 15,000 hectares, Marrakech’s palm grove is one of the historic centres of Moroccan culture, economy and tourism.
Finally, you can opt for a camel ride, which will also allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the desert landscapes.
In conclusion, a trek in Morocco means choosing a unique and authentic experience! To prepare properly, check out our advice on how to dress in the desert.
