Morocco is a destination that deserves a spot on your to-do list! You won't be disappointed — stunning landscapes, sporting discoveries, culinary experiences and cultural riches. In short, a complete change of scenery is guaranteed!
Here's why:
- Why trekking is the best way to discover Morocco
- How to kit yourself out for a trip to Morocco or a desert trek
- Adventures not to be missed
The best way to discover Morocco: trekking
Trekking, or a trek, is a hiking trip on foot characterised by its duration over several days and by the crossing of wild or motorised-vehicle-inaccessible terrain, as is the case in the mountains.
Also known as adventure hiking, it 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 an independent trek
The option of trekking independently is best suited to experienced hikers. It requires know-how both physically and in terms of gear.
An experienced walker knows their ability to sustain effort over several days, particularly with a load on their back. If this applies to you, also make sure to study your topography carefully and check weather conditions regularly. Crossing the Moroccan desert is no small feat when the weather turns!
Moreover, the heat, which can be oppressive, is also a factor when thinking about the daily distances you plan to cover before stopping for the night, whether in a bivvy or in Moroccan kasbahs (citadels).
With a realistic view of the terrain and conditions, you can plan this trek and its duration at best: 2–3 days, 5–6 days or more than 6 days.
Your choice of duration will have an impact on your kit. Indeed, if you decide to go trekking independently, you need to give careful thought to the weight of your backpack. You also need to consider the amount of food and water to bring with you.
Hiring a guide
Departing from Marrakech, Agadir and Ouarzazate, you can also explore the Moroccan Sahara through a travel agency. Camel rides, souk visits, mint tea tastings, nights in tents — they offer tailor-made experiences to suit every need.
For an even more unique shared experience, some travellers now hire a private guide — like Jenny Diab, founder of the blog JDroadtrip. She mainly leads groups of women in Morocco and other destinations, sharing plenty of tips for female travellers. In winter, she runs excursions in Finnish Lapland.
These guides, passionate travellers themselves, sometimes take their group to unusual places they personally fell in love with, or to locals they befriended on previous trips. You might find yourself sharing a tagine with a Moroccan family, hiking in Morocco in the footsteps of nomads, or enjoying a one-of-a-kind sunset. Memories that will last a lifetime!
How to kit yourself out for a Moroccan trekking trip
On a Moroccan trek, you'll be treated to the incredible beauty of the landscapes. But Morocco's desert, with its sand dunes, holds many surprises. The better prepared you are, the better off you'll be!
Choosing heat-appropriate gear
Specialist agencies can sometimes provide the equipment you need for hiking in the Sahara and bivouacking in a Berber tent.
If you are going fully or semi-independently and want to climb a few summits such as the famous Mont Toubkal, here is the list of essentials:
- beanie or cap and neck gaiter or chèche to protect your neck
- lightweight, breathable technical t-shirt
- lightweight long-sleeved shirt when the sun is beating down
- lightweight trousers with pockets: convertible to shorts ideally)
- good lightweight, breathable walking shoes
- backpack of maximum 30 L (volume to be adjusted depending on the planned trek duration)
Opt for lightweight, breathable UV-protective clothing to protect your skin as much as possible. Don't forget your sun cream and sunglasses — and you're all set for a desert or tropical trekking adventure!
Dealing with the wind
In the Sahara Desert, another formidable element is the wind, which can quickly reach incredible strength. To protect yourself from it, a neck gaiter or chèche will do the job perfectly. Wear it around your nose and mouth to prevent sand particles from getting in.
And if you find yourself caught in a sandstorm, a ski or paragliding mask is clearly what will protect you best!
Clothing for cool nights
In desert environments, evenings are cool in contrast to the daytime heat. The drop in temperature at night is due to the low humidity levels of deserts or the absence of cloud cover.
Your nights in a bivvy or in Moroccan kasbahs (citadels) deserve serious consideration. Without overloading your backpack, you can put together a kit that can also come in handy during a stopover in a region with unpredictable weather or on planes:
- a warm, breathable base layer
- a lightweight and easily compressible down jacket
- a pair of merino wool socks, comfortable, warm and breathable
- a thin, lightweight beanie
You can easily find this type of clothing and accessories on the Cimalp website.
Adventures not to be missed
Morocco has a thousand and one wonders to offer! To explore them, dare to venture out and meet the locals and their culture, and take part in unusual activities.
Soak up the local culture
One of the most beautiful experiences on a trip to Morocco is diving deep into its history and heritage.
Immerse yourself in Berber culture, which is shaped by Mediterranean, African, Eastern, European and international influences. It is very much present at special events such as weddings, births and religious festivals, as well as in everyday life. In the southern towns, you may spot women displaying traditional Berber colours through clothing or henna make-up.
Another unusual experience you can treat yourself to: cooking with locals, whether in the kasbahs or through a chance encounter with nomadic communities. Sharing a meal around a campfire is truly magical!
Fun activities for a guaranteed change of scenery
Among the activities to keep in mind, trekking in the Saharan desert is of course unmissable. Despite the dunes and stretches of sand, Morocco is renowned for its 4 mountain ranges: the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas, the Anti-Atlas and the Rif. Truly breathtaking scenery!
You can also venture into the great palm grove of Marrakech. 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 the whole of Morocco) covering around 15,000 hectares, the Marrakech palm grove is one of the historic sites of Moroccan culture, economy and tourism.
Finally, you can opt for a dromedary ride, which will also let you fully appreciate the beauty of the desert landscapes.
In summary, a trek in Morocco is a choice to live a truly unique and authentic experience! To help you prepare, check out our tips on how to dress in the desert.
