Morocco is fortunate to have some of the world's most diverse and beautiful mountain ranges, along with weather that is well-suited to hiking year-round. Some mountains remain accessible even when the High Atlas is impassable due to snow. Join us as we explore trek ideas in Morocco and share tips to make the most of them.
Where to trek in Morocco?
Djebel Toubkal
The ascent of Djebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa (4,167 m), is a flagship trek in Morocco. You can set off directly from Imsil, south of Marrakech, for a direct ascent to the summit (just over 60 km), or complete a circuit around Toubkal (6 to 10 days depending on the itinerary). The climb presents no major technical difficulties, and the support of muleteers and their mules spares significant physical effort while allowing you to fully appreciate the panorama. At just over 4,000 metres, altitude sickness is rarely a serious concern. Summer is the most favourable season, as snow and snowfields are absent, though brief and violent storms can occur. From the summit, a sweeping panorama rewards the effort: you look out over the vast expanses of the Atlas and the deep south, and can even spot the summit of the Oukaïmden ski resort.
The M'Goun Massif
Still in the High Atlas, Ighil M'Goun is Toubkal's little brother, peaking at 4,071 m. It offers a glacier-free ascent that is well within reach for many experienced trekkers. Organised treks of 3 to 6 days around this summit showcase landscapes of incredible diversity, ranging from arid gorges to lush valleys.
The Rif Mountains
In northern Morocco, close to the Mediterranean, the Rif Mountains are the country's lowest range — ideal in spring but also accessible in the heart of winter. Vast, verdant oak forests and slopes carpeted with wildflowers dot the landscape. A multi-day trek through the Talassemtane National Park is an experience not to be missed: from the discovery of Berber villages to the spectacular rock formation known as the Bridge of God, these are moments of pure joy well earned after the effort of the trail.
Djebel Sarhro
Djebel Sarhro sits between the High Atlas and the Dadès Valley. The landscapes here are arid yet grandiose and majestic. Numerous 4- to 7-day treks are organised in the area, offering a particularly rewarding terrain to explore in winter.
The Anti-Atlas
The Anti-Atlas is the last Moroccan mountain range before the Sahara. Still relatively off the beaten track, it offers experienced trekkers a wide variety of routes. You can spend a week climbing the volcanic peak of Djebel Siroua, or tackle a 5-day trek through the villages of the Ammeln Valley up to Djebel L'Kest. The Anti-Atlas delivers a genuine sense of authenticity beneath the walker's feet, with a guaranteed change of scenery.
Hiking maps for trekking in Morocco
Topographic maps of Morocco are generally produced at a scale of 1:100,000 and sometimes 1:50,000.
The Directorate of Cartography in Rabat is the best place to purchase maps in Morocco: the ANCFCC website (Agence nationale de la conservation foncière, du cadastre et de la cartographie) lists all available maps for sale (
https://www.ancfcc.gov.ma). Maps are also widely available to purchase online through the usual retail sites.
Clothing for trekking in Morocco
Summer or winter, you'll need sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots and a waterproof windproof jacket, as weather can change very quickly. Opt for a lightweight, packable jacket. Whatever the season, pack a hat, a high-SPF sunscreen and good, wraparound sunglasses.
In summer (June to August), loose lightweight trousers and long-sleeved shirts are best. Nights can be cool even at low altitude, so a fleece or warm sweatshirt is recommended.
In winter (November to March), warm clothing, a wool beanie and gloves are essential in the High Atlas. Be prepared for very low temperatures wherever you go hiking in the country, particularly at night. The Rif range does offer milder temperatures in the heart of winter thanks to its proximity to the Mediterranean, but watch out for wind chill in strong winds.
Morocco trekking guides
To go hiking in Morocco, using the services of a guide is essential. Bear in mind that a multilingual self-styled guide encountered in Marrakech will not have the same expertise as a local guide who knows your hiking area inside out.
Official guides carry an official photo ID card. Your guide must be accredited by the Royal Moroccan Federation of Skiing and Mountain Sports or the National Association of Mountain Guides and Escorts in Morocco. They must hold the status of "mountain guide", obtained after six months of training at the Centre de formation aux métiers de montagne, a school based in Tabant, in the Aït Bouguemez Valley. Do not confuse the "mountain guide" with the "tourist guide" — they do not have the same skills and expertise.
If you book through a tour operator, your guide will be provided by them; otherwise, it is your responsibility to find one, in particular through the National Association of Mountain Guides and Escorts in Morocco.
If a guide is reluctant to show you their official card, it most likely means they do not have one or that it has expired (cards are renewed every three years).
In conclusion, Morocco offers a wealth of trekking possibilities with a remarkable diversity of landscapes and atmospheres. And even today, with tourism slightly subdued, the country still provides good safety and hospitality conditions for long-distance walkers.
