Despite being only a short drive from Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains seem on another planet. Beautiful routes through the valleys and rural places to strenuous hikes on the summits and steep passes near Toubkal are made possible by the stunning mountain scenery, charming valleys, and traditional villages. Most treks are private and come with expert, secure transportation to and from Marrakech, Moroccan Mountain Guides who are entirely qualified, private cooks who make filling meals along the way, and mules to transport one’s gear.
The Atlas Mountain range spans Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia over 2,500 kilometers (1,500 miles) and runs through the northern part of Africa. The Sahara Desert is separated from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts by the Atlas Mountains. One will travel through some of the most stunning and varied landscapes on earth when hiking in Morocco. The High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Anti-Atlas mountainous regions are among the different, distinct ranges that make up the mountains.
Morocco provides excellent trekking options in the Atlas Mountains, comprising the Jbel Saghro, Jbel Toubkal, Jabel M’goun, and Jebel Siroua. One can hike, stroll, or wander in various locations of Morocco with a guide, with or without mules, to carry the gear, depending on the degree of fitness and the time of year. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains is a fantastic vacation activity. An incredible Atlas Mountains vacation is made up of the tiny communities situated on the sides of the mountains, the friendliness and hospitality of the Berber people, and the breathtaking scenery.
A visitor’s vacation can also involve a trip to the desert for a desert trek, Sahara excursions, or a visit to well-known waterfalls or mosques close to Imlil, a significant mountain tourism hub. There is a ski area with excellent facilities and various runs. Morocco does have a lot to offer when factoring in the delectable cuisine, legendary hospitality, and exotic ambiance of a souk on a late Marrakech night. Both the trekking and the environment are excellent. Adventure tourism is ideally suited to Morocco.
Trekking in Mgoun Mountain
The Mgoun region is less well known, but it is no less stunning for the surrounding scenery, the iconic Atlas Peak, and the enormous trekking challenge that may be overcome in a day walk or days traveling from the base camp. In addition to helping with the trekking portion of the vacation, we can also take to the desert to view some of the well-known desert cities and go camel riding or to the coast, where a variety of water sports and activities are available. Morocco offers a wide variety of exciting tours, which is a beautiful experience.
Around 100 miles east of Marrakech, in the higher Atlas, is a stunning spine of mountain ridges and contoured valleys known as the M’Goun Massif. The Massif, just 100m below Jebel Toubkal more to the West, is the second-highest point in North Africa. This journey leads us over and through the countryside, passing via a high open ridge and a deep, winding gorge. We are always appreciating the North African friendliness and culture.
If one avoids climbing the high peaks like M’Goun itself, traversing the M’Goun Massif in the Central High Atlas need not be as difficult as taking on Toubkal (4071m). This allows visitors to enjoy the dramatic mountain vistas and valleys, home to the regional Berber tribes, for a more extended period.
The region is at its best in the late spring when valleys like the Ait Bougmez and the Tessaout are covered in carpets of wildflowers and scenic rivers created by snowmelt. If visitors have a week to spare, they can spend exploring the lower slopes and valleys or using the time to thoroughly acclimate before taking up M’Goun.
Where to Stay When trekking in Mgoun Mountain
Make sure to request a room with valley views when booking Kasbah Assafar, a skillfully maintained pisé kasbah in the village of At Khyar. It has eight rooms (two of which are en suite) and a terrace that takes advantage of its lofty location (1400m altitude). A neighboring facility called Assafar Cottage provides seven dorm rooms with three to ten beds, shared toilets, and a self-catering kitchen. Alternatively, guests can eat at the primary restaurant. The focus of cooking (100DH, set dinners) is real Berber food (cooking classes are available). Owner and highly professional mountain guide Boullouz Aziz can arrange hiking and mountain bike excursions in the Vallée des Roses and the Jebel Saghro.
Trekking Jebel Sirwa
The Anti-Atlas, located in southern Morocco, is a lesser-known mountain range than the High Atlas, yet it has several alluring peaks. The two ranges are connected by the sizable 3304-meter-high volcanic mountain known as Sirwa. In general, Mount Sirwa can be ascended from Atougha in two days, but a guide is highly advised, especially for the possibly perilous last segment. Alternatively, spend a week traveling from Taliouine and ramble through the Berber lowlands with their sharply terraced fields.
The sacred volcanic mountains Siroua are challenging to access and are situated in the southern part of the Toubkal massif at the border between the High Atlas and Anti Atlas. The locals have a lovely valley where they raise livestock and collect saffron, almonds, and other crops.
Since it provides a physical challenge and beautiful scenery, trekking in the Sirwa Mountains has long been a favorite activity. Still, it is also simple to complete without using local guides. The area has many natural features that will easily aid with navigation. As with so much else in the Anti-Atlas, nature is unquestionably on the extreme side. The majority of it is desert, the mountains are frequently unlike anything I have ever seen, and the communities are frequently the result of an intimate collaboration between man and nature. The Jebel Sirwa, which is 3,305 meters above sea level, is the destination of this hike, and for once, there is only one route.
Trekking in Saghro Mountain Anti atlas
When the High Atlas is difficult due to snow, the Jebel Saghro range provides stunning wintry scenery with fewer obstacles. It is a continuation of the Anti-Atlas and has warmer temperatures and generally still accessible trails without being as challenging as Toubkal’s frozen wastes.
Altitude sickness is typically less of an issue because the highest mountain, Amalou n’Mansour, is substantially lower than the High Atlas summits at 2712m. An added benefit is the nearby cave drawings.
For those unfamiliar with the culture and way of life, Atlas and Sahara Tours organizes the Djebel Sarhro & nomads of At Atta excursion, which takes walkers through the vast pre-Saharan massif of volcanic origin. The enjoyment of the eyes, the painful reliefs, and the needles. The delight of encounters with shepherds and nomads in these still-isolated regions.
Places to Stay When Trekking Saghro Mountain Ranges
Hotel Tomboctou, located in Tinerhir, is one of the nation’s most notable little hotels. It was initially a kasbah erected for Sheikh Bassou in 1944 and was artistically renovated by Spaniard Roger Mimó, a Moroccanophile. With helpful personnel on hand to assist with touring the neighborhood, there are a variety of stylish and cozy rooms (all cool in the summer and heated in the winter). An excellent restaurant, a small bar, and a pool are all present in the courtyard.
Best Time to Trek in Morrocco
Treks in Morocco may be enjoyed all year, unlike many other destinations worldwide. Valley trip, Toubkal trek, Atlas valley trek, Toubkal circuit, days traveling Summer temperatures are typically very high. Although the mountains have slightly cooler temperatures than the lowland cities, it is still relatively hot, so remain hydrated and use sunscreen. During the winter, the mountains receive snow, which can be an exciting experience for visitors to a desert region.
Layers are usually recommended when trekking in the Atlas Valley region, even in the desert. A top and bottom shell are helpful for wind and rain. Base and insulating layers will keep warm on cold nights, particularly in the winter. Long-sleeved, lightweight base layers can also aid in reducing sun exposure.
Because Morocco is mostly desert, the sun and heat may be exceedingly severe. When trekking in the Atlas Mountains, it is critical to have adequate sun protection. Bring plenty of sunscreens, a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight UV-blocking clothing.
If you decide to hike Mount Toubkal, you should pack a sleeping bag and mat for camp at the refuge. One needs a boot that can accommodate a crampon when traveling with us in the winter. Ice axes, boots, and crampons can be rented or brought along on their own. Additionally, it would help if visitors prepare luggage for cold, arid, and high-alpine regions.
The experience of trekking in Morocco is lovely all around. Compared to other places in the world, it is less traveled, giving one a chance to have an authentic experience and get a peek at North African culture and environment. Therefore, Morrocco is best for trekking, especially the famous Atlas Mountains.