Morocco Climbing and Trekking Tours

Most people travelling to Morocco for adventure and trekking holidays will fly in to the city of Marrakesh which is famous for it’s medina (old walled part of the city) full of souks (markets), cobblestoned lanes and the snake charmers, folk dancers, and street food vendors serving all sorts of local dishes at the atmospheric Jemaa el-Fna square, all overlooked by the impressive Koutoubia Mosque. A long hot scrub in a hammam (steam room) and an over-night in a traditional riad should also be on your list of things to do but there are endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the Berber way of life here.

Berber culture also dominates the mountain region although they refer to themselves by their indigenous name, Amazigh, meaning ‘free people’. Despite not having an official homeland their ancient culture has been around since somewhere between 6,000 and 2,000BC and in the 7th century, before the invasion / takeover by Arabs, Berber people were Christians, Jews or Animists. Any visit to Morocco will show that there is no single defining characteristic of Berber culture, the sheer diversity of it is something you simply have to experience for yourself.

Just south of Marrakesh (90km by road) is the small village of Imlil, the gateway to the Atlas mountains. Most people looking to trek in the High Atlas mountains will use Imlil as their base, at roughly 1,800m above sea level it’s the perfect place to start your acclimatisation, in fact it was created to cater for the increased number of tourists coming to the region to climb Mount Toubkal, the area was previously known for its walnuts, apples and cherry production.

At Adventure Alternative, we offer the chance for guided tours and Moroccan treks all year round to truly experience the welcoming Berber hospitality and our Berber Villages trek gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the culture, traditions and the inspiring scenery trekking through small villages in the mountains, or if you’re looking for something a little more challenging and off the beaten track then go for the M’Goun trek in the Atlas mountains.

For many Mount Toubkal tends to be the main attraction in the area, either on a Mount Toubkal summer ascent or on a Mount Toubkal winter ascent , which are both week long itineraries which include an overnight in Marrakesh before heading up in to the mountains. For those with some extra time on their hands we offer our Atlas Trek and Mount Toubkal ascent which takes you on a journey along the more remote and less travelled valleys, culminating in an ascent of Mount Toubkal but read our blogs on how hard is it to climb Toubkal and facts on Mount Toubkal before deciding which approach suits.

Adventure Alternative also offers a trekking Morocco in style luxury option for those who are looking for bespoke accommodation on their Moroccan adventure. Relax in stunning lodges while trekking through the Atlas Mountains. See the way life has been for centuries while discovering remote mountain villages and enjoy the famed rooftop views of Kasbah du Toubkal. This tour is all about you and will be tailor-made to suit your preferences.

It’s not all about the mountains in Morocco, there is plenty of other activities to plan for, including desert tours from Marrakech to the small dusty town of Merzouga, the location of Erg Chebbi dunes where you can enjoy camel treks in the high dunes at sunrise and sunset and sleep under the stars in traditional Berber tents. If you’re heading in this direction then you should consider incorporating a to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, where a number of great films have been shot, including The Last Temptation of Christ, Gladiator and Babel.

With a coastline the length of Morocco’s there is no shortage of beach locations perfect for watersports or a bit of well deserved R&R after a trek in the mountains. Essaouira is probably the most accessible from Marrakesh, it’s about 200km west and boasts a cresent shaped beach popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing among other watersports and activities.

For colour and vibrancy head to Fez, a jewel of a city in the North Atlas region and one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval cities in all of the Arab world. Wander through the bustling old Arab quarters, or medina, and take in all of the sights and smells in the many souks. The maze of alleyways and streets is best explored organically, without an itinerary where you can lose yourself in the ancient buildings and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you are interested in culinary arts, then Morocco is the place for you. In Morocco Mediterranean flair meets Arabian spices to create well-rounded dishes guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Fine oils, Mediterranean fruits and vegetables are a staple. Couscous, a small grain, is a national delicacy, often served with beef that has been cooked in a tagine oven to perfection. Salads are also common, usually containing aubergine and tomatoes, such as Zaalouk. As you find yourself falling in love with the flavors of Morocco enroll in a cooking class and take the flavors home with you.

Travelling in Morocco you can step back in time. Experience life the way it has been for centuries. Walk among the stunning Atlas Mountains for an experience in Morocco travel, just as the Berbers have done for centuries. See the beauty and flair that makes Morocco so unique.