With stunning natural landscapes and cityscapes, there are plenty of memorable trekking destinations to explore within Morocco, in fact there is arguably no hiking destination that has more diversity than this North African gem. Morocco boasts beautiful coastlines, rugged mountain paths, vast deserts and vibrant cities. Here we outline some of the country’s most unforgettable places to go trekking.
Jebel Toubkal
Summiting North Africa’s highest peak is a challenge for even experienced hikers. Standing 4,167 metres above sea level Jebel Toubkal sits in the Central High Atlas in Morocco. In the summer months hikers can summit the mountain in two or three days from Imlil, with Kasbah du Toubkal being a great starting point. Ascending through the Azzaden Valley is the most scenic route to take. From the summit you can watch the sunrise over the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, which will stay with you for a lifetime.
Toubkal National Park.
Rif Mountains
The Rif Mountains lie in Morocco’s north, and hiking them is a popular activity and day trip from nearby Chefchaouen. Although the Rif Mountains cannot match the challenge of the high peaks of Toubkal, they provide beautiful laid-back trekking opportunities and dramatic views of the Mediterranean sea. Nearby Chefchaouen Medina (old town) is one of the most charming in the whole of Morocco; varying shades of blue paint cover the buildings and it’s an Instagram lover’s dream.
Narrow alleyway in the medina, Chefchaouen, Morocco.
Ifrane National Park
Nature lovers should hike in Morocco’s most beautiful national park, Ifrane. Located in the Middle Atlas Mountains this 500 square kilometre park encompasses Ifrane and Azrou, as well as numerous Berber villages. At the park you can find more than 200 species of birds (including flamingos), reptiles and sheep. And you can even get up close and personal with the Barbary Macaque, an endangered primate, that used to be found throughout North Africa. The park is also home to a vast visual array of flora and fauna, including the Atlas Cedar tree.
M’Goun Massif
M’Goun Massif is another of Morocco‘s incredible trekking destinations. Located in the central High Atlas, this mountain range offers its visitors some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the whole of North Africa. The valleys are also home to local Berber tribes, grazing their goats and camels. This beautiful trek can be less challenging if you avoid the M’Goun peak itself, which stands at 4,071 metres heigh.
Jebel Sirwa
What can be more exciting than trekking to the summit of an ancient volcano? Jebel Sirwa is an extinct volcano that lies in between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas Mountain Ranges in Morocco. Starting from Atougha, Mount Sirwa can be climbed in two days. It stands 3,305 metres above sea level, but the summit rewards you with uninterrupted views of nearby Jebel Toubkal and dramatic gorges. This part of the country is home to the most picturesque villages in the whole of Morocco.
Morocco is undoubtedly a trekker’s paradise. With its diverse scenery and hundreds of miles of trekking paths, there is a perfect hike for everyone.
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