15 things you need to know about trekking in Morocco
The wilderness, the untamed nature of the Moroccan terrain, is the best part of hiking in and around Morocco. Travelers are enchanted by the virginal aspect of the terrain that instills the feeling of stepping where few have trodden before. Let’s face it, don’t we all enjoy the feeling of discovery, of pioneering a new path? And there is probably another cache that is intertwined with the first one. It is a way of life that has survived for centuries, whether in the desert or on the steep slopes of the Atlas.
Regardless of the language barrier, they will probably invite you for tea and be willing to cross paths between other souls and distant realms. Hamlet is still trapped in an era where watermills grind grain into flour, horses graze freely by streams, and mules tramp over wheat stalks strewn across stone threshing floors. Above all, natural hospitality
When is the best time to go trekking in Morocco?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a ‘best time to visit Morocco’. This is especially true when hiking in Morocco. Visiting and trekking in Morocco is possible all year round. From January to September, snow is likely to fall at an average altitude of 200 meters. And except for a few enthusiasts, trekking in the snow is not enjoyable, not to mention the additional challenges of special equipment, thermal sleeping bags, reinforced tents, etc.
The Anti-Atlas, especially the area east of Gelmin, has an average altitude of 1000-1800 meters above sea level and is ideal for trekking from July to December. How about discovering a thousand-year-old engraving of an archer or an ostrich? Other countries will protect that location. Absolutely not in Morocco. The landscape is harsh to say the least, but trekkers are rewarded with lush, surreal palm groves and oases that appear after hours of sun-drenched desert trekking. Night temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures are comfortable (6 to 25 degrees Celsius).
In winter, snow can be found above 2000 meters in the High Atlas. The Sagho Mountains (between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas) are a good seasonal choice, with patches of black stone pointing towards the sky. If you want to combine a Moroccan desert tour with mountain trekking, Jebel Bani, a 400km long ridge bordering the Sahara, averages 600m above sea level.
Concentrate on the High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Riff mountains from April to February. As long as you stay above 30m altitude, the temperature does not rise above 2000 to 4000 degrees Celsius. This is the best time to climb Toubkal, but it is also the most popular. If you want to climb to XNUMX meters without the crowds, there are other options in the area (minimum three days) with a base near Imlil.
