Morocco is the closest country to the UK that can truly be called exotic. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of northern Africa on Morocco walking holidays, exploring the impressive souks (markets) in Marrakech and Taroudant. The legendary hospitality, rich and varied culture, exceptional natural environment and year-round warm climate together make for an unforgettable trip.
And thanks to the Atlas Mountains, the country is second to none as a trekking destination. Our Morocco walking holidays are perfect if you would like easy point-to-point treks along quiet trails through the Middle Atlas, or day walks from our rustic gîte in the High Atlas. If you’re up for a challenge, why not summit North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal (4167m).
From gentle walking to peak bagging, Berber fortresses to bustling bazaars, the wonderful sights and sounds of North Africa on our walking holidays in Morocco will appeal to discerning trekkers and culture lovers.
Why go walking in Morocco with Exodus?
We know the Atlas Mountains! They have featured in our brochures for nearly 30 years and are close to the hearts of many of our staff. We have worked with the same ground team for all those years, developing new, exciting itineraries as well as fine-tuning our existing Morocco walking holidays. All our tours here are led by one of our experienced Moroccan mountain leaders, all of whom have formal first aid and guiding qualifications. We believe that the quality of the leader is paramount to your enjoyment of the trek and so have invested heavily in the welfare and training of local staff.
Mt Ouanakrim: An impressive peak standing over 4000m in the heart of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Mt Ouanakrim has two summits, Timzguida and Ras Ouanoukrim, which are the second and third highest mountains in the Atlas range. Even though Mt Ouanakrim isn’t as tall as its lofty neighbour, Mt Toubkal, the route to the summit is more challenging. This is good option for the more adventurous hiker on our walking holidays in Morocco. Although the initial ascent begins quite gently, it does become more difficult, however, you’re rewarded with magnificent views across the Atlas Mountains.
Mt Toubkal: Claiming the title of the highest peak in north Africa at 4167m above sea level, Mt Toubkal is a demanding route for more seasoned hikers on Morocco walking holidays. The trek to the summit is not for the faint-hearted and will push you to your limits, but the beautiful mountain scenery inspires and spurs you on to the top with each step. Along the way, you’ll walk through traditional Berber villages where you can meet the local people and get an insight into their extraordinary life in the Atlas Mountains.
Lake Tamda: Nuzzled between the peaks of Jebel Tamda and Jebel Anghomar, Lake Tamda is a mountain lake of intense beauty. Lying at 2267m and hugged on all sides by dramatic white rocks, the lake is a remote mountain oasis. You might be surprised to find trout swimming in the water and if you fancy a dip yourself, you can join them. There’s a real sense of calm here and you might be tempted to linger a little longer and soak up the peaceful ambience and stunning surroundings.
Jebel Aklim: Towering 1531m above sea level, Jebel Aklim is one of the tallest peaks in the Anti-Atlas. There’s no denying it’s a steep climb to the summit but it offers some of the best views you’ll experience when walking in Morocco. As you navigate a high col and several ridges, you can pause to look back at the sensational pink-hued landscape where the rock is made up of Quartzite and shale sediments. The area surrounding Jebel Aklim is rugged and barren and the mountain itself is what’s left of an ancient volcano.
Mt n’Oughlagal: Approaching Mt n’Oughlagal from around the back, a short hike and a sandy scramble up this modest peak introduces you to some breath-taking views and you can just about make out Mt Toubkal in the distance. En route you might even meet a local goat herder or a shepherd steering their herds through the pastures. Because this route along Mt n’Oughlagal isn’t one of the more popular on Morocco walking holidays, you can immerse yourself in the remoteness and tranquility of the mountains.
Group of 16, with 12/4 f/m split, aged late 40s to late 60s. Trip is accurately rated on the Exodus scale – so some fairly stretching treks mixed with highly enjoyable steep sections. Everybody got round with no significant difficulty. Weather in mid-March was really nice – pretty warm at times by day but mostly ideal, and chilly but nothing more dramatic than that at night even at higher camps. Lovely inclusive group chemistry with non-stop chatter. Food is terrific – really quite something for a field kitchen. Just when the idea of another tagine is becoming a little less inspirational then along comes Berber omelette with chips to die for. In general camp life is a bit cushier than the notes might suggest – toilet obviously pretty basic but you learn to adapt. Tents are snug but no trouble sleeping after days like that. And the final day has an optional hamam visit in Taroudant – do not even consider turning it down – it’s the real thing, and not the flaky tourist version elsewhere. A glorious experience.
I already submitted a review form and won’t add to the comments made there. But I realsied that I wasn’t prompted to say anything about the two hotels we stayed in (or maybe I missed that). These were: Edom Hotel (Wadi Musa / Petra). This was really excellent. Clean, efficient, well-placed and a pleasure to visit. I have no idea why it is only described as “comfortable” rather than being given a deserved 4* rating. The only minor downisde was no bottled water in rooms. Days Inn Hotel Amman. Well, at least the staff are nice and we got bottled water in the rooms! But in other respects it is poor and certainly not deserving of a 4* rating. Everything is tatty, the corridors and rooms – despite being notionally non-smoking – reek of cigarette smoke (this applied to two visits and two different rooms a week apart) and, on our second visit, the bath had not been cleaned – there was a wet pile of hair in the middle of it. I am sure that Amman can do better than this for the same money.
