Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains

Experience colourful Marrakech and peaceful mountain walks in Morocco

This trip is the perfect introduction to Morocco: an insight into buzzing Marrakech with varied walks in the High Atlas Mountains. Based in the remote and picturesque village of Tijhza, we stay in a modest but pleasant riad and enjoy optional walks each day. The pace is relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the mountain scenery and learn about the way of life of the friendly Amazigh people. We can also try a traditional hammam as part of our ongoing responsible tourism project in Tijhza. Our time in Marrakech sees us exploring palaces and busy souks with free evenings to experience Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling square packed with street food stalls, juice sellers and musicians.

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking profile: There are four walks, with a maximum altitude of 9,515ft (2,900m) and an average altitude of 6,230ft (1,900m). Each day offers a very different view and all walks are optional allowing you to choose which you take. Although most are on well-graded paths, some are on rough and stony trails and the area is generally quite undeveloped. There are also a few steep ascents and descents. Our rural accommodation in the mountains is quite basic but offers a warm welcome.

Weather: Morocco can get very hot during July and August and departures during this time may not be suitable if you struggle with the heat. Although flight times are short, they may not always be direct.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

Morocco

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners are included.

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices:

• Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Dinners:
  • In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)
  • In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
• Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
• Alcohol: Beer 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5
• Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform your sales representative prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Water: The local team provides water where possible. However, you should bring water purification tablets or a water bottle with a filtration system so you can top up as you go.

Weather

From April to June and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day and falling to 16C (61F) at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech. In the winter months, daytime temperatures in Marrakech are around 18C-22C (64F-72F) with night temperatures falling to 4C-7C (39F-45F). The days should be clear and sunny, offering views of the snow-covered Atlas. There is a small chance of rain and it has even been known to snow (very infrequently) in January and February on the higher desert plateaux. If this occurs, it is cold at night and early in the morning on the southern side of the Atlas.