Morocco Travel Guide - Horizon Guides

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Sat at the crossroads between Africa and Europe, Morocco is a land of contrasts. Major cities with art-deco centres lead to rural areas that are as diverse as their residents. Rural oases gaze out over the Sahara Desert, while the snow-capped Atlas Mountains tower over the country.

A riot of colour at every turn, a burst of flavour in every plate, and the gentle call to prayer five times per day awaken senses. To best understand Morocco, roll up your sleeves and learn to cook a traditional tagine, soak up the surf culture along its coastline, or learn one of the traditional trades (zellig tilework, leathersmithing, or even coppersmithing) from a master craftsman.

The cuisine — fresh from the field, valleys and oceans — is known for being flavourful rather than spicy. But it’s the warm hospitality and enriching encounters that make a trip to Morocco unforgettable.

Hidden gems in Morocco

Atlas Mountains

Jebel Sirwa trek

Mohamed El Guellouti

Experience

The 3,305 metre Jebel Sirwa makes for a moderately challenging climb, mostly for the trail and sun conditions than the elevation gain itself. This trek involves about five days of hiking with mules and a mixture of wild camping and traditional gite homestays. The landscapes here are on the severe side, but the views over the Anti-Atlas range from Jebel Sirwa summit are incredible and even better: you’re unlikely to be sharing them with any other hikers.

Dadès Valley

Valley of the Roses trek

Mohamed El Guellouti

Experience

The Valley of the Roses detours north from the Dadès Valley at Kalaat M'Gouna and is the heart of Morocco’s rose growing country. This hike follows the M’goun river as it weaves past thick bushes of the valley’s namesake damask roses with a stunning backdrop of traditional Berber villages and the remains of hilltop kasbahs. It’s an easy-going hike at lower altitudes than other Atlas Mountain treks, suitable for all abilities. It’s usually four days’ hiking, with the option of extending the trip into the Dadès Valley. Accommodation is in traditional gite-style homestays. Come in May to witness the rose harvest and local festivals.

Sahara Desert

Trekking in Iriqui National Park

Emily Burrows

Experience

One of my favourite trekking destinations in the Sahara is the vast Iriqui National Park, the only national park in the Moroccan Sahara. The park was established 30 years ago but is not well publicised or well known to visitors, making it a real hidden gem. My preferred route is a four day hike from Mhamid following the Draa Valley via the dune regions of Erg Zahar, Erg Sedrar and Erg Chigaga before reaching Iriqui. Wild mobile camps means we can set up away from the crowds, and you can either trek by foot or by camel. You might be surprised by the amount of wildlife in Iriqui, although it is elusive and often nocturnal. Some desert species, such as the addax anteolope, have been reintroduced, while others appear to be increasing in numbers, such as the endangered Dorcas gazelle. It's also a great place for bird watching, depending on the time of year.

Sahara Desert

Erg Chebbi trek

Jamal Idali

Experience

For people who are short on time, or don't want to do too much trekking, I usually recommend the Erg Chebbi trek. From Merzouga it only takes two hours by camel (slightly longer if you prefer to hike). My advise is to set out late in the afternoon so we can catch a stunning sunset from atop the dunes. You can do it as a day trip, but nothing beats camping out under the stars! This is a popular trek so you'll see plenty of other tourists here. If you want to go further afield I'd suggest trekking to Erg Chigaga instead.

Sahara Desert

Erg Zahar trek

Sarah Gilbert

Experience

Another intrepid trek I can recommend is to Erg Zahar. Dubbed the ‘screaming dunes’ after a grisly local legend, they’re even more remote than Erg Chigaga. It’s a four-day trek on foot with wild camping around a variety of desert landscapes. The circular route to the rolling dunes starts from M’hamid, following the Draa River, passing through a lush palm oasis dotted with crumbling mud-brick buildings, crossing stony hamada and the river bed, where there’s a surprising variety of desert vegetation, thanks to an underground water source.

Sahara Desert

Erg Chigaga trek

Sarah Gilbert

Experience

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than a basic overnight desert camp, I can highly recommend trekking on foot – your luggage and supplies travel by camel – to the Erg Chigaga dunes. Itineraries vary depending on the operator, but it’s typically three or four days with at least one night wild camping at the dunes themselves. Good operators make the camps a surprisingly comfortable and well-catered experience. The standard route starts at M’hamid and follows the course of the now-dry Draa River, the longest in Morocco, passing abandoned settlements and on to the famous Erg Chigaga dunes themselves. Most itineraries return to M’hamid by 4x4 rather than trekking all the way back again!

Talassemtane National Park

Talassemtane National Park Circuit

HorizonGuides

Experience

The Rif Mountains, towards Morocco's northern coast, see a tiny sliver of the visitors flocking to Toubkal and the High Atlas. The Talassemtane National Park Circuit is a scenic, 50km route through the heart of the Rif Mountains. Beginning and ending in the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, this route allows trekkers to experience both the vibrant city life and the serene wilderness of Morocco. The journey takes you through dense forests, rushing streams, and steep hills. Talassemtane is one of the last refuges of the endangered fir tree of Morocco. As you hike, watch out for Barbary macaques, a native monkey species, amongst the trees. The journey incorporates a blend of wild camping and staying in localgîtes, which is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rural Moroccan lifestyle.

Talassemtane National Park

Chefchaouen to Akchour Waterfalls day hike

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Experience

The blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains is a fine base for Morocco walking holidays, although one that captures a fraction of the visitors of the Atlas Mountains. A good day hike near Chefchaouen is to Akchour Waterfalls, in Talassemtane National Park. There are two primary destinations: the smaller cascades (Petit Cascade) and the larger, more impressive waterfall (Grand Cascade), often referred to as the "God's Bridge". The trailhead starts at Akchour village and the route to the smaller cascades is fairly straightforward, taking about two hours one-way. The trail to the larger waterfall is a bit more challenging and can take up to three hours one-way. Public transportation can be unreliable; a taxi may be preferable or you can arrange a guided hike.

Atlas Mountains

Tichka Plateau Traverse

HorizonGuides

Experience

The Tichka Plateau Traverse is a two-day trek covering around 40 km and set in the dramatic Atlas Mountains of Morocco. A moderate hike, it offers breathtaking panoramas and a unique insight into Berber life. The route begins at Tizi-n-Tichka, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa, ending in Telouet, a small village with a historic Kasbah. The trail unveils an otherworldly landscape of stark, sun-baked mountains dotted with green valleys, winding rivers, and small Berber villages. The traverse explores the wide-open expanse of the Tichka Plateau, noted for its sparse vegetation and lunar-like vistas. If you like solitude, this hike is perfect, as the high plateau is one of the most remote areas in the Atlas Mountains. The trek finishes with a visit to the Kasbah of Telouet, a palace once owned by a powerful feudal lord. Accommodation ranges from camping under the stars to local gîtes.

Atlas Mountains

Jebel Saghro Loop

Sarah Gilbert

Experience

The Jebel Saghro is a mountain range located in the Anti-Atlas region of Morocco, between the High Atlas and the Sahara Desert. Vast barren plains, rocky peaks and deep gorges create a dramatic landscape that is great for exploring by foot. The Jebel Saghro Loop is an off-the-beaten-path five-day trek that starts near Boumalne Dades and ends at Kalaat M’Gouna, passing through remote hamlets and palm groves, crisscrossing mule tracks and dry river beds. Guides are optional and it makes an ideal winter trek when other Moroccan ranges are covered in snow. The trek’s challenges are mainly the variable terrain and the lack of water sources along the route but with a lower altitude it’s generally less strenuous than some of the treks in the High Atlas region. Some highlights of the Jebel Saghro Circuit include the Bab n'Ali rock formations, the Afourer gorges, and the views from the top of Kouaouch. The trek also offers a chance to experience local Amazigh (Berber) culture, as the Jebel Saghro region is home to the Aït Atta tribe, one of the last nomadic tribes in Morocco.

Atlas Mountains

Aït Bougmez Valley

Mandy Sinclair

Experience

In addition to the M'goun Circuit there are a variety of other treks and day hikes in the Aït Bougmez Valley. Marketed as the “Happy Valley” thanks to its tranquil beauty and serene vibes, it’s dotted by Berber villages and towns that make the cultural immersion as fascinating as the landscapes. The gentle slopes and walnut forests of the valley floor make for easy day hikes, whereas the surrounding peaks and ridges can offer more challenging treks. There’s a six day route from Agouti to the traditional village of Tabant, and an eight day route in the opposite direction from the Ouzoud waterfalls to Timit. Different operators offer their own specific routes, typically staying in simple gites or homestays.

Atlas Mountains

M’Goun Traverse

HorizonGuides

Experience

Also centred around the serene Aït Bougmez Valley, the M'Goun Traverse is a more challenging version of the M'Goun Circuit. At around 50 km, it’s one of the more challenging treks in the High Atlas. The pinnacle of the trek is the ascent to the M'Goun summit, the fourth-highest peak in Morocco. From its height of 4,071 metres, you’re treated to a panoramic view of the High Atlas range, a reward for the challenging climb. Descending from the summit, the trek continues through the fascinating Arous Valley, reaching its final point in the village of Boutghrar. Accommodation options are varied, including camping under the stars, mountain huts, and guesthouses.

Jebel Sirwa trek

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Valley of the Roses trek

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Erg Zahar trek

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Erg Chigaga trek

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Talassemtane National Park Circuit

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Chefchaouen to Akchour Waterfalls day hike

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Tichka Plateau Traverse

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Jebel Saghro Loop

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Aït Bougmez Valley

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M’Goun Traverse

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M'goun Circuit trek

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Hike to the Spanish mosque

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View all 19 Morocco experiences

Morocco travel guides

Guide

When to go to Morocco

Mandy Sinclair

Winter hits Morocco in November and lasts until mid-February when the days begin to shorten. While temperatures are warm compared to European or North American climates, it’s worth layering your clothes, particularly as pleasant daytime temperatures tumble once night falls.

Guide

Trekking in Morocco

Stephen Lioy

Often at low elevations and with reasonably short trekking days, Morocco’s treks may sound like a walk in the park, at least on paper. Reasonably fit and acclimatised trekkers should be able to tackle most of the multi-day options, though don’t underestimate Toubkal Summit at nearly 2,400m of elevation gain in just two days.

Guide

Trekking in the Atlas Mountains

Mandy Sinclair

The giant of the Morocco trekking scene, there's little wonder that Toubkal and the Atlas Mountains are the country’s top hiking location.

Article

Souvenirs to buy in Morocco and where to find them

Sadie Butterworth-Jones

A key feature of Moroccan culture is its individual and traditional craftsmanship. With centuries-old souks displaying a huge range of handmade items, Morocco is a shopper’s dream, while its bartering culture offers a worthy challenge to even the savviest of buyers.

Guide

The Best Medinas In Morocco

Mandy Sinclair

Morocco is a land that conjures images of the vast Sahara Desert, colourful markets and trendy riads. And with tourism a priority of the government, (the country aims to be one of the top 20 tourist destinations in the world by 2020), this North African kingdom feels safe, secure and on the move.

Article

Decolonising African travel—and travel writing

Mazuba Kapambwe

Travel writing in Africa has always been an overwhelmingly white affair. Early accounts from 19th century explorers like Henry Morton Stanley and fiction writers like Joseph Conrad depicted Africa as uncivilised, mysterious and barbaric, reflecting the racist attitudes that underpinned European empire building.

Guide

Trekking in the Sahara

Sarah Gilbert

Temperatures are less extreme from March to May and again from September to November, making these my favourite times to go trekking in the Sahara. In summer, daytime temperatures regularly hit 40°C and above, while during winter, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing.