Morocco On Foot

Introducing Morocco (Continued...)

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Morocco is culturally and geographically one hell of a diverse place! Ancient Arabic and Berber lifestyles clash colourfully with modern day enterprise and technology. The landscapes are a wild mix of mountainous regions, calm coastal enclaves and stark, barren desert scapes. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Spain, through the Straits of Gibraltar, to the north and Mauritania and the Western Sahara to the south.
The climate in Morocco varies - In the north, around Tangiers and the Rif Mountains, the summers run from May to September and are mainly sunny and dry. Down south is desert climate - Very little rain, soaring temperatures during the day with quite sharp drops to cooler temperatures at night. The Atlantic coast sees most rain and during winter, in the High Atlas Mountains, there would be snow.

Flights in to the larger Morocco cities are frequent from most major European cities. Or there is the option of overland travel through Europe via the Straits of Gibraltar. Once landed, the infrastructure in Morocco is good with well serviced roads and public transport in the North and Central regions. The further south you head the narrower and bumpier the roads get but you’ll reach some of the more remote destinations. Worth mentioning as well is that Morocco is often a start point for those who want to continue travelling overland across Africa.

Trekking

The best time to trek in Morocco is between April and November - The temperatures are milder and the rainfall lower. There are several accessible mountain ranges – The High Atlas are located centrally and north-east of Marrakesh. There are multiple peaks over 4000 metres, including Djebel Toubkal which has various routes to the top - the exertion level on this mountain for summit hungry trekkers ranges from challenging to tough.
Further south, near Agadir are the Anti Atlas Mountains. The highest peak here is 2500 metres and en route to the summit there is the opportunity to delve in to the rich and colourful lives of the Berber people in their homelands. Up in northern Morocco there is the pretty town of Chefchaouen which sits at the foot of the Rif mountains; the landscape in this area is stunning.
During the winter months (October to April) there is still the option for trekking in the south of Morocco around the Draa and Dades Valleys. This area borders the Sahara desert and is starkly beautiful. Or alternatively try something different by having a go at snow trekking on Djebel Toubkal (in the High Atlas) which is under a blanket of white from November to mid-June.

Kitesurfing

As destinations go a firm favourite amongst kite surfers in Morocco is the small town of Essaouira located on the Atlantic Ocean about two hours drive from Marrakesh. Here you’ll find long stretches of sandy beach, enviable winds that average around 20-35 knots daily and lots of sunshine just for good measure. The conditions are best for kite surfers that have plenty of experience and are well set up with their own gear.
Further south is the town of Daklha located in the Western Sahara territory. The town itself does not rival Essaouira in the charm stakes, but look past that and you’ll find the 25km lagoon! In different areas of the lagoon the conditions will suit different levels of ability, the water temperature doesn’t dip below 20C, even in winter and the winds blow everyday. Bonus! Dakhla is at the southern end of the Atlantic coast of Morocco therefore, unless you’ve got you own vehicle it’s easiest to get on a domestic flight from Casablanca.

Windsurfing

There is one main spot for which to head if windsurfing is your activity of choice.
Essaouira is mid way down the west coast of Morocco and the ancient fortified town offers a unique mix of culture and Atlantic sailing conditions. Out on the water the north-east trade winds blow side to side off shore from the right. You’ll get the heavier winds in the summer and the waves range from 0.5 metres to around 4 metres. Water temperatures average from 20C in summer to 15C in winter.
The beach in Essaouira is known as Main Bay. A crescent shaped bay with mixed conditions and generally considered good for all ability levels. Just out of town is Moulay Bouzerktoune which has stronger winds, in winter the waves here average at 2 - 5 metres and the conditions are best suited to confident wave sailors.

Surfing

Morocco’s 1800 kilometres of Atlantic coastline means you are spoilt for choice when it comes to surf spots – there are literally scores of breaks and winter, (November to April), is the best time of year to enjoy them.
Up in the north of the country you’ll find enough waves to get any surfer excited and it’s all set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains. For extreme thrills seek out Dar Bouazza (point break), just outside of Casablanca. Or ride the waves at Sidi Bouzid, 80 kilometres south.
In between Casablanca and Rabat is Bouznika (point break) and north of Rabat are the beach breaks at Mehdia Plage. That names but a few! There are plenty more along the northern coast to enjoy as well.
In the central regions of Morocco and just outside Agadir, is Dracula Beach (point break). Around Taghazout you’ll find Anchor Point (point break), Killer Point (reef break) and Boilers (reef break). These breaks are best for people with their own boards and who are confident of their abilities.
Down in southern Morocco there are the beach breaks at Ifni - just outside Sidi Ifni - which are good for beginners. The point break at Desert Point – south of Sidi Ifni – is better for intermediate surfers, and finally, just south of Tiznit is Moussa D’anglou. Here there are beach breaks great for any surfer.

Whitewater Rafting

Over the past decade Rafting (and Kayaking) in Morocco has grown rapidly in popularity. Basically, where there are mountains there’s valleys and gorges, and where there’s valleys and gorges … there’s rivers!
In the High Atlas, north-west of Marrakesh you can ride through the Ali Mohammed Gorge on the river Oum-er-Rbia. The journey starts off gently but soon livens up with a succession of Grade 4 rapids.
In the Mid-Atlas, the best river is the Ahannsel, which cuts through some beautiful scenery, glides past peaceful villages and then blitzes and boils over some of Morocco’s most exciting white water rapids.
Winter (November to April) is the best time to ride the rivers but they are open all year round and the trips are guided so are good for any age or ability level.

4x4 Driving

Morocco is a mix of uninhibited off road tracks, outstanding natural beauty and friendly locals. This makes off road riding or driving in Morocco brilliant. In all areas of the country you could arrive and get set up with your own vehicle to go solo, or take the option of a guided trip with drivers. Alternatively if you are travelling with your own vehicle from home, the availability of mechanics, parts (maybe not branded parts and maybe they’ll be fixed on with donkey dung) and guides (for some of the more remote areas) are numerous and reliable.
In the north and central regions you’ll be able to ride through valleys or climb your way through mountain tracks. Down in the south of the country, in the Western Sahara area, the wandering dunes invite you to open the throttle and watch the sand fly!

Classic Itineraries

From Marrakesh, head in to the hills and hike a portion of the High Atlas Mountains. On your way down perhaps pick up a ride with an Off Road Driving crew and be a petrol head for a few days, then, once delivered back to Marrakesh make your way to the chilled, west coast town of Essaouira and get out on the water to wind or kitesurf in one of Morocco’s premier wave spots. Alternatively put your feet up and relax in the picturesque market town with its cosmopolitan cafes and bustling markets.

Other Activities

Also readily on offer in Morocco are Mountain Biking, Dune Boarding, Paragliding or Kayaking. All these activities will certainly get your heart thumping, adrenalin pumping and no doubt leave you wanting more.