Best Outdoor Activities To Do In Morocco One Should Not Miss
Morocco is a beautiful country that offers a myriad of adventure opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a beautiful country that offers a myriad of adventure opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and camping in the Atlas Mountains to exploring the desert on a camel and 4×4 jeep, there is something for everyone. There are plenty of beaches to relax on, and the coastal cities are bustling with energy.
Here is what you need to know!
Outdoor Activities To Do In Morocco
The diversity of Morocco’s landscapes offers a multitude of outdoor activities. Bird watchers, cyclists, climbers, and horseback riders will find multiple adventures. In addition to skiing, surfing, or riding a camel, you can also enjoy Moroccan culture and hospitality. Here are the best outdoor activities to do in Morocco. Read on!
Camel Tours
Exploring the Sahara by camel is an excellent way to relish the picturesque desert sceneries. Some camel tours may even include stops for swimming in oases and campfire meals under the stars. Whether on an overnight trip or a multi-day desert safari, it is one of Morocco’s most adventurous activities, giving you a gratifying experience. The most beautiful stretches of sand in the country are Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, and Erg Chigaga, near M’Hamid and Zagora.
We recommend taking a camel trek in autumn or winter because it’s cooler, and the sand is less likely to be hot. Otherwise, there is intense heat in the summer season and sandstorms in spring. Organizing your trip in advance is quicker and easier. In addition, it involves less negotiating and waiting, whether through an international or local tour operator.
Rock Climbing
Morocco is experiencing a climbing boom. The country has plenty of varieties of rock, from limestone and sandstone to granite. It offers many sites suited for everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers. Tafraoute, near Ouarzazate, and the Talassemtane National Park (The park’s elevation ranges from 350 meters to 1,050 meters) are the most popular spots.
The best time for rock climbing is from April to October. The area sees a lot of rain in winter, and summer temperatures can be very hot. For beginner climbers, we suggest heading to Tafraoute or Talassemtane National Park. Here you’ll find plenty of routes with easy access and plenty of options for setting up belays.
Any traveler considering climbing should have great experiences and bring their own equipment. The Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas offer everything from bouldering to challenging mountain routes.The Dades and Todra gorges are prime climbing territory. It is an excellent rock-climbing area, offering adventure enthusiasts excellent opportunities to fulfill their dreams. Make sure you have experience and knowledge of rock climbing before planning to climb the rocky mountain in the Dades and Todra Gorges.
Skiing
You can ski from November to April, although the resorts in Morocco are a bit run-down. The popular resort of Oukaimeden, 70 km south of Marrakech, has the highest chairlift in North Africa and offers rental equipment. Moreover, Angour Ski Resort, near Ifrane, is smaller but with better-maintained slopes. There are other places in the Middle Atlas, among which Michlifen Resort stands out, near Fez, although some years the snow does not reach the ideal thickness.
Ski touring is becoming increasingly popular, especially from December to February, and the Ait Bou Guemez Valley in the high atlas has fantastic routes. So, if you’re interested in skiing, make sure to plan your trip accordingly. You should also familiarize yourself with the weather and ski conditions before you travel. Doing so will ensure that you have the best skiing experience possible!
Surfing
Morocco offers many surfing spots, some of which are renowned worldwide, such as Essaouira. It attracts surfing lovers from all over the world, allowing them to relish the thrilling activity and create memorable experiences.
Between March and September, the strong waves and the steady wind favor the practice of this sport, but you can still surf all year round. Adventure enthusiasts can try different sites: Dar Bouazza south of Casablanca, Nation’s beach in Rabat, Safi beach, and Taghazout beach near Agadir.
But, if you are good at surfing and looking for a wilder spot, Souiria is the ideal destination. It’s a small fishing village located 45 kilometers south of Essaouira. Here, you can find many surf schools that provide lessons and rent out equipment for people of all levels.
Horse Riding
Morocco has always been a country of riders, and this tradition continues to live on many occasions. Horse Riding is like a culture in Morocco. The best season for horse riding is from October to April. You can explore the beauty of morocco on horseback, either in the stunning landscapes of the high atlas, the dunes of Merzouga and Chiggaga, or the beautiful beaches near Essaouira and Taghazout.
Horse Riding tours are available in most tourist destinations, and they include activities such as exploring the surrounding. It is easy to find tour operators who offer horseback riding, especially in the Middle Atlas, Western High Atlas, and Sirwa and Saghro massifs. Horse Riding is an excellent way to reach these magnificent places.
Hiking
Morocco has many hiking possibilities, but we have chosen a somewhat challenging one that you will be happy to face. It is the ascent of Mount Toubkal, 4167 meters above sea level. It is the highest in Morocco and requires you to complete hiking the track in two days.
The departure is from Imlil, a village at the foot of the mountain. It is advisable to be accompanied by a guide, and in this case, the mules will take care of your luggage since you have to plan a night’s stay on the way. After 6 hours of travel, the stopover is at 3200 meters, in Sidi Chamharouch, where you will camp.
The following day, you will walk four hours to reach the summit, and you will have the joy of picnicking at the top of Toubkal, in front of a magnificent view, before descending to Imlil.
If hurdles do not suit you and you are looking for less challenging hiking trails, you can find them in the Rif or Middle Atlas areas. They are usually well-marked paths that lead to beautiful viewpoints, waterfalls near Ifrane, and the magnificent Cedar forests around Azrou. All these hiking trails will make you discover amazing landscapes that you can only find in Morocco.
Speleology
Many regions in Morocco offer caves and exciting sites, such as the southern part of the Taza area, with more than two hundred caves to explore. Another one is the Beni-Mellal region, which has the deepest abyss of the African continent.
In addition, the surroundings of Agadir with a cave which is the longest in the country and the area of Ouezzane, known as “the country of caves.”
The wildlife in these places is quite remarkable. There are different kinds of birds, bats, and other animals to be observed from the depths. These are picturesque and heart-soothing places to make great expeditions for Speleology enthusiasts.
Final Words
Morocco is home to picturesque landscapes and diverse sceneries, allowing tourists from all over the world to visit the country and enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, horse riding, hiking, and speleology. There are plenty of options to choose from and explore the beauty of Nature in this wonderful, magical and mysterious land. Enjoy your stay in Morocco! Until Next Time!
FAQs
Are there good surfing spots in Morocco?
Yes, there are great surfing spots in Morocco that cater to all levels of experience. Some of the most popular surf spots include Taghazout, Imsouane, Anchor Point, and Banana Point. There are also numerous surf camps in Morocco that offer lessons for beginners.
What type of outdoor activities can I do in Morocco?
In Morocco, you can go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, and birdwatching. You can also explore the Sahara Desert, visit the beaches near Essaouira and Taghazout, go to speleology, and explore the many caves in Morocco.
What should I not miss in Morocco?
Sahara Desert, Local Cuisine, Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains, and Fez. You should plan your trip to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the iconic sites in Morocco.
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.