Treks & Hiking
From Toubkal (4167m) to Sahara • All levels
Difficulty scale:
Trekking Regions
High Atlas
Morocco's great mountain range with Toubkal (4167m)
Middle Atlas
Cedar forests, lakes and waterfalls. Gentler than High Atlas.
Rif
Green mountains of the north, fir forests, waterfalls.
Anti-Atlas / Saghro
Desert landscapes, volcanic formations. Ideal winter trek.
Sahara
Erg Chebbi and Chegaga dunes. Camel treks and bivouacs.
Morocco's Summits
Jebel Toubkal
Jebel M'Goun
Jebel Ayachi
Jebel Sirwa
Jebel Saghro
Jebel Tidirhine
Must-Do Treks
Morocco's classic routes
Ascension du Toubkal
Climb the highest peak in North Africa! Start from the village of Imlil, overnight at the Toubkal refuge (3207m), then final ascent via the south ridge. 360° view over the Atlas, the Sahara, and sometimes the Atlantic.
Tour du Toubkal
The grand circuit of the Toubkal massif, crossing several passes above 3500m. Authentic Berber villages, nights in refuges and with locals. The complete High Atlas trek.
Traversée du M'Goun
The great trek of the central High Atlas with the second highest peak in Morocco. Deep valleys, spectacular gorges, preserved traditional villages. Less frequented than Toubkal.
Traversée du Jebel Saghro
THE Moroccan winter trek! Lunar volcanic landscapes, rocky pinnacles, hidden oases. Nomadic territory of the Aït Atta. Mild climate in winter when the Atlas is snow-covered.
Lac Ifni
Trek to the only natural lake in the High Atlas. Spectacular setting with red cliffs and turquoise water. Bivouac by the lake or overnight at the refuge. Shorter alternative to Toubkal.
Parc National Talassemtane
Fir and cedar forests in the Rif national park. Natural God's Bridge, Akchour waterfalls, perched villages. Coolness in summer, exceptional greenery.
Accessible Hikes
Perfect for beginners and families
Vallée Aït Bougmez
The 'happy valley' - accessible and family-friendly trek. Traditional Berber villages, cultivated terraces, warm welcome. Perfect introduction to Moroccan trekking.
Cascades d'Ourika - Setti Fatma
Popular hike to the 7 waterfalls of Setti Fatma from Marrakech. The first two are easy, the following ones more technical. Swimming possible in summer. Beware of flash floods.
Pont de Dieu - Akchour
Spectacular natural arch spanning the Farda river. Easy hike from Chefchaouen with swimming possibilities. The Rif's photo spot!
Méharée Erg Chebbi
Camel trek in the great orange dunes of Merzouga. Bivouac under the stars, sunrise over the dunes. The quintessential Saharan experience.
Gorges du Todra
Spectacular canyon with 300m walls. Hike at the bottom of the gorges with river crossings. World-class climbing spot. Ideal base to explore the region.
When to go?
Spring (Mar-May)
Ideal for High Atlas, flowers, full waterfalls. Snow at altitude.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
High altitude only. Too hot elsewhere. Avoid Sahara.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Perfect time everywhere. Stable weather, ideal temperatures.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Anti-Atlas and Sahara. Snowy High Atlas (ski touring).
Mountain Accommodation
Toubkal Refuge (CAF)
Neltner Refuge
Tazaghart Refuge
Berber guesthouses
Essential Equipment
Footwear
- • High-cut hiking boots
- • Light camp sandals
Clothing
- • Layered system
- • Waterproof windbreaker
- • Fleece
- • Hat/cap
- • Cat.4 sunglasses
Backpack
- • 40-60L backpack
- • Sleeping bag (-5°C min)
- • Insulating mat
Miscellaneous
- • Telescopic poles
- • Headlamp
- • 2L water bottle minimum
- • SPF 50+ sunscreen
- • Basic first-aid kit
Safety Tips
✓ Do
- • Hire a certified local guide
- • Inform someone of your itinerary
- • Acclimatize gradually to altitude
- • Carry enough water (2-3L/day)
- • Respect weather conditions and turn back if needed
✗ Don't
- • Go alone on difficult treks
- • Underestimate altitude sickness
- • Hike during hot hours
- • Ignore weather warnings
- • Overestimate your abilities
⚠️ Emergencies
- • SAMU: 141
- • Gendarmerie: 177
- • Mountain rescue: via guide
- • Repatriation insurance recommended
- • Satellite phone for remote areas