Holidays in Morocco – Riads, Hotels & Kasbahs in Morocco

The exhilarating scenery of the Atlas Mountains combined with the opportunity to experience the genuine hospitality and warm smiles of the Berber people makes trekking in Morocco a unique experience. So we suggest you pack some sturdy shoes and a few basic essentials to explore these spectacular and diverse landscapes.

It is generally possible to trek throughout most of the year in the Atlas Mountains but we must warn you that between November and May temperatures can drop below freezing above 2000m, when snow covers the peaks and passes.

In contrast, whilst midsummer guarantees longer daylight hours and snow-free passes, the temperature in the lower valleys can be extremely hot. In our opinion springtime (April to late June) is the ideal time to visit, as the alpine flowers are in bloom and daytime temperatures are in the low to mid 20C, as well as the colourful autumn months of September and October. It is normally 5°C cooler in the mountains than in Marrakech.

We can arrange a large selection of private walks, from one to seven days’ duration or more, with departures from Marrakech, Imlil (just over an hour’s drive from Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains), Fès or Ouarzazate. You will be accompanied by an experienced Moroccan Mountain guide, who may speak some English but is not fluent. A basic knowledge of French is useful.

However, for simplicity, we have chosen a small selection of easier Grade 1 walks, which will suit anyone who is fit and leads a reasonably active life. The walks are mostly along paths in the foothills of the mountains but also sometimes involve walks in rocky areas.

It is recommended that you take good sturdy trainers or walking boots, ramble pole (optional), hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimming costume (seasonal) snacks, camera, binoculars, hygienic wipes and a bottle of water.

DAY WALKS
Departures from Marrakech, Fès and Ouarzazate
These fascinating private treks are not strenuous and take you into hidden valleys and countryside, where you can meet the mountain Berber families in their own environment.

Rambles range from 3 to 7 hours’ duration and prices are based two/four persons travelling together. Please note that this is just a small selection of the walks that we can offer.

We can also arrange a selection of walks for guests staying at any or our featured properties in the Atlas Mountains (La Bergerie, La Roseraie, Kasbah Tamadot, Kasbah du Toubkal and Kasbah Samra). Please contact us for further details and prices.

Departures from Marrakech
High Atlas Valleys and the Tin Mal Mosque (RAK06m)
3 hours ramble (picnic lunch included)
£90 per person (2 persons); £55 (4 persons)
Drive out from Marrakech and enjoy a 3 hour ramble through the High Atlas Mountains past authentic Berber villages, visiting the Almohad settlement of Tin Mal, with its 12th century fortress and mosque, open to non- Muslims (daily except Friday). Drive back through the mountain scenery to Marrakech.

The Ouirika Valley & Setti Fadma Cascades (RAK08m)
4 hours ramble (picnic lunch included)
£90 per person (2 persons); £55 (4 persons)
Drive out from Marrakech past lush vegetation, terraced fields and Berber villages to the beautiful Ouirika Valley set amidst the Atlas peaks. Start your hike, walking along the winding hillside with the breathtaking scenery of the High Atlas before you. A stop for tea at a Berber home and a picnic lunch are some of the highlights. Continue to the riverside hamlet of Setti Fadma, where a gentle afternoon walk will take you through ancient walnut groves up to the beautiful waterfall before returning to Marrakech.

Departures from Fès
Troglodyte Village, Soft Countryside & Berber Surrounds (FES02)
3 hours walk (picnic lunch included)
£130 per person (2 persons); £88 (4 persons)
Drive out from Fès to the Middle Atlas Mountains and the unique troglodyte dwellings at Bhalil for a glass of mint tea with local Berbers. Continue on a 4km walk through glorious countryside for a picnic, before visiting unspoilt Sefrou, famous for its cherry festival (in June) with its bustling souk and picturesque Medina. Drive back along the old caravan route to the Imperial City of Fès.

Departures from Ouarzazate
Ksar Aït Ben Haddou - Unesco World Heritage Site (OZZ01)
5 hours hiking (picnic lunch included)
£110 per person (2 persons); £84 (4 persons)
A visit and walk around Aït Ben Haddou*, one of the most spectacular sights in the Atlas, with its impressive kasbahs and palm grove, where ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ was filmed. Followed by a 3 hour hike through ever-changing countryside to Glaoui Kasbah at Tamdagt. (*Entrance fee extra)

All prices are based on two persons travelling together (or 4 in brackets) and include:

Walking at High Altitude

The walk chosen above are all categorised as Grade 1 (from easy to moderate difficulty) and are suitable for anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness. However, if you intend to visit any area where the altitude exceeds 3000m (for example a trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal), then please consult your doctor for his advice regarding your health. Anyone suffering from high blood pressure, anaemia or respiratory problems should always seek medical advice before attempting such a trek.

Wednesday 27th June