Top 10 Treks in Morocco

The Amazing 10 Treks in Morocco Morocco is undoubtedly the most interesting trekking land in the Maghreb, the most varied also alternating high desert mountains, green valleys, dry canyons, oases, and dunes. In the hollow of the valleys, the Berber villages welcome hikers with their legendary hospitality. A great opportunity to discuss and discover Berber traditions still alive. After 8 trips to Morocco, here are my top 10 treks in Morocco. I have almost all done them. Toubkal Ascent The best known and also the most popular of all routes in Morocco, the Toubkal trek is nevertheless a great classic that I have not done. According to many friends who have climbed it on a 2, 6 or 12 day trek, it is splendid. Depending on the duration of the trek, we start from Imlil (2-day version), Ouakaimedem or Aguersioual (1-week version) but other options are possible and for the longest trek, there are even more variants Mgoun Ascent This is the first trek I have done in Morocco, it was in 2003 if I remember correctly. Before the days of I-Trekkings. And what a trek! Departing from the valley of Aït Bougmez, we reached the summit of M’Goun before moving onto the southern slope of the massif through the gorges of M’Goun and ending with the valley of Roses at El Kelaâ M’Gouna. 11 days of walking. My first experience was with a local agency as well and with Moroccan hospitality. A trek that somehow contributed to my desire to create Trekking holidays in Morocco. Alas, I no longer have the story. Some silver photos remain in an old photo album. Eastern High Atlas The best known and also the most popular of all routes in Morocco, the Toubkal trek is nevertheless a great classic that I have not done. According to many friends who have climbed it on a 2, 6 or 12 day trek, it is splendid. Depending on the duration of the trek, we start from Imlil (2-day version), Ouakaimedem or Aguersioual (1-week version) but other options are possible and for the longest trek, there are even more variants Aït Bougmez valley Softer, the Aït Bougmez valley, the “happy valley”, lends itself to pretty walks through fields and villages. It’s not really a trek or it has to be joined to a larger route like on my ascent of M’Goun or in the Eastern High Atlas.I even stayed there for a week on one of my trips to Morocco. Leaving from an ecolodge, I explored across and across the valley and even a little beyond: the Aït Boulli valley or the Izourar plateau. Great crossing of the High Atlas This is the trek that I would like to do. In the catalog of major French trekking agencies, the route begins in Iskattafen on the heights of Aït Bougmez.In 17 days of walking, heading towards Imlil. Along the way, ascent of M’Goun, Anghomar and Toubkal (at the end) and passage through the Tessaout valley. A major route. The Saghro mountains We take the southern route for the following 5 treks. Starting with Jebel Sargho, sometimes nicknamed the Moroccan Hoggar. It is a pre-Saharan massif that will appeal to minerality lovers: tabular plateaus, basalt columns and dry wadis make up the landscape.It is not uncommon depending on the season to meet Aït Atta nomads. Jebel Siroua Another massif in the Anti-Atlas, the Jebel Siroua trek is an itinerary that has excited me. Not many people are going to walk there, it is incomprehensible, especially since it is the only region of Morocco to cultivate saffron.The 5-day trek starts from the village of Tamazight and ends in Ifrane. The massif is inhabited in its northern and southern parts, where you cross beautiful villages in mud houses surrounded by almond trees. In the center, it is the silence of the mountain that accompanies hikers. A real favorite! The Anti-Atlas around Tafraoute The Tafraoute mountains are the 3rd massif which constitutes the Anti-Atlas. But unlike Siroua and Saghro, the Tafraoute sector is wetter because it is closer to the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the recent rainfall, the landscapes are more or less green, which offers a striking contrast between the green of the valleys and the pink of the rocks. Again, few hikers in this magnificent sector. Dunes and oasis of Draa Let’s finish these top 10 treks in Morocco with two desert routes. Departing from the Draa oasis, we discover the abundant life of this string of adobe villages and then step into the desert. The week ends in the heart of the dunes of Erg Houidi before reaching the Ksar de Bouno and the palm grove of Oulad Idriss. Camel trek in the Moroccan Sahara This time starting from Oulad Idriss, this itinerary in the Moroccan Sahara explores the western part of the dunes of the palm grove located between Wadi Draa and Jebel Bani. 6 days of walking on a very beautiful itinerary alternating ergs and regs, all the ways of the Moroccan desert in one trip. I highly recommend. Home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, Morocco lends itself to hiking all year round. In summer, you can climb Jebel Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa, while in winter, when the snow makes the High Atlas impassable, Jebel Sarhro remains accessible. The Rif chain is ideal for mid-season.

Sahara Desert Morocco to visit during your stay!

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WHICH MOROCCAN DESERTS TO VISIT DURING A FAMILY STAY IN A HOLIDAY CLUB? Sahara desert Morocco A family trip should combine comfort, adventure and fun! As such, the clubs are both reassuring accommodation for parents and fun for the little ones. However, this does not prevent vacationers from wanting to go on excursions to discover exotic places, beyond their place of residence. However, it is impossible to envisage an expedition to Morocco without exploring the desert! Whether you have decided to put your luggage in Agadir, Marrakech or Saïdia, we have put together a list of tours that can be done in one day for you. Both close to your accommodation and fascinating, they will bring an authentic touch to your stay in an all-inclusive club in Morocco! Sahara desert Morocco HOW TO DISCOVER THE DESERT FROM AGADIR? If you stay in one of the many clubs in Agadir, you will be able to fully enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, but you will be unable to reach the tourist deserts. Indeed, the latter are located much further south, and they will only be accessible for excursions of at least 3 days. However, there are beautiful stretches of sand dotted with high dunes, which will still allow you to have fun with your family! EXPLORE THE LITTLE SAHARA Less than two hours by car, going down to the South, you will have the opportunity to make your first encounter with the desert landscapes of Morocco. After passing the magnificent Youssef Ben Tachfine dam, which offers a splendid view of Oued Massa, continue for about ten kilometers to reach the village of Arbaa Rasmouka. Once there, you can easily park your vehicle at the entrance to the dunes. Although this “little desert of Agadir” is small, it still offers a great range of activities, which will delight children and adults alike! On a hike, on horseback or on the back of camels, you can easily browse the dunes of Rasmouka for a few hours to have fun with your family. Some excursions also include a lunch at the locals’ home. You can even bivouac serenely with the youngest, knowing that the city is only a few hours away! If you want to bring back souvenirs to your loved ones, make a detour to the town of Tiznit known for its handcrafted jewelry. Finally, on the way back, do not miss going to observe the birds at Souss Massa National Park! BEACH WALK: A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO THE DESERT Agadir being on the edge of the Atlantic, large beaches covered with dunes are quickly accessible. If you want to head north instead, walk along the coast that goes up towards Taghazout for about 1 hour 15 minutes. Just after passing Tamri National Park, you will reach the Taboga dunes which overlook the ocean. This spot will also allow you to test the “sandboard” (surfing on the sand): an activity very popular with teenagers! In the south, plan a journey time that is twice as long (3:30) to reach the famous white beach. The latter stretches over 40 km west of Guelmim and is presented as a continuation of the Sahara. It is an ideal place to spend a day, or even a night with the family, with your feet in the hot sand which is sometimes tinted with very particular red reflections. WHAT EXCURSIONS FROM MARRAKECH? The former imperial city attracts many tourists who come with their families to discover Morocco while taking advantage of the infrastructures of the big city. With more than 10 holiday clubs, Marrakech easily accommodates all curious visitors. You will easily find guides ready to take you to all corners of the country. WHAT ABOUT ORGANIZED STAYS IN THE SOUTH? Contrary to what some agencies claim, it is almost impossible to explore the deserts around Zagora in just one day. Indeed, these areas are actually more than 400 km from Marrakech, which corresponds to around 12 hours by bus (one way and back). As a family, especially with young children, this type of trip seems to try to guarantee you a trip in the best conditions. In addition, you will only be able to spend one to two hours there before having to take the road back. If you absolutely want to go to the most emblematic tourist places, such as Erg Chegaga, plan real excursions of at least 3 to 4 days, which will allow you to make stops in stopover towns, such as Ouarzazate, and to sleep one night in a camp. MEET THE AGAFAY DESERT While staying in Marrakech, you will have the chance to be just a 30-minute drive from the Agafay area. Here, no sand, but a huge desert of stones totally exotic. The panorama is absolutely splendid: the dry rocks on which you will evolve contrast impressively with the view of the snow-covered peaks of the Atlas! If you are into sporty driving, you can explore this incredible space on a quad bike or behind the wheel of a buggy. For a slower pace, opt for camel treks. They are very popular with the youngest, who love contact with animals. Your kids don’t want to go back to the club anymore? Offer them an unforgettable experience by spending a night in a comfortable bivouac in the heart of this special Desert. Together, you will be able to observe the stars, socialize by the fireside, and enjoy a timeless moment in the middle of peaceful nature. IBEROSTAR SAÏDIA: AN ISOLATED CLUB ON THE ALGERIAN BORDER Among the holiday accommodation available in the area, Club Coralia Iberostar 5 * stands out for its isolation. Indeed, it is the only accommodation of this type located in the east, on the Algerian border in the seaside resort of Saïdia. This location provides easy access to beautiful beaches, overlooking the Alboran Sea. When it comes to the desert, don’t venture out without a guide: you might end up in militarized areas. On the other hand, you can

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The Marrakech

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Subheading text About Marrakech Facebook Twitter Google-plus Want to discover Marrakech? There are a thousand and one ways to experience it. Whichever way you choose to experience Marrakech, you will certainly take a bit of Marrakech with you, it is a place full of surprises! With its countless markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques, you will be amazed. Marrakech, also called the red city is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom after Casablanca, Fez and Tangier with 928,850 inhabitants in 2014, it remains the tourist capital of the country. More than a city, Marrakech is a pearl polished by history and a taste for hospitality, knowing how to welcome its guests with open arms for centuries. The city is subdivided into two distinct parts: the new (or modern) city there are many hotel complexes, luxury shops, banks, tea rooms and café terraces and the medina or historic city (ten kilometers of wall) , it is easy to imagine the caravanners who loaded their camels with food, tools and handicrafts. The souks offer everything the traveler expects: colors, atmospheres, scents, smiling and welcoming faces. Marrakech famous throughout the world for its palm grove and its minaret, this city is a real living spectacle where men and local folklore are skillfully staged in a medieval setting. An impressive cultural heritage with many monuments and quality museums. It’s simply Magic! Its economy is mainly based on tourism, commerce and crafts. The hotel infrastructure has experienced rapid growth in recent years and is now oriented towards luxury tourism. Also known by the Place Jemaa El Fna, the flagship city of the Almoravids was founded around 1070, it is also known by major events and festivities such as: Festival of popular arts of Marrakech, International film festival of Marrakech, Arts in Marrakech, Festival Samaa of sacred music, contemporary dance festival, Sun festival: national festival of young people and music. Marrakech has indeed become one of the favorite destinations for celebrities who love its very well preserved charm which knows how to combine luxury, refinement and authenticity. The city has thus been described as a “dream of a thousand and one nights” by Arielle Dombasle. Marrakech then becomes a place renowned for its culture, its arts, its traditions and its architectural heritage which gradually attracts a large number of renowned artists.

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The must things to do in Marrakech

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Visit Marrakech: what are the best things to do and see in the Red City? Lively and exciting destination, Marrakech offers a perfect blend of culture, stunning landscapes, and fascinating architecture. The one nicknamed “The Pearl of the South” or “The Red City”, although it is said to be disfigured by mass tourism has a myriad of places of interest that will not make you hesitate twice when You will need to take your plane tickets to visit Marrakech! To help you organize your stay more easily, we have listed the best things to do in Marrakech for you. So what should you visit in Marrakech to make sure you don’t miss a thing in the city? Follow the leader! The palm grove of Marrakech The Palmeraie de Marrakech has more than 100,000 trees on approximately 15,000 hectares, mainly palm trees as well as a date production and a vegetable garden. It is a well-known natural and tourist heritage in Morocco that you absolutely must-do if you come to visit Marrakech.In addition, it is possible to explore this place on a camel ride or during a quad ride! The Ouzoud waterfalls Located about 150 kilometers from Marrakech, it is impossible to miss the Ouzoud waterfalls if you come to visit Marrakech! Considered to be the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Morocco, you can then swim, have a picnic, but also meet the local monkeys. The Majorelle Garden Unmissable in the new town: the Majorelle Garden (botanical garden with bluish colors). The garden belonged to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. When he died in 2008, his ashes were scattered around the garden. If you like gardens, read our article “Visit the Gardens and Ramparts of Marrakech”. The Marrakech Museum In addition to learning about the history of Marrakech, a visit to the Marrakech Museum will give you the opportunity to appreciate one of the most beautiful architecture in the city. Located in the center of Marrakech, this is a must do in Marrakech!The museum is housed in the Dar Mnebhi Palace which was built at the end of the 19th century and is a perfect example of classical Andalusian architecture. The atlas mountains A few hours by car from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley in the Moroccan High Atlas is a real sight to see. The temperature can drop, so bring a small sweater or jacket and take your best walking shoes.The path in the mountain is rocky, you will cross small bridges over the rivers which flow on the sides of the mountain. The view from the mountains is superb and well worth a day trip. The bazaars Going to the souks is a must if you visit Marrakech. The souks are great for getting a good deal, but you have to be willing to haggle to get a good price. You are even expected to do so!How to negotiate? As a rule of thumb, halve the price offered to you, and negotiate from it. Don’t necessarily feel like you have to buy, as you might be intimidated, but don’t give up if you’re not happy with the price. Jemaa el-Fna Square You will surely pass on the Place Jemaa el-Fna (“place of the dead”) if you come to visit Marrakech. This famous public square attracts over a million visitors each year. “The cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna” has been registered as intangible cultural heritage since 2008 and as a world heritage since 1985 by Unesco.It’s its traditional and popular side that appeals, especially at night! We can especially meet snake charmers. So if you are not afraid of the crowds and want to taste the good atmosphere of the city, you know what to do in Marrakech. The Koutoubia Mosque This magnificent 12th century Sunni mosque, whose minaret overlooks the surroundings, is one of the must-see places in Marrakech. Its architecture and ascetic decor perfectly illustrate the art of the Almohads!Be careful though because you will not be able to enter if you are not a Muslim! Medersa Ben-Youssef The Medersa Ben-Youssef is a medersa, in other words a Koranic school, with breathtaking Moorish architecture that you should not miss if you come to visit Marrakech! Menara Gardens What to do in Marrakech when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Between ponds and olive trees, it is in the Menara gardens that you can come and recharge your batteries.Arranged under the Almoahades dynasty, they are located about 45 minutes walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, in central Marrakech. Bahia Palace Visiting Marrakech without visiting its magnificent palaces is impossible! Former nineteenth-century palace of eight hectares, the Bahia Palace is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture and Islamic art, one of the major monuments of the country’s cultural heritage, and one of the main places of tourism in Morocco! Bab Agnaou Built in the 12th century during the Almohad dynasty, Bab Agnaou is one of the nineteen Bab, or gates, of Marrakech. This is the entrance to the royal kasbah!You will find it in the southern part of the medina of Marrakech. C’est son côté traditionnel et populaire qui séduit, et particulièrement la nuit ! On peut notamment rencontrer des charmeurs de serpent. Alors si vous n’avez pas peur des bains de foule et que vous voulez goûter à la bonne ambiance de la ville, vous savez quoi faire à Marrakech. Medina of Marrakech Historic heart of Marrakech, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina is the place to go if you want to visit Marrakech and its historical and traditional side!Stroll around this part of the city and be sure to visit the many historical monuments that can be found there. Some are in this article! The Secret Garden What else to do in Marrakech? The Secret Garden! An elegant 19th century palace renovated recently, it stands out for its splendid decoration and its traditional exotic and Islamic gardens.You will find it near the Medersa Ben Youssef in the Mouassine district of

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Marrakech city

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The Famous Marrakech city Marrakech (in Arabic: مُرَاكُش, murrākuš; in Berber: ⵎⵕⵕⴰⴽⵛ, Meṛṛakc), is a city located in central Morocco at the foot of the Atlas Mountains4. Marrakech is nicknamed “the red city” N 1 or the “ocher city” in reference to the red color of a large part of its buildings and houses5. Marrakech and its urban area have in 2020 a little more than one million inhabitants 2. By its population, the city is the third agglomeration of the country, on a par with its historical rival, Fez, and behind Casablanca. Imperial city, like Fez, Rabat and Meknes, Marrakech was the capital of Morocco for nearly 350 years, under the Almoravid (11th – 12th centuries), Almohad (12th – 13th centuries), Saadian (16th – 17th centuries) dynasties ), as well as during the reign of Mohammed ben Abdallah of the current Alawite dynasty (reigning from 1757 to 1790). Marrakech is home to a vast medina of 600 hectares, the most populous in North Africa, and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Thanks to the vitality of its 900-year-old medina, its world-class hotel infrastructures, and its sunny climate, Marrakech has established itself as the undisputed capital of tourism in Morocco. Served by the country’s second airport in terms of traffic, Marrakech – Menara airport, the city welcomed nearly 3 million visitors in 2019. Origin of the Marrakech Before travel Several hypotheses coexist as to the origin of the name of the city. The most widespread among historians considers that the name of Marrakech is a contraction of the Berber Amur n’Akush. Amur means “country” and Akouch, or Yakouch means “God”, which gives “the land of God” 6. A less widespread alternative etymology proposes the interpretation of “land of the course” . Medieval Arabic-speaking sources have been numerous to offer fanciful Arabic origins in the name of Marrakech. Some of these etymologies have been taken up in contemporary works. For Louis Deroy and Marianne Mulon, for example, authors of the Dictionary of place names, the name comes from the Arabic Marruquch “la bien parée” 8 from رقش “to ornament, embellish”. Origin of the name Several hypotheses coexist as to the origin of the name of the city. The most widespread among historians considers that the name of Marrakech is a contraction of the Berber Amur n’Akush. Amur means “country” and Akouch, or Yakouch means “God”, which gives “the land of God” 6. A less widespread alternative etymology proposes the interpretation of “land of the course”. Medieval Arabic-speaking sources have been numerous to offer fanciful Arabic origins in the name of Marrakech. Some of these etymologies have been taken up in contemporary works. For Louis Deroy and Marianne Mulon, for example, authors of the Dictionary of place names, the name comes from the Arabic Marruquch “the well adorned” from رقش “to ornament, embellish”. Name influence The word “Morocco” and its equivalents in various European languages are directly derived from the word “Marrakech”. From the 1130s, sixty years after the founding of the city, the name appears in Latin sources to designate the capital of the Almoravid empire6. In the fourteenth century, we identify the forms “Marroch” in Catalan (from which the French name derives), “Marruecos” in Castilian, “Morrocco” in Tuscan, and “Marrocos” in Portuguese, undoubtedly the oldest form, the ” ‘s final being hissed in Portuguese. In the fifteenth century, Portugal exerted strong military pressure on Morocco. The country is split in two, the Wattassids having Fez as their capital and reigning over the north of Morocco and the Hintata then the Saadian sheriffs reigning over Marrakech and the south of the country. European geographic literature then endorses the idea that the Maghreb al-Aqsa is made up of the kingdoms of Fez and Morocco. It is finally the name of the capital of the south ends up imposing itself on the whole country. In addition, until the twentieth century, Morocco was known in the East under the name of Marrakech (a name still relevant in Iran). During the Almohad period, Marrakech was famous for its leather craftsmanship. The tanning of the skins was already carried out there in the tanneries of Bab Debbagh in the east of the city. The leather accessories made in Marrakech were so famous that we began to speak in Castile of marroquinería to designate them. This term ended up spreading in other languages such as French, the “leather goods” being used to designate the activity as well as the articles using as main material the leather. Histoire Capitale des empires almoravide et almohade Marrakech (Mourrakouch) was founded in the year 1071 (year 463 of the Hegira) by the Berber sovereign Sanhadjiens Almoravid Youssef ben Tachfine11 and his queen Zaynab Nefzaouia, also of Berber origin. Very quickly, in Marrakech, under the leadership of the Almoravids, pious warriors and austere scholars from the current Mauritanian desert, many mosques and madrasahs (Koranic theological schools) were built, as well as a shopping center draining traffic between the Western Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa. Marrakech grew rapidly and established itself as an influential cultural and religious metropolis, supplanting Aghmat and Sijilmassa. Palaces were also built and decorated with the help of Andalusian craftsmen from Cordoba and Seville, who brought the Umayyad style characterized by chiseled cupolas and multi-lobed arches. This Andalusian influence merged with Saharan and West African elements and was synthesized in an original architecture totally adapted to the specific environment of Marrakech. The city became the capital of the Almoravid Emirate, a Eurafrican empire that stretched from the banks of the Senegal River to the center of the Iberian Peninsula and from the Moroccan Atlantic coast to Algiers. The city was then fortified by the son of Youssef Ibn Tachfin, Ali Ben Youssef, who built around 1122-1123 ramparts that are still visible. While Youssef Ben Tachfine led victorious campaigns in Al-Andalus, subduing the kinglets of the taifas and repelling the offensives of Castile and Aragon, his wife Zaynab Nefzaouia exercised in Marrakech an important power, with all the

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Imlil Valley Day Trip

Day Trips / Trekkingholidays

Imlil Valley Day Trip The Atlas Mountains & Imlil valley day-trips are one of the most spectacular excursions from Marrakech. Then, if you desire to get out of the city and delve into the authentic and Berber rural side of Morocco. Itinerary:We will start our day out at 09 am from Marrakech by a 4WD vehicle or minivan for 1.30hr drive south up the Moulay Brahim Gorges. And the Berber village of Asni very popular for its weekly market every Saturday then to Ait Mizan valley. Imlil is a small village at the foothills of the highest mountains in Morocco Jbel Toubkal. Imlil is the centre to hire mountain guides and mules due to its unique position. And its connection to several Berber villages and a very popular start point for treks and hikes for climbing Toubkal mountain. Arrival to Imlil here we shall leave our vehicle to start our walk towards the south to the Berber village of Aroumd (1843m) set in the upper-level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains. a main trailhead with streams and paths branching out in all directions to get our lunch which will be served in a luxury Riad in the village. Afterwards, you can take a short walk before we return to Marrakech

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