Have you just decided that Morocco will be your next destination for some beautiful trekking-experiences? Cool decision! This fascinating nation of North Africa has a vast and varied territory with several mountains reaching 4,000 meters in height. This great variety of altitudes allows mountain lovers and the countless activities that can be done there to live incredible and exciting experiences at the same time.
But before you get on the first available flight, let’s try to find out more about what you’ll enjoy in Morocco. I’m honest, already thinking about this article, I wanted to take out my suitcase and sports equipment and leave immediately for Morocco.
Jbel Saghro
Let’s start with Jbel Saghro. With its 2592 meters of altitude, it is the easternmost point of the whole chain of the Anti-Atlas. It offers breathtaking landscapes that alternate the beauty and elegance of the almond and palm trees with the roughness of granite rocks scattered everywhere. Here you can go on a fantastic trek among plateaus, volcanic rock formations, gorges, basalt walls and other primitive rock formations. All in the midst of enchanting valleys and Berber settlements that you would not expect to see.
Aridity of the landscapes is broken a little here and a little there by oases, rivers and luxuriant nature. The different peaks of the Jbel go over 2,000 meters and the background of this trek will always be the whitewashed mountains of the Atlas.
The Atlas
This mountain range extends for 700 km. There are more than twelve peaks that go over 4,000 meters, while another 400 peaks instead exceed 3,000 meters in altitude. The High Atlas is an extraordinary place, vast and still largely unexplored by most. It offers visitors a magnificent and diverse landscape. Even if it reaches 4,000 meters, its peaks do not present major and particular difficulties to reach them.
The climate is unparalleled as it does not have the characteristics of an alpine weather, so the sun fills the days, resulting in the absence of snow, throughout the year. Walking along the paths of the High Atlas allows you to meet local people, friendly and welcoming, who maintain an ancestral tradition in architecture, clothing and dance, which is absolutely easy to identify.
Jbel Toubkal
The most beautiful peak in the High Atlas is undoubtedly Jbel Toubkal. It takes its name from “the peak where everything can be seen” because it is 4,167 meters high and is also the highest peak in the whole country but also in all of North Africa. The walks to this summit are quite tiring, but not particularly so as it does not involve climbing difficulties. But the differences in height and some passes to be overcome at high altitude are more convincing.
This trip is particularly interesting because you may be lucky enough to meet some authentic Berbers who have settled here in remote villages. Villages that give off the mint smell of the fields and are colored with the green of walnut wood.
Valley of Roses
A fascinating experience to live during the month of the rose bloom. You will travel through the M’Gouna valley (a river), between green oases and natural gorges, attracted by the enveloping smell of the Damascus Rose. Here, this particular flower has found the perfect place to give life to its amazing wild beauty. In winter, the rose garden is almost invisible as well as in periods of severe drought, and then it releases powerfully between April and May.
During this period, as per tradition that is handed down from generation to generation, women and children undertake to collect rose buds at dawn for various purposes. Both to decorate their homes and their villages, both to dry them and create floral fragrances, and to take them to the distillery. From here will be extracted essential oils useful for creating perfumes and essences.
And speaking of these beautiful flowers, the International Rose Festival is organized every year in Kelaat M’gouna. A local tradition, where between music, dance, characteristic dresses and various parades, the Queen of Flowers is nominated and crowned.
Where to Stay
Kasbah Tamadot
Kasbah Tamadot is a great estate located just an hour’s drive from Marrakech. It is located at the foot of the Atlas Mounts and nearby there’s only an authentic Bedouin village. The famous Sir Richard Branson bought this private residence with the aim to realize a stunning hotel offering suites, spa, antiques, Moroccan furniture and other precious treasures from all over the world. All this makes this lovely property one of the most fascinating places in Morocco.
All rooms are decorated in traditional styles (Moroccan and Bedouin as well) and are furnished with antiques from all over the world. Each bedroom located in the main building provides stunning views and authentic styles and layouts. The Master Suite, just a few steps away from the main house, offers 3 bedrooms and a swimming pool. The perfect solution for large families and people who need more privacy. Kasbah Tamadot’s best rooms are definitely the 10 Berber luxury tents, many of which have terraces, outdoor dining facilities, Jacuzzis and outdoor bathrooms where to enjoy the Atlas Mountains’ magnificent view.
Kanoun restaurant offers a relaxing dinner with international menus as well as local dishes by the fireplace, and a wide range of local wines. It is also possible to dine outdoor, under the stars, at the roof terrace or have a romantic picnic in one of the several outdoor locations around the property. Kasbah Tamadot also offers cooking classes, where you can learn the traditions of Berber cuisine and of Morocco.
In addition to tennis courts and nearby golf courses, Kasbah Tamadot can also organize some exciting excursions (more or less challenging), including trekking in the Atlas Mountains, 4×4 driving-experiences and much more. In addition you can relax at Asounfou Spa (it means relaxation in Berber language), with 5 treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a steam bath and a sauna. Don’t forget the beautiful outdoor swimming pool and spectacular outside massage area, ideal for romantic couples treatments.
