Trekking
Trekking
If you love mountains, you'll love trekking
in the High Atlas Mountains
Organise as part of your trip to Morocco
Before booking and before you go, please read these Important Notes
Fitness and walking
Trekking in the mountains outside the winter months is very accessible. However, you really need to be reasonably fit and determined. You must be able to walk for at least 5 or 6 hours per day and able to walk on uneven and rugged terrain. This is not a walk in your local park. Saying that, you do not generally require any special equipment or gear.
Trekking in the mountains outside the winter months is very accessible. However, you really need to be reasonably fit and determined. You must be able to walk for at least 5 or 6 hours per day and able to walk on uneven and rugged terrain. This is not a walk in your local park. Saying that, you do not generally require any special equipment or gear.
If you prefer to have a much more-gentle trek or have limited mobility we would be happy to discuss other options with you so that you can enjoy other trails and passes.
If you decide to go trekking in the winter months, we recommend that you have some prior experience before deciding to trek in the mountains, especially before attempting to trek to Toubkal.
Equipment
You not need any special equipment for trekking during the summer months but common sense is essential. You will need good hiking shoes or boots and comfortable clothing. Good weatherproof clothing will be needed in the winter months. It is not advised that you go trekking without the proper shoes and clothing.
You may wish to consider using walking poles for the treks as many people find these helpful in the mountains, particularly in the winter months.
Weather
Trekking in the mountains is usually possible throughout the year, but usually spring time or later into the autumn can be best. It is warm in the spring and trekking conditions can be ideal. The summer and early autumn can be hot. In the winter the mountain is covered in snow and crampons and ice axes will be needed.
We suggest that you have a skilled guide with you for your trek. He knows the mountains and will check out the weather conditions for you.
However, you must be aware that weather conditions can change and you must listen to your guide and follow his instructions at all times.
Altitude, dehydration and water
Altitude
During your treks you will be at altitude, ranging from 1700 m up to Toubkal, which is 4167m. Altitude sickness is a possibility. However, severe conditions are very rare, mainly because the highest overnight accommodation is at 3200m. It is possible to experience some mild symptoms, such as head-aches, lack of appetite and mild nausea, especially if you trek up to Toubkal. If you have any symptoms you should speak to your guide, listen to his advice and also take a common-sense approach.
Dehydration
It is important that you drink enough water when on the treks. People generally do not drink enough water but this is even more important when you are trekking up in the mountains. You should be aware that a person generally loses more water than at lower altitudes because of the dry air. This coupled with the fact that people end up being dehydrated because they don’t feel like drinking water. You should look out for any signs of dehydration: being very thirsty and having a dry mouth, tired, headache and/or dizziness. Generally, it is recommended that a person drinks at least 3 litres of water for a 5-hour hike. So, please make sure that you drink plenty of water during your trek.
Water
As mentioned above, it is important to drink plenty of water. Therefore, you need to have sufficient water to drink whilst you are trekking. Make sure you have sufficient bottled water with you and listen to your guide regarding the availability of water. Never drink from mountain streams unless a local says it is safe to do so. Do remember though that you could still become unwell due to the different bacteria. Purification tablets may also come in handy if you are in isolated areas.
Sunshine in Morocco
You have come to Morocco to enjoy the sunshine and trek in the mountains. As stated above, you need to make sure you drink plenty of water. It is also very important that you protect yourself from the Moroccan sunshine. If you visit Marrakech, then you will know that you need to have sunblock and keep covered up. However, this is also very important in the mountains and at high altitude. The air is thinner in the mountains and therefore the UV rays can be much more damaging and this can lead to infection, sunburn, or sun stroke. Sun damage as you know can also lead to skin cancer. Make sure you use sunscreen and ensure you reapply it often. Wear clothing to protect your skin and wear a hat.
Animals and insects
When trekking or hiking in Morocco, there are hazardous if not potentially deadly creatures living in the area. Snakes, scorpions and palm rats can all deliver nasty bite. However, it is not a frequent occurrence and most people will never see or be aware of them. Saying that it is advisable to routinely shake out your clothes, shoes and bedding (if camping outside). Common sense is again needed – don’t put your hand into any holes, or under rocks etc.
It is generally accepted that Morocco is considered to be a non-malaria region so inoculation or medication should not be needed.
On all of the above matters, UK residents should consultant the Foreign office for up to date information at https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Other foreign nationals should take a similar approach. Please note it is your responsibility to check these points and listen to the advice from the appropriate government offices.