TREKKING Trekking

Not so long ago, trekking in Morocco was the preserve of dedicated climbers and a few intrepid amateurs on their way to the top of Jebel Toubkal, which at 4167m is North Africa’s highest peak. But things have changed and now there are treks for all times of year and all levels of fitness: treks to test the fittest athletes and others where you can have your bags carried, arrive to find your lunch laid out for you and sleep in luxury.

Morocco is blessed with some of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful mountains, many of which only see a handful of travellers every year; others remain totally unexplored by foreigners. Morocco’s broad range of climates is also a blessing for trekkers. When December snows make Jebel Toubkal impossible to trek, Jebel Sarhro, on the southern side of the Atlas and at the edge of the Sahara, is passable. When the summer sun makes the Rif too hot to trek, it also melts the snow off Toubkal, enticing crowds up to the summit.

Not every trekking area or mountain range is covered in this chapter. Instead we have selected some of what we think are the most exciting and interesting treks in a country overendowed with walking possibilities. Some are obvious – the ascent of Toubkal, for instance. Others, such as the M’Goun walk, are less so, but no less extraordinary.

As trekking in Morocco has grown in popularity, so have the options available to the walker. You could buy a package from home, including flights and transfers, guides and food. Or you could turn up at the trailhead, find a guide, hire mules and head off into the Berber heartland. Whichever you choose, trekking is often the highlight of any visit to Morocco.

HIGHLIGHTS

Head for the heights and the summit of Jebel Toubkal (p431 ), the highest mountain Rif Mountains in North Africa Opt for the gentler walking on offer in the little-visited cedar forests of the Rif Mountains ( p440 ) In Jebel Sarhro (p446 ) you will find some of the most rugged and stunning scenery in Morocco, perfect for winter walking M'Goun Massif Get away from the crowds in the remote M’Goun Massif (p437 ) and be inspired by Jebel Toubkal Jebel Sarhro its spectacular valleys and beautiful villages Tichka Plateau Climb to the remote Tichka Plateau ( p435 ) in spring and find yourself wading through meadows of wild flowers TREKKING 417 , of , of Nador Melilla (Spain) Taourirt Guercif Sea 037 708935; cnr 037 708935; Al-Hoceima ALGERIA Taza Missour x Mediterranean ( (3340m)

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