Morocco is a great place for travelers who want an active holiday. Although Morocco is full of history and culture, it is also a great destination for an adventure trip.
Morocco has a landscape that makes it perfect for an adventure holiday. The Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and a windy coast offer opportunities for surfing, climbing,, hiking, biking, camel trekking and off road adventures.
Water Sports on the Beaches of Morocco
Surfing and Kiteboarding – Year round consistent wind make Essaouria and Agadir popular water sport destinations. These coastal towns are a 2 1/2 to 3 hour bus ride from Marrakesh. There is a vibe in these beach towns unlike that of any other town in Morocco. Travelers can rent equipment or lessons by the hour, day or week. Consider booking a package tour based around a kitesurfing holiday. Agadir is busier and attracts more tourists, while Essaouira is quieter and laid back. Both towns have lots of accommodation options and fun night life.
Desert Adventures in Morocco
Desert Motorbiking – For a great open road experience, imagine biking the Sahara desert and Atlas Mountain area. Most tours or motorbike rental operations are based in Ouarzazate and offer tours for everyone, novice to expert. At the edge of the Sahara, Ouarzazate is also popular in the movie industry. Tourists generally fly into town from Casablanca or get a taxi from Marrakesh. One of the many bike tour operators in town is Wilderness Wheels and packages start at $1000.
Mountain Biking/ Camel Trekking Tour – This 10 day trip, offered by Bikehike Adventure is a combination of mountain biking and camel riding. What a fun way to see Morocco, cycling the High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Sahara on the back of a camel. The trip begins and ends in Marrakesh.
Morocco Climbing and Trekking
Rock Climbing in Morocco – Cliffs up to 1000 ft for climbing can be found in Morocco. Todra Gorge and Tafouroute are a 5-8 hour drive from Marrekesh. An area climbing guide is available at Hotel Mansour, at the foot of the gorge. Other hotels popular with climbers are the Hotel Yasmina or Hotel Des Roches. Climbers need to come fully equipped since no local rentals are available.
Hiking Jebel Toubkal – Only 65 km from Marrakesh is Morocco’s highest peak. A two day trek will take you to the 4167 m summit of Mount Toubkal. It is not an extremely difficult hike but can be cold in the winter. For more information read Imlil and Jebel Toubkal, Atlas Mountain Hiking.
Morocco is a wonderful country in North Africa that has much to offer all types of tourists. The adventure loving traveler has many choices in Morocco and the 5 listed here are just a few to inspire farther investigation. Fun, adventure and active holidays are easy to discover in the mountains, desert and coast of Morocco.