The Atlas mountains
With around 10 summits over 4000m which are relatively accessible,
the Atlas mountains are a real kingdom for trekking, riding and skiing.
The Middle and Anti-Atlas mountains
Located to the north of the country, the Middle Atlas Imouzzer Ida Outanane, Anti-Atlas: the valley of paradise
The Ida Ouatane region extends over the foothills of the High Atlas,
in the Agadir hinterland. Gorges, fertile valleys – a landscape to take
your breath away.
High plateaus
Around 60km north east of Agadir, the Berber villages of Ida-Outane
appear perched on the lower slopes of the western Atlas. At 1250m,
sitting atop of a green palm grove, Imouzzer Ida Outanane can be seen
from afar with its white houses. The place is known for its honey
scented with thyme, cactus and lavender.
Natural basins
In the bottom of the green valleys, when the sun is still high in the
sky, make use of the coolness provided by the natural basins that the
wadi has carved over the millennia. A refreshing dip after kilometers of
walking. Far off, you can see the argan trees whose fruit is used for
making argan oil
The argan tree is endemic to Morocco. The nut of its fruit contains a
kernel which, once crushed by the hands of expert women, releases an
oil the color of honey. It is used in cooking for its nutty flavor, as
well as for its cosmetic and medicinal properties. Argan protects the
skin from ageing, strengthens muscle tissue, regulates the flow of
healthy oils in the blood and hydrates the epidermis.
Firstly, some expert advice: it is a good idea to apply a layer of
argan oil to the body the evening before. Once at the hammam, having
acclimatized and taken a quick shower, an employee will lather your body
generously in black soap. This olive-oil based paste contains active
hydrating agents and emollients. With the kessa (scrubbing glove), the
next stage is exfoliation, using a circular movement to remove dead
skin. Sometimes rose petals may be added to the argan oil. The massage
will begin at the ankles and gradually move up the whole body. Having
moved through to the rest room to drink a mint tea accompanies by a cake
(or not), it is not advised to take a shower straight away. This is to
keep the skin supple and silky for longer.
, which is highly valued in cosmetics. It is quite rightly said to have great powers of hydration.
The argan tree is endemic to Morocco. The nut of its fruit contains a
kernel which, once crushed by the hands of expert women, releases an
oil the color of honey. It is used in cooking for its nutty flavor, as
well as for its cosmetic and medicinal properties. Argan protects the
skin from ageing, strengthens muscle tissue, regulates the flow of
healthy oils in the blood and hydrates the epidermis.Massage
Firstly, some expert advice: it is a good idea to apply a layer of
argan oil to the body the evening before. Once at the hammam, having
acclimatized and taken a quick shower, an employee will lather your body
generously in black soap. This olive-oil based paste contains active
hydrating agents and emollients. With the kessa (scrubbing glove), the
next stage is exfoliation, using a circular movement to remove dead
skin. Sometimes rose petals may be added to the argan oil. The massage
will begin at the ankles and gradually move up the whole body. Having
moved through to the rest room to drink a mint tea accompanies by a cake
(or not), it is not advised to take a shower straight away. This is to
keep the skin supple and silky for longer.Winter waterfalls
There is a palm grove 4km away from the village of Imouzzer Ida
Outanane and surprising waterfalls which can be seen in winter. Try the
various honeys alongside the roadside. Connoisseurs will find that the
thyme-scented one is the most subtle. Try amlou, a delicious, almost
legendary specialty, made from honey, crushed almonds and argan oil
which is used like a spread.
To remember
mountains are suitable for lovers of forest walks. As the height difference is relatively small (highest point is 3326m), you can walk or ride a horse or a mountain bike there. Among the interesting sites, the Ifrane national park, the Virgin waterfalls and the Aïn Leuh cedar forest are worth a special mention. The Bou Iblane and Bounaceur line of ridges is steeper. The Anti-Atlas range extends to the south as far as the Tafraoute region. The town is dominated by its highest point, the Jbel El Kest (2278m). Walking and riding are practiced there. The most famous routes pass through the fortified villages and qsars (storage areas) or the valley of almond trees.The High Atlas
Azilal
Azilal is considered to be the ideal village for setting off to visit
the treasures of the Upper Atlas, from the magnificent Bin el Ouidane
lake to Mount M’Goun.
Land
Aït Bouguemez valley, also called the Happy Valley, is suited to
walking, mule rides and mountain-biking. There are several circuits
organized by travel agencies and many pass through the village of Aït
Imi, famous for its irrigation system and water mills which have been
transformed into wheat and corn mills. Mountain hiking is suitable for more experienced people depending on the level of difficulty. Skiing (and even cross-country skiing)
Morocco is home to several remarkable sites: Aremd, the Djebel
Aroudane, the Taghia gorges, the Sirwa Massif and Mount Tidighin in the
Rif. Climbing Mount M’Goun (4068m) is still a must, and the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the second highest summit in Africa after Kilimanjaro, takes two days for experienced climbers.
A country of horsemen, Morocco has successfully continued the
equestrian tradition. Horse rides are organized in the western High
Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Saghro and Sirwa massifs.
From skiing to parachute jumping, a wide range of activities and open-air sports are enjoyed right in the heart of Morocco.
Skiing
The combination of travelling by mule and skiing (known as
"mule-skiing") in the High Atlas mountains, cross-country skiing in the
cedar forests of the Tabular Middle Atlas and Alpine skiing at the
resort of Oukaïmeden or Michlifen, near Ifrane
.n Ifrane, the air is so fresh it is invigorating. Markets, excursions, fishing, hunting, skiing. Take advantage of the natural resources of the national park at any time of year.
.n Ifrane, the air is so fresh it is invigorating. Markets, excursions, fishing, hunting, skiing. Take advantage of the natural resources of the national park at any time of year.
Another season
Ifrane, perched at an altitude of 1650m, provides freshness in summer and snow in winter. The ski resort of Michlifen, 19km south of the town, and the slopes of Mount Hebri
have great slopes to hurtle down once the chill sets in. A unique
experience and possibilities of cozy accommodation right at the foot of
the slopes.
Still water runs deep
One of the treasures of Ifrane is its lakes and rivers. Come pike or
trout fishing in the heart of an unexpected Morocco, in preserved and
unchanged surroundings. No matter what you catch, enjoy the unspoilt
nature without reserve, forget stress and watch the bobbing of your
cork. Fish won't be far away!
Hunting and game
An incomparable natural area, the Ifrane region is also a hunting
area. Hares, boar, partridge – local wildlife roams freely in the superb
forests neighboring Morocco's "Little Switzerland". From dawn,
accompanied by experienced guides, head out on the trail of a abundant
and incredibly varied game. A research station studying animal behavior
accurately and carefully monitors the game stock.
Mountain pastures and countryside
Take advantage of your stay in Ifrane to explore the natural areas
and discover the volcanic plateaus, the mountain pastures and the
splendid cedar, maple and poplar forests. Among other marvels, the
Afennourir Lake spreads over nearly 1000 acres surrounded by cedar
forest. It is a favorite destination for many species of rare birds.
Climbing
Morocco is home to several remarkable sites: Aremd, the Djebel
Aroudane, the Taghia gorges, the Sirwa Massif and Mount Tidighin in the
Rif. Climbing Mount M’Goun (4068m) is still a must, and the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the second highest summit in Africa after Kilimanjaro, takes two days for experienced climbers.Fishing and hunting
While pike and tench are more common in Lake Tislit, brown trout can
be fished in the wadis of Ahansal, Assif Melloul, M’goun and in the
upper Tassaoute. For surf-casting and deep-sea fishing, head to Dakhla
Bay. Hunters should head for the Bin El Ouidane and Arboua regions, and the ring of Ouaouizert.
Riding
A country of horsemen, Morocco has successfully continued the
equestrian tradition. Horse rides are organized in the western High
Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Saghro and Sirwa massifs.Mountain-biking
The pleasures of mountain-biking are celebrated at all the tracks of
the western and central High Atlas, the Saghro and Sirwa massifs, as
well as Mount Tidighin in the Rif and in the desert.
White waters
Canyoning at the Aqua-n-Tazart and the Aqua N’Taghia, rafting in the
spring in the Ahansal wadi and the Assif Melloul, kayaking in Ourika and Assif Nfiss, the Talembote Wadi and Mount Tidighin in the Rif: a wide variety of pleasures!
Caving
Morocco has an impressive number of caves and underground networks.
Among the most famous are the Friouato cave, near Taza – which was
opened for visitors at the start of the last century – Toghobeit, to the
south of Chefchaouen (713m deep) and the Goran cave, between Oualidia and Safi, which was already explored at the time of the Phoenicians and houses cave paintings.
Bird's eye view
Fly high paragliding in the High Atlas or parachuting in Beni Mellal.
Also take advantage of several aerial routes on board a Cessna 207
available leaving from Marrakech. Does a ULM flight tempt you? You can
fly over the Marrakech region and/or the Atlas valleys.
is possible is possible between February and April The second-highest
summit in Morocco, an ascent of Mount M’Goun (4068m) takes six days. The
less technical Arous gorges can also be climbed.Water
With its waterfalls and numerous section of white water, the region is ideal for enjoying kayaking, rafting and canyoning,
in Tilouguite for example. Rainbow trout fishing is also possible. On
the beautiful Bin el Ouidane lake, 27km north of Azilal, many water sports
More than 3500km of coast on two sides, the Atlantic ocean along a
long seafront to the west and the Mediterranean sea along a wide coastal
strip to the north… And perfect air and wind conditions everywhere.
Go down even further south, to the protected Dakhla Bay. A long and perfect right-breaking wave has led surfers to rank this Foum Labouir spot just behind Hawaii. Dakhla, like Tamuda Bay
in the north, is also famous for its diving. Jet-skiing is also high on
the agenda in a wide variety of resorts. In terms of weather, the trade
wind blows across the coast from the end of March to mid-September. The
consistently mild temperature allows pleasant enjoyment of these sports
throughout the year. Add to this the great diversity of coasts, water
which rarely falls below 18°C in the depths of winter, and you have a
paradise for water sports!
such
as jet-skiing and windsurfing are practiced. Finally, take advantage of
a stop at Beni Mellal to swim in the Aïn Asserdoune springs.
Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving…Thanks to its exceptional
conditions and its two coasts, Morocco is the dream destination for all
water sports.
The country with two coasts
More than 3500km of coast on two sides, the Atlantic ocean along a
long seafront to the west and the Mediterranean sea along a wide coastal
strip to the north… And perfect air and wind conditions everywhere.More surfing and windsurfing
Come to the long sandy beaches of Oualidia, Dar Bouazza, Taghazout, Agadir and Essaouira, a city where numerous international competitions take place. To the north of Safi, the surf spot of Sidi Bouzid
is an international standard point-break for surfers. Regular, fast and
powerful, its wave is ranked among the top 10 in the world (a maximum
of four meters high for a swell which can reach two meters).
More kite-surfing
Go down even further south, to the protected Dakhla Bay. A long and perfect right-breaking wave has led surfers to rank this Foum Labouir spot just behind Hawaii. Dakhla, like Tamuda Bay
in the north, is also famous for its diving. Jet-skiing is also high on
the agenda in a wide variety of resorts. In terms of weather, the trade
wind blows across the coast from the end of March to mid-September. The
consistently mild temperature allows pleasant enjoyment of these sports
throughout the year. Add to this the great diversity of coasts, water
which rarely falls below 18°C in the depths of winter, and you have a
paradise for water sports!Caves
The interesting caves at El Ksiba form a multitude of cavities which
can be as much as 20m deep. The Aven des Ours (Swallow-hole of the Bear)
is 6km away. This chasm plunges 117m down amid lush green vegetation.
The spot, which is popular with Barbary macaques, is ideal for a lovely
walk. With its caves and chasms, the entire region is ideal for potholing and paleontology.
Four sites form the Mesozoic Era prove the presence of dinosaurs in the
Aït Bouguemez valley as well as in the Demnate nature reserve where
fossilized footprints are visible.
Air
Extreme sports like parachuting (from September to April in Beni
Mellal) and paragliding (in the Aït Bouguemez valley) can be arranged.
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