Morocco hiking, or trekking, can be enjoyed in many fantastic landscapes from the mountains to the desert. For trekking enthusiasts, both of these experiences will prove tempting. Morocco's landscape is an impressive one, and trekking is a great way to take in the natural sights. Morocco trekking tours of all kinds can be arranged in any number of destinations, and the tour operators can be either local or international. Regardless of where travelers book a Morocco hiking tour, good things await. During the summer months, heading to the highlands to go hiking is a great way to escape the heat, and get some good exercise. The other seasons have their charms as well. During the spring in the mountains, for example, the wildflowers bloom.

All levels of trekkers can go hiking in Morocco, even when it comes to heading out in the mountains. For those who want to take it easy, a hike through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains might prove ideal. The scent of the cedar trees is lovely, and if you're lucky, you might spot some of the indigenous Barbary macaque monkeys. For those who have a more adventurous pursuit in mind when it comes to trekking in Morocco, taking on the country's tallest mountain, Jebel Toubkal, is a challenge that might be worthy of a try. It is possible to hike to the top of this 13,671-foot mountain, though the hike is long and relatively grueling. Altitude sickness can be an issue, and the best time to make the ascent is summer or fall. During the winter and spring, snow can create much harder conditions. It usually takes most people a couple of days to complete the Jebel Toubkal climb, and they stay at basic camps or mountain refuges along the way.

The hike up Jebel Toubkal is easily one of the more popular pursuits for those who are interested in doing some mountain hiking in Morocco. It isn't the only attractive option, however. Morocco is blessed with some of the world's most beautiful mountains, and natural highland wonders such as the Ourika Valley can impress even the most seasoned of hikers. Both Jebel Toubkal and the Ourika Valley are popular side trip destinations for travelers who are based in Marrakech. The Ourika Valley is home to a ski resort that functions in the winter when there is sufficient snow. There is also a ski resort in the Middle Atlas Mountains that ski-enthusiasts might want to keep in mind.

Morocco Map

Taking to the mountains is understandably popular among travelers who are looking to go hiking in Morocco, and desert trekking is popular as well. Desert trekking usually involves riding on the backs of camels. Most travelers head to the village of Merzouga to do some desert trekking in Morocco, as this village is the gateway to the amazing Erg Chebbi. Numerous camps and refuges are scattered across this Saharan sea of sand, which boasts dunes that rise up to 500 feet into the vast desert sky. While sunset or sunrise is widely regarded as the best time to take in the legendary dunes of Erg Chebbi, they will impress at any hour of the day, even at night when the stars are shining bright.

Hiking in Morocco can be enjoyed year round, even in the High Atlas Mountains. During the winter months, those who wish to trek in the mountains might need mountaineering equipment to get where they want to go. As for desert trekking in Morocco, the summer months are best avoided, due to the heat. Regardless of when travelers want to do their Morocco hiking, finding guides and arranging tours won't be hard. It is especially easy in some of the top tourist destinations, such as Fes and Marrakech.