Outdoor Activities to do in Morocco
If you’re looking for excitement and outdoor activities to do in Morocco, then you’re ready for the perfect next trip! With stunning landscapes and a wonderful list of outdoor activities you can try, there are no limitations to what fun you can have.
Morocco’s natural diversity gives you access to everything from deserts to coastlines to even mountains, and you can go on mountain hikes and desert treks or even check out some of the more thrilling water sports for an adrenaline-filled experience!
Hiking and Trekking in the Atlas Mountains
One excellent option is checking out the Atlas Mountains, a paradise for hikers, offering routes of all kinds and skill levels. From Northern Morocco down to the edge of the Sahara, these mountains have dramatic peaks and valleys perfect for outdoor treks.
Out of the more popular areas of these mountains of North Africa, Mount Toubkal is the tallest peak at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet), and if you’re looking for a challenge, ascending this peak is the perfect goal.
- Beginner Routes: If you’re a beginner, valleys like Ourika and Imlil are stunning, with beautiful scenery but more accessible trails and traditional Berber villages along the way.
- Advanced Routes: If you’re a practiced and seasoned trekker, you can also try for multi-day trips, with routes leading up to Mount Toubkal’s summit. Though this climb will be strenuous, it’s unforgettable.
Of course, if you prefer guided hikes from professionals or a Morocco Travel Organizer, those are good options as well for both local expertise and insights into the Berber culture of the mountain regions.
Desert Camel Treks in the Sahara
Of course, if mountain hikes aren’t your favorite activity, you can check out the camel treks in the Sahara.
As the quintessential Moroccan adventure, you can enjoy the landscapes of desert Merzouga and Zagora, experiencing the vastness of the sand dunes and the starlit desert skies.
Merzouga is well-known for the towering Erg Chebbi dunes that make this area perfect for longer, multi-day treks as well as iconic desert scenery. On the other hand, the Zagora Dunes are more accessible and ideal for shorter trips and one-night experiences.
A desert trek might also include spending a night in a traditional Berber camp, where you get to enjoy warm hospitality, music, and authentic cuisine.
These desert activities, too, may serve to be better with experienced guides, like those offered by Morocco Travel Organizer, who can safely navigate the terrain.
Quad Biking and Sandboarding in the Desert
If simply trekking through the desert’s a little tame for you, you can find your high-adrenaline experience in quad biking and sandboarding through the Moroccan desert.
With quad biking, you get to explore some of the more rugged desert landscapes at full speed, which is perfect for that thrilling alternative to the traditional camel trek while still part of some of the best desert Sahara tours. And the sandy dunes near Merzouga are perfect for it!
- Quad Biking: Don’t worry about not being able to do this activity if you’re a beginner because there are guides available for all skill levels, ensuring both safety and excitement.
- Sandboarding: Sandboarding, or “surfing” down the dunes, is one of the best and most adrenaline-inducing ways to enjoy the desert! Simply rent the equipment and surf through the Sahara. It’s even easy to pick up, even if you’re a novice.
Surfing and Watersports on the Atlantic Coast
Of course, adrenaline-inducing outdoor activities don’t end there, and if you think the deserts are a little dry, you can always head out to the coast for another activity that’s a must do in Morocco.
The best beaches in Morocco are perfect for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, and towns like Taghazout and Essaouira are really popular as destinations for water sport enthusiasts.
- Taghazout: This particular town is Morocco’s “Surf Capital” and has both surf schools and laid-back beach cafes. It’s a top spot for beginners, especially, and the time for surfing tends to be between October and April.
- Essaouira: This town, on the other hand, is known for its strong winds, making it perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The town’s charming medina also adds to its appeal, which, in turn, lets visitors blend beach activities with historical exploration.
Hot Air Balloon Marrakech
Of course, if you want something a little calmer in terms of expending effort — but just as exhilarating in terms of beauty and amazement — then a hot air balloon ride Marrakech and the surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience.
You get a bird’s-eye view of Berber villages, palm groves, and, on clear days, the distant Atlas Mountains. And since most rides are scheduled at sunrise, you even get to see the beauty of nature up close, adding magic to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
These balloon rides are usually offered year-round, but weather conditions can affect schedules. That’s why the most popular months are October to April.
As for the ride itself, they usually last one to two hours and are followed by a traditional Moroccan tea or breakfast!
Other Outdoor Activities to do in Morocco
With such varied landscapes, the thrill never ends, but though we’ve outlined some of the top outdoor activities to do in Morocco, it would be remiss not to mention some other options that wow visitors.
1. Canyoning and Rock Climbing in Todra Gorge
If you like that thrill of hanging off of precarious cliffs and exerting yourself to enjoy a sight at the top of the mountains, nothing is better than the Todra Gorge’s opportunities for canyoning and rock climbing.
These limestone cliffs tower up to 400 meters, and the area is known for both dramatic landscapes and challenging climbing routes.
2. Horseback Riding Along the Coast or in Mountainous Areas
You also have the option of horseback riding, which you can do both along the coast or up in the mountain areas. Essaouira, for example, is perfect for the more beginner-friendly picturesque horseback rides along the beach and nearby dunes amidst the ocean breeze.
If you’re looking for something more challenging but just as rewarding, the Atlas Mountain’s horseback riding trails also provide fantastic mountain views, as well as the chance to visit traditional Berber villages!
3. Paragliding in the Atlas Mountains or on the Coast
Finally, we have paragliding as an option for visitors who are looking for that incredible aerial adventure. You can enjoy this outdoor activity in Morocco in various areas, but Agadir and Moulay Brahim near Marrakech are some of the more popular spots.
Agadir is a coastal town that will provide amazing ocean views and allow you to soar above beaches and hills, while Moulay Brahim, located near Marrakech, offers mountain views and clear skies.
Simply put, Morocco is a fantastic playground for outdoor enthusiasts, there are many activities to do in Morocco providing a chance to experience more than one kind of activity. From desert treks to mountain hikes to ocean activities, you will never find a shortage of adventure waiting for you.
And for an expertly guided experience, you can always check out professionals like the Morocco Travel Organizer, which is a reliable source for the best Morocco tour that blends the country’s natural wonders with cultural immersion.
If you look closely, you’ll find that Morocco offers the best adventure and exploration for every type of traveler.
