Walking in Morocco tips & advice
What to wear
Mike McHugo, owner of our supplier Kasbah du Toubkal, has advice on what to wear and the Moroccan climate:
What to wear
“Even for a day excursion it is worth coming to the High Atlas, and people are absolutely astonished when they walk up the Imlil Pass, just an hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s central square. We do ask people to remember that dress codes do differ in the mountains from Marrakech. In Marrakech it’s not unusual to see women in shorts, skirts above the knee, and scant or see-through tops. While it’s still not appropriate in Marrakech it’s much more shocking for people in villages — many of whose homes and front doors you’ll be walking past on a hike.”
What to expect from the weather
What to expect from the weather
“Many people don’t realise that Morocco is a cold country with a hot sun, particularly in the high seasons of spring and autumn. So, people forget that even if they are getting good weather, once the sun goes down Morocco can be cold even in Marrakech and the south, never mind in the mountains. Marrakech can even have a frost in winter, for example. The other thing to remember is that during the extremely hot weather in summer, the mountains here are cool and pleasant. In July and August, we can be 14°C cooler than Marrakech, therefore only 30°C degrees here. Whereas in Marrakech it can be up to 44°C at that time, which can be pretty unpleasant.”
The benefits
The benefits of choosing a guided trek in the High Atlas
"The High Atlas unlike many mountain ranges in Europe or North America have a buoyant and thriving population working in agriculture and so a guide can give a huge insight into the culture of the region. And because he will know many of the people in the area he will ensure a warm welcome in the villages and finding the route through the villages is probably the hardest bit as opposed to navigating in the wildscape of the high mountains."
Walking tips
Simon Clifford is from our leading supplier of Morocco holidays, Exodus, and has advice on what to pack, where to walk and what to do besides…
Walking tips
“Climbing Mount Toubkal is quite challenging and we wouldn’t recommend it to first time climbers, or people not used to walking. A really nice introduction to walking in the Atlas Mountains is to stay in the remote village of Tijhza for a week, staying in a basic gite, and taking day walks up into the mountains each day.”
other activities
Tips on other activities
“Make sure you visit a traditional hammam. There are lots of tourist friendly ones, but they’re more like western spas. If you’re not lying on the floor, you’re not in a traditional hammam!”
What to take
What to take into the mountains
“Try and get small denominations of dirhams; local people struggle to change large notes. Wet wipes and hand gel are really useful as it’s hot and dusty and you do get dirty, just wandering around.”
water consumption
Advice on water consumption
“Locals drink the tap water, but we don’t recommend it for tourists, so a huge number of plastic bottles are thrown away. Avoid this by using water purification tablets. Alternatively, in the city you will find poor people who want to take the bottle, so do give your bottles to them, as they can sell them for recycling. That way you’re helping the environment and the locals. Many people complain about hot water in hotels, or lack of. That’s because it’s often solar heated by the hotel. So avoid long showers.”
Shopping
Shopping advice
“Leather goods in Morocco are particularly good, but never buy them on the outer stalls of the souq, go as deep as you can – they’ll be at least half the price. I picked up a good size leather luggage bag for £30. You’ll also find shops within the souq where they’re actually making the bags, which is even better and fun to watch for a while.”
HEALTH & SAFETY WALKING IN MOROCCO
HEALTH
SAFETY
Our Morocco walking Holidays
Luxury trekking holiday in the Atlas Mountains
Stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal and trek in style
From
€1036
6 days
ex flights
Morocco holidays, Atlas Panorama
Rewarding trekking experiences
From
£999 to £1399
8 days
inc UK flights
Atlas Mountains trekking and Marrakech
Stay at Kasbah du Toubkal to trek in style then in Marrakech
From
€1338 to €1398
8 days
ex flights
Climb Mount Toubkal walking holiday
Explore the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco
From
£390 to £690
7 days
ex flights
Climb Mount Toubkal in style
Stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal and trek in style
From
€1036
6 days
ex flights
Mount Toubkal climb in Morocco
Pass through remote villages and terraced fields
From
£895 to £1145
8 days
inc UK flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Morocco walking or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
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TIPS FROM OUR TRAVELLERS
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Morocco walking holidays tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday – and the space inside your daypack.
Respect the rich culture of the Berber people and enjoy the freshness of being in the High Atlas mountains.![]()
– Ulf Karmeback
“You only need one warm jacket! I took that plus a fleece... Cut down on clutter! Take a good torch. A walking pole is a must for the scree on Mount Toubkal. ” – Jan Gardner
“For the Mount Toubkal climb, I would say GET FIT. Do lots of climbing practice – both ascents and descents – and practice with a day pack on your back. Also bring a camera that can take good photos, the scenery is stunning.” – Pam Harris
“Make sure you’re in the best possible shape. Some days can be way tougher than one might imagine. And follow the example of the locals: always smile!!” – Otto Pereira
“Take the fact you will be in a Muslim country seriously and no vests/skimpy tee-shirts and shorts for women; bring a book(s) to read; try and get as much loose change (coins) in dirhams as you can as in remote places they find it hard to change large notes.” – Amanda Dudman
“Be prepared to eat like royalty and to learn some minimal Berber/Arabic in order to reciprocate the generous and courteous welcome offered by local people. Also be prepared (whatever your walking pace) to compromise and to work as a group member, helping each other out and finding ways round any challenging moments.” – Nicola Webb
“For the Mount Toubkal climb, I would say GET FIT. Do lots of climbing practice – both ascents and descents – and practice with a day pack on your back. Also bring a camera that can take good photos, the scenery is stunning.” – Pam Harris
“Make sure you’re in the best possible shape. Some days can be way tougher than one might imagine. And follow the example of the locals: always smile!!” – Otto Pereira
“Take the fact you will be in a Muslim country seriously and no vests/skimpy tee-shirts and shorts for women; bring a book(s) to read; try and get as much loose change (coins) in dirhams as you can as in remote places they find it hard to change large notes.” – Amanda Dudman
“Be prepared to eat like royalty and to learn some minimal Berber/Arabic in order to reciprocate the generous and courteous welcome offered by local people. Also be prepared (whatever your walking pace) to compromise and to work as a group member, helping each other out and finding ways round any challenging moments.” – Nicola Webb
Take a good pair of boots and a big appetite (the size of the meals is amazing).![]()
– Colin Ingram
More about Morocco walking
Morocco is a year round walking destination, with the Anti-Atlas mild and welcoming in the winter, and the High Atlas glorious in spring and autumn...
In the Atlas Mountains, traditional villages, valleys full of almond groves, craggy canyons, towering peaks and unfailingly friendly Berber people await...
Morocco walking holidays tend to focus on the Atlas Mountains, a spine of peaks running diagonally across the country, separating Sahara from sea...
The High Atlas are a trekker’s playground. Countless trails crisscross this magical landscape, with everything from easy day hikes to long treks on offer...
The Anti-Atlas sees far fewer visitors than the High Atlas. It offers a great range of trekking trails, plus deserted trails and snow-free winter trekking...
Climb Jebel Toubkal in a long weekend, or take your time on the approach, drinking in the views and acclimatising slowly. The views never disappoint...
Looking to take your first steps in mountaineering? Elevate your climbing skills with a winter Toubkal trek.
Travel right on a Morocco walking holiday by understanding waste management, muleteers' rights, how to behave respectfully with the Berber people...
