Best Hikes in Morocco: Top Hiking Trails from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert

🏔️ 1. Hiking Mount Toubkal – Highest Peak in North Africa

Location: High Atlas Mountains, near Marrakech

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Elevation: 4,167 meters

Duration: 2–3 days

Climbing Mount Toubkal is the ultimate hiking experience in Morocco. It's the highest peak in North Africa and offers breathtaking views over the entire Atlas range. Most hikers start the trek from Imlil, a Berber village about 90 minutes from Marrakech. The best time to hike Mount Toubkal is from May to October.

🧭 Toubkal is one of the most searched hiking destinations in Morocco — perfect for experienced trekkers looking for a high-altitude adventure.

⛰️ 2. Aït Bougmez Valley – “The Happy Valley” in the Atlas Mountains

Region: Central High Atlas

Level: Easy to Moderate

Duration: 1 to 5 days

The Aït Bougmez Valley is a peaceful and scenic destination, known for its friendly locals, traditional Berber architecture, and vibrant agriculture. It’s a great spot for authentic cultural hiking experiences away from the tourist crowds. Ideal for families, beginners, or travelers seeking serenity in nature.

🌄 3. Todra and Dades Gorges – Canyon Hikes in Morocco

Region: Southeast Morocco, near Tinghir

Level: Easy to Moderate

Duration: Half-day to multi-day hikes

The Todra and Dades Gorges are perfect for hiking through dramatic rock formations, riverbeds, and traditional kasbahs. These areas are among the most Instagrammable locations in Morocco, and they're also great for rock climbing. Short and scenic trails are accessible for all levels.

🏜️ 4. Sahara Desert Hikes – Erg Chebbi & Erg Chigaga Camel Treks

Location: Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) or M’Hamid (Erg Chigaga)

Level: Easy

Duration: 1 to 5 days (with camels)

Hiking in the Sahara Desert is a surreal and soul-stirring experience. Walk over endless dunes, sleep under the stars, and travel with local nomads and camels. Choose between the famous Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga or the wilder Erg Chigaga dunes for a more remote adventure.

🌟 “Camel trekking in Morocco” and “Sahara desert camping” are top search queries among adventure travelers planning trips to Morocco.

🌿 5. Talassemtane National Park – Hiking near Chefchaouen

Location: Rif Mountains, Northern Morocco

Level: Easy to Moderate

Duration: 1 to 3 days

Located near the Blue City of Chefchaouen, Talassemtane National Park offers hikes through cedar forests, limestone cliffs, and scenic rivers. The Akchour waterfalls trail is especially popular among day hikers and Instagrammers. This is a great region for eco-tourism and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

🌴 6. Draa Valley – Scenic Walks Between Palm Groves and Kasbahs

Location: From Ouarzazate to Zagora

Level: Easy

Duration: 1 to 3 days

The Draa Valley is known for its lush oases, ancient kasbahs, and date palm forests. It’s a unique blend of nature and heritage, making it ideal for easy hiking routes with cultural immersion. Combine your hike with a visit to the nearby desert or historical towns.

✅ Practical Tips for Hiking in Morocco

Best months to hike: March–June and September–November

Local guides: Hiring a certified guide is recommended for safety and cultural insights 

Packing essentials: Hiking shoes, sun protection, water, layered clothing, and cash (remote areas have no ATMs)

Respect the environment and local customs: Leave no trace and dress modestly in rural areas

🚶 Ready to Explore Morocco on Foot?

We offer fully customizable Morocco hiking tours led by experienced local guides. Whether you want to trek the Atlas Mountains, cross the Sahara on camelback, or explore Berber villages, we’ve got you covered.

if you want to explore our hiking & trekking tours in Morocco  we are happy to help you  contact us