Mighty peaks, enchanting coastline, memorable encounters with wonderful people and fantastic value for money - just a few of the reasons why at KE we're in love with the magical gateway to Africa, Morocco. In this insider’s guide, Lisa takes us through all Morocco has to offer and gives us her expert insights to help you find your ideal adventure.

Morocco remains one of the most incredible places I've ever visited. I’ll never forget standing on the summit of Toubkal with the Moroccan world at my feet, being congratulated with a strong handshake and big smile from our wonderful leader, seeing the stars of the Saharan Desert for the first time, or getting lost in the Marrakech Medina. I’m always blown away by the welcoming nature of the Berbers. From enthusiastic gite owners to our fantastic leaders, you may arrive feeling like a tourist, but you’ll always leave knowing you're welcome to return. With a fantastic variety of adventures, a number of genuinely unique to KE itineraries and exceptional value trips, there truly is something for every kind of traveller on a KE adventure in Morocco. Here's my insiders guide to find help you find the Moroccan journey you've been looking for.  

For Peak-Baggers and Intrepid Trekkers

ONE WEEK MOUNT TOUBKAL TREK

If you want to experience more of the High Atlas range than just the summit, this one-week trekking holiday following lesser-known trails into the heart of these spectacular mountains is the one for you. Snaking through the valleys of the Berber region this trek takes you on an exciting circuit across the backbone of the High Atlas, into idyllic valleys and up to the highest point of North Africa, Toubkal. The views from the summit are well worth the journey as you feast your eyes on the sweeping panorama extending from the surrounding mountains, all the way to Jebel Sahro and the neighbouring Sahara - and you'll have completed a challenge which features on many a Bucket List!

Insider's insights

This week allows you to really immerse yourself in the peaks and troughs of the Atlas range. On your journey to Toubkal, you’ll encounter the stunning green waters of Lake Ifni, zig-zagging above its north side before descending to settle on the shore to camp. Tucked away on the edge of the lake, dwarfed by the mountains towering around you, this is a truly special place to spend a night – and there’s even the option for a dip in the lake for any wild swimmers out there.

For Desert Wanderers

EDGE OF THE SAHARA TREK

A vivid tapestry lying south-east of the High Atlas Mountains, the Moroccan Sahara is a desert jewel, a place of unreal beauty and wild splendour which offers travellers an unforgettable adventure. This trek takes you deep into its unique wilderness for a journey through majestic, rolling sand dunes and a breath-taking wadi landscape, spending your days trekking in the desert and nights camping beneath an expanse of sparkling star-filled Moroccan skies.

Insider's insights

Where you start and finish your days is the key to being immersed in the magic of a trek into the Sahara. Before setting off, you’ll spend a night a Berber camp with some wonderful people, staying in Bedouin tents adorned with traditional Moroccan carpets, and in the desert, you’ll make camp nestled between the sand dunes, out of sight from other travellers. Climb to the ridge of the nearest dune with your fellow trekkers and share the experience of watching a fiery sun set over golden sands.

For Winter Thrill-Seekers

MOUNT TOUBKAL IN WINTER

You'll see another side to Toubkal by taking on its summit in the heart of winter. This dramatic and beautiful landscape is transformed into a different kind of wonderland when covered in snow. No previous winter experience is essential for this holiday, which is suitable for any fit and confident hill walker. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn some winter mountaineering skills and an ideal first winter mountaineering holiday - there's even free ice axe and crampon hire included.

Insider's insights

This is a true mountain experience. You’ll stay in huts and refuges tucked away in the hills where you'll get to meet some incredibly welcoming hosts, and after summiting Toubkal, you can take on the optional unique challenge of also summiting the spectacular peak of Ouanoukrim (4089m), which involves some scrambling and a traverse of a snowy ridge. This thrilling ascent is easily worth the effort; at the summit you’ll be taken aback by an epic sense of wilderness as you cast your eyes over views across to Toubkal few will have seen.

For Weekend Warriors

ULTIMATE TOUBKAL WEEKEND

As not only Morocco’s highest peak, but the summit of Northern Africa as well, climbing Toubkal has enticed mountaineers from afar for centuries, and whilst you’ll want to make sure you are prepared, this is an accessible challenge for anyone who is a fit and active hiker. Travelling on trails through Berber villages to get there, an ascent of Toubkal is not only a thrilling high-altitude adventure, but the opportunity to catch a glimpse into life outside of the buzzing cities of Marrakech and Fez.

Insider's Insights

What is unique about this trek is in its name – you’ll conquer Toubkal in one exhilarating weekend of adventure. For anyone living in the UK and Europe, simply take two days leave and you’ll find yourself back in the office by Tuesday, telling tales of where you jetted off on Friday and what you achieved over one weekend. And for those who live further afield or are on a longer holiday with a limited timescale or budget, this is an excellent value addition to any trip to Morocco which will take you out from Marrakech and plunge you into the incredible mountain landscapes it has to offer.

For Road-Biking Buffs

ROAD CYCLE TOUR OF TOUBKAL

Excellent road-biking might not automatically come to mind when you think of Morocco, but this circuit of Toubkal offers the perfect way to take in this beautiful country’s changing landscape in a fascinating 7-day tour. Crossing the Atlas Mountains, cycling through Draa valley and journeying to the edge of the Sahara via Jebel Sahro, cycling in Morocco offers both superb days of ascent and descent on winding, sinuous mountain roads and a host of Moroccan experiences, from encountering colourful street vendors to enjoying a refreshing mid-route glass of mint tea.

Insider's insights

The distance you cover when road-biking in Morocco means you’ll see more aspects of this stunning country, travelling to the parts you wouldn’t encounter in a one-week trek or holiday. You’ll be continually surprised by what awaits you around each corner, whether it’s an idyllic desert oasis or the charming gite you’re spending the night in. To top it all off, any cyclist who’s been will attest to the road quality, where days on tour, for the most part, are spent sailing along smooth tarmac. 

For Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorers

PEAKS AND PASSES OF MGOUN

Nestled to the east of the Atlas range lies Mount Mgoun, one of the most stunning peaks in Morocco and a mountain of breath-taking beauty as it rises elegantly from a magnificent ridge. Trekking to Mgoun will take you deep into the cultural heart of the Berber region as you camp on high pastures used by nomadic shepherds and hike through isolated villages to reach jaw-dropping panoramas.

Insider's insights

Toubkal maybe the highest peak in the country but trekking to Mgoun offers something for the traveller looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, and the opportunity to experience a region where visitors are a rarity. KE’s trekking route is unique in that you complete a full North-South traverse of the Atlas range, taking a journey through places such as the exquisite high plateau of Tilibiyt N'Tarkeddit all the way through to the impressive valley walls of the Petites Gorges of Mgoun via the summit of Mgoun.

For Those Who Love the Sound of the Ocean

WALKING MOROCCO'S UNDISCOVERED COAST

The wild Atlantic coast of Morocco is remote, beautiful, and a region which offers a genuinely immersive cultural experience. Less well-known (for now) than other Atlantic coastal destinations, on this tour you’ll follow the coast’s dramatic scenery with ever-changing views of headlands, cliffs and endless sandy beaches, accompanied by the sound of the ocean.

Insider's Insights

From the calming sound of the ocean as you drift off to sleep to the tiny fishing boats which hug the coast, Morocco’s Atlantic coast is utterly enchanting, with one of its highlights being the charming port of Essaouira. Walking into the harbour is a magical experience; this is a real working fishing port with a colourful mix of boats, fishermen mending their nets and stalls selling an exotic range of fish and shellfish (some of it freshly cooked and ready to be tasted). A highlight is walking on the fortified wall surrounding the port; head onto a small section of the walkway around the wall that is guarded by an attendant who asks for a small fee - maybe 10 dhirams (£1). On this closed-off section, there is a circular opening which provides a great frame for the view of this very picturesque town - and a fantastic photo opportunity.