Morocco – The High Atlas & Atlantic Coast Trail –
The High Atlas is the highest part of the entire Atlas Mountain system, running across central Morocco from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Algerian border. It is a major climatic barrier, separating the Mediterranean‑influenced north from the Sahara to the south. Typical High Atlas villages often feature stone or adobe houses, terraced fields, communal irrigation channels and seasonal transhumance (moving livestock to high pastures). The rural communities living in this corner of High Atlas have managed to preserve their culture and traditions of weaving, raising herds of goats and sheep, and farming wisely cultivated terraces for hundreds of years.
The Atlantic coast is known for long stretches of sandy beaches, surf-friendly waves and strong winds, villages, fresh seafood, and relaxed coastal towns. A mix of untouched wilderness and lively cultural hubs. The Atlantic coast of Morocco is one of the country’s most diverse and atmospheric regions, stretching from the relaxed art city of Essaouira all the way down to the remote Atlantic Sahara near Dakhla. Morocco is the only African country with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The vibe along the coast is generally relaxed and less hectic than Marrakech. It is a blend of Berber, Arab, and fishing traditions. Ideal for slow travel, nature lovers, and surfers.
Highlights
We trekked for 3 full and 2 half days in the High Atlas, more specifically through the Tassaout Mountains. Often overlooked as a trekking destination (although close to Marrakech), it offers some of the most spectacular, unspoilt, and wild areas in Morocco. We hiked through a maze of scenic trails and routes, through peaceful valleys and over a series of wild mountains and encountered local Shepards and villagers. We camped for 4 nights and crossed our highest mountain pass just below 3000m altitude. It was powerful, rewarding, sometimes a bit challenging but always doable. A stunning drive brought us from the High Atlas to the Atlantic Coast. The Moroccan South Atlantic coast is far more laidback than its northern counterpart. It is stunningly beautiful, stretches for miles and miles and is for the most part totally undeveloped. We replaced hardy mountain mules with elegant camels and trekked along, for 2 full and 2 half days. We crossed some sleepy fishermen villages, had picknicks on the beach, camped near the beach and swam in the ocean. A magical time.
As if that were not enough, we also included comfortable stays and city tours in the historic and UNESCO world heritage towns of Marrakech, Taroudant and Essaouira.
Itinerary
11 days in total. This trek combined fantastic and adventurous trekking days in the Atlas Mountains with great beach trekking/camping and swimming days on the Atlantic Coast. Start and finish in Marrakech.
Trail history
September 2022, a German group in cooperation with Wuestenwanderer.de
May 2023, a British Tt group
Future trails
Currently not in planning but it needs to be done again because it is pretty unique!
Morocco – The High Atlas & Atlantic Coast Trail –
The High Atlas is the highest part of the entire Atlas Mountain system, running across central Morocco from the Atlantic coast all the way to the Algerian border. It is a major climatic barrier, separating the Mediterranean‑influenced north from the Sahara to the south. Typical High Atlas villages often feature stone or adobe houses, terraced fields, communal irrigation channels and seasonal transhumance (moving livestock to high pastures). The rural communities living in this corner of High Atlas have managed to preserve their culture and traditions of weaving, raising herds of goats and sheep, and farming wisely cultivated terraces for hundreds of years.
The Atlantic coast is known for long stretches of sandy beaches, surf-friendly waves and strong winds, villages, fresh seafood, and relaxed coastal towns. A mix of untouched wilderness and lively cultural hubs. The Atlantic coast of Morocco is one of the country’s most diverse and atmospheric regions, stretching from the relaxed art city of Essaouira all the way down to the remote Atlantic Sahara near Dakhla. Morocco is the only African country with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The vibe along the coast is generally relaxed and less hectic than Marrakech. It is a blend of Berber, Arab, and fishing traditions. Ideal for slow travel, nature lovers, and surfers.
Highlights
We trekked for 3 full and 2 half days in the High Atlas, more specifically through the Tassaout Mountains. Often overlooked as a trekking destination (although close to Marrakech), it offers some of the most spectacular, unspoilt, and wild areas in Morocco. We hiked through a maze of scenic trails and routes, through peaceful valleys and over a series of wild mountains and encountered local Shepards and villagers. We camped for 4 nights and crossed our highest mountain pass just below 3000m altitude. It was powerful, rewarding, sometimes a bit challenging but always doable. A stunning drive brought us from the High Atlas to the Atlantic Coast. The Moroccan South Atlantic coast is far more laidback than its northern counterpart. It is stunningly beautiful, stretches for miles and miles and is for the most part totally undeveloped. We replaced hardy mountain mules with elegant camels and trekked along, for 2 full and 2 half days. We crossed some sleepy fishermen villages, had picknicks on the beach, camped near the beach and swam in the ocean. A magical time.
As if that were not enough, we also included comfortable stays and city tours in the historic and UNESCO world heritage towns of Marrakech, Taroudant and Essaouira.
Itinerary
11 days in total. This trek combined fantastic and adventurous trekking days in the Atlas Mountains with great beach trekking/camping and swimming days on the Atlantic Coast. Start and finish in Marrakech.
Trail history
September 2022, a German group in cooperation with Wuestenwanderer.de
May 2023, a British Tt group
Future trails
Currently not in planning but it needs to be done again because it is pretty unique!
