Deep-south safari
Whether in a 4x4, on a motorbike or on a quad, this is a great place for desert safaris in motor vehicles or on mountain bikes.
4x4 vehicles
It takes five to six days to discover the Deep South, its valleys and its deserts, in a 4x4 vehicle. Tafilalet, the ideal starting point, is an immense palm grove irrigated by the Rhesis and Ziz oueds, surrounded by desert. To start your adventure, you can choose the town of Erfoud, to the north of Tafilalet. Heading south-east, you will take a road which, over about 50 kilometres, will quickly take on the appearance of a track leading to the small village of Merzouga and its small rammed-earth flat-roof houses. This village is at the foot of the Chebbi erg, the only dune field, or erg, in the Moroccan Sahara.
In the footsteps of the Paris-Dakar
It is possible to continue on to Taouz. Another stopover not to be missed on your trip: Zagora, in the fertile Draa valley. To reach it, the vehicles will pass through the beautiful Tazzarine oasis, to the east of Tafilalet. From there, they will head south towards Zagora, which is also a departure point for many hikes, on foot or on camel. From Zagora, it is the start of a magnificent off-road adventure in the direction of M’Hamid, located close to the valley's southern extremity. Along the way, the Tinfou dunes and, above all, those of Chegaga (over 40 kilometres) are particularly appreciated. For the more adventurous, you can drive over the entire length of the Draa valley to reach the valley of Dades and Ouarzazate to the north. From there, across the High Atlas, you will find the atmosphere of the lively and welcoming town of Marrakech.
Motorbike, quad and buggy
You will find dedicated motorbike circuits in the Dades valley and in the Merzouga, Tinfou and Chegaga dune areas. This type of motor vehicle is perfectly suited to the kasbah route and is able, when necessary, to leave the road to discover less accessible beauties.
To remember
Dunes, oasis and rock desert: the Deep South is a magnificent area in which to express your thirst for sport and discovery.
Treks in the High Atlas
Thanks to its fantastic network of mule tracks and its numerous accessible passes, the High Atlas remains the most popular destination in Morocco for hiking.
In practice
Hiking can be done all year round, the best periods being between April and October. It is strongly recommended to be accompanied by a qualified mountain guide, bearing in mind that it is possible to rent mules for carrying and transporting a child. Lodging can be found in mountain inns, in rooms rented by locals or in tents, or sometimes outdoors depending on the season.
Mount Toubkal
In the western High Atlas (close to Marrakech), the Toubkal djebel, or mountain (4,167 m), is the highest point in Morocco. Starting from the village of Imlil, take food, bedding and maps for about two and a half days… Although the climb is not particularly difficult, it is nevertheless strenuous. You must therefore be in good physical condition. At the foot of the djebel, you can cross the Toubkal national park, to take in the beauty of lake Ifni, a magnificent stretch of water at the heart of strikingly beautiful rocky landscape.
Around Marrakech
To the north-east of Toubkal djebel, in the direction of Marrakech, is the Oukaimeden mountain range, which is also the name of the town with the best downhill ski slopes in Africa. The region is also known for its petroglyphs, which can be found here and there, just waiting to be discovered. To the east of Marrakech, in the central High Atlas, mount M’Goun reaches 4,071 m. It is principally accessible via the town of Azilal. It is not only possible to trek from here, but also climbing, canoeing and cross-country skiing (in winter) can also be envisaged…
Migratory herding
From its south side, in the direction of Ouarzazate, there is a wide choice of hikes: from the M’Goun valley to the valley of the Roses, passing via the famous route of the kasbahs. Lastly, to the north-east, in the High Atlas, from Imilchil to Midelt, you will be enchanted by a region that is still relatively isolated. In summer, during the migratory herding season, its is crossed by numerous herds, and is made up of high arid plains that extend as far as the eye can see.
To remember
The High Atlas, the spine of Morocco, is a paradise for the hiking enthusiast. For all levels of skill: pleasure and a change of scenery guaranteed.
A tour of the golf courses
Morocco has 17 golf courses, spread across the whole country. Golf, which is highly fashionable, is a fast-growing sport. Four circuits, of varying length, can be envisaged to play as much as possible… And discover the different regions of Morocco.
The Prestige circuit
It includes nine courses and a circuit starting in Rabat, passing through Fes and Meknes, going down to El Jadida, then coming back up along the Atlantic coast via the courses of Casablanca, Mohammedia and Bouznika. Of particular note, the Roman ruins of the Dar Es Salam Royal Golf Course in Rabat, the course on which the famous Hassan-II Trophy is played. The golf course in Fes will charm you with its pleasant olive grove. To play with an unforgettable backdrop, you have a choice between Meknes where the ramparts of the imperial city form part of the El Jadida course and its greens looking out over the ocean, or the Anfa Royal Golf Course, with the Hassan-II mosque as a backdrop.
The Mediterranean circuit
At the foot of the Rif mountains, three courses allow you to discover the towns of Tangier and Tetouan, and the seaside resort of Tamuda Bay (15 km from Tetouan). It should be noted that the Tangier golf course, which is reputed for its views over the straights, has an agreeable British feel to it.
The Atlas circuit
These three courses (Palmeraie Golf Club, Amelkis and Royal Golf) have something in common: the view of the snow-capped High Atlas and their location close to Marrakech.
The Sun circuit
Agadir has three golf courses in its immediate vicinity. In view of the local climate, the Agadir Royal Golf, Dunes and the aptly named Golf du Soleil can be played all year round.
To remember
Golfers will be enchanted with all of Morocco's regions, and will enjoy the sumptuous sites on which the courses have been built.
