hike morocco resources
morocco
Morocco is a unique country, an ideal destination for adventure travel. With its snow-capped mountains, rolling Saharan dunes, earthen kasbahs, souks that overload the senses, beaches pounded by the Atlantic Ocean and some of the friendliest people on earth, there is something for everyone. Absorb this scenery and culture or experience the highest mountain in North Africa and the peace of Morocco’s Sahara Desert with Mohammed Id Hammou. He is a Berber tour guide who specializes in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, where he grew up, and the Sahara Desert. He has been leading groups since 1987.
Mr. Mohammed Id Hammou can take you to these places and show you hidden wonders not available on package tours. You can arrange where you want to go, how long you want to stay, and how to meet him. Prices depend on where you want to go and how many people are coming, etc. and can be arranged over the phone or by email.
weather...
Atlas Mountains: If you are planning to hike in the Atlas during winter, late fall, or early spring, there will most likely be snow. Wind, as one ascends the mountains, adds to the chill. During the summer it is much warmer and heavy clothing is unnecessary
Desert: The desert is hot during the days of summer, fall, and spring, yet it cools off at night. It is much cooler during the days of winter, but it is very frigid during the night. The desert is more comfortable to travel by day in the winter, and by night or evening in summer, fall, and spring.
Coasts/Essouira: The coasts are warm throughout spring and summer, and are a bit colder in fall and winter.
Fez and Marrakech: Fez and Marrakech have very similar weather. It is extremely hot in the summer. Temperatures can reach over one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, and it is cool in the fall and winter.
regions...
The Atlas Mountains: The land of the Berbers, a people who are very friendly and hospitable. You can summit Mount Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa. There are hundreds of different trails and difficulty levels in these mountains, and interesting Berber villages scattered throughout the range.
Merzouga: A town adjacent to the large dunes of the Sahara. You can camel trek, spend the night in a tent and feel like a Toureg.
Dades and Todra Gorges: The ancient casbahs and earthen fortresses seen in such movies as Gladiator and Alexander are abundant near this alien landscape. Rock-climbers delight in these gorges.
Essouira: If you do not like large cities, then Essouira is a better choice. It’s a calm, simple coastal town where you can relax and enjoy windsurfing in one of the best windy cities in North Africa.
Fez: A bustling new and medieval city with a huge medina. You can see the tanneries, where the leather is tanned by hand and watch artisans working their crafts the same way they have for hundreds of years.
Marrakech: A city filled with Berber celebrations at night and a variety of restaurants and shops, now frequented by famous Europeans.
travel advisory...
Morocco is a beautiful country to visit, and Mohammed's tours are very safe. It is important, however, for American citizens to be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere to prudent security practices while traveling throughout Morocco. (Click here to view the State Dept's travel advisory for Morocco.)
