Trekking Expedition in Morocco: Ascent of Jebel Toubkal and Traverse of Sahara Desert
The breathtaking landscapes of Morocco's Atlas Mountains and the vast, enigmatic Sahara Desert offer an unparalleled adventure for the intrepid traveler.
The Atlas Mountains, particularly the High Atlas range, home to Morocco’s highest peak Mount Toubkal (4,167m), present a striking contrast from the bustling cities. Rugged peaks, green valleys, and traditional Berber villages dot the landscape, making for a dramatic backdrop to the treks that involve steep climbs through forests, rocky slopes, and snow patches. Local Berber guides share insights into their culture, daily life, and history, creating a blend of physical challenge, cultural learning, and stunning scenery.
The first night's accommodation is a traditional riad, featuring arched windows and Koran verse engraved tapestries, offering a taste of Moroccan hospitality.
The Sahara Desert, a completely different environment, is characterized by golden sand dunes, silence, and ancient trade route history. The contrast between the cool mountain air and the expansive Saharan desert landscape is a stark juxtaposition that underscores Morocco’s unique appeal for adventure travelers.
The marketplace in the Sahara Desert is filled with beautiful, unimaginable, and foul-smelling items, while three surprisingly mellow camels provide support during the Sahara Desert Trek. The group sleeps in Nomad tents at night and crashes under the shade of casurina and palms during the day.
The mission is to climb 4 x 6,000m peaks in the Himalayas next, but before that, the trek has reached the summit of a peak, referred to as the mighty Sahara. The summit is shared with various nationalities, including Spanish, French, German, Swiss, and British.
In the city, one finds huge walls and looming minarets, narrow cobbled streets, snake charmers, and boys with monkeys. The objective for the next climb is Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in the Atlas (and North Africa), with a height of 4,167m.
The Berber culture, known for its generosity and charm, is demonstrated throughout the adventure with offers of tea, bread, and walnuts. Lahcen, the local guide, has been away from home for a year, busy getting married and making a life in the UK with his Essex wife.
The author, having experienced this unique adventure, is planning to share the opportunity with others through the Jebel Toubkal Climb and the Sahara Desert Trek. For those seeking a blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and diverse adventure, Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert offer an unforgettable journey.
[1] Atlas Mountains Trekking: A Guide to the Best Treks in Morocco. (n.d.). Atlas Mountains Trekking. Retrieved from https://www.atlasmountainstrips.com/atlas-mountains-trekking-a-guide-to-the-best-treks-in-morocco/
[2] The Best Treks in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. (2021, March 16). The Adventure Junkies. Retrieved from https://www.adventure-junkies.com/blog/the-best-treks-in-the-atlas-mountains-morocco/
[3] Trekking in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. (n.d.). Trekking Morocco. Retrieved from https://trekkingmorocco.com/trekking-in-the-atlas-mountains/
[4] The Best Time to Trek in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. (2021, February 17). Atlas Mountains Trekking. Retrieved from https://www.atlasmountainstrips.com/the-best-time-to-trek-in-the-atlas-mountains-morocco/
- The Atlas Mountains, with Mount Toubkal as its highest peak, offer a dramatic contrast to Morocco's bustling cities, presenting an unparalleled adventure for travelers with steep climbs, Berber culture immersion, and stunning landscapes.
- In addition to its rugged peaks, green valleys, and traditional Berber villages, the High Atlas range offers intrepid trekkers cultural learning, challenges, and spectacular views during their expeditions.
- From steep climbs through forests and snow patches, to the first night's accommodation in a traditional riad complete with arched windows and Koran verse engraved tapestries, the adventure promises a fascinating blend of adventure travel, sports, and lifestyle.
- Transitioning to the Sahara Desert, one can find golden sand dunes, ancient trade route history, and a marketplace filled with unexpected items, as well as three surprisingly mellow camels for support during the trek.
- After reaching the summit of a peak amidst a diverse international group, the trek inspires travelers to embark on the next challenge: climbing 4 x 6,000m peaks in the Himalayas.
- The journey through Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert showcases the Berber culture's generosity and charm, while providing opportunities for adventure-travelers seeking a unique combination of physical challenges, cultural immersion, and diverse landscapes.
