Morocco: From the Rif Mountains to the Atlas & Sahara

Arrive at any time in Tangier, the port city straddling the Strait of Gibraltar. Settle into your accommodation and take the opportunity for an initial walk to get your bearings. The city's blend of African and European influences is immediately apparent in its architecture and the energy of its streets.

The day begins with an overland journey south towards the Rif Mountains. The main objective is a 14km trek to the summit of Gite Monte Blanco, a demanding 5-hour round trip with an 838m elevation gain. The trail crosses the Fash Lamhar plateau, opening up to views of the Mediterranean. After a picnic lunch near the top, the route continues to Tétouan.

The late afternoon is for exploring Tétouan's historic center on foot. Key landmarks include El Feddan Square and the Royal Palace, before passing through the souks of the old medina and visiting a Spanish fortress overlooking the city.

A short overland transfer leads to Chefchaouen, the 'Blue City'. The day's hike begins on the outskirts, a 7-8km route through the Rif foothills that takes about four hours. The trail is a small, rocky footpath through fields of fig trees, with an elevation of around 500-600m, passing small waterfalls and streams en route to the Spanish Mosque for its classic view over the city.

The walk incorporates a visit to a local family's farm for a hands-on lesson in making traditional goat cheese, followed by lunch. The day concludes with an orientation walk through Chefchaouen's iconic blue-washed medina.

Today's focus is a trek into Oued ElKannar, a ravine in the Rif region known for its clear turquoise pools and waterfalls. The 10km trail follows the river and canyon system, a 3-4 hour walk through varied landscapes from mountain slopes to riverbanks. The terrain requires sturdy footwear. The hike ends with an opportunity for a swim in the river's gentler sections. After a picnic lunch by the water or at a local restaurant, depending on the season, the afternoon is free back in Chefchaouen to explore the medina independently.

An overland journey south brings you to Fès, Morocco's cultural and spiritual heart. The afternoon is dedicated to navigating the Fès el-Bali medina, one of the world's largest living medieval cities. With a local guide, you'll enter through one of the grand gates and delve into its labyrinth of over 9,000 alleyways. The walk passes through artisan quarters, past ancient mosques and Al Qarawiyin University. A key stop is a leather shop balcony overlooking the city's famous tanneries, offering a raw, pungent view of the traditional dyeing process.

The route pushes further south into the Atlas Mountains, heading for Khenifra. Before reaching the city, the day's main activity is a 4-5 hour hike covering 13-15km. The trail begins in a cedar forest and includes rocky, steeper sections. This area is rich in local flora and fauna. The hike concludes with lunch by a lake, hosted by a local family, before the final leg of the journey to Khenifra for the night.

A morning drive leads to the market town of Afourer, a stop to explore the vibrant stalls and have a fresh, local-style lunch. From there, the journey continues to Bin El Ouidane, a massive reservoir set high in the Atlas Mountains. The afternoon is spent on the water, exploring the lake's shoreline by kayak. The rest of the day is free to take in the dramatic mountain scenery surrounding the lake before dinner.

The day starts with breakfast and tea at a local family's home, followed by a guided hike to the Imsfrane Cathedral. This is not a building but a massive rock formation sculpted by wind and water, requiring a trek through rugged terrain to reach. After exploring the natural amphitheater, the hike continues back to the host family's home. Here, you'll participate in a traditional bread-making session and share a lunch featuring the bread you helped prepare. The evening is free back at the guesthouse before a group dinner.

Today is a travel day, covering the 194km overland journey from the mountains to the vibrant city of Marrakech. The drive descends from the High Atlas, with the landscape shifting from rugged peaks to the arid plains surrounding the city. Upon arrival, the afternoon is free. This is a good opportunity to make a first foray into the Djemaa el-Fna square, get your bearings in the medina, or relax at a rooftop cafe.

The route turns west toward the Atlantic coast, bound for Tiznit. Along the way, there's a stop at Souk El Had in Agadir, one of Morocco's largest markets, for a walk through its thousands of stalls and an independent lunch. Upon arrival in Tiznit, a town known for its silverwork, the focus is a visit to the local silver market to see artisans at work. Afterwards, explore the historic medina, enclosed by 19th-century ramparts, before having the rest of the evening free.

Today involves traveling inland from the coast into the Anti-Atlas mountains. The day is structured around visiting ancient Berber granaries (agadirs), starting with the impressive structures at Tigida. These fortified communal storehouses are a key part of the region's heritage. The journey continues to the remote oasis of Amtoudi for a short hike and lunch with a local family. After visiting more granaries in the area, the day ends in Icht, a small town on the edge of the Sahara.

The drive continues deeper into the pre-Saharan landscapes, heading for Zagora. En route, stop in Icht for a guided tour of its unique underground village, a fascinating architectural adaptation to the harsh climate, concluding with tea at the guide's home. After a lunch stop in the town of Tata, the final leg leads to the outskirts of Zagora. From here, a two-hour walk across the desert landscape brings you to a comfortable camp in time for sunset. Dinner is served at the camp, under a sky with minimal light pollution.

The day begins with sunrise in the desert, followed by breakfast at the camp. The departure is by camel, a classic ride through the dunes. You'll arrive at a family-run oasis for a cooking demonstration, learning the steps to prepare regional specialties before sharing the meal for lunch. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to local heritage with a visit to Tamegroute. Explore the Nasiriya Library, which holds ancient manuscripts, then visit a pottery workshop to see the unique green-glaze clay work for which the village is famous.

The morning is for the overland journey to Aït Ben Haddou, crossing through the starkly beautiful Draa Valley. A stop is made in Ouarzazate, the hub of Morocco's film industry, for a break and independent lunch. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at Aït Ben Haddou and explore the famous ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified village of earthen buildings is one of the most impressive in Morocco. The visit is timed to catch the golden light of sunset on the mud-brick walls before dinner.

This is a long travel day, involving a 6-7 hour drive deep into the High Atlas mountains to reach the remote Aït Bouguemez valley. The journey is broken up with a stop near the town of Demnat. Here, you'll embark on a 2-3 hour hike to the Imi n'Ifri natural bridge, a massive rock arch formed by a collapsed cave system. The trail descends under the arch where a river flows through. The drive then continues, climbing to the so-called 'Happy Valley' of Aït Bouguemez, known for its strong Berber culture and traditions.

Today is dedicated to exploring the Aït Bouguemez valley on foot. The main hike is a 12km circuit through the valley's patchwork of fields and along the river banks, passing through traditional Berber villages. The route includes a climb up a nearby hill to the collective granary of Sidi Moussa, a historic structure used by local villages to protect their harvests. After the hike, you'll have lunch with a local family. The rest of the afternoon is free to absorb the peaceful mountain atmosphere before dinner at the lodge.

The final day involves the 4.5-5 hour overland journey back to Marrakech, descending from the High Atlas. Along the way, there is a stop at the Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative to learn about their work preserving local weaving traditions and supporting women's financial independence. The trip concludes upon arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon. Plan any onward travel for after 6pm to allow for potential delays on the mountain roads.