Trekking the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

Things to know

• Covid measures in Atlas Mountains, Morocco

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Morocco, please refer to the official Visit Morocco website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • An experienced, English speaking, tour guide from Morocco with extensive knowledge of the area
  • All meals 
  • Hot beverages 
  • Water
  • Accommodation in gites and camps
  • Mule to carry your staff
  • Transfer to and from the trailhead

  You can expect typical Moroccan dishes (tagine, couscous, etc.). Fresh produce and meat are usually bought in the mountains. Picnic or salads are usually served at noon, and warm cooked meals in the evening. If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  What’s not included:

  • Transportation to Marrakech
  • Accommodations before and after your adventure
• How fit do I need to be?

  These hiking adventures are for intermediate to advanced hikers with previous experience with long-distance hiking and excellent fitness.

  Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles per day. You can expect an occasional steep descent and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot, and quite cold and changeable in the winter months, and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

  The alpine terrain, however, can be challenging and the weather unpredictable. The summits are more technical than the regular climbs and require the usage of crampons and ice axe. Additional training recommendations for intermediate and advanced day hikes, include hiking for three days per week at least 12 weeks prior to your trip. Start with short hikes about one hour in length with a light daypack. Also, the altitude can really catch people off guard, so for a 72-hour period before your trip begins, ensure that you are consuming sufficient amounts of sodium and fluids.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Hiking poles — optional
  • Crampons – during winter months, can be rented
  • Ice axe – during winter months, can be rented
  • Ski goggles – during winter months, can be rented
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Gloves
  • Hiking pants
  • Hiking socks
  • Fleece jacket
  • Warm, down jacket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Rain pants (depend of the season)
  • Wool hat
  • Comfortable shoes for camp
  • A three-season sleeping bag and mat
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • For this group adventure, the max guest to guide ratio is 6:1 with up to 12 people per group.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
  • It takes a minimum of 2 people for the tour to operate.

  Trekking in Atlas Mountain can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 17, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 17 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has hikers under the age of 17, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Registration for an adventure with your guide requires a 30% non-refundable deposit. The balance of program fees will generally be due 90 days prior to the starting date of the program. It is your responsibility to adhere to the fee payment schedule. Late payment will result in cancellation of program reservations and forfeiture of all fees paid.

  If you cancel the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.  After that deadline, you are not entitled to any refund.  

  In some cases, if you are required to forfeit your spot, you may find an acceptable replacement in which case your deposit and fees would transfer to your replacement without penalty.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Marrakech, most people fly into Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, just under 3 hours away, or into Marrakech Menara Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Marrakech. From there, you will head to Imil where your adventure begins!