Morocco is becoming as popular as Nepal for trekking, with growing numbers of British visitors heading for the High Atlas Mountains, just 3hrs 30mins flying time from the UK.
Last year, adventure operator Exodus took 650 people trekking in Morocco, compared to 850 to Nepal.
Product and operations manager for Africa James Sertin said: “In 1999, we were 45% up on 1998 for trekking in Morocco.
“The great thing about the country is that it offers year-round trekking. In the winter we offer the south of the country, the Jebel Sahro or Anti Atlas Mountains, and in the summer, when it is too hot to go there, the snow melts on the High Atlas Mountains, making them accessible. In Nepal and Peru, the trekking is much more seasonal.”
A range of durations and grades of walk are on offer as operators have now latched on to the demand for short breaks.
“Our one-week trips are very popular with busy people. As Morocco is only three-and-a-half hours away, clients have a full four or five days walking,” said Sertin.
“And we have all types of walks, from a gentle stroll to treks where you can use an ice axe and crampons. The country appeals to both ends of the market.”
A classic trek offers clients the chance to rough it – the group moves on every day, camps in the mountains and meets local Berber tribes people.
Naturetrek’s High Atlas Mountains of Morocco itinerary offers this kind of experience. The company’s 15-day holiday costs £995 and includes an eight-day trek.
The price covers flights, accommodation and all meals on the trek.
Those who do not fancy sleeping under canvas can opt to use a gite as a base for a series of day walks – Headwater, Exodus and The Imaginative Traveller offer this kind of product.
Exodus’ prices start at around £500 for seven days, including flights, accommodation and most meals.
For clients who want to mix hiking with horse riding, swimming and tennis, The Imaginative Traveller offers a mountain retreat on a farm in the High Atlas.
Director Rena Brennecke said: “It is three hours from Marrakesh and is targeted at people with just a few days to spare. We offer three-night, four-day packages from Thursday to Monday from £295, excluding flights.”
While the majority of trekkers are singles, couples and groups of friends, families need no longer feel left out. Walks Worldwide offers an eight-day Atlas Experience package for families.
Director Mike Wynne said: “We’re one of the few operators actively promoting family treks. This year we have made our product more flexible.
“We no longer offer fixed departures, so clients can go when it suits them.
“They are based on scheduled flights, which go to Marrakesh every day. And the holiday is good value – our eight-day package for a family of four costs under £2,000.”
The holiday is a mixture of day walks, which help clients acclimatise, followed by a two-day trek using mules to carry baggage or children. Prices start at £520 per adult and £450 for a child between seven and 11 years old.
The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals on the trek and the services of a guide.
Trekking operators
Exodus: eight-day Atlas Panorama from £520. The trip includes four guided day-time walks, using a simple mountain gite as a base. The price includes flights, accommodation and some meals. Each group has a maximum of 12 and a minimum of six people.
Explore Worldwide: 15-day High Atlas Trek from £550, including flights, accommodation and full board on the trek. Accommodation is a mixture of hotels, mountain huts, village houses and camping. The trek goes from village to village and is described as moderate-to-strenuous trekking of 5hrs-8hrs a day. Walking group size ranges from 12 to 16 people.
Headwater: 12-day, two-centre guided tour, around the Sahara and High Atlas. It starts at £958 including flights and bed-and-breakfast accommodation in four-star hotels. Billed as gentle walking and sightseeing.
Walks Worldwide: 15-day Walkabout in the High Atlas Mountains. The tour costs £490, including flights, accommodation, the services of a guide and sightseeing tours in Marrakesh. Accommodation is a mixture of gites and camping. Clients need to budget for a kitty of £110 for food. The walking pace is described as relaxed.
The Imaginative Traveller: a seven-night Berber Villages of the High Atlas tour costs from £375, including accommodation and most meals. Accommodation is in hotels and village houses. Flights from the UK are not included. The escorted trip is described as easy-to-moderate trekking. Groups have a maximum of 15 people.
Naturetrek: 15-day High Atlas Mountains of Morocco package, including an eight-day trek. Costs £995, which includes flights, accommodation and some meals. Accommodation is a mixture of hotels and camping. The walking is described as moderate.