Morocco’s Best National Park Boasts Waterfalls and the Highest Peak in North Africa
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Loading... - Tuhami Amine
- 21 Feb 2023
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Morocco might bring to mind gorgeous buildings influenced by Arab, African, and European cultures. Or you might think of expertly spiced tagine and mint tea poured from ornate antique silver teapots, which are at the center of human connection here. And if you’re lucky enough to have experienced them, you’ll probably imagine the stellar landscapes, like those found at Toubkal National Park.
Just 1.5 hours from bustling Marrakech lies complete polarity to the city’s chaotic, pulsing vibe of the night markets and opulently tiled riads. Only 43 miles south of the urban metropolis is some of the most visually stunning hiking on the African continent, thanks to North Africa’s highest mountain, Toubkal. Rising to 13,671 feet and surrounded by quaint traditional Berber villages, the majestic views welcome you into the tranquil valleys of the High Atlas Mountains.
Maleo Photography/Shutterstock
Toubkal is Morocco’s first national park. It was established in 1942 to protect not only the rich forests of holm oaks, cedars, and junipers, but also the many vulnerable and endangered species that call it home, like the Bearded Vulture, the Barbary Sheep, and the Magot Monkey. Toubkal may be the tallest summit within the national park boundaries, but there are several other summits with heights towering over 12,000 feet, offering options from the simplest cruisy hike to a picnic at a waterfall to rigorous multi-day hikes to summit peaks.
While Morocco is statistically a safe country to travel in and is filled with welcoming locals, that doesn’t mean it’s always the easiest country to navigate as a foreigner—especially if you don’t speak any Arabic, Berber, French, or Spanish. But that shouldn’t deter you from exploring Toubkal. Here’s all the basic info you need to fully enjoy the crisp mountain air, hilly plateaus, and deep valleys carved by translucent waters.
Best time of year to visit Morocco’s Toubkal National Park
While Toubkal National Park is open year round, if you want warmer temps and the green foliage of the forests, the best time to visit is from May to October. The cold season lasts from January to late April and make no mistake, it can get frigidly cold. That means snow and sometimes a lot of it. Also to note when planning any trip to Morocco is Ramadan, which is practiced by almost all locals. During the month of fasting, which starts towards the end of March, Muslims are prohibited from drinking, eating, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. During this time, travelers are also encouraged to avoid eating and drinking in public out of respect for the local culture. Read More…
