Page 346 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Morocco

344  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Hiking and Trekking

In the space of a few years, Morocco has become a paradise
for hikers. The country’s spectacular and varied landscape offers
great scope for hikers and trekkers of all abilities. However, any
hiking or trekking expedition requires preparation. It is essential
to take proper equipment, and basic safety precautions must
be observed. Options are many – whether to go on an organized
or an independent trek, and whether or not to have porters:
luggage carried by mule, camel or vehicle. The most important
decision is the choice of route through Morocco’s numerous
and highly diverse geographical regions.

Equipment
The most important piece A hike in the South, with luggage carried
of equipment is a good pair of by camels
walking boots. Even though
ordinary trainers may be quite also leaving your hands free.
adequate for a short walk on Also remember to pack water-
even ground, a strong pair of purifying tablets, so that you
walking boots is essential for can drink from springs and
longer and more demanding refreshing mountain streams
walking over rough ground. along the way.
As for clothing, strong,
lightweight fabrics are the best Types of Hiking
choice. Although it rarely rains
in Morocco, it is prudent to pack Some hikes are organized with
a rainproof garment as well the advantage of using animals
Mountain biking, an increasingly popular as a few warm clothes, since to carry equipment. Hikes with
activity in Morocco temperatures drop quickly at mules take place in the Atlas,
high altitudes. Finally, even for a a region where this animal is
Basic Safety Precautions short walk, always take enough particularly at home. Further
The first consideration is your water, and something to eat. south, camels are used to carry
physical condition. You must A first-aid kit is also necessary. luggage and food supplies.
be able to withstand the The minimum that it should Caravans of camels are a
sometimes arduous demands contain is treatment for minor common sight here, particularly
of a long trek. Do not venture cuts and blisters. More adequate south of Zagora.
even a little way off the beaten first-aid equipment will also It is also possible to go on
track without a reliable guide, include anti-venom treatment, combined treks, alternating
or unless you are on a well- insect repellent, antihistamine walking with mountain biking,
organized trek. Never set off for allergies, aspirins and or with canoeing or rafting.
alone, and if you are not part sunblock cream. Vehicle-assisted treks allow
of an organized party, inform For nights in a tent or in greater distances to be covered.
your next of kin or your the open air, a good-quality More luggage can also be carried,
country’s embassy of your body-hugging sleeping bag which means that camping can
intended date of return so that is recommended. Check be much more comfortable.
emergency aid can be sent if carefully its insulating
necessary. The cost of mountain properties, but bear
rescue in the more remote in mind that you
regions of Morocco is very high. will still need a
Check your personal insurance light mattress
to see whether it will cover you to insulate you
for this type of risk. from cold or
By far the best option is to wet ground.
let a specialist agency arrange Finally, it is
your hike or trek. This may be the small things
a Western tour operator or that can be the
one of the specialist agencies most useful.
in Morocco. Using their Head lamps, for
infrastructure and logistics example, give
will give you peace of mind. you light while Participants in the Marathon des Sables

344-345_EW_Morocco.indd 344 09/08/16 11:20 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm