5 Must-Try Thrilling Adventures in Morocco

Camel trekking stands as the most authentic way to experience Morocco's golden Sahara Desert splendor. This age-old adventure enables individuals to soak up Berber customs in one of the world's most fascinating scenery.

Where to go: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

Merzouga, a rural village located in south-eastern Morocco near the Algerian border, is the best and most available spot for camel trekking. This remote outpost leads to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. These red-orange waves tower 150 meters. They are the largest and most beautiful sand dunes of Morocco.

Merzouga lies at the heart of the majority of Sahara camel trips. Getting to this desert paradise takes a 9-10 hour drive from Marrakech The picturesque landscape and sightseeing throughout the journey make the trip worthwhile. You'll be facing the Atlas Mountains and ancient Ait Ben Haddou.

Erg Chebbi's massive sand dunes set it apart from the rest of Moroccan desert locations. Unlike the rocky landscape of Zagora, Merzouga gives you the real Sahara experience. Vast sand waves roll towards the horizon, giving you those mythical desert scenery Morocco is renowned for.

What to expect on a desert tour

Your trek starts from one of the hotels in Merzouga where you will leave your big bags and pack overnight essentials. The camel ride to camp is 60-90 minutes. You will see the dunes change color throughout the day.

First camel riders will be surprised at the mounting. Camel "desert ships" descend to mount and rise with a strange forward-backward gait. Hold fast to the saddle! Most people find the even pace of their camel very comfortable in a short time.

Try traditional mint tea and cozy carpet seating at the desert camp. Desert camps range from simple Berber tents to luxury spots with individual bathroom facilities. 

Sunset rides and stargazing

Sunset and sunrise in the Sahara are magical. Camel excursions are timetabled to take in the golden dunes and colorful skies. Starry evenings come alive with spectacular stars in the open desert sky — some camps even offer tours using a telescope. At dawn, dunes are golden and perfect for photography.

Tips for first-time camel riders

For a comfortable camel trek, wear long pants and sleeves to protect from sun and saddle friction. A wide hat or Berber scarf shields your head from sand and heat — guides will help you to tie it on. So bring pain relievers if needed.

Drink water; desert air dries you out fast. Lock up your valuables — camels are tall, and misplaced items won't come back easily. Lastly, follow your guide’s instructions and treat the camels with respect for a safe and ethical experience.

Taghazout, a small fishing town along the Atlantic coast of Morocco, is attracting surfers from all over the world. The beach gem provides consistent waves and sun throughout the year in a tranquil environment. This destination provides visitors with a distinct experience in contrast to inland activities in Morocco.

Why Taghazout is Morocco's surf capital

Previously a serene fishing village, Taghazout is now Morocco's best surf destination with world-class right-hand breaks. The jewel of them all is Anchor Point, where advanced surfers have waves that they can ride almost to shore.

Killer Point (blazing and demanding), La Source and Mysteries (ideal for performance surfing), and Hash Point and Panoramas (perfect for intermediates) are other favorite destinations. With several surf breaks within walking distance, Taghazout has something for every level. 

Best time to surf

There is surfing on Morocco's Atlantic coast throughout the year, but the conditions are optimal by season. Expert surfers will visit from September to April, especially during winter (Dec–Feb) when powerful swells hit consistently. Intermediate surfers think spring and autumn are nice, and beginners  prefer summer (June–July) as the waves are gentle.

Water temperatures range from 16°C in winter to 22°C in summer. A 3/2mm wetsuit is necessary in winter; a shorty or no wetsuit in summer. Surfing early in the day offers more waves, less wind, and fewer crowds. Plan your trip based on your surfing ability for the best experience. You can shop at nearby markets, indulge in fresh seafood, or watch sunset at beach cafés after surfing.

A hot air balloon flight over Morocco's landscape provides you with a beautiful bird's eye view of Marrakech and its surroundings. With this thrilling experience, you are able to see the beauty of the landscape.

What the experience has

Your Marrakech hot air balloon adventure starts with early morning pickup by 4x4 transport, about an hour prior to sunrise. The departure point is 40 minutes from the city. Here, you'll get a warm welcome with pre-flight treats like coffee, mint tea, and light snacks.The sight of humongous balloons expanding provides a spectacular photo opportunity.

The 40-60 minute balloon flight comes after roughly 3-5 hours of the whole process from picking you up to dropping you off.

The best part comes after landing when you'll enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast in a caïdale tent. The authentic atmosphere meal generally includes Moroccan pancakes, honey, jam, pastries, eggs, and fresh fruit served under brightly colored cushions with the warm desert landscape as your backdrop. Prices depend on your chosen package.

Best time of day for flights

Hot air balloon rides in Marrakech take place at sunrise, when the air is cool and calm — perfect for a safe, smooth flight. You’ll be picked up around 6:30 AM, and the balloon lifts off just as the sun rises over the Atlas Mountains.

The views are beautiful, and the peaceful morning light is a pretty counterpoint to the normal hustle of the city. The quiet glide and golden skies make for a serene, unforgettable experience.

Views you'll see from above

The view from a Marrakech hot air balloon ride ranks among Morocco's most beautiful sights. The balloon glides between tree level and about 2,500 feet (750m) high, and an amazing view is shown below. 

Looming above to the south are the towering Atlas Mountains. Their snow-crowned summits, a white glory in winter, shine in contrast with desert colors. These mountains look their best at sunrise when golden-pink light bathes their slopes.

Ground travel in Morocco shows you only one side of the country. The balloon view gives you new shapes and relations between land structures. This broad view helps you appreciate Morocco's natural and cultural heritage better, so your flight is an ideal addition to arriving at this fantastic country on foot or by car.

The High Atlas Mountains rise up out of the middle of Morocco, offering an exciting playground for adventurers who love high-altitude hiking. Hiking in these mountains is one of the most rewarding things you can do when visiting Morocco.

Best trails: Toubkal and Imlil

Mount Toubkal, which is 4,167 meters, is North Africa's highest mountain and Morocco's best trekking destination. Most of the treks begin in Imlil, which is a mountain village south of Marrakech. The two-day Toubkal ascent is the classic climb, but the six-day Toubkal Circuit provides a longer and more picturesque approach with greater altitude adaptation.

Aside from Toubkal, the region offers rewarding day hikes like Imlil to Aroumd, the hike to the Tamsoult Waterfall, or the ISK Summit hike. Treks along the Mizane and Ijoukak valleys offer cultural experiences and remote Berber villages off the beaten path.

What to bring on a mountain hike

All you need is the proper gear to hike in comfort in the High Atlas, where the weather becomes more unpredictable with height. Good boots are at the top of the list—you'll require sturdy ones with thick soles and good ankle support to manage the rocky trails. The mountain weather means you should layer your clothes.

Winter overnight treks call for a 3-4 season sleeping bag, though a lighter one will do in summer. Don't forget sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat), basic first aid kit, headlamp, and spare batteries.

Staying in Berber villages

One of the highlights of hiking the High Atlas is meeting the Berber communities in remote villages, many only reachable by foot. Along the way, you can stay in village guesthouses (gîtes) that offer generous hospitality, local cuisine, and modern comforts. 

Aroumd, near Imlil, is a quaint mountain village and great base for day treks. Guests often have firsthand cultural experiences like watching tagine preparation or bread baking.

The best trekking seasons are April–June and September–May, perfect for combining mountain treks with visits to Morocco's cities or coast.

Sandboarding ranks among Morocco's most thrilling desert adventures. Adventurers can surf the golden waves of sand that stretch across the country's stunning desert landscapes. 

How sandboarding works

Riders use special boards to glide down desert dunes, offering a snowboarding-like thrill on warm golden sand. You can stand, sit, or lie down, making it beginner-friendly.

Guided tours provide gear, basic instruction, and run in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat — often timed with stunning sunrise or sunset views.

Best dunes for the activity

Merzouga's Erg Chebbi dunes are Morocco's top sandboarding spot. These impressive formations tower up to 150 meters high. Their fine, orange-red sand creates perfect conditions for exciting rides with smooth and fast descents.

The Atlantic coast near Agadir presents another excellent option with its own character. Timlaline dunes sit between Imsouane and Tamri, about 70km north of Agadir. This spot offers a unique "mini desert" experience where sand meets ocean. Tifnit Dunes near the coastal village of Tifnit provide another great alternative.

Combining with camel tours

For the full desert experience, many travelers combine camel treks with sandboarding. In Merzouga, overnight tours often include camel rides to camps, sunset views, traditional meals, and sandboarding sessions. It’s a perfect blend of Morocco’s traditional and modern desert adventures — riding camels by day, then gliding down dunes at sunset.

Q1: What are things to do in Morocco?

Morocco is packed with adventure! You can explore ancient medinas, trek the Atlas Mountains, surf Atlantic waves, ride camels in the Sahara, go sandboarding on desert dunes, and even float over Marrakech in a hot air balloon. There’s something for every kind of traveler.

Q2: Can you ride a camel in Morocco?

Absolutely! Camel riding is a classic Moroccan experience, especially in the Sahara near Merzouga or Zagora. Many desert tours include camel treks, often at sunset, followed by overnight stays in traditional Berber camps.

Q3: Is a hot air balloon in Marrakech worth it?

Yes, it’s a magical experience. You’ll float over palm groves and Berber villages with the Atlas Mountains in the distance, all lit by the morning sun. It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers a totally different view of Morocco.

Q4: Is it safe to hike in the Atlas Mountains?

Yes, hiking in the Atlas Mountains is generally safe, especially with a local guide. Trails near Imlil and Toubkal are well-traveled. Always check the weather, pack properly, and go with a guide if you’re new to the area or heading to high altitudes.

Q5: What is the best month for surfing in Morocco?

For experienced surfers, the best time is between December and February when Atlantic swells are strongest. Beginners can enjoy gentler waves in summer, especially around June and July.

Q6: Can you go sandboarding in Morocco?

Yes! Sandboarding is popular in the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga and in coastal spots like Timlaline near Agadir. It’s a fun desert adventure in Morocco and often paired with camel treks or sunset tours.

Ready to try the best adventures in Morocco? Book your Morocco tour now!