Soccer, the king of sports
Soccer is very popular in Morocco, and the national team occupies an important place in the hearts of Moroccans. After some excellent results in the past (1/8th place at the 1986 World Cup and 10th in the FIFA rankings in 1998), the Atlas Lions suffered numerous disappointments before their legendary run to the 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, Hakim Ziyech and his teammates became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament (after knocking out Spain and Portugal), before falling to France with honors. An unsuccessful candidate to host the 2026 World Cup, Morocco could try again in the future.
The Atlas, a real playground
Hiking and trekking. These are the most common sporting activities on the steep paths of the Atlas. And for good reason! They allow the discovery of a truly fabulous Morocco. Everything is possible: from an easy half-day walk to the beautiful and long adventure that is the great crossing of the Moroccan Atlas. An adventure that must be earned because it will take 21 days of walking. On some itineraries, you will find lodges or refuges, but, if you are few, you will be able to sleep at the inhabitant's for a very nice experience. Finally, the tent will be necessary if you are part of a large group. To make your life easier while trekking, rent the services of a muleteer, each mule being able to carry a load of about 100 kg. A muleteer is paid about 200 DH per day (with his mule), you have to feed him and pay him for his return days. If you are 3 or 4, a trekking organized by a local guide will cost you about 400 DH per day, muleteer and food included. And, to you the exceptional landscapes of the foothills of the Atlas!
Climbing. In the Atlas, the closest equipped rocks to Marrakech are in Oukaïmeden, 70 km away. There are of course other areas, but whether you like cliffs or adventure terrain, a detour to the Todra Valley is a must. In the mountains, many routes are still to be opened and discovered in a careful way and preferably accompanied by a qualified guide. The most favorable months are April, May, June, October and November.
Snow sports. The Atlas allows to put on skis and snowboard. Sports that can be practiced several months a year, depending on the conditions. And the possibilities are numerous: downhill skiing on the powder of the High Atlas, in Oukaïmeden, only 70 km from Marrakech or in Michliffen in the Middle Atlas, at the gates of Meknes and Fez. These resorts are equipped with ski lifts
Cross-country skiing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice: the Rif, Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains offer superb itineraries
Ski touring is also practiced and offers an extraordinary adventure. If it requires autonomy for a fairly long time since there are few winter refuges guarded (place for bivouac in sheepfolds or under the tent) and very little weather information, but is the promise of sumptuous landscapes and deserts
Snowshoeing has recently made its appearance in the country, and the possibilities are numerous and interesting when there is fresh snow possible on the side of Oukaïmeden, but also in the surroundings of the Middle Atlas to discover the landscapes of the vast forests of Ifran in Azrou less than thirty minutes from Fez.
Finally, in season, canyoning and rafting attract a few enthusiasts, usually between late March and late May. The spots are few, but rather spectacular.
Beware of the guides! As in the city, there are real guides and fake guides. We strongly advise you to use the services of a qualified guide, the lists of official guides are generally available in the tourist offices. However, we advise you to be very careful during technical activities: climbing, canyoning, rafting, ski touring, even when these activities are offered by luxury hotels.
Horseback riding and mountain biking
Moroccan horses are superb, the Arabian thoroughbreds bred in Morocco being references in the world of horse riding. The landscapes lend themselves ideally to horseback riding. Let yourself go to the joys of equestrian sports in a dazzling nature. Gallop along the white beaches, among the dunes, in the forests of secular oaks ... You can also play polo, show jumping, participate in horse shows... You can, for example, go to the Royal Riding Club of Tangier.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. Morocco abounds in regions particularly suitable for mountain biking, especially on the immense plateaus of the southern massifs.
Working on your putt
Served by varied and magnificent landscapes, golf is in the spotlight in Morocco. High level competitions bring together golfers from all over the world. The most famous being the Hassan II trophy which takes place in the famous red course of the Royal Golf Dar Es-Salam, in Rabat, classified among the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Nearly thirty golf courses are spread throughout the country. Some offer a view of the eternal snows of the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech, others have the scent of the fir trees and cypresses of the Tangier hills. All of them are open to the public (usually by reservation).
Hunting and fishing, notice to amateurs
Hunting. Quail, turtle-doves, woodcock, snipe, teal, partridge, partridge, pheasant, thrush, pigeon and even wild boar abound in huge reserves. The hunting season varies according to species: from October to March for most game, June and July for turtle doves. Be sure to ask the Moroccan tourist office about the legislation in force before hunting... and about protected species in particular!
Fishing. As with hunting, you need to take precautions. This activity is highly regulated: check with the Moroccan National Tourist Office to find out about the fishing season, which varies according to species. But there's plenty to please the fishing enthusiast. The area around Marrakech offers some great trout fishing spots (notably Lake Tamda, towards Telouet, 150 km away, or the Toubkal lakes, towards Imlil, which are closer, but still a good few hours' walk away). River fishing is practised in the Ourika, some 30 km from Marrakech, notably towards Setti Fatma. All the wadis around Marrakech are teeming with small fish. Finally, fishing specialists can head for the lakes of the High Atlas, towards Bin el-Ouidane, where they'll find the world's biggest pike (over 20 kg!) and some superb specimens of pike-perch and barbel.
On (and under) the water too, many options
Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Many surfers land with their equipment on Moroccan spots to enjoy the Atlantic rollers. Some, like Essaouira or Dar Bouazza near Casablanca, Mirleft, Imssouane, Sidi Ifni south of Agadir or the famous spot of Taghazout and Dakhla for kitesurfing, have a worldwide reputation and are integrated into the circuits of major international competitions.
Sailing and yachting. Notice to sailors! In Morocco, you can rig your boat in Al-Hoceima and head for the Strait of Gibraltar, pass the ramparts and dock in the port of El-Jadida, enjoy oysters in Oualidia or anchor in a wild cove north of Agadir.
Motorized sports. A few clubs on both coasts offer water skiing, jet skiing or parasailing.
Diving. Like Spain and France, Morocco has two maritime facades: 2,900 km for the Atlantic coastline and 500 km for the Mediterranean coastline. The main diving sites are in the Mediterranean: Cabo Negro, Martil and Al Hoceïma, even if some reckless divers enjoy the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and its drop-offs, a place of transit for many mammals and pelagics. Contrary to some preconceived ideas, there is a lot to see in Moroccan waters, but the activity is still underdeveloped and the infrastructure too few. Along the gorgonian drop offs and the red coral walls, you will meet a typical, but preserved, Mediterranean fauna (groupers, barracudas, jacks, huge moon fish, rays, dolphins, moray eels and pilot whales...). The depths vary from 0 to 25 m, the sites are chosen sheltered from the wind and the current. The underwater relief is impressive, large rocks follow one another, covered with all sorts of anemones, on which nudibranchs have taken up residence. Although less known for diving, the region of Agadir, located on the Atlantic coast, is beginning to offer this leisure activity, especially after the construction of its marina.
Morocco seen from the sky
Aviation, parachuting, microlight, gliding, hang-gliding, paragliding and even hot-air ballooning: it is possible to gain height in Morocco, many professional flying clubs will allow you to indulge in these disciplines, always unforgettable.
And everywhere, the adventure in 4x4 or quad
With its valleys, its oases, its grandiose mountains, Morocco is a privileged place for the followers of the 4x4. It is the preferred means of transport to get off the main tourist routes and go and meet the Berbers and people of the most remote regions of the country. The absence of precise maps and the difficulty of the tracks often make the expedition rocky. For your first expedition, a guide can be very useful. Agencies will be able to advise you on a route, rent you a vehicle, find you a driver or organise your 4x4 raid. For (experienced) enthusiasts, there are thousands of kilometres of trails for all levels. Thrilling rides with attractive and singular goals: moussem
of the engagement of Imilichil in the High Atlas, sunrise in the dunes of Merzouga, meeting with the mouflons in the gorges of Dadès. Please note that the road network in Morocco is of good quality, so you can discover the whole country in a small sedan, as long as you prepare your route well and do not drive alone on doubtful tracks. Finally, many agencies also offer quad or buggy excursions around Marrakech, in the Atlas Mountains and in the Deep South, on the dunes of the Sahara.
