Soccer, the king of sports
In Morocco, soccer is very popular and the national team occupies an important place in the hearts of Moroccans. After some very good results in the past (1/8th final at the 1986 World Cup and 10th in the FIFA rankings in 1998), the Atlas Lions have experienced many disappointments before the legendary journey to the 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, Hakim Ziyech and his teammates became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of the global tournament (after having beaten Spain and Portugal) before falling with honors to the French team... and finishing fourth behind Croatia, winner of the small final. Morocco, unfortunate candidate for the organization of the 2026 World Cup, could try its luck again in the future. There is no doubt that its Qatari record will give it some legitimacy.
Hiking and trekking
It is mainly by this means that some parts of the Moroccan South see arriving a flow of tourists more and more numerous. This is an ecological way of discovering the desert, which can be very enriching as long as you are aware of its possibilities and its limits. There is nothing worse than the walker who has to devote most of his energy to follow the pace of a group that is too fast for him, and in this case, no longer appreciates the environment he is crossing. Most of the time, the transport of the luggage is done by camel or by 4X4 vehicles that you find in the evening at the bivouac. The only drawback is that in 8 or 15 days, the duration of most treks, you will not cover much ground.
Southern Morocco is an ideal region for hiking. With the Atlas summits of M'Goun and Djebel Toubkal; the entry into the Sahara through Zagora and the Drâa valley at Tamnougalte, but also through the great dunes of Merzouga; the mineral atmosphere of the beautiful Djebel Saghro, or the famous valley of the roses, near El-Kelâa M'Gouna; without forgetting Essaouira and its wild and fascinating coastal strip in the south, these are only a few examples of what this region offers you so rich in hiking trails and spectacular walks.
Horseback riding and mountain biking
The Moroccan horses are superb, the Arabian thoroughbreds bred in Morocco being references in the world of horsemanship. The landscapes are ideal for horseback riding. Indulge in the joys of equestrian sports in a dazzling nature. Gallop along the beaches, among the dunes, in the forests of secular oaks... The amateurs will not miss the visit of the national stud farm of Marrakech and will find several equestrian centers of great quality (Agadir, Marrakech, Taroudant) with the possibility of making superb stroll between ground and mountain.
MOUNTAIN BIKING. The South of Morocco is a region particularly suitable for mountain biking, especially thanks to the immense plateaus of the southern massifs.
A surf and kitesurf destination
In Morocco, the Atlantic coast is full of surf spots more or less known. North of Agadir, Taghazout Village is very nice (even if it seems to take the direction of its elder Agadir by multiplying the concrete constructions). For more authenticity, and waves just for you, we advise you to go to spots like Imsouane, Tamri, la Source, le Rocher du diable, Spider or Banana beach. If you go further south from Agadir, you can go to Tifnit or Sidi Rbat. Further down, you will find the waves of Aglou, Mirleft or Sidi Ifni. And for kitesurfing enthusiasts, Dakhla is ideal!
Notice to fishing enthusiasts!
Sport fishing. The Atlantic coast between Tan-Tan and the border with Mauritania is reputed to be one of the richest in fish in the world. You will be able to call upon some structures specialized in this activity or to initiate you there by making knowledge with the many Moroccan fishermen, who, them, fish to feed themselves. Black Bass is honored in the Agadir region. Dakhla and its region, already well known for their ideal climatic conditions for the practice of water sports, could quickly become a reference for this activity.
Freshwater fishing. This activity is highly regulated: you should check with the Moroccan National Tourist Office to find out the opening seasons for fishing, which vary according to the species. But there is plenty to please the amateurs. The surroundings of Marrakech offer some beautiful trout fishing spots (notably the lake of Tamda, towards Telouet, 150 km away, or the lakes of Toubkal, towards Imlil, which are closer but still a good few hours away). River fishing is practiced in Ourika, about thirty kilometers from Marrakech, especially towards Setti Fatma. All the wadis around Marrakech are full of small fish.
Other water sports
The wild creeks around Agadir will delight sailors wishing to anchor in the area, while many beaches host water sports clubs that offer water skiing, jet skiing or parasailing. As for scuba diving, although the best spots are found on the Mediterranean coast, the region of Agadir is beginning to offer this leisure activity since the construction of its marina.
The adventure in 4x4 or quad
With its valleys, its oases, its grandiose mountains, Morocco is a privileged place for 4x4 enthusiasts. It is the preferred means of transportation to get off the main tourist routes and to meet the Berbers and people of the most remote regions. The absence of precise maps and the difficulty of the tracks often make the adventure picaresque. For your first expedition, a guidebook can be very useful. Agencies will be able to advise you on an itinerary, rent you a vehicle, find you a driver or organize your 4x4 raid. For (experienced) enthusiasts, there are thousands of kilometers of trails for all levels. Exciting walks with attractive and singular goals: sunrise in the dunes of Merzouga, meeting with the mouflons in the Dades Gorges...
Also note that many agencies also offer quad or buggy excursions around Marrakech and in the Great South, on the dunes of the Sahara.
