HIKING AND TREKKING

With its four mountain ranges, a dozen summits over 4,000 metres (about 13,000 feet) high, 400 over 3,000 metres, and all of them accessible to people in good physical condition, Morocco offers exceptional hiking opportunities. On foot in the Sirwa, the Sargho and the Rif, on skis in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas; a combination of skis and mules in the High Atlas, or canyoning; every season reveals a different aspect of nature. The Moroccan mountains are beautiful and wild - yet they are well organised for hikers with qualified guides and monitors available, a network of refuges, mules for hire and cross-country bikes. To get there, hire a four wheel drive, take the collective taxis or the buses.

With its four distinct mountain ranges - the Rif, the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas - Morocco offers outstanding opportunities for hiking and trekking. Various trekking tours can be organised through the National Tourist Office. Specialist tour operators offer a variety of treks including guided horse trekking in the mountains, and camping trips. One of the most popular treks in the High Atlas is the ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4167m/6668ft), North Africa's highest peak. The Toubkal area is around one-hour's drive from Marrakech and the usual starting point for this trek is the picturesque village of Imlil. Official mountain guides with mules are recommended for trips lasting longer than one day; guides are widely available in Imlil. Accommodation is provided in refuges, gîtes (resting places) and small hotels along popular trails. Trekking is possible all year round, but the best time is from April to October. The canyons and gorges are best tackled from June to October (in summer, storms can make the gorges impassable).

For information, contact:

CLUB ALPIN FRANCAIS, BP 6178. Casablanca, Morocco.
Tel: 022 270 090 - Fax: 022 297 292

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MOUNTAIN GUIDES AND MONITORS
(ANGAHM) BP 47. Asni Marrakesh, Morocco. tel : 044 444 979 - Fax : 044 433 609

ROYAL MOROCCAN FEDERATION OF SKIING AND MOUNTAINEERING,
Parc de la Ligue Arabe,
BP 15899, Casablanca, Morocco.
Tel: 022 474 979.
Fax: 022 474 979

The desert marathon

One of the toughest tests of endurance in the world. The race lasts a week and covers almost 250 km (about 155 miles) over dunes and rocky desert. If that was not enough, participants have to carry everything they need for the week with them, including their fard.

Information:
Cimbaly: BP 58 - 10002 Troyes Cedex. France
Tel: (33) 03 25 76 57 77 - Fax:(33) 03 25 76 87 75.

GOLF

Golf is a growing national passion in Morocco, with superb facilities in a setting of varied and magnificent landscapes. Major national as well as international competitions attract golfers from ail over the world. The most famous is the Hassan II Trophy held on the famous Red Course at the Royal Dar-Es-Salaam Golf Club in Rabat, which classified among the most spectacular golf courses in the world.

There are approximately twenty golf courses in the country, a number that rises every year. You can contemplate the eternal snows on the Atlas in Marrakesh, breathe the fragrance of the pines and cedars on the hills around Tangier, enjoy the hundred-year-old oaks in the forest at Rabat, the joyful colours of the heather, tamarisk and junipers at Cabo Negro, the dunes at Agadir, at Benslimane, El Jadida, Mohammedia, Ouarzazate, Fez, Casablanca, Settat and play right at the heart of the Imperial city of Meknes, in the Splendid park of the Royal Palace. The green fee varies from 100 to 500 DH (US$12 to US$60). You can rent clubs, and electric vehicles as well as hire private caddies at most of the clubs. Some are closed one day a week (most commonly on Monday).

Some of the best-known of the country's 16 golf courses are located at the Royal Dar es Salaam Golf Club in Rabat, which has three courses and annually hosts the internationally renowned Hassan II Trophy. Agadir has three courses: the Agadir Royal Golf Club is a par 36 while the beautiful Dunes Golf Club has three 9-hole par 36 courses (designed by a disciple of Robert Trent Jones). The third course, set around lakes, palm trees and eucalyptus, is the 5 star Golf du Soleil, which is a 27-hole par 72. The Marrakech Royal Golf Club is an 18-hole par 72 course located at the foot of the Atlas mountains. Marakkech has two other 18-hole courses: the Palmeraie Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones in a setting with views of the Atlas mountains as well as easy access to the Atlantic beaches nearby; and the Amelkis Golf Club. Other 18-hole courses include Ben Slimane and El Jadida (both near the Atlantic coast), Mohammedia Royal Golf Club (near Casablanca) and the Tangier Royal Golf. Apart from the Hassan II Trophy (see above), the Moroccan Open and Hassan II Challenge are noteworthy tournaments. The Mahoammed VI Golf Trophy is held in Dar Essalam Royal Golf course in Rabat at the end of March. Altogether, there are approximately 30 golf courses in the country, including several new ones. A useful golf brochure and information on golfing holidays can be obtained from the Moroccan National Tourist Board (see address section)

THE ROYAL MOROCCAN GOLF FEDERATION
Royal Dar-Es-Salaam Golf Club, Rabat, Morocco.
Tel: 037 755 960 / 037 755 636 - Fax: 037 751 026.

SURFING AND WINDSURFING

The Atlantic breakers, the propitious winds of the Mediterranean and huge lakes - amateurs and professionals alike will find everything they need at the many Moroccan "spots". Some, such as Essaouira or Dar Bouazza near Casablanca, are world famous and host major international competitions.

SKIING

You can ski during several months of the year. Alpine skiing on the powdery snow in the High Atlas. Ifrane in the Middle Atlas and Oukaïden in the High Atlas (70km/44 miles from Marrakech) offer skiing facilities. Other ski resorts include Mischliffen in the Middle Atlas, on the doorstep of Fès and Meknes. Mount Tidiquin in the Ketama district and Djebel Bou Volane in the Middle Atlas are popular areas for expedition-type skiing and walking trips (with few amenities).

For information contact:
ROYAL MOROCCAN SKI AND MONTAINEERING FEDERATION,
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, BP 15899,
Casablanca, Morocco.
Tel: 022 474 979 - Fax: 022 474 979.

WHITE WATER SPORTS

Ideal for coming face to face with Morocco untamed. But be carefull Do not leave without a guide. In four days you can make a round trip of the canyons in the east or the west.
The oueds (rivers) in the High and Middle Atlas offer some outstanding descents, for up to 145 km along the Ahanesal and Melloul. You can descend the Oum-er-Rbia for 60km (about 37 miles) by raft at any time of the year. If you like excitement, this is for you.

Watersports:

Sandy beaches offer safe swimming, although the Atlantic can be cold even in summer. Mohammedia, Agadir, El Jadida, Oualidia, Safi and Essaouira are all good bathing resorts. The Mediterranean coast in the north, opposite Spain, is being developed, and resorts such as Cabonegro (14km/23 miles from Tetouan) offer superb swimming and diving. Other dive sites can be found at Agadir and Essaouira. The rivers in the High and Middle Atlas ranges, particularly the Oum-er-Rbia, offer whitewater rafting throughout the year (visitors are strongly advised to use experienced guides). Fishing permits are necessary for trout streams, lakes and pike lakes, and are issued by the Waters and Forests Department or local clubs. Several ports are equipped for deep-sea fishing, such as Dakhla in the Sahara and Mohammedia near Casablanca.

RIDING

There are horseriding clubs in all major towns, notably Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir and Fès. Several clubs organise pony treks in the Middle Atlas. The combination of travelling by mule and skiing (known as mule-skiing) is characteristic to the High Atlas and can be carried out from February to April. A useful brochure, 'The Great Trek through the Moroccan Atlas', is available from the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism or the Moroccan National Tourist Office (see address section). Camel riding (méharrées) is also available, both in the Atlas mountains and around the Sahara Desert area in the southwest.

ROYAL MOROCCAN FEDERATION OF RIDING,
Dar-es-Salaam, B/P/ 742 Rabat, Morocco.
Tel: 037 754 424 - Fax: 037 754 738.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE & QUAD

Morocco hosts the greatest international competitions. The Paris-Dakar and Atlas Rallies have shown the breathtaking Moroccan landscapes to the world. Thousands of kilometres of track give enthusiasts a wide range of challenges to choose from. Exciting trips with unique and attractive objectives: An Imilchil engagement party, a moussem in the High Atlas, sunrise over the Merzouga dunes, or a search for wild sheep in the Dadés gorges...
>From the tiny "quad" to the heavy long chassis four wheel drive, with or without driver and/or camping equipment, the choice is yours. You can hire everything. Contact a travel agent or a car hire company.

The Friendship Raid
As its name implies, the object is both sporting and amicable. Running from Tangier to Rabat and crossing the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, it is open to motor bikes and four-wheel drives, but is not an against the clock. lt gives young people from all over the world the chance to meet and get to know each other.

For information contact:
A.O.1., 67 rue Thier
60800 Crépy en Valois (France)
Tel: (33) 03 44 59 10 41 Fax: (33) 03 44 59 05 76

HUNTING

Quail, doves, snipe, teal, grouse, pheasants, thrushes, pigeons and even wild boars flourish in vast reserves. The season varies according to species: From October to March for most game and June to July for doves.

For information contact:
MOROCCAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE or
ROYAL MOROCCAN HUNTING FEDERATION,
Corner of Avenue Mohamed V / Rue Alkalil, Rabat, Morocco.
Tel: 037 707 835 - Fax: 037 707 835.
WATER AND FOREST DEPARTMENT
11, rue du Devoir, Rabat, Morocco.

FISHING

The trout is of course the queen of fresh water fish. It can be fished in the oueds (rivers) and becomes a real sport in the gorges. Pike, black bass, perch, roach, carp, eels and barbets abound in the lakes. (Season from May - June according to species). Bonitos, sea perch, mullet, chad and sea bream are abundant in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Underwater fishing along the entire coast is quite enchanting. Several ports are equipped for deep sea fishing: Dakhla in the Sahara and Mohammedia near Casablanca for example... tuna, swordfish, marlin, grouper and barracudas are plentiful.

For information contact:
MOROCCAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE or

For deep sea fishing:
NATIONAL FISHERIES OFFICE,
BP 20300. Casablanca.
Tel: 022 240 551 - Fax: 022 242 305.

For fresh water fishing
WATER AND FOREST DEPARTMENT
11, rue du Devoir, Rabat.

AERIAL SPORTS

Aviation, parachuting, ULM, gliding, deltaplane, parachute gliding and even hot air ballooning: lt's easy to go up in the world in Morocco - there are several aeroclubs which will allow you to indulge in your favourite sport.

For information contact:
ROYAL MOROCCAN FEDERATION FOR LIGHT
AVIATION AND AERIAL SPORTS
Tel: 037 708 347 - Fax: 037 706 958

SPAS AND THERMAL CURES

There are a thousand and one ways to do yourself good by taking the plunge in Morocco. In particular there are the soothing waters of Moulay Yacoub (close to Fez) which give relief to rheumatism, skin and respiratory problems in a spa with ultra-modem medical and hotel facilities.

There is also a thalassotherapy institute at Casablanca:
The Lido, Blvd de la Corniche, Casablanca Morocco
Tel: 022 391 313 - Fax: 022 391 345.

SAILING, YACHTING AND WATER SKIING

Cast off at Al-Hoceima and head your boat out towards the Straits of Gibraltar, pass the ramparts and tie up in the port of El-Jadida, taste the oysters at Oualidia, anchor in a wild creek to the north of Agadir and take in some water skiing. Whether you prefer sail or power boats, there are 3,000 km of Moroccan coast to choose from, plus all the opportunities offered by the natural and artificial lakes.

For information contact:
ROYAL MOROCCAN SAILHOAT FEDERATION.
Rabat.
Tel: 037 670 956 - Fax : 037 670 241

ROYAL MOROCCAN WATER SKIING AND JETSKI FEDERATION
Casablanca.
Tel: 022 274 938.

ROYAL MOROCCAN YACHT CLUB
Rabat. Tel: 037 720 264.
Mohammedia. Tel: 023 322 331.

Other: Also available throughout Morocco are four-wheel-drives, incorporating visits to natural and cultural sights such as the 300m- (984ft-) deep Gorge of Todra, the massive sand dunes of Merzouga and the Berber region of Ouarzazate. Most of these tours feature typical Moroccan feasts and barbecues. The famous Paris-Dakar motor rally passes through Morocco every year