Get a glimpse of the wilder, natural side of Morocco—check out these national parks of Morocco that give adventurers, backpackers, tourists and travelers alike the option to view the beauty and serene surroundings that lay in wait beyond the city walls and medinas.
We explore five unique national parks within Morocco.
Table of Contents
Ifrane National Park
Overview
A cedar-filled forest along the Moyen Atlas mountain range, this large park is a serene getaway near Fez.
What to See and Do
This park is home to the endangered Barbary macaque, along with many rare bird species.
Bird watchers will love the wooded forests and easy hiking trails mean that any traveler to Morocco can visit and enjoy the serene nature of Ifrane.
You can take a day trip and have a picnic, go fishing on the lakes, or just soak up the sun.
In the winter months, there is cross-country skiing available as well.
What Makes this Park Unique
Taking a step away from the busy cities and into nature is not what first comes to mind when visiting Morocco.
But, this park allows you to see one of the largest cedar forests in the entire world, volcanos, stunning lakes, and rugged plateaus.
The Berber villages within the park offer you the option to sleep under the stars near Ifrane and Azrou, or just enjoy the culture and surroundings of the villages.
Chances are, you will be invited inside a home for a spot of dinner and some mint tea!
Souss-Massa National Park
Overview
Reaching down the coast, this national park came about to protect the birds and animals that live here. You can enjoy the cliffs, forests, and wildlife while relaxing in the warm ocean breeze. Located 60 km south of Agadir, it stretches over 330sq km of main land.
What to See and Do
Bird watching is a popular activity, as Souss-Massa is a feeding ground for ospreys, marbled ducks, flamingos, warbles, and the very endangered Northern bald ibis.
Get a guided tour arranged from the village of Massa, and you can also see the trails to Sidi R’bat and the Ksar Massa.
The Kasbah is a beautiful, modern space with terracotta walls painted blue with a traditional Moroccan feel. with amazing views, luxurious rooms, and delicious cuisine make this a great spot to unwind within Souss-Massa National Park.
What Makes this Park Unique
The rough, rugged steppes and cliffs can change in an instant to pristine beaches and calm farmlands.
There are many things to see in Souss-Massa National Park, and the biggest draw for nature travelers is the Northern bald ibis—this park is one of the only places in the world where it still exists.
As such, the park and the guides are very passionate about ecotourism and the preservation of nature.
Haut Atlas Oriental National Park
Overview
Covering 120,000 acres in the eastern High Atlas Mountains, this national park is filled with unique wildlife and a varied terrain.
What to See and Do
The Haut Atlas Oriental National Park is home to many rare animals such as sheep, gazelle, Barbary macaques, boar, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
As this park is not visited as often as the others, it allows travelers a real chance to get away form bustling crowds, turn off the technology, and get in touch with nature.
Those that want to educate themselves on the species within the park can hire a guide to take them around for the day, or you can easily grab a map and find your own way around, enjoying the peace and quiet this park offers.
Hiking and taking day trips to the twin lakes of Isli and Tislite is also a popular activity.
What Makes this Park Unique
There are three distinct regions in this park—the plateaus and lakes of Isli and Tislite, the mountains that occupy the middle of the park, and the eastern edge where Jebel Aberdouz sits.
This varied, harsh terrain provides protection to many animals living in the area. The western area around the lakes is the site of a yearly, unique festival in the village of Imilchil.
Talassemtane National Park
Overview
Within the Rif region in the northern section of Morocco, this park is a conservation effort to preserve the remaining fir forest in Morocco, and it is the perfect place for the adventurous traveler to trek into the Moroccan wilderness.
What to See and Do
Day treks and longer tours all begin in Chefchaouen, the blue city. The trekking tours offer the most beautiful sights in all of natural Morocco.
Treks can be just a half-day or full-day in length, but those that wish to really soak up the beauty of this region should choose a trek that includes an overnight camp under the stars.
Hike to the Ghmara cliffs, or along to Pont de Dieu. See the magnificent waterfall connecting to the Ras Maa River, and enjoy the Toughoubit grotto in Chafrate. Animals roam the hillsides as well, such as eagles, lynx and otters.
The most beautiful sight in all of Talassemtane National Park is God’s Bridge, offering the most breathtaking views in all of Northern Morocco.
What Makes this Park Unique
Its proximity to the major destination of Chefchaouen allows visitors to see the best of both worlds.
Situated right between the Rif Mountains, this favourite destination for eco-travel and adventure tourism is sure to be enjoyed by any visitor to Morocco.
Within the city is a plethora of activities and sightseeing, while only a short trek away is a vast wilderness for you to enjoy.
Toubkal National Park
Overview
A haven for climbers and trekkers, the chance to climb the famed Atlas Mountains can become a reality for all who visit Toubkal National Park.
What to See and Do
The best thing to do in Toubkal National Park is to hire a guide and get trekking.
From two-day treks to week-long adventures, the tour guides in Toubkal offer something for every type of budget and level of experience.
Near Marrakesh, it is very easy to access this national park.
The village of Imlil is the main starting point, and depending on what trek you choose, your journey is sure to be filled with both rugged nature and ancient Moroccan culture.
For most, a two-day trek along the South Col is a reasonable journey that those with a moderate fitness level and a little bit of grit will have no trouble accomplishing.
The more difficult North Col rewards you with fewer hikers long the trails and tougher scrambles, all while feeling a real sense of remoteness and connection with nature.
Along your way to ascending the peak, you can stop in small villages, see trickling rivers and streams, and get the best views of the Atlas Mountains and lush valleys beyond Toubkal.
What Makes this Park Unique
Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 metres. As such it is a popular activity for many. This destination is beautiful year-round, though the treks can become easier and more convenient in the spring and summer months for the less experienced.
Visiting Toubkal National Park is to see one of the more unique areas in Morocco that happens to be very accessible.
Tips for Visiting National Parks in Morocco:
What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light and loose-fitting clothing to cope with the heat
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash (Moroccan Dirhams) as many places may not accept credit cards
- A travel adapter if your electronics use a different plug
Facilities and Amenities:
- Some national parks have basic facilities like restrooms and picnic areas
- Food options may be limited in the parks, so it’s best to bring snacks and a picnic lunch
- You may have to walk for some time to reach the sights in the parks, so be prepared for an adventure and carry enough water
- Mobile network coverage may be limited in remote areas, so consider downloading maps and essential information before you go
- Be prepared for a different experience than you may be used to in your home country, as facilities and services may be more basic.