With rivers snaking through high mountain regions, colossal gorges and lush landscapes, Morocco kayaking holidays offer a rich, magical and exciting experience. Green river valleys transform into steep-sided gorges almost instantly, as you pass by traditional villages and parts of the country other tourists never get to see.
Combined kayaking and trekking trips are very popular and a visit to Marrakech or any other of Morocco’s busy cities is a nice contrast to the peaceful and relaxing (interspersed with fearsome rapids) rivers. Morocco kayaking holidays offer something for everyone.
Moroccan life & rivers
Kayaking down one of the several Moroccan rivers gives you an insight as to the unique topography of this North African nation. The sun is almost always shining here, and with waters coming down from the High Atlas Mountains carving their way across rocky landscapes, it provides some majestic scenery.
The huge gorges at Lake Bin El Quidane are very impressive and the river passes through the traditional home of the Berber people. The Berber are an ancient people that populated western north Africa from at least 10,000 BC and have a fascinating history and culture.
The Oum-er-Rbia basin in the High Atlas is another must for kayakers, with the villages of Beni Mellal and Khenrifa offering a glimpse into traditional life here. Nicknamed the ‘Mother of Spring’ get ready to paddle hard as you enter the Ali Mohammed Gorge.
Any kayaking holiday to Morocco provides welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the cities, where the markets and souks teem with people. However, it’s well worth spending a few days in a city and soaking up the atmosphere at the start or end of your trip.
Morocco kayaking holidays
Many Morocco kayaking holidays start on the Ahansal River, where the big rapids in the upper sections provide some challenging paddling. After each section of hard work you’ll have a short time to drink in the scenery and get your breath back before the next tricky section of white water. That’s the way kayaking goes in Morocco. At night you can camp on pristine river beaches or stay in traditional Berber villages that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Further down river is the Lala Takerkoust Reservoir, backdropped by the Atlas Mountains. This is a great place for beginners to practice skills and techniques before heading further downstream towards Marrakech, around 30km away.
Trips of between three to ten days are common, depending on your experience and ability level. Guided trips down the Ahansal are highly recommended and going with tour operators mean all equipment is provided.
Many kayaking trips also include an element of trekking to get to your launch point. Depending on the season and amount of rainfall, some rapids may be too shallow or dangerous to risk paddling. The best time to go is between January and March when the rivers are in their prime and the weather is ideal for kayaking.
