TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
» » Great Atlas Traverse by Michael Peyron. The two-volume work by the Morocco-based British writer is the definitive text for
the great traverse. Less useful for the casual trekker.
» » The Atlas Mountains: A Walking and Trekking Guide by Karl Smith. Published by the walking specialist Cicerone, this has
route descriptions and information on subjects such as ski-touring, although it gets mixed reviews.
» » Mountaineering in the Moroccan High Atlas by Des Clark. Also published by Cicerone, this new guide, subtitled ‘walks,
climbs and scrambles over 3000m’, is destined to become a classic. It covers some 50 routes and 30 peaks in handy pocket-
sized, plastic-covered form, with plenty of maps, photos and practical information.
» » Trekking in the Moroccan Atlas by Richard Knight. Has 43 maps and information from green hiking tips to language advice,
although it also has both fans and detractors. Likely to be the most useful for inexperienced trekkers, but also the bulkiest.Clubs, Information & Tours
For details of foreign and Moroccan oper-ators offering trekking tours in Morocco, Click here.
Atlas Mountains Information Services (AMIS; http://tinyurl.com/48efeva; Fife, Scotland) A
trusted source of information as well as trekking tours. Organiser Hamish Brown, a specialist
author, lecturer, photographer and guide for the Atlas, has been travelling in Morocco for 50
years. He’s often away leading treks, so you are advised to contact him well in advance.
Club Alpin Français (CAF; www.caf-maroc.com, in French; Casablanca) Operates refuges in
the Toubkal area. Its website is a good source of information.
La Fédération Royale Marocaine de Ski et Montagne (Royal Moroccan Ski &
Mountaineering Federation; FRMSM; www.frmsm.ma, in French; Casablanca) Has basic
information on its website.
ESSENTIAL CLOTHING
Year-Round
» » Strong, well-broken-in walking boots (see the boxed text, Click here ).
» » A waterproof and windproof outer layer; it’s amazing how quickly the weather can change.
» » Sunhat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
Summer (June to August)
» » Light, baggy, cotton trousers and long-sleeved shirts.
» » Even at 1800m, nights are cold enough to require a fleece or jumper.
Winter (November to March)
» » Prepare for very cold weather wherever you trek in the country.
» » Pack warm clothing, including a woollen hat and gloves for High Atlas trekking.Clothing & Equipment
Tents
In addition to the essentials listed in the boxed text, the key decision, when planning a route, is
whether or not to sleep in a tent. A good tent opens up endless trekking possibilities and will
get you away from the crowds.