Morocco

Climbing in the Anti-Atlas is all about adventure.  The real draw of the area is the big multi-pitch climbs, all on friendly quartzite rock which lends itself to plentiful hand and foot holds. Routes start at two pitches and reach up to several hundred metres high. 

The highlight for many guests are the long alpine-style ridges. A perfect example is Labyrinth Ridge, an 800m long mix of scrambling and easier rock climbing culminating in the infamous leap across a rock crevasse to reach the final headwall. Many of these longer routes are easily accessible, with the 500m long Tower Ridge just 15 minutes walk from the car.

For those times when a shorter day is called for there are plenty of single pitch crags on which to sharpen up skills or enjoy a few routes. Routes are entirely trad protected, making it a great place to learn this style of climbing and we can focus on developing your skills if this is your focus. 

Near the town of Tafraout are a collection of granite boulders, some of which are large enough to give quality single pitch crack climbs. This area is home to the famous painted rocks, a large-scale project created by a Belgian artist in 1984.

Morocco is a safe and welcoming country in north-west Africa, easily reachable in a short flight from many European airports. The area we visit in the Anti-Atlas mountains feels relatively remote, with small towns and villages spread through a steep, rocky and arid landscape. 

Moroccan food is delicious and usually plentiful, with sweet, mildly spiced stews cooked and served in tagines the standard fare. Traditional Berber culture, native to Morocco, places great emphasis on hospitality, and this is evident from the warm welcome that we have enjoyed on previous trips. 

A big attraction for us is the warm, stable weather. With almost guaranteed sunshine and dry rock throughout the colder months it makes for the perfect escape for a winter sun rock climbing trip.

 Our trip starts at the small international airport in Agadir, served by regular flights from many British and European cities. We spend out first evening in Agadir, meeting the team for the week and enjoying a welcome dinner.

On the first morning we make the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Tizourgane, checking in to our accommodation before heading out to climb. We spend the first three nights at the Kasbah Tizourgane, a hilltop fort dating back to the 13th century. It's rare that we get to stay in what feels like a genuine castle on a climbing trip, but this time it's true! The welcome is always warm, with the kitchens serving traditional Moroccan dishes to a dining room full of hungry climbers each evening. 

After three nights at the Kasbah we move to the bustling town on Tafroute for the second half of our trip. This gives easy access to the fantastic granite climbing to the south of the Massif. Staying at a comfortable hotel in town, we sample the diverse local cuisines at nearby restaurants each evening.

On our final day we will drive back to Agadir. If time permits around flight schedules we visit the large market in Agadir, enjoy a final lunch and even visit the beach!