Surf Morocco: 16 Days Climbing Limestone and Chasing Africa’s Longest Waves

In search of a soulful end to winter, longtime friend of Passenger Kat Craats travelled to Morocco to experience world-leading surf and desert adventure. 

Escapism at its best, here's Kat's journal entry of her trip, which saw her climbing limestone, stargazing in the Sahara, and chasing Africa's longest waves. Grab a brew (maybe a Moroccan mint tea?) and enjoy. 

January in Canada’s PNW typically means three things: endless rain, dark days, and sh*t snow.

To counteract the seasonal blues, we decided to switch it up and chase adventure somewhere new - Morocco. The perfect intersection of unique culture, sunny/dry weather, and world-class surf and adventure.

1 Night: Marrakech (The Central House, Marrakech)

3 Nights: Taghazout (Surf Coast Morocco)

2 Nights: Imsuoane (Slow Life Imsuoane)

5 Nights: Todra Gorge (La Petite Gorge)

1 Night: Sahara Desert Camp, Merzouga (Sunrise Sahara)

3 Nights: Todra Gorge (La Petite Gorge)

1 Night: Marrakech (The Central House, Marrakech)

The Red City of Marrakech is a unique blend of Berber, Arab and French influences, jam-packed with tight, maze-like streets, unique textures, rich smells and elegant architecture. We wandered the Medina trying new foods, exploring the souks (traditional markets), and visiting various rooftops to soak in views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains just beyond the city limits.

Cultural must-do: Try a Hammam, a traditional Middle Eastern and North African steam bath. It’s intimate, unique, and especially relaxing after a long travel day.

Known as the “surf capital of Morocco”, Taghazout has great surf breaks for all skill levels (including Anchor Point, Boilers, and Banana Point), unique souks (local markets selling pottery, textiles, spices), great food, and a relaxed vibe. Our initial impressions of Taghazout were that it was a bit busy and hectic, but we soon settled into the rhythm of our surf house and fell in love with the vibrant town.

Hidden gem alert: The skate park in Taghazout is a must-do. The local skaters are incredible to watch, plus it offers the best view for sunset. Don’t miss it!

If I could do it all over again, I would add another day or two in Imsuoane. It’s paradise - the definition of roaming slow. Home to one of the longest right-hand longboard waves in the world, Imsuoane is a surfer's paradise. Cliffside cafes serving artisanal lattes sit right at the edge of the surf break, so you can sit on a Moroccan pouf and watch the waves until the sun goes down. I caught the longest wave of my life here, riding my 9’0” nearly all the way from the point until the wave terminated in the far corner of the bay. Dreamy.

If you’re a climber, add Todra Gorge (“Wadi Todgha”) to the hit list. 300m limestone cliffs in a dramatic, narrow canyon await your chalk-covered fingertips. With its unique landscape and modern, generous bolting, Todra is a mecca for sport climbing with over 500 routes for all skill levels. Plus it's most likely dry in January, which was a big seller for us. 

… although, invariably, we got hit with more snow in Todra Gorge on January 18th than our friends back home in Whistler. Not ideal...!

Favourite multi-pitch climbs: La Classique and Chibania

Favourite single pitch climbs/crags: Mansour Gauche, Petite Gorges Rive (Gauche and Droite), Jardin d’été

This was a must-do on our bingo card. The go-to place to get the full sand dune experience in Morocco is the Sahara Desert, just outside the small, dusty village of Merzouga. It's a long journey, but very worth it if you have the time. There seem to be desert camps outside of Marrakech, but you don’t get the full dune experience that you do in the Sahara.

We hopped on camels and rode for an hour through the dunes, not a soul in sight except for the young Berber guide and camel herder who led us through the vast landscape. We were welcomed to our camp with Moroccan mint tea and sunset views over the Algerian mountains. A 4-course Moroccan feast was topped off by a performance of traditional African music under the Milky Way.

What an adventure - Morocco is so rad. It’s unique landscapes and slightly chaotic vibe made every day exciting and memorable. From the Atlantic coast to the Atlas Mountains, to the Sahara Desert, a Moroccan road trip has every reason to be on your bucket list.

• Rent a car - the flexibility and ease of navigation make a world of difference, plus rentals are very affordable.

• Get an eSIM through Orange Travel.

• Bring a film camera - Morocco looks great on film.

• Eat lots of Tagine. It varies from place to place!

• Bring lots of layers (I lived in the Ravi fleece, Shasta jacket, and Snowscape gloves) if travelling in the shoulder or winter season. It gets cold!