The Ahansal River "Morocco's Grand Canyon"
The Ahansal River, Morocco
When you think of a tour of Morocco, you think quickly to the Sahara, camels, sun and exotic scenery. But have you heard of the Atlas Mountains? Mt Toubkal after Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain (4167m) in North Africa. While white-water enthusiasts have been riding the cataracts of the Atlas Mountains for decades, Morocco’s only just beginning to enter the wide public consciousness as a top rafting and kayaking destination. In winter it is full of snow and summer are formed from the melt water, few large rivers. This bright, blue, icy winds its whitewater below a temperature of up to 30 degrees way through the red-colored mountains. It is an ideal combination of desert and mountainous landscape. Grade 3/4 snow melt river running from March-late May each year. With heavy snow fall it can run into June. This is a multi-day rafting trip that can be between 2-5 days depending on sections used and water levels. A remote and stunning river.
The M’Goun geopark, located in the Moroccan central region of Tadla-Azilal, has obtained recently the UNESCO “Global Geopark” label.
"M’Goun Geopark is located in the middle of the Central High Atlas mountains in Morocco. The Central High Atlas is the highest and largest of mountain ranges in the country. The geological heritage of the Geopark includes outstanding mineralogical and paleontological features, like abundant dinosaur trackways of theropods and sauropodes, geomorphologic sites like the Jurassic limestone bridge Pont d’Imin Ifri, or waterfalls, and impressive conglomerate cliffs. There is also ample evidence of human occupation since prehistoric times including rock art and artifacts.. Its rich cultural heritage, bears witness to the centuries-old presence of the Amazigh (Berber) people with typical traditional architecture and granaries."
The M’Goun geopark, located in the Moroccan central region of Tadla-Azilal, has obtained recently the UNESCO “Global Geopark” label.
"M’Goun Geopark is located in the middle of the Central High Atlas mountains in Morocco. The Central High Atlas is the highest and largest of mountain ranges in the country. The geological heritage of the Geopark includes outstanding mineralogical and paleontological features, like abundant dinosaur trackways of theropods and sauropodes, geomorphologic sites like the Jurassic limestone bridge Pont d’Imin Ifri, or waterfalls, and impressive conglomerate cliffs. There is also ample evidence of human occupation since prehistoric times including rock art and artifacts.. Its rich cultural heritage, bears witness to the centuries-old presence of the Amazigh (Berber) people with typical traditional architecture and granaries."
As rafting and kayaking becomes more established in Morocco new routes will open-up, but here are the top 4 :
Ahansal River: Open for business from March-June and typically run as a 4 day trip from Marrakech. Buried in the Atlas the Ahansal River carves through 80km of mountain scenery providing a stunning backdrop of saw-tooth peaks to vertiginous gorges. The river itself is fairly lazy and suited to beginners, although there’s usually some white-water. Read more
Assif Melloul: A beautiful gorge hidden in the High Atlas of Morocco. Its a scenic class 3 river suited for beginners, although class 4/5 in high water conditions. Read more
N’Fiss River: A family friendly day trip from Marrakech, but one that’s guaranteed to get the heart beating a little faster. The rafting takes place over 20km of the N’Fiss River and is a great way to get a glimpse of Berber mountain life. Read more
Ourika River: Ramping up the grades the Ourika provides the opportunity to test your technical rafting or kayaking skills. Again just a short hop from Marrakech the river is divided into three sections to suit all abilities. Single sections can be paddled in a half day or all three combined for full day on the river. Read more
Ahansal River: Open for business from March-June and typically run as a 4 day trip from Marrakech. Buried in the Atlas the Ahansal River carves through 80km of mountain scenery providing a stunning backdrop of saw-tooth peaks to vertiginous gorges. The river itself is fairly lazy and suited to beginners, although there’s usually some white-water. Read more
Assif Melloul: A beautiful gorge hidden in the High Atlas of Morocco. Its a scenic class 3 river suited for beginners, although class 4/5 in high water conditions. Read more
N’Fiss River: A family friendly day trip from Marrakech, but one that’s guaranteed to get the heart beating a little faster. The rafting takes place over 20km of the N’Fiss River and is a great way to get a glimpse of Berber mountain life. Read more
Ourika River: Ramping up the grades the Ourika provides the opportunity to test your technical rafting or kayaking skills. Again just a short hop from Marrakech the river is divided into three sections to suit all abilities. Single sections can be paddled in a half day or all three combined for full day on the river. Read more
Feedback from our guest:
Berber Whiskey
"Waking up in a beautiful Bedouin tent with the smell of Berber Whiskey lingering in the air and a day filled with adventure ahead of you. And then, when you’ve climbed into the raft, adrenaline rushes through your body while you conquer rapids and traverse humbling canyons. Berber Rafting Adventures will introduce you to places you’ll never forget: from hidden patios in the centre of Marrakesh to spectacular views in the High Altas Mountains. Under the guidance of experienced mountaineers and raftguides (Yann!) you will discover the hospitable Berber culture and cherish – until months after – the wonderful people , the food and of course the amazing trip!"
By Anne Annie
Berber Whiskey
"Waking up in a beautiful Bedouin tent with the smell of Berber Whiskey lingering in the air and a day filled with adventure ahead of you. And then, when you’ve climbed into the raft, adrenaline rushes through your body while you conquer rapids and traverse humbling canyons. Berber Rafting Adventures will introduce you to places you’ll never forget: from hidden patios in the centre of Marrakesh to spectacular views in the High Altas Mountains. Under the guidance of experienced mountaineers and raftguides (Yann!) you will discover the hospitable Berber culture and cherish – until months after – the wonderful people , the food and of course the amazing trip!"
By Anne Annie
