Morocco's National Parks: A Guide

Morocco's national parks cover a genuinely wide range of landscape, from North Africa's highest peak to Atlantic wetlands, and most are easy to combine with a wider tour.

Toubkal National Park

Morocco's first national park, established in 1942, about 70km south of Marrakech. It's home to Jebel Toubkal, at 4,167 metres the highest peak in North Africa, along with trekking routes between Berber villages and wildlife including Barbary sheep and golden eagles. Imlil is the usual trailhead.

Ifrane National Park

In the Middle Atlas near the town of Ifrane, this park is known for its cedar forests and alpine lakes, and for one of the last strongholds of the endangered Barbary macaque. Winter brings snow and a genuinely alpine feel.

Souss-Massa National Park

South of Agadir on the Atlantic coast, protecting wetlands, dunes and a river estuary — and one of the last homes of the critically endangered northern bald ibis. A good stop for birdwatching alongside a coastal itinerary.

Talassemtane National Park

In the Rif mountains near Chefchaouen, home to the Akchour waterfalls and the natural rock arch known as "God's Bridge" (Pont de Dieu), set among Moroccan fir and cedar forest.

Al Hoceima National Park

On the Mediterranean coast, covering both land and marine zones — turquoise water, limestone cliffs and hidden beaches, good for hiking, snorkelling and diving.

When to visit

Spring and autumn suit the mountain parks (Toubkal, Talassemtane) best; summer works for the coastal parks (Al Hoceima, Souss-Massa); winter is a good season for birdwatching at Souss-Massa.

Travelling responsibly

Use a certified local guide, stay in small local lodges where you can, pack out anything you bring in, and give wildlife space — all of this makes a real difference in protected areas this size.

Our Atlas Mountains day trip runs through the edge of Toubkal National Park, and several of our longer tours pass through the Rif near Talassemtane — tell us which landscape interests you most and we'll route accordingly.