26th March 2010

Rafting In Morocco – Who Can Do It?

When people picture Morocco, they think Sahara Desert and let’s face it, the rafting won’t be very good there! However, Morocco is home to the Atlas Mountains and the wonderful rivers that feed from it.  Water by Nature pioneered rafting in Morocco 25 years ago and we still believe it’s a magical place to raft.

rafting through a deep gorge on the Ahansel River
Rafting through this spectacular gorge on the Ahansel is reason enough.

But who can go rafting in Morocco?

The Ahansel River is a perfect Grade 3 river, suitable for first timers, families wanting to go rafting and seasoned rafters just wanting to go and explore a river off the beaten track.

First time rafters

Never rafted before or have only done short day trips? This is the trip for you as the rapids are fun, but not overwhelming. With four nights of camping and four days of rafting, it’s enough to get you used to the rhythm of rafting life. By the end of the trip, you will be hooked and excited to take on longer trips with bigger rapids.

Families

Families with children from the age of eight and up will love this trip. There’s something primal about sitting around a campfire that people of all ages love. But there’s also the change to play games on the beaches, the adrenalin of paddling through rapids or the joy of swimming with local kids.  This is an experience that will transform even the surliest of teens. It’s something very few of their friends will have done and will spark their passion for adventure. Did we mention that you don’t get signal on the river? That means no phones, which means kids and teens are forced to reconnect with family. We’ve seen first hand the transformation this has on them. Add in a desert extension with camel riding, a trip to the beach or haggling for trinkets in the Marrakesh markets, and they will be sold. And best of all, the Morocco season lands squarely during Easter holidays.

Experienced rafters

When you’ve rafted many of the world’s biggest rivers, a grade 3 might seem tame. But Morocco is an off the beaten track destination, with incredible gorges and beaches and enough fun on the river to keep even the most experienced rafter entertained. The water levels vary from year to year. Big water means bouncy fun, low water means technical navigation. But there is so much to see and do in Morocco beyond the river, including our desert experience. It a country worth exploring and with a rafting fix as part of it, you’re on to a winner.

The best time to raft in Morocco

The best time to go to Morocco is March and April, when the Spring run off is at its best. The latest the river can be run is early May.

rafting past spectacular strata on the Ahansel river
You wont be just looking at the river as we pass spectacular rock formations

Interested? Check out our Hidden Morocco or Desert and Rivers adventures and get ready for an amazing experience.

by Hamish McMaster

Hamish McMaster is the Water By Nature owner. He has spent the past 25 years exploring and playing on the world's great rivers. He still loves nothing more than getting out there and sharing adventures.


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