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Who knew Morocco’s one of the world’s best locations for a spot of white water rafting?!
Between riding camels through the Sahara Desert and bartering in souks in Marrakesh, there’s a hell of a lot more to Morocco than people realise.
A simple 2-hour journey just 55 miles south from Marrakesh takes you to the High Atlas Mountains, where there’s ample opportunity for hiking and climbing and – now – white water rafting.
In the midst of the beautiful burnt orange gorges of the mountains lies Morocco’s very own Grand Canyon, where the Ahansal River flits between gentle flows and mighty crashes.
It’s the perfect recipe for white water rafting.
And since the activity’s a relatively new offering in this area of Morocco, it’s rarely busy, and it’s still bloody beautiful too.
What’s so good about white water rafting?
For starters, you’ll get an adrenaline rush like no other. If you’re an adrenaline junkie (like all typical Bucketlisters), then you’re probably always on the lookout for something you can do to get the rush, and white water rafting certainly won’t let you down.
The thrill of navigating your way through intense rapids, never knowing what’s around the next bend, waters crashing over you, well it’s more than a recipe for fun.
Apparently it even releases chemicals in your brain that make you focus on the task in hand! And it’s quite the de-stresser too.
With little to think about when you’re trying to decide which way to turn, where to put your paddle, how to stay alive – you’ll be fine – white water rafting’s a great way to let your hair down and temper your tension.
If you’re looking for a new hobby that’ll help you get back to your happy place, it’s most probably out on the water. There’s nothing like a healthy dose of clean air and a great sense of achievement.
White water rafting Morocco: good for your physical health
White water rafting isn’t just good for your mental health either, it’s great for your body too.
At the height of the rapids, you’re constantly twisting, turning, tensing, balancing and paddling – it’s the perfect way to sculpt those arms and build up some strength, maybe unearth a few extra abs too.
This hilarious, exciting and sensationally fun workout is great for your cardiovascular system and your core strength.
Reap the benefits of white water rafting – and do it somewhere truly beautiful, in Morocco
There’s so much to be said for getting outside and down and dirty with nature, and white water rafting gives you more than ample opportunity.
You’ll experience nature in a way like no other – beautiful sights all around and unique sounds of the river filling you up as you glide on through. And – trust us – doing it somewhere in the UK is nothing on the Ahansal.
So if you want to step out of your busy day-to-day, get away and experience true peace and serenity – and if you wouldn’t mind spotting some wildlife that you probably wouldn’t otherwise see – then white water rafting in Morocco is for you.
Why do white water rafting in Morocco?
There aren’t many better places to hop aboard a raft and hit the white waters than on the Ahansal in Morocco.
Morocco’s very own Grand Canyon provides an adventure on the whitest of waters – and in the midst of the stunning burnt orange gorges of the High Atlas Mountains. Like we said, it’s pretty unique, and it’s virtually tourist-free too.
You’re much more likely to see a wild monkey greeting you from a Berber village on the edge of the river than you are to bump into another raft on your travels.
And whatever level of experience you’re at, whether that’s novice, expert or anything in between, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime on the Ahansal River in Central Morocco.
Seriously, even if you have to google what rafting is, it doesn’t matter!
How much experience do you need to do white water rafting in Morocco?
Doesn’t matter how much experience you’ve got, you’ll have the time of your life on the Ahansal for some white water rafting Morocco style.
Between paddling through the crystal-clear azure waters and holding on for dear life as you thunder through the rocks, you’ll experience the perfect mix of peace and pulse-raisers on this rafting adventure.
The only qualification you need is your age – our white water rafting Morocco trips are only for people aged 16+.
When should you do white water rafting in Morocco?
That depends on the snow. Not expecting that answer? Don’t worry, we don’t mean the snow that’s around during your white water rafting Morocco trip – we mean the snow that fell before.
You see, these gorges look very different depending on the time of year you go, and your white water rafting opportunities depend entirely on how much snow fell on the High Atlas Mountains during the previous winter.
The Ahansal’s a melt-water, meaning it’s formed from the snow that fell, so if there’s been no snow all winter, there’s no rafting.
No need to panic though, there’s almost always enough water to get the Ahansal flowing from March to late May and even into June if the mountains have had more than their usual dusting during the winter.
There’s no better way to tick white water rafting Morocco style off your Bucket List than with The Bucket List Company!
Bookended by two days in Marrakech, our rafting adventure has it all. You’ll be transported away from the hustle and bustle of the souks and into the beautiful depths of the Moroccan countryside, past waterfalls and beauty spots to the edge of the Ahansal.
And then the rafting starts.
The route takes you winding through the class 3 and 4 rapids as you manoeuvre down the river at breath-taking speed.
Don’t worry though, we won’t leave you unattended!
Guides will be on hand to help you find your way to the river campsite each day, where a local team will greet you with fresh mint tea (or a beer). And cooks will be busy preparing a delicious evening meal before you enjoy a night under the stars.
Try to take a minute to pause at the end of the day and soak in the experience because it’s properly unique.
If you’re ready to feel the fresh, cold spray of the white water, to see what Berber life is like and get up close and personal with some VERY audacious monkeys – AND do it all under the watchful eye of Morocco’s magnificent High Atlas Mountains… This is the trip for you!
If you don’t tick it off your Bucket List now, will you ever?
If you enjoyed this guide to White Water Rafting Morocco click the link below to find out about our trips.
