Hiking in Chaouen is one of the most interesting options for lovers of this activity who travel to Morocco. Are you also one of them? Then, here we give you a proposal: hiking in the Talassemtane National Park. If you are planning to make a circuit with us and you think you will have some free time to move around in the Riftake note of what you can do here.
What is Talassemtane National Park?
The Talassemtane National Park is probably the most valuable protected area in the Rif Mountains. Thanks to its relative proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and to its rainfall regime (higher than in almost all the Moroccan territory), its landscapes stand out by a special greennessespecially radiant in spring.
The surface area of this national park exceeds 50,000 hectares and is very close to Chaouen. Its highest mountains are over 2,000 meters high and not only stands out for its biodiversity (about 750 plant species), but especially for its endemic species.
For example, the pinsaposa type of fir tree that is now only naturally present in southern Spain and northern Morocco. Spain and in the north of Morocco.and is considered an extraordinary survivor of the last ice age. There is, of course, no shortage of cedarsbut there are also abundant cork oaks, black pines and black pines and wild olive trees, among many other examples. As for the fauna, the most striking (and perhaps the most visible) animal is the Barbary macaqueía, although foxes and wild boars also live here.
Hiking proposals in the park
The Talassemtane National Park is one of the best adapted areas for hiking in Morocco. It has numerous routes, many of which are marked. There is also a ecomuseum in one of the entrances to the protected area, interesting mainly for its cartographic material. And in its surroundings there are companies and professionals specialized in this activity, such as mountain and green tourism guides who can accompany travelers on a one-day route (or even several) through this privileged environment. In addition, rural lodgings are emerging, somehow equivalent to the rural houses of Europe, known as gite(as distinct from the riad) where you can enjoy a quiet stay with traditional atmosphere and activities.
For those who wish to make a day trip, it is essential to have a 4×4 vehicle. 4×4 vehicle that can take the traveler into the protected area and, after a walk of several hours, bring him back to Chaouen. Among the places that can be discovered in this way are the pinsapar or small villages in its interior, such as Zaouiya Habteene.
On the other hand, those who have 5 days and enough energy for a great walking route through the interior of the park, can take note of this proposed routewhich will allow you to reach the most representative places of the park:
- Day 1: from Chaouen to Afeksa, along the slopes of Jebl el Kelaa
- Day 2: from Chaouen to Akchur, with an interesting detour to reach the Bridge of God.
- Day 3: from Akchur to Abu Bnar, with the ascent of Jebl Azra
- Day 4: from Abu Bnar to the village of Talassemtane, with ports of beautiful views
- Day 5: From Talassemtane to Bab Taza, already on the descent
In any case, one should not underestimate the risks present in nature itself, such as the occasional presence of a scorpion, snake or horseshoe snake. Therefore, to avoid the risk of becoming disoriented, it is strongly recommended to be accompanied by professional and knowledgeable guides and knowledgeable guides for any route, no matter how short it may be.
