Morocco's Stunning National Parks

Located in the High Atlas Mountains and within easy reach of Marrakech, Toubkal National Park is home to the highest mountain in North Africa: the soaring Jbel Toubkal. Other mountains within the undulating park include Le Tichki, L’Aksoual, Bou Iguenouane, and Ouanoukrim. Founded in 1942, it is the oldest national park in Morocco. It is also the nation’s most-visited national park. The cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air make it a popular retreat from the thronging crowds of the city. There are several hiking trails through the park, including the challenging Toubkal Circuit.

Situated in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane National Park is known for its cool temperatures, Barbary macaques and aromatic cedar forests. Within easy reach of the heart of Ifrane town, the park is home to a rich array of flora and fauna. In addition to cedar trees, more than 1,000 other plant species grow in the area – these include pines, junipers, maples, yews and oaks. Various species of birds flit through the branches and fly through the skies, while animals that call the park home include different reptiles, barbary boars and rodents.

Dakhla National Park can be found in the southern part of Morocco. The highlight is a large and striking lagoon that not only looks divine but is also home to several interesting creatures. Keep a lookout for dolphins and porpoises swimming through the waves as various birds bob on the waters and fly through the skies. You may also – if you’re lucky – catch a glimpse of a rare and endangered monk seal.

A fairly small and remote national park, Al Hoceima National Park includes coastal lands and sections of the sea. The rough terrain is best explored in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A top place for cycling and hiking, visitors can see several rare and endangered plant and animal species, including fish eagles and thuya forests. There are a number of Berber villages sprinkled throughout the park.

Located close to the popular beach resort of Agadir, Souss-Massa National Park is another top spot for keen bird watchers. The estuary attracts many feathered creatures – spotting an endangered northern bald ibis is a highlight for many visitors. Breeding programs for creatures such as gazelle and oryx are undertaken in the park, where its landscapes include beaches, dunes, and wetlands.

If you’re keen to experience the rugged splendour of the desert, be sure to add Iriqui National Park to your Moroccan bucket list. The national park is located in the provinces of Tata and Zagora, between the Anti Atlas Mountains and the Draa River. There are rolling sand dunes, an acacia-studded savanna and a woodland-covered steppe. Lake Iriqui is a haven for diverse bird species, attracting a number of migratory birds like flamingoes and geese. Other creatures that visitors may spot in the park include lizards, barbary sheep, ostriches, snakes, gazelles and striped hyenas.

Situated close to the Atlantic coast, Khnifiss National Park’s terrain includes sand dunes, wetlands, limestone flats and patches of arid desert. The impressive Khnifiss Lagoon is the biggest lagoon along Morocco’s coastline. A great place for avid ornithologists, the lagoon is home to ducks, gulls and other bird species – and plans are afoot to develop and promote the area for ecotourism.

Located in the central part of Morocco, Khenifra National Park is also sometimes known as Aguelmame Azigza National Park. Home to diverse flora and fauna, it’s especially known for its two large and beautiful lakes: Lake Aguelmame Sidi Ali and Lake Aguelmame Aziza. The park attracts relatively few international visitors but is a wonder to see if you adore nature.

Situated in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Tazekka National Park contains a number of interesting natural and geological attractions, including canyons, caves, rock formations and waterfalls. The main mountain in the park is Jbel Tazekka, whose peak is often enveloped by thick clouds. Dense forests include magnificent oak trees and cork trees. Red foxes, porcupines, North African boars, wolves and barbary stags live in the forests.