Overview: Tahia, is one of the worlds most spectacular climbing destination, with fresh streams bursting out of mountains and more big wall climbing than you can shake a stick at. However, there is very limited information out there in English. So if your planning a trip to Morocco here’s how to get there and what to expect: Getting There Starting your trip from Marrakech you can hop on a local bus to Zaouit Ahansal, roughly 3 hours, alternatively you can travel to Zaouit Ahansal from Oaouizeight, which although closer took us 11hours… Zaouit Ahansal: https://goo.gl/maps/fmQG4SRL8BM2 Once in Zaouite cross the bridge and turn right, it's a short 5 min walk to the guest house. Here you can arrange a donkey to transport any bags/gear you have to Tahia. This should cost 100DH. It’s only about a 2-3 hour walk. One of the most beautify walks I’ve ever seen, it’s quite unbelievable. Once in Tahia there are several Guest Houses. The one we stayed at had some of the best food we’ve had in Morocco and was 120 a night including food. You’ll find the guest houses have print outs of French guide books, so if your French isn’t too hot download google translate. This area of the Atlas has more to offer than climbing with breathtaking hikes across the Atlas range or spectacular Canyoning with some of the purist waters in Morocco. The Climbing This is all big wall climbing with the small climbs around 8-10 pitches. There are some bolted routes, but even on these it's nice to have a few cams/friends. To get the most out of your visit take Trad gear. Here are some pictures from the French guide books we used (These are by far the easiest of the climbs there): Weather/Season March, April, May, June are the prime months with the weather getting rather hot from June onwards. The weather can be unpredictable no matter what time of year, with big storms coming in that last days. Unfortunately that's the nature of the Atlas mountains. When it's good, it's good! With dry air and clear, long days and clear skies. What to Bring Guest houses are affordable ranging from 100-150 a night (usually with food included) so no tent needed. Food - It is limited due the remoteness, so bring so luxury items i.e. chocolate and nut. Head-torch - Most climbs will see even the fittest climbers finishing after sunset so bring a USB chargeable head-torch as buy batteries will prove difficult. Helmets - There's a lot of loose rock in Tahia and normally other climbers not to far away so Helmets are essential. Rope - Pitches are as long as 60m often so two half ropes of at least 60m. Trad Gear - There are bolted routes so it is possible to go without Trad gear, but we struggled. As a minimum bring some friends/cams. First Aid - You are a long way from medical help so bring some first aid. Translation - Not many people speak English so some form of translation to French is useful. Contacts
Here are two Cards one for a guest house in Tahia, and the other for a local guide. |