Morocco Rock
Level 2 : Instructional Course
Enjoy 'traditional' rock climbing courses in the stunning Anti-Atlas mountains of Morocco, North Africa.
ISM recently explored the incredible traditional climbing terrain of Morocco’s Anti-Atlas mountains and came away seriously impressed. This hidden gem offers an ideal setting for climbers looking to develop their skills, with an abundance of quality routes, reliable rock, and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Set against a backdrop of striking landscapes and rich local culture, the Anti-Atlas combines excellent climbing conditions with warm, sunny weather - making it a perfect destination for both progression and adventure.
Course Highlights
Unique travel and cultural experience in North Africa
Coaching in you personal climbing technique, to help build confidence
Learn the essential skills to become more independent outdoor rock climbing
Expert guiding and instruction from experienced ISM Guides
Learning Outcomes
The week is designed to build your confidence and competence in trad rock climbing. It is suited to those who are seeking a fun and adventurous week in what feels like a very alpine and remote setting! This is a great opportunity to develop and push your trad climbing and will almost most definitely build confidence and independence in what is a very adventurous week.
By the end of the course, you’ll feel equipped to head out on your own and set up top ropes safely, allowing you to enjoy climbing outdoors with friends while using appropriate rope systems and techniques. Along the way, you’ll also begin to understand the principles behind lead climbing, gain hands-on experience with placing traditional gear, and be introduced to the fundamentals of multi-pitch climbing.
Climbing in the Anti-Atlas
Over the past three decades, Morocco has earned a reputation as a world-class climbing destination… but the Anti-Atlas mountains stand apart. Here, vast stretches of unbolted rock preserve a true sense of adventure, offering exceptional trad climbing alongside reliable sunshine, striking landscapes, and a rich cultural backdrop. Occasional bolted routes on the granite add variety, creating a uniquely diverse and rewarding climbing experience.
Located around 90km southeast of Agadir, the Anti-Atlas is an expansive range with an almost endless supply of routes, from single pitches to long multi-pitch adventures up to 600 metres. The compact quartzite rock provides excellent friction and features an abundance of cracks, meaning routes are generally well protected. Climbers of all abilities will find something to enjoy, with particularly strong options in the low to moderate grades.
For those looking to escape the unpredictable UK climate, the Anti-Atlas is an ideal autumn and winter destination. Its proximity to the Sahara brings predominantly dry, sunny weather - perfect conditions for consistent climbing.
The journey begins with a flight to Marrakesh, where we spend the first night in a traditional riad in the heart of the Medina, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the city. The following day, we travel by road to Tafraout, our base for the week. From here, we have easy access to the surrounding climbing areas, as well as plenty to explore in the town during rest periods.
Morocco’s culture is warm and welcoming, shaped by a gentle Islamic influence. In this region, life is largely Berber, with communities maintaining a relaxed, agricultural way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. It’s a remote and rugged landscape, where Arabic, Berber, and French are commonly spoken, and where visitors are offered a genuine glimpse into a timeless way of life.
Course Content
Skills devivered -
- Basic ropework and belaying techniques
- Personal climbing technique
- General crag safety
- Building safe anchors
- Stance organisation
- Abseiling
- Placing tradition protection in the rock for security
- Equipment
- Crag safety & the environment
Itinerary
Friday
Fly to Marrakesh - Cultural evening in Marrakesh and night in a traditional riad in the medina
Saturday
Travel day - journey bar car to Tafraout in the Anti-Atlas
Sunday
Warm up day rock climbing, refreshing the basics on a single pitch crag. Single pitch rock climbing on variety of routes.
Monday
Single pitch rock climbing, preparing for a multi-pitch route
Tuesday - Thursday
Multi-pitch climbing, stance organisation
Friday
Travel day - return to Marrakesh. Cultural evening and night in a traditional Riad in the medina
Saturday
Fly home
Course Dates & Booking
Please call for availability
Vital Information
Short introduction to vital information. This is everything you need to know about attending this course, links to other pages
All Vital Information
