Spring picnics are back, and now is the perfect time to book in for a hiking experience along the Zalagh Hillside.
You can take a break from the heat of the city with a qualified private guide and chauffeur who will pick you up from Palais Amani and drive you into the heart of the Berber countryside. In Berber, Zalagh means male kid goat, and a hike along the backbone of this massive hillside gives you a taste of the Berber way of life, less than 30 minutes from the city below. Soak up the panoramic views over Fez’s sprawling medina and the Rif mountains, the Sebou Valley and Sais Plains, and get a taste of the local way of life, as you pass ancient olive groves, farmsteads, livestock, and crops. The locals use mules to farm, cook with firewood and collect their water from the local well. The 1.5-hour hike to Zalagh’s summit suits athletic types as well as inexperienced hikers (you can go at a pace to suit individual fitness), though a good set of trainers/walking shoes, suncream and a hat are essential.
Despite its proximity to the city, the hillside is never crowded. Then after all that exertion you can treat yourself to a luxury picnic under the shade of pine trees. Moroccan picnics are renowned for their mezze platter of small dishes — Moroccan Salads, grilled vegetables, freshly baked Moroccan bread, flavored barbecue, and seasonal frech fruits. You can also look forward to homemade bread (khobz), cheeses and delicious pastries.
Hiking excursion: 3 hours 30 minutes at €195.00/pax*
Liz Hoggard
Travel Journalist
