Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLIMBING JEBEL EL-KELAÂ
Looming over Chefchaouen at 1616m, Jebel el-Kelaâ might initially appear a daunting peak, but with
an early start, it can easily be climbed in a day if you're in reasonably good shape.
The hike starts from behind Camping Azilane, following the 4WD track that takes you to the ham-
let of
Aïn Tissimlane
. Rocks painted with a yellow and white stripe indicate that you're on the right
path. The initial hour is relatively steep as you climb above the trees to get your first views over
Chefchaouen, before cutting into the mountains along the steady
piste
(track). You should reach Aïn
Tissimlane within a couple of hours of setting out, after which the path climbs and zigzags steeply
through great boulders for nearly an hour to a pass. Turn west along the track, which leads to the
saddle of the mountain, from where you can make the final push to the summit. There's a rough path,
although you'll need to scramble in places. The peak is attained relatively quickly, and your exertions
are rewarded with the most sublime views over this part of the Rif.
It's straightforward and quick to descend by the same route. Alternatively, you can head north from
the saddle on a path that takes you to a cluster of villages on the other side of the mountain. One of
these villages,
El-Kelaâ
, has 16th-century grain stores and a mosque with a leaning minaret. From
here, a number of simple tracks will take you back to Chefchaouen in a couple of hours.
Festivals & Events
Active cultural association
Rif el-Andalus
( 0539 98 68 00)
organises two events in July.
One is a large open-air art exhibition, and the other is the
Alegría
, an international music
festival.
Sleeping
Chefchaouen has a large number of accommodation options. As the medina is what you'll
come to Chefchaouen for, it's best to stay here, though there are some good options out-
side the walls. Some hotels have heating; if not, you will be sleeping beneath plenty of
blankets during cold winter nights.
Medina
Hostal Guernika
GUESTHOUSE
€
( 0539 98 74 34; hostalguernika@hotmail.com; 49 Onssar; d/tr Dh200/300, d with heating Dh270)
This
is a warm and charming place, with a very caring and attentive owner, near the Pl el-Ma-
jzen. Most rooms are large and bright, facing the mountains. All have showers, and there's
