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Trek the North African Skies in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Published by Cat London, Writer
Country: Morocco 
The Experience
The cities of Morocco are unforgettable. Marrakesh, Fès, Casablanca, each city is a different feast for the senses with its vibrant colours, rich smells, and amazing culinary offerings. However, these cities can also be overwhelming, and sometimes a traveler in Morocco just needs to step out of the crowded streets, let go of the din of the vendors and follow the trail of adventure. If you're feeling the pressures of city life, find your way to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco for a breath of fresh mountain air, and an extraordinary trekking experience you'll never forget.
The High Atlas or the Grand Atlas Mountain range runs like a slash west to east for almost 1,000 kilometres across Morocco. The higher summits, such as the Jebel Toubkal, can rise up to the 4,167 metres high, and offer climbers endless opportunity for stunning vistas. There is an enormous variety of Atlas Mountain trekking tours, ranging from popular day trips from Marrakesh, to challenging six-day Toubkal Circuit treks, to even longer mule guided climbs.
The High Atlas Mountains, Africa's most northerly peaks, separates the arid southern Sahara from the moist Mediterranean climate of the north. Remarked for their rugged beauty, behind every bend in the trail lies breathtaking views over jagged cliffs and yawning gorges. Herds of goats move across the shrubby slopes; you may not see the goat-herder, but he will certainly see you.
Inhabited for centuries by pastoral people, small Berber settlements and terraced farms dot the mountainside. These small villages made of sun-baked mud houses cluster and cling to the formidable terrain of the High Atlas Mountains. Here life moves a little differently, crossing a mule cart with a line of women ambling bales of hay behind it is not an unusual experience.
Setting up a High Atlas Mountain trekking trip is easy to do from the small town of Imlil, which seems to be dedicated to serving the needs of travellers. The town’s guide bureau or bureau des guides will help you hire an official guide. Beware of imposter and unofficial guides, who will be far more interested in getting your money than in showcasing the region’s natural beauty. A guide is definitely recommended if you’re an inexperienced trekker or if you’re doing one of the more challenging Atlas Mountain treks; the terrain can be challenging and in addition to keeping you safe, a guide can help you find places you might otherwise stroll right by. Mules are also an option if you plan to carry a great deal of equipment; some treks require tents, but others pass through Berber villages where accommodation and meals can be arranged.
The High Atlas or the Grand Atlas Mountain range runs like a slash west to east for almost 1,000 kilometres across Morocco. The higher summits, such as the Jebel Toubkal, can rise up to the 4,167 metres high, and offer climbers endless opportunity for stunning vistas. There is an enormous variety of Atlas Mountain trekking tours, ranging from popular day trips from Marrakesh, to challenging six-day Toubkal Circuit treks, to even longer mule guided climbs.
The High Atlas Mountains, Africa's most northerly peaks, separates the arid southern Sahara from the moist Mediterranean climate of the north. Remarked for their rugged beauty, behind every bend in the trail lies breathtaking views over jagged cliffs and yawning gorges. Herds of goats move across the shrubby slopes; you may not see the goat-herder, but he will certainly see you.
Inhabited for centuries by pastoral people, small Berber settlements and terraced farms dot the mountainside. These small villages made of sun-baked mud houses cluster and cling to the formidable terrain of the High Atlas Mountains. Here life moves a little differently, crossing a mule cart with a line of women ambling bales of hay behind it is not an unusual experience.
Setting up a High Atlas Mountain trekking trip is easy to do from the small town of Imlil, which seems to be dedicated to serving the needs of travellers. The town’s guide bureau or bureau des guides will help you hire an official guide. Beware of imposter and unofficial guides, who will be far more interested in getting your money than in showcasing the region’s natural beauty. A guide is definitely recommended if you’re an inexperienced trekker or if you’re doing one of the more challenging Atlas Mountain treks; the terrain can be challenging and in addition to keeping you safe, a guide can help you find places you might otherwise stroll right by. Mules are also an option if you plan to carry a great deal of equipment; some treks require tents, but others pass through Berber villages where accommodation and meals can be arranged.
When to Go to Atlas Mountain
The best time to of year to trek the High Atlas Mountains is between May and September. Between October and April, the freezing temperatures and snow make trekking considerably more challenging and, in the case of some of the tallest summits, impossible.
Summer heat can be another obstacle to Moroccan mountain trekking, and some of the treks can also be crowded from June to August. However, if you plan ahead and try to do the more strenuous walking and climbing early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you should be able to get the best of the region in relative comfort.
Summer heat can be another obstacle to Moroccan mountain trekking, and some of the treks can also be crowded from June to August. However, if you plan ahead and try to do the more strenuous walking and climbing early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you should be able to get the best of the region in relative comfort.
Odds n' Ends
The locals are generally friendly and welcoming, but also opportunistic — expect the adults to try to sell you souvenirs and the children to ask you for money and candy. Sometimes the purchase of a trinket can lead to a friendly interchange once the pressure to sell has passed. A friendly, laughing gang of children built a rock bridge for my small group to get across a fast-moving creek and we shared our food with them in thanks. We spent a few hours enjoying the children’s company and playing football with them before we had to move on.
Be sure to ask locals before you photograph them. Your guide will be able to teach you the phrase for "May I take your photo?" or you can usually just gesture with your camera. If they say no, respect their answer.
Also be careful in your dree; do not wear sleeveless shirts, and whether you are female or male, stick to long pants, not shorts. Do not disrespect the conservative locals by embarrassing them with your clothing.
Be sure to ask locals before you photograph them. Your guide will be able to teach you the phrase for "May I take your photo?" or you can usually just gesture with your camera. If they say no, respect their answer.
Also be careful in your dree; do not wear sleeveless shirts, and whether you are female or male, stick to long pants, not shorts. Do not disrespect the conservative locals by embarrassing them with your clothing.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
In Imlil, a picturesque Berber town set in the Western High Atlas mountains, about an hour drive south of Marrakech, enjoy the genuine Moroccan hospitality ... 5 miles away
$223 MAD+
If you are into trekking, the Riad Oussagou offers cosy accommodations in the Atlas Moutains, in Morocco. This friendly guest house lies close to the ... 5 miles away
$200 MAD+
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