High Atlas Mts

The High Atlas mountains form the largest and most dramatic range in Morocco, with many peak over 3,000 m and some over 4,000 m.  A quick journey south of Marrakech, or even shorter trip north of Taroudant, the range offers a huge range of trekking opportunities or a chance to relax in stunning surroundings.

High Atlas

The Region

The range has several peaks over 3,000 m and has North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4,176 m), which lies within the Toubkal National Park.

Higher areas are snow covered in winter, with peaks remaining topped with snow through into the spring. The mountains are easily accessed, being only 1-1.5 hours south of Marrakech or 30 minutes north of Taroudant.

The High Atlas range runs for 700 km from the Atlantic coast near Agadir and Essaouira eastwards, past Marrakech and beyond. Its sharp peaks, deep valleys, and high plateaus create a dramatic landscape. The many pretty, remote Berber villages offer an easy escape from towns or cities for visitors wanting to trek or relax in beautiful mountain scenery. 

Things to do or see

The High Atlas offers numerous options for trekking but it is equally a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and air.

The region has a number of spectacular passes, gorges, and interesting places to visit:

  • The breathtaking Tiz n Test mountain pass, on the Marrakech to Taroudant road and the atmospheric Tin Mal Mosque, one of only 2 that non Muslims can enter in Morocco.
  • The Tizi n Taghatine mountain pass, on its southern edge on the Taroudant to Zagora or Ouarzazate road, a lower route passing through the volcanic Jbel Siroua, an area famous for its saffron and carpet-producing centres.
  • The Tizi n Tickha mountain pass, on the Marrakech to Ouarzazate (and Skoura) road, off which the Glaoui Kasbah at Telouet is well worth a visit.
  • The spectacular Todra and Dades gorges on the southern edge of the High Atlas Mountains and the Oued Nfiss gorges on the northern edge of the range near Ouirgane.

Places in the Region

The High Atlas offers numerous options for trekking but it is equally a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and air.

Near Marrakech:

  • Asni - the first significant small town when entering the range from Marrakech.
  • Imlil - the most significant trekking village, lying at 1,800 m above sea level at the end of a valley where most treks to Djebel Toubkal begin.
  • Ouirgane - a village in a wonderful bowl shaped valley in the High Atlas at 1,000 m above sea level, a good base for trekking or to travel on to the Tiz n Test Pass and Tinmel Mosque.
  • Ourika valley - a lush green valley in the foothills of the mountains close to Marrakech.

Near Taroudant and Agadir:

  • Afensou - a small village with a spring and verdant palm gardens at 800 m above sea level, just an hour north of Taroudant.
  • Grarga - easy day treks available at Atlas Kasbah in the foothills of the mountains; the area benefits from the moderating effects of the Atlantic ocean, not being far inland from the resort of Agadir.

Weather

The best time to visit the region is between March and November. On the other hand, from December until February one can enjoy crisp sunny days and very cold nights; be sure to take warm clothes for the evenings. The higher reaches of the High Atlas are a pleasant escape from the heat in summer, since the accommodation we offer lies between 800 and 1,800 m above sea level. It is difficult to supply useful statistics, since altitudes vary rising up to over 4,000 m and weather is unpredictable, as in any mountain environment.

The higher parts of the High Atlas mountains receive snow during winter; however, it is relatively rare for roads to be blocked. Valleys may be susceptible to flash flooding from rain and in spring (from snowmelt).