Explore Morocco
Atlas Mountains
Berber villages, valleys and North Africa's highest peak
Overview
Discover Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas rises just south of Marrakech, its peaks snow-capped for part of the year. Here, Amazigh (Berber) villages of earth and stone cling to terraced valleys planted with walnut and apple trees.
You can visit on a relaxed day trip — lunch with a local family, a walk to a waterfall — or stay in a mountain lodge and hike for several days. Jebel Toubkal, at around 4,167 m, is the highest summit in North Africa.
Things to do
Top things to do in Atlas Mountains
- 01
Imlil & the Toubkal foothills
Gentle to challenging walks between villages, with mules to carry bags.
- 02
Ourika Valley
A green valley with riverside cafés and the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
- 03
Lunch in a Berber home
Tagine and mint tea with a family — one of our favorite experiences.
- 04
Toubkal ascent
A two-day climb for fit hikers, with a guide and a night in a refuge.
- 05
Tizi n'Tichka pass
The spectacular mountain road to Ouarzazate and the desert.
Best experiences
Our favorite ways to enjoy it
- Guided village-to-village hike
- Night in a mountain eco-lodge
- Argan and saffron cooperatives
Travel tips
- Imlil is about 1.5 hours from Marrakech.
- Toubkal requires good fitness and a certified mountain guide; winter ascents need specialist equipment.
- Temperatures drop quickly with altitude — bring layers.
FAQ
Atlas Mountains: your questions
Do I need to be fit to visit the Atlas Mountains?
Not at all. Many visits involve short, easy walks. Multi-day treks and a Toubkal ascent do require good fitness.
Tailor-made Morocco
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