All About the Wonderful Atlas Mountains You Need to Know for Your Next Trip

High Atlas

The High Atlas range in central Morocco stretches from the Atlantic coast in the west to the Morocco – Algeria border. Especially, it has several peaks higher than 4,000m, including North Africa’s highest peak, Toubkal (4,167m) and Ighil m’Goun (4,071m). On the Atlantic coast and to the southwest, the range lowers sharply and turns into the Anti-Atlas. To the north, in the direction of Marrakesh, the mountain range descends more slowly. On top of Ouarzazate, the massif is cut by the Draa valley to the south. It is mainly settled by Berbers who live in small villages and cultivate in the highlands of the Ourika valley. Near Barrage Cavagnac there is a hydroelectric dam that creates the artificial lake Lalla Takerkoust. This lake is also a source of fish for local fishermen.

The largest villages and towns in the region are Ouarzazate, Tahannaout, Amizmiz, Imlil, Tin Mal and Ijoukak.

Middle Atlas

The Middle Atlas range lies entirely within Morocco and lies to the north of the three major Atlas ranges. The mountain range is separated from the Higher Atlas by the rivers Moulouya and Oum Er-Rbia, and lies on the five side of the Rif, separated by the Sebou River. To the west are the coastal plains of Morocco with many major cities. Additionally, to the east are the plateaus between the Sahara and the Tell Atlas. The highest point of the Middle Atlas is Jbel Bou Naceur (3,340m). Particularly, the Middle Atlas receives more rainfall than the southern region, making it an important reservoir for coastal plains and biodiversity. It is home to the majority of individuals of the Macaca Sylvanus species.

Anti-Atlas

Anti-Atlas Mountains run from the Atlantic coast in southwestern Morocco to the northeast with the peak of Ouarzazate and east to the city of Tafilalt, about 500km long. To the south, it borders the Sahara Desert. The easternmost point of the Anti-Atlas is the Jbel Saghro range and the northernmost point is part of the High Atlas range. Also, the area includes the Djebel Siroua, a massif of volcanic origin with its highest peak at 3,304m. Jebel Bani is a lower mountain range that runs along the southern slopes of the Anti-Atlas.

Tell Atlas

The Tell Atlas Range is a mountain range over 1,500km long, stretching from Morocco to Algeria and Tunisia. It runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. Together with the Sahara Atlas to the south, the two mountain ranges run roughly parallel and reach the same point in the east, joining in eastern Algeria. The area to the south of the range is the Hautes Plaines, with lakes during the rainy season and fields of rain during the dry season.

Sahara Atlas

The Sahara Atlas range of Algeria is located to the east of the Atlas Mountains range. While they are not as tall as the High Atlas, they are still much higher than the Tell Atlas ranges to the north near the Mediterranean coast. The highest peak is Djebel Aissa, at 2,236 meters. They mark the northern border of the Sahara. These mountains have less rainfall and are more suitable for agriculture than the highlands in the north. Most of the people in the area are Chaoui Berbers.

The Aures Mountains

The Aurès Mountains are the far eastern part of the Atlas Mountains. It stretches across Algeria and Tunisia. Indeed, it’s one of the two mountain ranges, alongside the Nememcha, which occupy the northeastern of Algeria.

There is Mount Chelia, located in the west of Khenchela in the Bouhmama region, the highest peak in Aures Mountains range. It’s 7,638 feet above the sea level. Yet, it’s not a popular destination to many travelers as it’s hard to climb.

In the end, I hope the information in this post sum-up a good knowledge about the Atlas Mountains for you to prepare your next trip to this mountain range. Enjoy, and have successful ascents!

Hey, I Have Travel Planning Resources Here to Help You Easily Plan Your Trip
Essential Items
Don't forget to bring the Travel Medicines, as well as your necessary Travel Kit. 
If Your Next Destination Requires a Visa
IVISA will help you with their speed, simple, and secured services with just a minimal chance of being rejected.
Find Your Flight and Transportation to The Destinations  
You can read my travel tips to Find Cheap Flights.
You can also use 12Go to book buses, trains, ferries, or any transportation to places.
Book An Accommodation
I mostly use Booking.com to find a place for my trip. Sometimes I try to Get Free Credits on Airbnb to book homestays. 
Driving Yourself Will be More Enjoyable   
You can easily compare prices and find great deals on Discover Cars.
Protect Yourself and Your Trip
Travel Insurance is Important, especially after COVID-19, there are more possible health issues and pandemics. Please don't forget to have a shield for yourself and your trips!