DestinationsAfricaAll You Need to Know for Trekking in the Wonderful Atlas Mountains Morocco
All You Need to Know for Trekking in the Wonderful Atlas Mountains Morocco

All You Need to Know for Trekking in the Wonderful Atlas Mountains Morocco

Morocco is blessed with some of the most beautiful and dramatic mountains in the world. Especially, there is the Atlas Mountains, one of the natural wonders of Morocco. Yet, many of the mountains see only a handful of visitors each year; others remain completely undiscovered by travelers. Also, Morocco’s vast climatic range is a blessing for adventurers. Whatever destination you choose, trekking in the mountains should be the highlight of any visit to Morocco. Let’s follow us to the paths of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco!

The High Atlas Mountains

This highest mountain range in North Africa is actually an adventurer’s paradise. The High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco, from the Atlantic coast east of Agadir all the way to northern Algeria. Running for about 740km, the range includes several over-4000m-peaks and over 400 peaks with 3000m in height. This makes for a spectacular setting for trekkings and offers the possibility to achieve a few summits as you go.

The locals here, the Berbers, call the High Atlas Mountains Idraren Draren (Mountains of Mountains). Certainly, their presence here would be one of the most memorable aspects of a trek. Though wild and inhospitable, the area has long been inhabited by the Berbers with flat-roofed villages that seem to grow out of the mountainside, above terraced gardens, walnut orchards, and fruit trees.

West High Atlas

a trekker reaches the peak of Jebel Toubkal
A trekker is reaching the peak of Jebel Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains. Image source: Mark Horrell from Flickr.

You don’t have to go too far west of Jebel Toubkal to find a very different landscape and some very different trekking conditions. The lower ranges to the west, running down towards the Souss-Massa, are generally warmer and greener. However, you are still able to wonderfully trek in a wondrous area where jagged mountains and deep canyons are interspersed with swathes of forests, fertile valleys, almonds, olives, walnuts, and distinctive Berber villages. The terrain can make trekking gentler, but it still offers some challenges and plenty of rewards.

The hidden gem here is the Tichka Plateau (Plateau du Tichka), a charming area of ​​highland grasslands that are especially enjoyable in spring when they are covered in wildflowers. Although many of the paths here require less effort than in the Toubkal region, Tichka is crisscrossed by hidden gorges, dense with forests, and peaks, and bordered by wonderful Berber villages.

Central High Atlas

M'Goun Massif
The impressive view of M’Goun Massif to the trekkers.

A large number of trekkers are moving to High Atlas and M’Goun Massif. M’Goun offers a great range for adventurers, as it is remote and relatively unexplored. There are many circumstances here: sedimentary rock formations, ridges, and outcrops, massive canyons displaying deep red and orange walls carved by erosion. Indeed, these canyons are one of the highlights of the area and some can be walked and/or waded through, as sometimes they’re deep in the cold water, making for a memorable experience. On top of that, one of the great joys of this trek is the opportunity to follow a river to its source, cross the mountain, and then follow another river down to its valley.

The landscape is incredibly diverse with lush valleys and bare rock walls. Especially, there is some of the Berber architecture you will only see in this valley, or in Yemen and Afghanistan.

The Rif

the green view of Rif mountains around Chefchaouen
The greenery of the Rif Mountains, view around Chefchaouen.

Why aren’t many people going to trek in the Rif Mountains? The first and lowest point of the mountains ripple south through Morocco, making a perfect trekking region. Furthermore, the area is blessed with stunning mountain ranges, canyons, and valleys, bordered by cedar, oak, and fir forests. Located near the Mediterranean, the Rif mountain is the greenest of the mountains ranges. Especially, springtime in Morocco, with its wild sunflower blooms, is one of the best times to trek here. Also, you’re likely to encounter bands of Barbary gibbons around the edge of Talassemtane National Park.

Anti-Atlas Mountains

The last important mountains before the Sahara were the arid, pink, and light brown chain of the Anti-Atlas, and below the arid, jagged mass of two great peaks straddling irrigated valleys and a chain of oases. Morocco has so many trekking options that it is not surprising a potential area of ​​Tafraoute remains untapped. The Anti-Atlas around Tafraoute have rugged, barren rocks and lush green valleys. Besides that, Jebel El Kest is the top attraction in the eastern end of this range. Additionally, there is ‘amethyst mountain’ a large ridge that stretches northwest of Tafraoute.

Tips for Your Trip to the Atlas Mountains Morocco

It’s always good to know more about the destinations to well-prepare the trip. Here are some tips that you might want to know before roaming Morocco’s Atlas Mountains:

Imlil small village in the Atlas Mountains Morocco
The small village of Imlil is the start point of trekking Atlas Mountains.
  • High Atlas is only 90 mins driving from the “Red City” Marrakesh. The city is ideal for you to stay a few days before the trek for well-preparation.
  • You can reach the peak of Jebel Toubkal and come back to the small village Imlil within a day. However, if you can organize the tour into a 3-day trek, you will be able to significantly enjoy the trip more. Actually, Imlil is the main start point for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal, about 90 mins drive from Marrakesh.
  • There are many choices of accommodations in Imlil village. Nevertheless, Kasbah du Toubkal is the recommended pick for the best experience when you spend days at the village. Indeed, you will have a chance to enjoy Berber’s hospitality in the beautiful surrounded scenery.

Hey, I Have Travel Planning Resources Here to Help You Easily Plan Your Trip

Essential Items

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Find Your Flight and Transportation to The Destinations

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Book An Accommodation

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Protect Yourself and Your Trip

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trekking in Morocco Atlas Mountains - the broad life's pinterest board
trekking in Atlas Mountains Morocco - the broad life's pinterest board

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

18 Comments

  • Rosey

    Oh wow, the views are simply stupendous. What is it about mountains that goes right through to your soul???

  • tweenselmom

    The mountains are breath-taking! I really wish I could go trekking someday in these places 🙂

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You will need the info for your trek in the Atlas Mountains.

  • Ntensibe Edgar

    Nnnniiiccceeee…it is so nice to meet the very famous Atlas mountains I studied about in school, here! I like the texture on them all.

  • Clarice

    Wow! This place is fascinating. I have never thought about trekking here but with this sight and view, it is definitely worth it. Thank you for sharing these tips. Will keep in mind to bring travel medicines and to book accommodations in advance.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You’re welcome! I hope you have a great trip to the Atlas Mountains.

  • Knycx Journeying

    Wow and I didn’t know anything about trekking in Morocco as this activity is often overshadowed by other activities travelling there? But just looking at the beautiful sceneries of your photos make me want to go! – Knycx Journeying

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You should experience trekking in the mountains of Morocco once in your life. I’m sure it will be the best.

  • WanderlustBeautyDreams

    These mountains look amazing! I remember driving past them the last time I was in Morocco. Maybe next time I’ll be able to hike it!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You should have a trek in those mountains. I’m sure that will be your greatest experience ever.

  • Jennifer L Prince

    I would love to visit here someday! It looks like such a lovely place to travel.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Definitely, it’s a great place that I have always wanted to come to explore more.

  • Anosa Malanga

    Reading this makes me really wanna visit this place so much. I hope soon I can really see this with my own eyes

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You will have a trip to Atlas Mountain soon. I’m sure you will have a great experience there!

  • Elise Ho

    A good friend will be visiting here next week. She had lotta me to go with her but it was short notice and I was unable to

    • Khoi Nguyen

      I hope you can make a trip to Morocco in the future. The nature is amazing!

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