The High Atlas
Mountains
Escape the modern world in the pristine wilderness of Morocco’s dramatic High Atlas Mountains, just a short drive from Marrakech.
High Atlas Mountains Holidays
If you’re looking for wilderness and splendid isolation, then it’s hard to do better than the High Atlas Mountains. With their soaring snow-covered peaks, rivers, valleys and mountain passes, the mountains are wonderful to explore slowly on foot.
Variety is the name of the game here. Walks over a few days can easily take you through shady almond groves and wheat fields, into high alpine pastures grazed by nomadic pastoralists and through deep gorges and canyons.
One of the things that makes this area so fascinating is the strong presence of a centuries old and fascinating culture, even when walking in wild and remote areas. Valleys are lined with immaculate irrigation systems built from dry stone and lined with turf, just as they have been for centuries, while travelling with a tented camp carried by mules is as old as the bible.
Few places within such close reach of Europe provide such an inspirational and other worldly wilderness experience.
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- Private treks with Berber guides
- Simple camps carried on the back of mules
- Panoramic mountain views
- Traditional food cooked over campfire
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.
Best time to go visit the High Atlas Mountains
Morocco can be roughly divided into three climatic regions: the High Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic coast and the Sahara desert areas of southern Morocco.
If you are planning to go walking and trekking in the High Atlas, the best time of year is from early March, when the risk of snow has passed, until late June. This is the time of the almond blossom, the terraces being tilled and the sheep and goats returning to their high pastures.
July and August are hot months but as long as one is aware of this and the need for sun protection there is no reason not to trek. September to late October is another wonderful time as the temperature is perfect and the light beautiful. Trekking the High Atlas from mid-November to March is not possible.
Best time to go visit the High Atlas Mountains
Talk to our Experts
They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Top experiences in The High Altas Mountains
Our Favourite Camps & Lodges
The Moroccan Light Mobile Camp is a private tented camp that we use to explore the wilder parts of Morocco.
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The Kasbah Bab Ourika stands in an exceptionally beautiful landscape in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
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Having wound you way up the road to the village of Imlil, past orchards, precipitous terraced fields and a fast flowing river.
Learn MoreThe High Atlas Mountains (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
Do I need to be reasonably fit to go trekking in the High Atlas Mountains?
The short answer is no, these are not treks designed to test your stamina, so much as take you – at a pace that you are comfortable with – into a dramatic and wild place. Of course you need to be comfortable with a long day’s walking, but as all our treks are private and supported by a private mobile camp, the whole thing is designed around you.
Where should I stay in the High Atlas Mountains?
Take the chance to stay in a mobile tented camp. This is a reason to visit Morocco in itself. A beautiful, old-school camp with comfortable beds and excellent, freshly cooked Moroccan cuisine, served in brocaded tents. All just for you.
Is it cold in the High Atlas Mountains?
Like any mountains, the High Atlas should be treated with the respect they deserve. Weather can indeed be highly changeable and there are times that it can be bitterly cold at altitude. Talk to us about the best time to visit and we will advise you on where to go when and how to ensure you are properly prepared. Nights are often chilly, but we will advise you on the correct kit to take to ensure that the cold is not a problem.
From our Travel Guides
Meet Our Travel Experts
It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary. The Natural High team have unrivalled experience and will take your ideas and turn them into your trip of a lifetime.
Into The Wild Brochure
Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.