Rugged peaks and green valleys dotted with villages
The Atlas Mountains are a rugged chain that span North Africa from the Atlantic coast through Algeria and Tunisia, an imposing barrier between the fertile Mediterranean coast from the vast Sahara Desert.
The most dramatic section, the High Atlas, can be found in central Morocco, which also includes the tallest peak of Toubkal 4,167 metres (13,671 feet) which towers over the landscape due south of Marrakesh.
Roads follow green valleys dotted with mud-built Berber villages, up through forest and over winding passes then down to wadis and old caravan trading posts on the edge of the Sahara. It is a haven for hikers of all levels from spring through to autumn, whether following well worn trails or donning crampons to conquer jagged peaks. Snow falls from November to April – ski resorts can be found up here – and can last well into the summer on the north face of peaks.
The High Atlas are also the perfect setting simply for cool air and respite after time in the sometimes sweltering northern cities, or as a stopover on the long drives between them and the desert and kasbahs to the south.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Relax beside waterfalls in Ourika National Park
Spend time relaxing beside waterfalls in the beautiful Ourika National Park
Trek the Wigrane Valley and Ouirgane villages
Enjoy a trek through the Wigrane Valley, the Amassine reserve, Ouirgane Valley, Anraz village and Tassoukt
Pair Moroccan wine with local food
Sample some of the best Moroccan wines paired with local cuisine
See Lalla Takerkoust Lake
Make a stop at the stunning Lalla Takerkoust Lake to take in the incredible scenery
A word from one of our experts
Follow hiking trails through breathtaking landscapes, past rugged peaks sprinkled with quiet mountain villages. Take time to meet the people who live here and learn about their culture and traditions and you'll make memories to last a lifetime.
Middle East Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in the High Atlas Mountains
There are many incredible places to stay in the High Atlas Mountains. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
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Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Morocco example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure.
Discover more of Morocco
Casablanca
This city is the chief port, the financial, commercial and manufacturing center of the country.
Essaouira
On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a little under three hours due west of Marrakesh, Essaouira is a laid-back port town cooled by the vents alizés trade winds gently blowing in from the ocean.
Fes
The city of Fes, Morocco’s second largest, is considered to be its cultural and religious capital and often referred to as the Mecca of the West.
Marrakesh
With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and rich Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco.
Moroccan Sahara
Morocco’s corner of the desert lies south of the High Atlas Mountains, a smattering of oasis towns becoming less frequent the further you venture, eventually reaching the golden dune seas that evokes the most romantic images of the Sahara.
Oualidia
200km north of Essaouira, between El Jadida and Safi, is the peaceful town of Oualidia. Overlooking a coastal lagoon frequented by migratory birds, beyond which is the vast expanse of the Atlantic ocean, its setting couldn’t be more idyllic.
Skoura
Skoura is an oasis town that sits south of the Atlas Mountains at the gateway to the Sahara beyond. Once an important trading post where camel trains would offload spices and gold to be hauled over to Fes, its illustrious past can be glimpsed in the sand coloured Kasbahs that still stand here today.
Tangier
Morocco’s northernmost city, looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, Tangier is a place with a fascinating history. Known as ‘The Door of Africa’, it has changed hands dozens of times.
Meet your North Africa team
When to visit
The High Atlas Mountains can be enjoyed at any time of year. The spring and autumn months are best, with mild weather making it the best time for serious hiking. The summer and winter aren’t as well suited to treks as the summer months can get very warm (though still relative respite from heat of the cities), and, especially at altitude, winter can get very cold with notable snowfall.
Go hiking
March–June
Cultural discovery
March–November
Winter walks
January–February
Morocco travel guides
Plan your trip to the High Atlas Mountains
Whatever you want from your adventure in the High Atlas Mountains, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
