From marrakech to the atlas

From Marrakech to the Atlas

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco is a mountain range that stretches across much of the country, from the southwest to the northeast. The mountain range is divided into three main parts: the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Anti-Atlas.

Middle Atlas, High Atlas or Anti-Atlas

High Atlas

by far the best known and most visited part of the Atlas Mountains. The highest peak, the Toubkal at 4167 m, is located here. In the highest areas it snows regularly, which makes skiing in Morocco possible. A perfect place for lovers of trekking and climbing.

The Middle Atlas

is located north of the High Atlas Mountains and is a lower altitude mountainous area. It is home to many species of animals and plants, as well as traditional Berber villages and towns.

The Anti-Atlas

is located southwest of the High Atlas Mountains and is known for its desert and mountainous landscapes. This area is popular for travelers who wish to experience the local culture and desert life.

What to see in the Atlas

• Mount Toubkal: It is the highest mountain in morocco and North Africa. It is a popular place for hiking and climbing
• Draa Valley: It is one of the longest valleys in Morocco and is located in the southern Atlas Mountains. It is surrounded by mountains and is famous for its oases and desert landscape.

• Berber villages: In the Atlas you will find many towns and villages inhabited by the Berber people, one of the oldest cultures in North Africa. Here you can learn about their traditional lifestyle and art.
• Dadès Gorges: An impressive canyon that stretches for 25 kilometers. It is famous for its unique rocky landscapes and breathtaking views.
• Ait Ben Haddou: An impressive clay fortified city, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a must stop on the route to the desert.
• Ouzoud Waterfalls: A beautiful natural spectacle with cascading waterfalls cascading into an impressive canyon. It is a popular place for hiking and enjoying nature.
• Toubkal National Park: An ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor sports. Here you can go hiking, camping, bird watching and enjoy the wildlife.
• Imlil: A charming mountain village that is the starting point for many excursions in the Atlas. Here you can hike, climb Mount Toubkal and experience Berber culture.
• Marrakech: One of Morocco’s most popular cities, full of history, culture and traditional markets. Here you can visit the Majorelle Garden, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, among others.
• Lake Takerkoust: An artificial lake in the Atlas that offers a breathtaking view and water activities such as fishing, kayaking and windsurfing.

How to get from Marrakech to the Atlas

Thanks to the various air connections with Spain, Marrakech is the perfect starting point for a trip to the Moroccan High Atlas, as it is only a few kilometers south of the city. The N9 road is the one that crosses the Atlas from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.

You can make trips of several days or simply make a round trip in the same day. To get there, you have the option of renting a car and drive around on your own, hire an organized tour or use the Grand Taxis, large cars carrying 4 to 6 people that take you to a destination and at a fixed price. Finally, for Moroccocameltours.com lovers, there are certain public bus lines that link the main villages of the High Atlas with Marrakech. The companies CTM and Supra tours operate regular buses between Marrakech and Ouarzazate.

Touring the valleys and their villages

Most travelers take a day trip from Marrakech to see the three main valleys of the High Atlas: Ourika, Asni and Oukaimeden. These are the most popular and therefore best accessible valleys, but there are others that are just as beautiful and less touristy.

Ourika Valley

The first of them and the most accessible is the Ourika. In this valley is very common the extraction of argan oil. Do not miss its forests, trails, waterfalls or the markets of the Berber villages such as Setti-Fatma.

Asni Valley

From here begins the trail that leads to the Jbel Toubkal. This valley is characterized by its fruit trees such as almond, peach and walnut trees. Some of the villages you can visit are Imlil, a Berber adobe village nestled in an orchard or Asni with its famous souk. Nearby are the valleys of Tamgaist and Tacheddirt, less known and very worthwhile.

Discover Morocco’s stunning Atlas with Moroccocameltours.com with breathtaking views, majestic peaks and beautiful valleys, the Atlas is one of Morocco’s natural wonders.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Morocco’s Atlas with us, contact us today and let’s start planning your adventure in this natural paradise.