High Atlas

A traditional Berber village

The High Atlas is a region in Morocco covering the mountain range and surrounding destinations such as Marrakech. It's a regular destination for mountain hikers, ski enthusiasts, or travellers interested in the indigenous Berber culture found throughout its many peaks and valleys.

Understand

Berbers are the indigenous North Africans, having inhabited the north coast of Africa ranging from present day Morocco to Egypt, for at least 5,000 years.

The Arab invasion of North Africa in the 7th century forced Berbers to assimilate, or take refuge in the Atlas mountains.

It is said that as much as 80% of the Moroccan population is racially Berber, however only half of those people live culturally Berber lifestyles.

Berbers have adopted Islam as their primary religion, but continue to speak Berber languages in their villages, and practice Berber music, spirituality, and art.

The Atlas mountains are home to relatively pure Berber populations, who live in earthen adobe houses. Marrakech is the only Moroccan city with a recognizable Berber ambiance, being situated at the base of the southern Atlas mountains. The color of Marrakech is the color of the Berbers - reddish, ochre and earth tones are the only colors you see adorning the adobe buildings, giving the impression that the entire city springs from the earth.

Towns and cities

• 1 Marrakech – it's long been a city that conjures up images from your wildest dreams. It's a great market town and a great place to eat
• 2 Aït-Benhaddou – a traditional mud brick town, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 3 Amizmiz – a small Berber town that hosts one of the largest Berber souks in the region. A great point of departure for the small Berber villages of the mountains.
• 4 Asni – a small town at the foothills of the High Atlas
• 5 Ikkiss - a small village in the Rhirhaia valley
• 6 Setti Fatma – Berber town at the end of the Ourika Valley
• 7 Tabant
• Tacheddirt - the highest settlement in the Rhirhaia valley
• 8 Zaouiat Ahansal

Other destinations

• 1 Imlil starting point for some awesome hiking. Only 75 minutes from Marrakech by shared taxi.
• 2 Jebel Toubkal
• 3 Marigha
• 4 Ouirgane
• 5 Oukaimeden ski resort.
• 6 Ourika Valley — stunning landscapes situated less than 30 minutes from the Marrakech Medina - is a portal to the High Atlas, and home to many Berber villages.
• 7 Ouzoud Falls
• 8 Tinerhir — this town is the perfect point of access to the stunning Todra Gorge.
• 9 Toubkal National Park

Do

If you are looking to experience how real Berbers live in the High Atlas, there are a number of companies that will help you get to some of their villages.

Stay safe

Although the region is regarded as generally safe for international travelers, two European women were murdered by terrorists whilst camping in December 2018.