A trekking trip to the Atlas Mountains is one of the best things to do in Morocco. Visiting isolated communities, enjoying the incredible views and summiting while learning interesting things from your mountain guide will leave you with a plethora of stories to tell.
Are you a novice hiker or a fit person looking for a challenge? Here are the spectacular hikes in the Atlas Mountains, as well as what you can expect to see on your route to the top.
- What will you see during the trekking trip?
- Which places are known for the trekking in Morocco
- Climate to expect during the trekking
- How should you dress for a trekking trip to the Atlas Mountains?
- The best places for the trekking
- Some safety recommendations to keep in mind
- Tips for trekking in Morocco and hiking in the Atlas Mountains
What will you see while trekking in Morocco?
Trekking in Morocco offers a unique insight into the life of the Imazighen, often known as Berbers. Keep an eye out for native music – or Ahidus – when trekking in the Atlas Mountains. It developed among the tribes of the Middle and Eastern High Atlas and is performed through communal dances and songs.
Morocco’s remote villages are rarely visited by tourists, which will allow for an authentic experience while trekking. In the Atlas Mountains, a warm welcome awaits you and the opportunity to learn about Berber architecture and language.
Why are the Atlas hiking trails so well known?
The mountain range is located between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts and the Sahara desert. It is known for having Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
The Berbers, a North African ethnic group, live in scattered villages in the desert climate. Bring binoculars to increase your chances of spotting Atlas deer, Barbary leopard, wildcat, jackal, red fox and polecat, among other animals.
The valleys are more lush, with juniper forests, almond and argan plantations. The Moroccan Atlas is divided into three mountain ranges: the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas.
The hight Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas mountain range forms a natural barrier between the Sahara desert to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. The walled city of Ait Benhaddou, located at the foot of the range, is the “Hollywood” of Morocco. It has been featured in several movies with the High Atlas as a backdrop.
Middle Atlas mountains
The Middle Atlas is the northernmost of the three Atlas Mountains, and comprises a vast region covered by heavily forested slopes, mainly oak and cedar. The air is usually cooler than in Moroccan cities.
It is the most fertile of the Atlas Mountains, with several peaks rising above 3000 m above sea level, the highest being Jebel Bou Naceur (3340 m).
The Anti-Atlas mountains
The southernmost mountain range of the Atlas is known as the Anti-Atlas. It begins near the Atlantic Ocean and extends 500 km inland. Being the least visited section of the Atlas, there are fewer accommodation alternatives.
Due to the proximity to the Sahara, summer temperatures can soar. It is advisable to avoid the summer heat and travel during the low seasons.
The climate of the Atlas Mountains
If you don’t mind the snow, the climate of the Atlas Mountains is pleasant all year round. The Moroccan seasons are comparable to those of other countries in the northern hemisphere: winter lasts from December to February and summer from June to August.
Winter is beautiful, even if it is cold and snowy. The environment becomes hotter and drier as you travel south towards the Sahara desert. Summers are hotter in the lowlands, but the altitudes are still comfortable.
March to June is the optimal season for hiking in the Atlas Mountains. This means you will be there in spring and early summer, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are somewhat dry (there will still be snow at higher altitudes).
Summer
In the High Atlas Mountains, near Imlil, the average temperature in summer is 17 °C, with a maximum temperature of 24.8 °C. July is usually the hottest month of the year.
Summer in Ifrane, a contemporary city in the Middle Atlas Mountains, reaches average temperatures of 21°C (70.2°F) and maximum temperatures of 34°C (93.2°F).
In the Anti-Atlas Mountains, summer highs average 27.4°C (81.4°F) and highs 33.9°C (93°F).
Autumn
Between August and October, the average maximum temperature in Imlil is 12.8°C, and maximums reach 19.3°C.
Autumn temperatures in the Middle Atlas Mountains average 25°C (76.5°F) with maximum temperatures of 35°C (95°F).
Average maximum temperatures in the Anti-Atlas Mountains are 14.4°C (57.9°F) and highs are 27.8°C (82°F).
Winter
Imlil has an average temperature of 0.4°C (32.7°F) and a minimum temperature of -4°C (24.7°F) throughout the winter. January is the coldest month.
Ifrane has an average temperature of 5°C (32.9°F) and holds the African record for the lowest temperature of -23°C (-11°F).
During the winter, the average maximum temperature in Kelaam M’gouna, in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, is 7.5°C (45.5°F), with the lowest temperatures reaching 0.6°C (33.1°F).
Spring
In spring, Imlil has average temperatures of 9.9°C (36°F) and maximum temperatures of 16.7°C (16.7°F).
In spring, the average temperature in Ifrane is 13.2°C (55°F), with highs reaching 27°C (27°F).
The entrance of spring in the Anti-Atlas mountains is celebrated in Kalaat M’Gouna during the fragrant “festival of roses”. From August to October, the city has an average temperature of 16.3°C (61.4°F).
How should you dress for a trekking trip to the Atlas Mountains?
Prepare as you would for an alpine hiking trip for anything more than a half-day hike with a guide. Warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, hiking boots and a cap are recommended. Bring a pair of sneakers to wear after the hike to give your boots a rest.
Although traveling light is vital, you will need a backpack large enough to carry your sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and perhaps snow and ice hiking gear. Depending on the route, the guide and organizer should give you a detailed list.
The best places for hiking in the Atlas
The best places to hike in Morocco vary in difficulty, length and altitude from the north in the High Atlas Mountains to the south in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Remember that hiking can be a challenging but rewarding exercise.
During your trip, you will see places of interest that are not accessible by car. After reading the analysis of each location below, you will be able to determine which hiking route is best for you.
Aourwiz Waterfall
One of the most beautiful places to see while hiking in the High Atlas Mountains is the Aourwiz waterfall. It is known as the Aourwiz Waterfall and is located near the town of Tizi Oussem. The terrain is less dry, and the water cascading down the two layers of the rock face almost seems out of place.
Saghro Jbel
A rough mountain range with three trekking stations giving access to flat-topped plateaus with deep canyons. Jbel Saghro is an eastern extension of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, located south of the High Atlas Mountains. The place is arid and receives barely 100 mm of rain per year as it is located inland.
The highest peak in the range is Amalou n’Mansour (2,712 m), and the most important mountain pass is Tizi n’Tazazert, an unpaved road (2,283 m high).
Mount Toubkal
How long does it take to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal? Allow four days to complete the hike to the highest mountain in North Africa (4167 m). Fit but not expert hikers can comfortably reach the summit in three days. Crampons and ice picks are required for winter hiking at these high altitudes.
During a four-day guided hike on Mount Toubkal, you can travel from the lower elevation of Imi Ourhlad (1400 m above sea level) to the summit.
Keep these safety recommendations in mind
The first safety guideline, and possibly the most crucial, is to never attempt a trek on your own. Most trails in Morocco require a guide, and traveling without one in isolated places is dangerous. Hiring a professional mountain guide will allow you to benefit from the local knowledge they will provide during your hike.
You’ll want to stay hydrated throughout the day. Carrying a survival straw will allow you to sip from water sources along the way without having to carry large quantities of drinking water.
Women who want to feel more confident can participate in women-only treks or hire a female guide. Morocco’s first qualified female mountain guide, Hafida Hdoubane, is a leading figure in the Moroccan hiking community. She has paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.
Tips for trekking in Morocco and hiking in the Atlas Mountains
- Look for trails that suit you: slow and steady pace will get you to the top.
- Allow more time than you think you will need to get to the top.
- Consider hiking to lesser-known and less crowded summits.
- Hiring a guide for the trip is a good idea; trained guides are knowledgeable and experienced.
- Ramadan, a month of fasting, may influence the availability of mountain guides.
