Adventures in the High Atlas Mountains

The country of Morocco is a great place to consider an day or multi-day trekking excursion. The High Atlas offer something for everyone: great walks in the summer, back country hiking and skiing in the winter, and peaks that surpass 4,000 meters (14,000 ft). Most travelers think of Morocco as a "desert" country. While it does have its share of rocky and sandy desert regions, Morocco has an astounding three mountain ranges cutting through its majestic interior. Those are the Rif Mountains, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the High Atlas. The most popular starting points to get out into these areas are Chefchaouen, Fez (followed by a trip to Ifrane or Azrou), or Marrakesh (followed by a trip to Imlil), respectively.

The most popular place to hike in Morocco is in the High Atlas Mountains. Jbel Toubkal (or Mount Toubkal) draws Europeans and North Americans alike who want to attempt North Africa's highest peak. For those looking to get off the beaten path, yet still experience a massive peak should head for the Mgoun National Park, where multi-day treks are needed just to get to the base of Jbel Mgoun.

The Mgoun Valley (or Ait Bougmez Valley) is dotted with Berber villages highlighting the sheer opulence of the High Atlas Mountains as its backdrop. Hikers visiting the M'Goun will find a canyon and landscape that some have compared to the southwest part of America. As well, you will have a chance to experience the traditional dress and cultures of a people who are still living the same way they have for hundreds of years.

The Middle Atlas Mountains proffer an abundance of walks that are relatively flat in comparison to any other in Morocco. The little visited Ifrane National Park is home to Barbary Macaques (a type of monkey with a stub for a tail) who make the oak, pine, and large cedar forests its home. Multi-day excursions can be had from Azrou and the the Ain Leuh cedar forest.

Being the most popular spot, the High Atlas Mountains offer various other outings that do not include the tallest peak. Various other trekking opportunities allow travelers to visit other peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and far-flung Berber villages where time has really stood still. The real starting point for such ventures is Asni, or farther along in the towns of Imlil (a drive-through town) or Armed (an actual Berber village). Hiring a mountain guide for multi-day treks is the smart option; they'll help you arrange mules, food, and will bring along any additional gear that you might not have brought along.

Warnings:

As for any warnings, the altitude (while not a problem for many) can cause light headaches. This is not altitude sickness, but you should monitor yourself. If you start feeling ill, vomit, or feel woozy or weak, then rest awhile and move to a lower altitude. Usually 300 meters can make a big difference. Drink plenty of water and avoid long exposure to the sun, which may not seem strong, but is much more likely to cause burns due to the thinner atmosphere.