The High Atlas Valleys, the Roof of Morocco
The High Atlas is a mountain range that is the highest in North Africa. Located in central Morocco, the High Atlas crosses it from southwest or northwest for approximately 750 km.
The High Atlas is a mountain range that is the highest in North Africa. Located in central Morocco, the High Atlas crosses it from southwest or northwest for approximately 750 km. The High Atlas valleys are thus distributed between the western, eastern and central Atlas. These are sheltered sites that offer a lush and unexpected spectacle amid the mountains. The High Atlas valleys are a haven of cool relief in Morocco's warm climate, and constitute the Toubkal national park. The fauna and flora of these valleys are varied, with reptiles, mammals, fish, olive trees and Aleppo pines.
There are many must-see sites in the High Atlas valleys. Near Marrakech, towards the south, lies the Ourika valley. It is very easy to access, and is particularly popular with tourists staying in the area. It is thus possible to discover a saffron farm, particularly during harvest time between September and October. The ecomuseum allows visitors to discover Berber culture, the people who live in these High Atlas valleys. The Ourika bioaromatic garden will captivate enthusiasts for a truly surprising discovery. With abundant water in the valley, this allows for the cultivation of different crops, making it lush and verdant.
Among the High Atlas valleys is also the N'Fiss valley, with multiple crops. The orchards are numerous: olive and apple trees. Balneotherapy treatments performed in Moroccan tradition are available in this calm and peaceful location. The High Atlas valleys are accessible from Marrakech in the majority of cases. Excursions are offered to tourists and take place over one or several days. Transport is by 4x4 or minibus. Accommodation can be chosen in a mountain lodge, with local families or in a bivouac. In the case of a multi-day excursion, the journey is made on mule-back. These escapes into the Moroccan mountains are pure pleasure and allow for genuine learning about Berber culture. The High Atlas valleys offer a true change of scenery within Morocco's arid environment. It is preferable to visit from March to October, as winter temperatures can be extremely low. During the intense heat of summer, it is the perfect way to cool off, and indeed this is what residents of Marrakech do.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to explore the High Atlas valleys extends from March to October. Spring offers lush landscapes and mild temperatures, while summer allows you to escape the heat of Marrakech. In winter, temperatures can drop very low, even below freezing at higher altitudes.
The High Atlas valleys are easily accessible from Marrakech. Travel agencies offer excursions lasting one or several days by 4x4 or minibus. The Ourika valley, the closest, is located approximately 60 km south of Marrakech.
The Ourika valley is one of the most visited valleys in the High Atlas, located south of Marrakech. It is renowned for its saffron farm (harvest from September to October), its ecomuseum dedicated to Berber culture and its bioaromatic garden. The abundance of water allows for varied crops to be grown there.
It is possible to stay in a mountain lodge, with locals or in a bivouac during a multi-day excursion. These authentic accommodations allow for complete immersion in Berber culture and offer a unique travel experience.
Yes, the High Atlas is an ideal territory for hiking. Toubkal national park is home to Jbel Toubkal, the highest point in Morocco at 4,167 m. Multi-day excursions are organized from Marrakech, with 4x4 transport and mule-back travel for the most remote trails.
