Hidden Gems of Morocco: Exploring the Enchanting Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are Morocco’s hidden gem. They are home to some of the country’s most remote and interesting villages where you find the local Berber tribes. The Berber measure distance by hours, meaning they measure distance by the amount of time it takes to get from one village to another. It’s easy for you, as you are going to be travelling by car, but for local people, it was on foot or on horseback.
Road Trip Adventure: Discovering the Fascinating Villages and Scenic Views
As a traveller, you can visit the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech as a base. You can go for a few hours, or a few nights. The road trip is fascinating and of course, the deeper or higher you go, the more exciting. The roads are incredible, taking you through exquisite nature, interesting tribal villages and spectacular views. Just a few years ago the infrastructure here was basic, but roads are well built and it’s easy, but still remote enough not to be too busy, to travel into the mountains.
Accommodation Choices: Resorts, Guesthouses, and Retreats in the Atlas Mountains
You have a few types of hotels to choose from and this depends on your budget and your interests. People go to the Atlas Mountains to ski, in which you may choose a resort style hotel. Many go for adventure, including trekking, hiking and abseiling, in which case they usually choose a more local style guesthouse or riad. There are luxury resorts, such as the Kasbah Tamadot owned by Richard Branson, and there are hostels and backpackers too.
Tailoring Your Experience: Duration and Options for Exploring the Mountains
How long you go to the Atlas Mountains for totally depends on you, talk to us about all of the options. There are also people who do their own thing, hire a car and drive to the mountains on their own. There are several retreats up there, and if one is looking for a tranquil few days in peace and nature, where the air is fresh and there is no noise, you may want to do your own thing.
Imlil: A Charming Mountain Town and Gateway to Mount Toubkal
You can take a private driver and visit one of the more popular destinations in the Atlas Mountains which is just an hour out of Marrakech, the mountain town of Imlil. Imlil is at the foot of Mount Toubkal, and there is a little bit of everything here. You get lovely views and an interesting town which you can also do trekking from and have a very special lunch stop at the Kasbah Tamadot. Or even an overnight stay.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Spring Adventures in the Atlas Mountains
You can visit the Atlas Mountains at almost all times of the year but summer and spring are best. The days are warm and gorgeous, although evenings can get chilly. You’re in the mountains, look out for guided treks, ask your guides and try to watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Toubkal. It’s beautiful.
Berber Villages
You can choose from easy to difficult hiking trips with local guides who have grown up in this region and take you on a safe and fascinating journey through traditional Berber villages, high onto stunning plateaus and into lush valleys.
A full day Atlas Mountains Hiking trip sees you stopping for a picnic lunch and can be tailored with a combination of more difficult terrain or relaxing valley walking.
Guest House
Our recommended Guest House is an authentic place run by local Berber people who make your stay a really special experience and the food is great in the colourful dining room.
Written by Moroccan Journeys
Rebecca grew up in Africa and has spent her life travelling and working in the UK and around the world in both the corporate and personal development fields. She is co-founder of Moroccan Journeys with Mohamed Elhaoissi and lives in the UK and Morocco. She believes in the conscious management of business and the importance of personal growth. Rebecca is also a Reiki Master Teacher and runs Intensive Reiki Journeys in the Sahara desert. She spends her free time exploring the untouched parts of Morocco to ensure Moroccan Journeys is eclectic and unique in its offering.
Atlas Mountains Tours
Atlas Mountains & Sahara Walking Tour
6 Day Holiday
Discover the breathtaking scenery of Morocco with the Atlas Mountains Walking Tour. Ideal for adventure seekers, this tour combines the beauty of the mountains with the expansive Sahara Desert. Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and charming Berber villages. The tour also offers the unique opportunity to ride camels across the sandy expanse of the Sahara. With expert guides and comfortable accommodation, this tour ensures a unique view into Morocco’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Atlas Mountains Hike & Berber Life
Day Trip
Experience an exciting adventure with the Atlas Mountains Day Trip in Morocco. You’ll be picked up by a 4×4 Toyota Landcruiser and escorted through the Toubkal National Park region. Discover vintage Berber life with a guided walk through the valley and visit a picturesque Berber village. After the walk, enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant. This day trip offers incredible hiking experiences and breathtaking views, ensuring unforgettable memories of the stunning Moroccan landscape. Join us for a day of exploration and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Atlas Mountains house longstanding Berber communities, who have resided in the range for centuries. As an indigenous people of North Africa, the Berbers possess a distinct culture and language that distinguishes them from neighbouring communities. Additionally, the Atlas Mountains boast diverse wildlife, encompassing ibex, Barbary sheep, and golden eagles.
The Atlas Mountains lie in the north-central region of Morocco, with the cities of Fez and Marrakech being the closest urban centers. Additionally, there are several smaller towns situated in proximity to the mountain range.
The Berbers refer to the Atlas Mountains as “idraren draren,” meaning “The Mountains of Mountains.” This name reflects the profound spiritual bond the Berbers have with these majestic peaks. Throughout centuries, the Berbers have inhabited the Atlas Mountains, depending on them for sustenance, refuge, and spiritual enlightenment.
