High Atlas (#1 of 13)
The Atlas Mountains are a rocky range over 500 kilometres long creating a great diversity of climates and landscapes in Morocco. Several peaks rise over 4000 metres and most of them are readily accesible to walkers. Deep gorges and broad valleys divide the separate areas where for centuries the fascinating and traditionally ferocious Berber people have found refuge and fought back the many invaders who have tried to rule Morocco. Though originally sheep herders the Berber tribes have remained mainly ungovernable, retaining their own culture, language, traditions and music. Our guides come from one of the more remote valleys in the Atlas where an all-weather road and electricity arrived only a few years ago. They are, like all other Berbers, very hospitable and will guide you through these fascinating areas. The Jebel Toubkal area contains the very highest summits and both our scheduled trips culminate with an ascent of North Africa's highest summit. Our longer trek includes an ascent and a trek through the Mount Mgoun region, a much wilder and less frequently visited area. Just south of the High Atlas several lower ranges separate the main range from the Sahara desert. The Jebel Sarhro is one such range; with its peaks rising up to 2500m it is too hot in the summer to visit but perfect for the winter months. The main High Atlas peaks are snow covered from early November till May. The Mgoun massif is particularly suitable for ski touring.