Craggy Mountains, Berber Villages, Marrakesh, and More
Morocco: The High Atlas Trek
Overview
An adventurous trek through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains is not just one of the most scenic hikes in the world—it's also an immersion into the culture of the Berber people, Morocco's original inhabitants. Few roads penetrate this craggy mountain stronghold, where the agrarian way of life has changed very little in a hundred years. As we trek, we see Berber women in brightly colored dresses tending fields amid mud-brick villages, and higher up, we meet shepherds in summer pastures. We often visit homes to share a cup of mint tea with these friendly, open, mountain people. Scenic grandeur abounds, from towering limestone peaks to sheer red-rock canyons. Our journey also explores the fairytale walled city of Fes, and Marrakesh, where labyrinthine bazaars beckon.
Arrive: Casablanca, Morocco
Depart: Marrakesh, Morocco
Highlights
- Camp and hike in the spectacular High Atlas, with “river trekking” through sheer-walled gorges
- Enjoy timeless pastoral villages, dramatic canyons, discover the distinctive Berber culture
- Make an optional ascent of Mt. M’Goun for breathtaking High Atlas views
- Explore the medieval medina of Fes and bustling bazaars of Marrakesh
Itinerary
We discover Casablanca and Rabat, from the immense Hassan II Mosque to the 12th century Oudaya Kasbah, then head for the glories of ancient Fes, resplendent with minarets and domes. The Fes medina dazzles the eye and the senses: it’s a completely preserved and thriving medieval Arab city.
Driving across the Middle Atlas and into the High Atlas, we overnight in a small market town and then in the remote mountain village of Ait Imi at 6,500 feet. Our 6-day trek starts with a hike through picturesque Berber villages and then leads us into high summer pastures, with a crossing of a 10,240-foot pass for views of snowy Mt. M’Goun (13,346'). We’ll offer an optional summit hike the next day. On some days, the scenery is reminiscent of the great red-rock canyons of Bryce and Zion in Utah, with one hike bringing us through a gorge whose 4,000-foot-high walls are only 10 feet apart in places! Nomadic Berber herders spend the summers in these mountains with their herds, then take them down to the Sahara for winter grazing, a practice known as transhumance.
The 13,000-foot peaks of the High Atlas make a magnificent backdrop for fabled Marrakesh, an immensely beautiful and charismatic city. This vibrant city has been a metropolis for the tribes of the High Atlas since the 11th century. We discover Marrakesh on foot, roaming the monuments and souks, and depart on Day 14.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. It combines easy touring and overland exploration with a moderate 6-day trek in mountain environments with rocky and uneven terrain.
Average Hiking Day
- 9-10 miles
- 6-7 hours
- 1,500' ascent/descent
Challenge Day
- Day 8: 10.25 miles, 11 hours, 4,574' ascent/5,241' descent
On the trek, we hike at altitudes of 6,000 to 10,000 feet and camp at altitudes between 7,000 and 8,000 feet. The trek involves a good bit of up-and-down hiking (between 1,000- and 3,000-foot gain or loss in elevation per day). For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day during our 4-7 hours of hiking. The trails are mostly rock, sometimes carved out of hillsides, but some are well-worn from village use. There are some short, steep climbs, and some rough going in dry riverbeds. Our hiking also includes "river trekking," wading across rivers that are usually 6-12 inches deep (with lots of crossings in and out), but can range up to 20-30 inches for short distances in the most narrow and deepest part of the river. The water temperature is generally comfortable, a bit cool in the mornings, but warms up quite fast as the day progresses. There is an optional ascent of M'Goun (13,346') on Day 9.
We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip. Daily walking or regular hiking, jogging, and stair-climbing, are excellent preparatory exercises.
Morocco has wide range of climatic variations but the weather is largely moderate, with a cooling influence from the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans. Temperatures in the High Atlas Mountains for July and August range from 70-84°F or more, but will, of course, fluctuate with altitude.
We have 8 nights in first-class and best-available hotels, 1 night Berber house, and 5 nights expedition-style camping. At the camps, there is a private (though rustic) bathing tent, which includes a bucket of hot water you can use to wash yourself.
Please note that in traditional Moroccan riads, no two rooms are exactly alike. Many riads were originally private residences, and each room was designed with its own unique layout, size, and decor. While we book the same room categories, you might notice differences in the design or features of individual rooms. This is part of the charm of staying in a riad—it offers a truly authentic experience, and one that we feel is incredibly important. But, please keep in mind that each property will have different room sizes and styles due to the unique nature of the property itself.
Client Testimonials
"I especially liked the combination of the exposure to the culture, both in the cities and in the mountains, and the trekking experience."
David F.
Quincy, MA
"The trip itinerary was exceptional. No other company could match it. And wonderful hotels. I loved our Trip Leader's command of several languages—French, Arabic, and Berber dialects."
Jocelyn S.
Arvada, CO
"I was impressed with the coordination and efficiency of the trekking support. All of the muleteers were always cheerful, available and willing to help. Housain the cook was exceptional and we were amazed what he could prepare in his camp kitchen. I would happily have continued traveling with them!"
Kathleen I.
San Francisco, CA
"This trip rocked all my expectations!"
Linda W.
Tucson, AZ
"An excellent trip combining cultural sightseeing with mountain trekking."
Mark P.
Middletown, CT
"The Atlas trek was much more beautiful and memorable than I could have imagined. Seeing and learning about the Amazir, their azibs, transhumance, as well as the isolated valleys was fascinating."
Natalie L.
Warwick, Bermuda
"A well balanced trip with a blend of culture and mountain trekking and exactly what I was looking for. Our Trip Leader's knowledge and passion for the High Atlas mountains and Berber culture was exceptional."
Terry W.
New York, NY
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.