Morocco: The High Atlas Trek

A 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 little changed in a hundred years. As we trek, we see Berber women in brightly colored dresses tending fields amid picturesque mud-brick villages, and higher up, we meet nomadic shepherds in summer pastures. We often visit homes to share a cup of mint tea with these friendly, open, mountain people. The trek is strenuous, but scenic grandeur abounds, from towering limestone peaks to sheer red-rock canyons. Our journey also explores Fez, a fairytale city whose medina still looks much as it did a thousand years ago, and we relax post-trek in the garden city of Marrakesh, where fabled bazaars beckon with their henna and kohl sellers, trance healers, and tarot card readers.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-4
Casablanca / Rabat / Fez

We enjoy Casablanca and Rabat, then head for the glories of ancient Fez, nestled in a high valley and resplendent with minarets and domes. Fez' medina dazzles the eye and the senses: it's a completely preserved and thriving medieval Arab city.

Days 5-13
The Atlas Mountains

We drive across the Middle Atlas into the High Atlas, overnighting in a Berber home on Day 6. The next day we start our 6-day trek, walking through picturesque Berber villages into high pastures, crossing a 10,240-foot pass with views of snowy Mt. M'Goun, North Africa's second highest peak (with an optional summit hike), and encountering herders tending their camels and sheep in beautiful canyons. This dramatic red-rock country is stunning, and one day's hike takes us through a gorge whose 4,000-foot-high walls are only 10 feet apart in places! On occasion, the young people of Tiranamine village come to our last night's camp to share their music and dance.

Days 14-15
Marrakesh

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 and by horse-drawn carriage, and depart on Day 15 (or join our Mt. Toubkal Extension)

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Mt. Toubkal Extension
Days 15-19

A beautiful 3-day trek brings us to the summit of Mt. Toubkal (13,667'), North Africa's highest peak.

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 4, moderate to strenuous. It combines easy touring and overland exploration with a moderate 6-day trek. 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 2-3 feet deep. There is an optional ascent of M’Goun (13,343’) 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.

Explanation of Trip Levels