The High Atlas, North Africa’s greatest montain range, contains some of the most intriguing and most beautiful regions of Morocco. A historical and physical barrier between the northern plains and the pre-Sahara, its Berber populated valleys feel and indeed are very remote from the country’s mainstream or urban life. For visitors, it is, above all, trekking country, with walks to suit all levels of ability and commitment, from casual day-hikes to week-long (or more) expedition routes combining a series of peaks (djebels) and passes (tizi in berber or, in French, cols). Rock-climbing and ski mountaineering also offer fine sport, while mountain-biking, too, is increasingly popular on the dirt tracks (pistes) and mule paths. You could also ride. there are horses for hir at Ouirgane for organized local treks while the adventurous might consider buying (and reselling) a mule at one of the local souks; those who have done it claim there is no better way to experience the mountain culture.
Despite the forbidding appearance of its peaks, these are surprisingly populated mountains; their slopes drop away to valleys and streams, with Berber villages terraced into their sides. At many of the villages particularly in the two main hiking centres of Djebel Toubkal ( Morocco’s highest peak) and the less known Bou Goumez valley gîte-style accommodation is offered in local houses, and there is an established infrastructure of guides and mules for trekking. It must be stressed, though, that part of the attraction of Atlas trekking is that it remains so undeveloped in comparison with, say, the Pyrenees or Alps. The network of pistes and paths is there because it remains in everyday local use, and you enter a mountain life which has hardly altered in centuries.
This article although entitled ” The High Atlas” actually covers only the Western part of the range; for more on easterly peaks and routes, which offer four-wheel drive or travel on local Berber trucks, as well as trekking.