Visit the Atlas Mountains: a complete guide

You planning a trip to Maghreb? So don’t miss discovering the Atlas Mountains!

The Atlas Mountain Massif of North Africa extends over three countries in the region: Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Long 2,500 kilometers, the massif forms a barrier between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara. Its Moroccan part is probably the most interesting. It is shared between three massifs: Anti, Middle and High Atlas. The latter attracts most visitors. Many come to climb Djebel Toubkal, its highest peak, which peaks at 4,167 meters.

Shared between the three countries of the Maghreb, the Atlas Mountains are among the must-sees to visit in this region. No matter where you're going, don't miss going there. Beautiful landscapes, canyons, oasis and rivers await you. So to help you in your adventures, we will evoke in this guide all the ways to discover the Atlas Mountains.

The Atlas Mountains in a few words

This massif derives its name from the Berber and Greek mythology. According to the Greek myth, the giant Atlas is condemned by Zeus to bear on his shoulders the heavenly vault. The giant is transformed into a mountain range by Persia thanks to the head of Meduse. Herodote reports in a book on Berbers that the people of the country consider the mountain as the column that supports the sky. The word Atlas thus appears from the word Berber assalas meaning "beam".

In the heart of the myths and legends of the Mediterranean, the Atlas Mountains are to be discovered both for the diversity of landscapes and for the sporting activities that can be practised there. Tryed with fertile plateaus, old desert and eroded mountains, canyons and freshwater basins, they can only marvel at visitors. The massive counts a lot of unique sites to visit. On the Moroccan side, the National Parks of Ifrane, Khénifra and Tazekka, as well as the Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas and Paradise Valley, can be mentioned.

1. Hiking to discover the Atlas Mountains

We will not hide it from you, the hikes and treks in this ancient massif are numerous, many! This activity is probably the best to discover the Atlas Mountains. In the Moroccan part, there are several hikes, some easy and some more difficult, but all exceptional. Generally, they are fairly well marked and indicated. Here are some:

• The Gorges de Tislit : located between Taznakht and Taliouine in Anti-Atlas, this hiking trail immerses you in a unique site in the world, with its volcanic pitons, its changing colors and its peaceful river.
• Ascension of the djebel Toubkal : this hike is for experienced sportsmen and practitioners! For 2 days, it starts in the authentic village of Imlil with stops in gites stages.
• Lake Ifni : also accessible from Imlil, it presents spectacular scenery. The hike has an average difficulty.
• The Gorges de Dadès and the Valley of the Roses : from an easy to medium difficulty, this hiking tour will make you discover a labyrinth of colorful valleys, splendid gorges and pink canyons dug by the Oued M’gou.

Guided walk tours of the Atlas

To discover the Atlas Mountains, you can obviously opt for guided tours during the day. With a local guide, you can learn more about the region, its particularities and its history. Generally, a one-day guided tour focuses on a unique and special Atlas site. Among the most popular excursions, we can count the Imlil Valley, the Cascades of Uzbekistan , Paradise Valley or the village of Tamatert and its views.

For terms, you will generally be taken care of at your hotel or accommodation Marrakech . This is the starting point for many excursions in the Atlas Mountains. In minibuses, you will then reach the start of the hike. You are usually accompanied by a French-speaking or English-speaking guide. Stops are sometimes planned in local shops or villages to discover local crafts. For a day, these excursions allow you to visit a natural site on foot.

In terms of rates, you will have to count from 25€ to 55€ per person depending on the trip and the location chosen. It should be noted that there are, of course, longer circuits, spreading over several days, and addressed to more seasoned hikers. In that case, the rates go from 200€ to more than 600€ per person. Accommodation and meals are then taken care of.

2. Tours and walks in camel

All Atlas visitors are not necessarily accomplished hikers. Fortunately, it is possible to discover the Atlas Mountains in a different way! And one of the best is obviously a excursion or ride on camel back or dromedary. From one day to several, these adventures are excellent to discover the landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. Accompanied by a guide, you will immerse yourself in encased valleys, admire canyons and peaceful rivers, waterfalls and watersheds. Some even go through a bunch of deserts, allowing you to appreciate its tranquility and beauty.

When they last more than a day, they frequently include typical dinners and breakfasts. Nights are also an opportunity to observe the stars without the light pollution we know in the city. In short, these camel-back excursions have all the advantages to seduce all types of travellers!

The modalities

One of the most popular camel back walks is a one-day trip from Marrakech . Departure is 9 a.m. A driver will then take you from your accommodation to Imlil. Your English or French guide (at your choice) will then discover the surrounding Atlas Mountains. At the end of the day, you will join your driver who will take you back to Marrakech. These one-day excursions frequently include lunch, as well as refreshments, such as mint tea.

As for several-day excursions, they also include transfers from and to Marrakech, as well as breakfasts, dinners and refreshments. Water and lunch are not necessarily included, so be vigilant on this point before booking! It should be noted that these trips of several days are not always done only on camel back. Some portions can be done in 4×4 or on foot depending on the chosen tour.

At what price?

• For a day trip with camel back, usually count from 35 to 40€ per person.
• For multi-day excursions, rates oscillate 100 to 200€ per person. They obviously depend on the number of days, activities and benefits offered.

3. Cycling tours

Just like walking, the bike is an excellent way to discover the Atlas Mountains. Many mountain bike trails cross the entire Moroccan Atlas. In winter, we will focus on southern Morocco. This region will delight you with its arid mountains, its Oasian valleys and its desert on a mountain bike circuit. In the summer, the Berber High Atlas opened to bike hikers. You can then cross high passes, follow the bed of the oueds, browse hidden green valleys. In short, no matter the period of the year, you will find your happiness in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains!

Fortunately for weed veterinarians, many mountain bike excursions are organized in this region of the world. Guides and passionate organizations can make you discover the most beautiful circuits and natural sites for one or more days. Obviously, you can also organize your own mountain bike adventure in the Atlas Mountains.

Examples of mountain bike tours

Here are some examples of organized excursions and their routes to discover the Atlas Mountains:

• Three to eight-day mountain bike ride in southern Morocco : you will discover the desert landscapes of the Saghro, the large sahar spaces of the Draa Valley, as well as the canyons of the Mgoun.
• One day mountain bike excursions in the Toubkal massifbetween the plateau of Kik and the valley of Asni.
• One-day mountain bike excursions in the Berber villages preserved from Toubkal.
• ATV circuit two to three days combining these two experiences.
• ATV circuit in the High Atlas from the Bougmez valley to Imilchil, passing through the Anergui valley and the high nomadic plateaus of the Central Atlas.

This type of mountain biking tour is organized by the company “ Terres Nomades”, a specialist in adventure and hiking in Morocco. Turned to ecotourism, it notably ensures the organisation of treks in the Atlas Mountains, hiking in the desert and above all routes in the south of Morocco in mountain biking or in 4×4. This organization is recommended by veterinarians, sportsmen and travellers in Morocco in general.

The modalities

As with any day trip, you will usually be taken care of at your hotel or accommodation in Marrakech or in a nearby town. A driver will take you to the starting point where your guide will now take you in charge. A Francophone and/or Anglophone, he will let you discover the Atlas Mountains during an adventure that usually includes lunch.

Circuits less than or more than a week usually include your transfer from and to your arrival airport, or accommodation. Your accommodation and meals during the ATV adventure will also be handled in most cases. Be sure to check this point before your reservation. A French- and/or English-speaking guide will also accompany you during this unique experience.

Note : your mountain bike will usually be provided for a day trip as well as a multi-day circuit. Also check this point before booking your experience.

At what price?

We mentioned above some of the excursions to the day or circuit of several days that an organization like Nomad Lands can organize.

• For a day of mountain bikes, prices usually start from 70€ per person.
• For a longer circuit, the price obviously depends on the duration. Count in general 250€ to 400€ per person for a circuit of 2 to 3 days and up to 1000€ for 8 to 9 days of mountain bike.

4. Excursions in 4×4

As mentioned above, you can opt for a one-day or several day trip to the Atlas Mountains. These activities take place in large part in 4×4, including sometimes a camel-back ride or a walking tour. These excursions are ideal for combining several experiences and discover several sites of the Atlas Mountains. Some also include a passage through the Sahara. The two natural monuments are indeed close to each other.

As mentioned earlier, the company “Tearlands Nomades” organizes excursions and tours in 4×4, as in mountain biking. If the bike doesn't interest you, you can always use this organization for your 4×4 adventures. Guided to ecotourism, it makes the effort to find nature-friendly accommodations and traditions, often in discrete and thus preserved places.

The modalities

Most organizations offer 4×4 long trips from one to eight days . Do not usually start in Marrakech, you will be taken care of your accommodation in the city. You will then reach the starting point. From there you will start your 4×4 adventure in the Atlas Mountains.

Day trips usually include lunch. They can also be accompanied by other activities: camel-back walk, visit Berber houses or local artisans, hiking, etc.

For multi-day excursions, your meals and accommodation are generally supported. We recommend that you check the benefits included in the tour. You will also be accompanied by a French- and/or English-speaking guide, whether for a tour or a day trip.

At what price?

• For a 4×4 day trip, you will usually have to count 70€ per person.
• For a multi-day tour, rates go from 200€ to more than 1000€ per person. These prices obviously depend on the duration of the circuit.

Do not hesitate to consult several sites and organizations before booking. You can usually ask for a quote before you decide.

5. Shipments in quad or buggy

Do you want to combine strong sensations and discover fantastic landscapes? So excursions in quad or buggy are made for you! As with 4×4 outputs, many quad or buggy excursions are organized to discover the Atlas Mountains easily. Most exits from Marrakech follow the same route. You will then discover the foot of the mountains of the High Atlas, with part of the tour in the desert.

You will travel through the Berber countryside, pass through orchards, meadows, eucalyptus forests and the desert. In the backdrop, the Atlas Mountains will give you an eye. You'll be able to admire them at each of your stops. Some guided quad expeditions even offer to drink tea in a typical house, with obviously snowy mountains as companions. In addition to the Berber villages, most excursions make a detour through the beautiful Lake Takerkoust.

The modalities

Just like excursions in 4×4 or camel, you will be supported from and to your accommodation in Marrakech . For a half-day expedition, you will usually have a choice between morning or afternoon.

Shipments at 4×4 do not start in Marrakech in general. A driver will lead you to the starting point. Day trips usually include lunch, as well as refreshments. A French- and/or English-speaking guide will also accompany you during this sporting adventure!

For multi-day excursions, your meals and accommodation are generally supported. We recommend that you check the benefits included in the tour.

At what price?

The price obviously depends on the duration of the shipment in quad.

• For half a day, count 65 to 75€ per person on average.
• For a day trip, the rates usually range between 120 and 160€ per person.

The price is generally lower for companions and young people, who cannot drive. For a multi-day quad expedition, prices are even more variable. In this case, do not hesitate to consult several sites and organizations before booking. You can usually ask for a quote before you decide.

6. The Atlas overflight in the hot air balloon

If the Atlas Mountains are ideally discovered from the ground, admire them from the heavens is certainly memorable. A balloon flight, but also by plane or helicopter, offers a different and spectacular perspective on this natural monument. Fortunately, visits to this type are quite numerous and prices are not so high that one might think of it at first.

So you can opt for a one-hour balloon flight from Marrakech for €200 For example. Taken in charge at your hotel, you will enjoy the flight, but also a camel ride in the surrounding desert. From the heavens you will observe the Moroccan countryside, as well as the valleys and hills of the desert. These flights often take place at dawn, the rising sun will dye the landscapes of beautiful gold, orange, red and yellow colors. No doubt this experience will leave you an imperishable memory!

7. Sleep in the Atlas Mountains

The massif is as you know quite vast. Thus it houses many villages and cities, and therefore many places to stay. Sleeping in the Atlas Mountains will allow you to multiply visits, on foot, by bike or by other means in the mountains. But above all, you can enjoy its unique atmosphere, its landscapes and serenity. Far from the great cities, as close to the heavens, you can take the time to discover, contemplate and let yourself go.

As far as Morocco is concerned, there are several places we can recommend. From these accommodations, you can easily discover several exceptional sites of the Atlas Mountains. Here's our selection:

The Kasbah of Toubkal

Nestled in Toubkal National Park, the Kasbah du Toubkal is an ecological and authentic guest house. Open all year round, it offers all the services and facilities to discover the surrounding Atlas Mountains. This hotel is ideal for an adventure stay, while enjoying modern but authentic comfort.

Thanks to a creative partnership between Berbers and Europeans, it offers activities for all types of travellers. The Kasbah of Toubkal has indeed given itself the goal of making accessible to all the wonders of this national park! Prices for one night start from 160€ for a room.

L’Amandier

Located in the Ouirgane Valley, Amandier is a luxurious and fantastic hotel just 45 minutes from Marrakech. As with the Kasbah of Toubkal, exceptional views of the mountains await you. But the strength of the hotel lies in its exceptional facilities: an infinity pool, comfortable rooms with beautiful views of the summits, its spa and its restaurant.

With nothing but nature at kilometers, it is also the perfect place for travellers looking for a break of everything! From Amandier, you can also start superb half-day hikes across the valley. The hotel rooms are available from 270€ per person .

Douar Samra

Located in Imlil, less than 10 kilometers from Toubkal National Park, Douar Samra is a charming and authentic Moroccan guest house. This is the ideal place to discover the Atlas Mountains. In fact, the hotel is located in Imlil, known as the starting point of the treks and hikes to the highest peak of the Atlas: the Djebel Toubkal. With its comfortable rooms, affordable prices and small care staff, we can only recommend this hotel for your stay in the Atlas Mountains.

Rooms at this hotel are available at far more affordable prices than previous hotels. Rates for one night start from 47€ . Douar Samra also offers a free shuttle service from and to Marrakech-Ménara Airport.