Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains form the dramatic backbone of Morocco — a 2,500km chain that separates the Atlantic plains from the Sahara desert. The High Atlas rises to 4,167m at Jbel Toubkal (the highest peak in North Africa), offering world-class trekking, Berber village stays and breathtaking scenery. The Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260m is the main route south used on all desert tours. The Imlil valley — 90 minutes from Marrakech — is the primary base for Toubkal treks and day hikes into Berber country. The Ourika Valley, with its waterfalls at Setti Fatma, is the most popular day trip from Marrakech. The Middle Atlas provides cedar forests, volcanic lakes and Barbary macaques. The Anti-Atlas in the deep south offers pink granite landscapes and almond blossom in February. The Atlas Mountains are the single most defining geographical feature of Morocco and appear on every tour from desert crossings to imperial city routes.