| High Atlas | |
 | |
| State | Morocco |
|---|---|
High Atlas is a region of Morocco which covers both the High Atlas mountain range and the surrounding areas including Marrakech.
To know
The Moroccan High Atlas is the typical destination for hikers, skiers and travelers interested in indigenous Berber culture.
Berbers are North African indigenous people who have inhabited the northern coasts of Africa between present-day Morocco and Egypt for at least 5,000 years.
The Arab invasion of North Africa in the seventh century forced the Berbers to take refuge in the Atlas Mountains.
Almost 33% of Morocco's population is of Berber origin, although only half of them have retained its culture and lifestyle.
The Berbers have adopted Islam as their religion.
Territories and tourist destinations
High Atlas: full screen map.Urban centers
- 1 Ait-Ben-Haddou - a traditional fortified city made of mud bricks located along the road from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and heritage ofUNESCO.
- 2 Amizmiz - Berber town that hosts one of the largest souks (market) in the region. Amizmiz it is also an excellent starting point for visiting Berber mountain villages.
- 3 Asni - A small town at the foot of the High Atlas.
- 4 Azilal - Located east of Marrakech (about 165 km) in the Atlas Mountains, Azilal is the base for excursions to Ouzoud waterfalls it's at Ighil MgounSecond peak of the Atlas mountains (4.071 m.). Also from Azilal you can reach "Imi'n'Ifri", other waterfalls between heavily eroded rocks and imaginative shapes.
- 5 Aït Bouguemez (Ait Bou Guemmez) - Off the beaten path, Ait Bougmez is a rugged region whose inhabitants still speak Berber. The opening of a road in 2001 put an end to its isolation but its tourist infrastructures remain virtually nil
- 6 Bzou
- 7 Marrakech - Major tourist destination of Morocco; it has always been a city that evokes wild dreams. It is a large market town located on the northern side of the High Atlas where it is possible to eat excellent food.
- 8 Oukaimeden - Morocco's largest ski center in the Jbel Toubkal area. The road passes through the village of "Aït Lekak".
- 9 Sti Fadma - Berber town at the end of the Ourika valley.
Other destinations
- Imlil - Starting point for some wonderful excursions. Just 75 minutes by taxi from Marrakech.
- Ouirgane
- Toubkal National Park - Established in 1942, the park covers the area of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak of the Atlas mountains and of the whole North Africa (4.167 m.). The street Agadir-Marrakech it laps the western slope of Jbel Toubkal.
- Tinerhir - This city is the perfect gateway to the impressive Todra Gorges.
- Ourika Valley - amazing valley located less than 30 minutes from the medina of Marrakech. It is the entry point to the High Atlas, and home to many Berber villages.
- Marigha
How to get
How to get around
What see
For those interested in seeing how authentic Berbers live in the High Atlas, it is possible to find several groups that can help reach their villages.
What to do
At the table
Safety
Before embarking on the journey consult:
- Safe travel - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) (Country safety information).
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning High Atlas
Commons contains images or other files on High Atlas
