Visiting the Atlas Mountains: a practical guide
The High Atlas is the easiest escape from Marrakech: within an hour the city gives way to red earth villages, terraced fields and snow-capped peaks for much of the year. A private driver lets you stop where you like, change plans with the weather and come back to your riad the same evening.
A day in the Atlas
Most travellers leave Marrakech in the morning, drive through Asni to Imlil or along the Ourika river, walk for a few hours with a local guide, have lunch in a Berber house or a valley café, and return in the late afternoon. Your driver waits and adapts the timing to your pace.
Hiking and guides
Short walks between villages are easy with a local guide. Climbing Jbel Toubkal is a different matter: it takes at least two days and requires an official licensed mountain guide. We can arrange the transport to Imlil and put you in touch with mountain guides.
When to go
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking. In winter the high peaks are covered in snow and nights are cold, but the valleys remain beautiful and accessible. In summer the Atlas is a welcome escape from the heat of Marrakech.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes and a warm layer, even in spring.
- Some cash for lunch, small purchases and tips.
- Sun protection: the mountain sun is strong at altitude.