Atlas Mountains Holidays
Home to dramatic scenery, traditional Berber villages and often surprisingly verdant valleys, the Atlas Mountains are a beautiful and extensive mountain range just an hour from Marrakech. The High Atlas offers fantastic trekking for all abilities, including up North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, an area peppered with rustic villages.
The High Atlas is North Africa’s tallest mountain range. It’s just one of several sections that make up the wider Atlas Mountain region, but the Berber name, which translates to Mountains of Mountains, says everything you need to know.
As above so below
At the same time, lower-lying areas of the country are bathed in sunshine. So you can watch as the sunlight filters through a courtyard in Marrakech in the morning, then peer down from a wind-whipped, snowy precipice the very same day. Why not consider a multi-centre stay, travelling between Marrakech and Essaouira, whilst including a visit to the Atlas Mountains? Whatever you’re looking for, call our Destination Specialists who can help you to create the perfect tailor made Atlas Mountains holiday package.
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Taylor
Destination Manager
"Organise a visit with some lunch at the Kasbah du Toubkal. This can be a day trip from Marrakech, or from the Kasbah Tamadot Hotel."
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Rachel
Destination Executive
"Spend 2 or 3 nights at the Kasbah Tamadot and completely relax in the beautiful dramatic surroundings of the Atlas Mountains. A contrast to Marrakech's thriving medina."
Local cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is typically a mix of Berber, Arabic, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cuisines with slight European and sub-Saharan influences. Lamb is a popular meat, and dishes abound with subtle spices and intriguing ingredients such as dates and apricots. Here are a few of our favourite local dishes to try:
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Tajine
Tajine is a slow-cooked stew made with a blend of ingredients such as chicken, lamb, beef, fish or vegetables, stewed with spices and dried fruit and served with couscous and breads.
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M’hanncha
M’hanncha is sometimes known as the ‘Moroccan snake’ or ‘snake cake.’ It’s a dessert made up of a whirl of coiled filo pastry — hence the name. The pastry is rolled out to form a long tube and filled with almond paste, flavoured with orange flower water and pistachio; cinnamon is then sprinkled onto the cooked filo.
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Couscous
Couscous is originally from Morocco and typically served with meat or vegetable stew. Traditionally it’s prepared on the Muslim holy day (Friday) and for special occasions, but you can find it at most restaurants and cafes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you trek the Atlas Mountains in Morocco?
Yes, you can trek the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The mountains are split into three main ranges – the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas, and the Anti Atlas. The High Atlas is the most popular as it boasts Jbel Toubkal – at 4,167 metres, this is the highest peak in North Africa.
Should I dress conservatively in Morocco?
Morocco is a Muslim country and it’s important to respect its customs and dress appropriately. Women should avoid wearing tight clothing and tops that don’t cover their shoulders. If wearing shorts or a skirt, ensure that they hang below the knees. Men shouldn’t be seen topless in public. When visiting mosques or religious sites, men and women should remove their shoes before entering, and women should cover their head.
Is Alcohol available in Morocco?
Although Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol is available and served in licensed bars, restaurants, hotels, and some shops in tourist areas. It’s important not to drink alcohol on the street or in any place where it’s not licensed, as this is illegal and can lead to arrest.
