Africa’s Atlas Mountains are located to the northwest. Across Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, it stretches for around 2,500 kilometers there is no continuous chain of mountains in the Atlas Mountains, but instead, several ranges separated by huge expanses of land known as plateaux.

The Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean coast are separated by mountains. There are several passes between the coast and the Sahara desert in this region.

The highest peak in North Africa is Toubkal, located in Morocco. The peak is 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) high.

1. The population of the Atlas Mountains

Around the Atlas Mountains, most of the population lives in small villages rather than in cities. Berbers, a North African culture with roots dating back thousands of years, are the most famous and numerous of Atlas populations.
Mountain ecosystems support a range of plant and animal species that are unique in Africa, often more similar to those in Europe. Many of these species are endangered and some have already gone extinct.

2. The most visited place in the atlas mountians

The most visited and largest of the ranges, home to the mother of all peaks in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal, lie just outside Marrakech. The Ourika Valley will captivate you before you get in Imlil, the perfect base for the Toubkal trek. When in bloom, the cherry and almond orchards, as well as the wildflowers that have taken over the lovely riverfront, are breathtaking.

Then there’s the daring climb up Mount Toubkal. The walk may be completed in two days with the assistance of a mule to carry your bag so you can concentrate on pushing yourself to the mountain’s peak at approximately 14, 000 feet. Take in the vistas of the craggy Atlas Mountains disappearing into the Sahara desert when you reach the top. While going through rural Berber settlements, you’ll get lots of invitations for mint tea (also known as Berber whisky).

3. the weather in the Atlas Mountains

The weather in the Atlas Mountains is good for hiking all year if you don’t mind the snow. Morocco’s seasons are similar to those of other Northern Hemisphere countries, with winter lasting from December to February and summer lasting from June to August.

Winter is cold and snowy, but it is also enjoyable. The environment becomes hotter and dryer as you travel south towards the Sahara desert. Summer is hotter in the valleys than it is further up, but it is still nice.

The months of March through June are ideal for hiking in the Atlas Mountains. This means you’ll be there in the spring and early summer when the weather is lovely and the roads are somewhat dry (there will still be snow at higher altitudes).

In Imlil, the average high temperature between August to October is 12.8℃ (55℉) and maximum temperatures of 19.3℃ (66.8℉).

Autumn in the Middle Atlas Mountains sees average high temperatures of 25℃ (76.5℉) and maximum temperatures of 35℃ (95℉).

The Anti-Atlas Mountains experiences average high temperatures of 14.4℃ (57.9℉) and maximum temperatures of 27.8℃ (82℉).

4. The second peak of the Atlas mountains is Oukaimeden

Another one of Morocco’s best heights is Oukaimeden. Get this: in January and February you can actually strap on skis or your board, and descend the highest skiable peak on the continent at 8,530 feet. Oukaimeden is a dream for skiers who want to experience more than one climate on their travels and it’s also pretty sweet riding the highest ski lift in Africa (or going old-school and ascending by donkey). 

Because it’s like Mother Nature is always looking out for a way to cool you down, Todgha Gorge, in the Eastern part of the Atlas Mountains near Tinghir, can help you beat the heat.

Here’s a link where you can check out our Sahara Desert trip in 3 days through the Todgha Gorge and Bomal Dades

5. A list of the special trekking locations in the Atlas Mountains

Morocco’s best hiking spots range in difficulty, length, and altitude from the High Atlas Mountains in the north to the Anti-Atlas Mountains in the south. It’s important to remember that hiking can be a challenging but rewarding activity.

Mount Toubkal
What is the time required to climb Mount Toubkal? Allow yourself four days to complete the hike to North Africa’s highest peak (4167m). Fit but unskilled hikers can comfortably reach the top in three days. Crampons and ice picks are required for winter hiking at these high altitudes.

A four-day guided trek of Mount Toubkal begins at the lower height of Imi Ourhlad (1400m above sea level) and ends at the summit.

Check out our guide to Climb Mount Toubkal Here

Waterfall Aourwiz
The Aourwiz Waterfall is a beautiful spot to see while hiking in the High Atlas Mountains. It is known as the Aourwiz Cascade and is located near the town of Tizi Oussem. The terrain is less arid, and the water crashing down the two tiers of the rock face nearly looks out of place.

Jbel Saghro
A rough range with three hiking trails leading to flat-topped mesas with deep canyons. Jbel Saghro is an eastern extension of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, located south of the High Atlas Mountains. The location is desolate and receives barely 100mm of rain each year because it is located inland.

Keep in Mind These Safety Recommendations

During the day, you’ll want to stay hydrated. When you bring a survival straw with you, you can drink from water sources along the way instead of carrying big amounts of clean drinking water.

The first and perhaps most crucial safety recommendation is to never try a hike on your alone. On most roads in Morocco, a guide is required, and going in remote locations without one is dangerous. Hiring a qualified mountain guide will allow you to benefit from the local expertise given during your walk.