High Atlas Mountains Holidays

Welcome to the High Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas Mountains form the backdrop to Marrakech, some 40 miles away by road – and a world away in ambience. A holiday here is the perfect antidote to city life and to the fast pace of 21st century living.

Many choose to spend their time simply relaxing by the pool with a good book, surrounded by beautiful scenery, others prefer to be out and about rambling through the countryside and enjoying long walks through the Ouirgane Valley.

The mountain vistas are astonishing, and the way of life of the Berber people who inhabit this area is refreshing in its simplicity. A stay in the High Atlas Mountains can form a welcome counterpoint to a trip to Marrakech.

A stay in the High Atlas Mountains can form a welcome counterpoint to a trip to Marrakech – please see our multi-centre and tailor-made holidays for details of possible combinations.

Transfer & distances

Set in the midst of the mountains, 5km from Tahanaout andapprox. 30 minutes’ drive from Marrakech International Airport.

Average Temperatures in Marrakech

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperature 19°C 20°C 23°C 25°C 28°C 32°C 36°C 36°C 32°C 27°C 22°C 20°C

Walking in the High Atlas Mountains

Many people who visit this beautiful area do so to enjoy rambling and hiking amidst its unspoilt natural beauty. The Toubkal National Park was created in 1942 to protect the unique flora and fauna of the region.

It stretches over some 100,000 hectares from the N’fiss Valley in the west to the Ourika Valley in the east. The altitude rises to 4167 metres over diverse terrain of cliffs, ridges, valleys and gorges punctuated by streams and springs. You can choose whether to explore on your own, or to use the services of a guide. There is a wide choice of itineraries, depending on where you choose to stay, and walks can be booked in advance. Kasbah Angour offers a variety of walks, lead by its own local guides,which include a 2 day trip to climb Mount Toubkal; as well as shorter half and full day walks. You can discover the beautiful Ourika Valley, or visit the Berber villages of Sidi Fares. If you are not a keen walker then mule-trekking is also a popular option and a great way to explore the area and survey the scenery.

Wildlife, flora and fauna

Nature-lovers will be delighted with the variety of birds indigenous to this area and it is commonplace to hear the song of nightingales, blackbirds, cuckoos and woodpecker as you walk.

Keen bird-watchers are also drawn here to watch the migration of storks, bee-eaters, turtle doves and golden orioles. You will also observe many birds of prey such as eagles, sparrow hawks, falcons, buzzards and owls. Spring is the best time to visit when the lush green of the mountains forms a sharp contrast with the distinctive rust-coloured soil, the flowers are in bloom and snow can still be seen on the peaks. Juniper, poplar, ash and pink oleander are typical of the region. Autumn is also popular, and even in summer the cool mountain air provides respite from the heat of Marrakech.

Discovering the Berber Way of Life

The Tinmel Mosque, dating from the 12th century is well worth a visit and a trip to a Berber village such as Imlil or Tikhfist provides an insight into local Berber village life.

Stop off and share a glass of refreshingly sweet mint tea accompanied by tanourt, the local bread, freshly baked in a special clay oven. The weekly Berber markets are not to be missed – the market of Asni takes place on Saturdays, Talat n’Yacoub on Wednesdays and Ouirgane on Thursdays - and are a great opportunity to stock up on unusual souvenirs.

RIAD BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Kasbah Angour

 4* BB

Prices: £940

Information & Dates

Palais Riad Berbere

 4 * BB

Prices: £1,044

Information & Dates

Authentic Berberic Hotel

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"I wanted to send you an e-mail now that we are back from our wonderful holiday. My wife and I wanted to express our sincere gratitude to you and the team at Diamond Star for arranging a truly unique style of holiday that we are still talking about to friends and family two weeks after we came home. The places we have visited, and the things we have seen were truly amazing, it will take a month or more to sort through our photos"  Andrew and June Welch - 24 Oct 2022

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Akin has been to all these places and experienced all these holidays.

Give him a ring to discuss your holiday in detail on 0330 390 0999 or send an email.

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