The Atlas Mountains in morocco
The geographical diversity of the Moroccan natural landscape is one of the things that caught the attention of tourists all over the world. Moroccan mountain chains are recognized as huge surfaces and different shapes. The Rif Mountains and the Atlas Mountains are the largest ones in Morocco. However, we are going to talk about Trekking in the Atlas Mountains which have increasing popularity in the world. The three Atlas Mountains chains are high Atlas Mountains range, middle Atlas Mountains range, and small Atlas Mountains range.
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The High Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas Mountains are in central Morocco, spread out from the Atlantic Ocean to the middle of Morocco. They provide some of the most picturesque views in the world; the gorges, ravines, and denes. We will divide the High Atlas into three portions to be clear and easy to understand. The Western High Atlas which contains the highest point in North Africa at Toubkal. It stands at 4,167 meters, and you can see the peak from the city of Marrakech. Toubkal is the ideal place for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers. Recently, hiking the mountain of Toubkal has become the most popular diversion tourist and locals alike entertain.
The three parts
Trekking the central High Atlas mountains starts between Azilal and Ourzazate as the High Atlas reaches the middle of Morocco. Moreover, the average height of these mountains is 2,500 meters. Yet, the highest point stands at 4,060 meters which can be found at Jbel Magoun. Then, there is the eastern high atlas which prolongs from Khnifra to Jbel Ayach. In between these two points there stands Saghro and Jbel Sirwa. The highest point in the eastern high atlas stands at 3,746m at Jbel Ayach.
At the High Atlas Mountains, where the beautiful nature is painted by the panoramic views mix with life in its most basic form and the essence of Moroccan style of living shines through. Trekkers and hiking fetishists are so in love with the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains. That is because they found it gives the true meaning of adventures and the sense of what Morocco is like.
For hiking
To hike the Atlas Mountains, no climbing experience is required, everybody can make it till the top depends on the fitness level. The average trekkers can get to the top without many difficulties as paths and trails are made to ease the climbing difficulties. These trails are no larger than caravan routes or donkey. Mules and donkeys are only meant to carry your luggage and stuff to the basecamp. You can set up with the tour operator to get you a trekker guide or mules.
Dades and Toudgha (Tinghir) confer picturesque spots of the gorges, the Daraa valley. The surrounding villages are some of the most exuberant reasons to go trekking the High Atlas Mountains. The village of Imlil is also one of the most important places in the high Atlas Mountains which shine in beauty at any time and any season. The village is also the starting point for hikers and trekkers. On the way from Imlil, there is a pathway with different fruit trees: cherry, peach, and apples.
Ait Bougmmaz Valley and Orika are no exception where the scenery is breathtaking natural pictures majestic mountains and soon will replace with lakes, peaks, and valleys. The high Atlas Mountains are not only known for its towering mountains, peaks, and nature. Yet, It is also popular with its people who live in villages along the slopes and rivers. But those are also by their simple lifestyle, and you can see them inactivation from the early morning. Their living is about agriculture, sheepherding and they are familiar with the harsh mountain territory.
The middle Atlas mountains
What distinguishes these mountains is that they are located in the north of the center of Morocco. The highest peak of these mountain chains is the summit of Mount Nasser. Moreover, it reaches 3340 meters. The Sais Plateau and Taza pass are the natural dividings that separate the middle atlas mountain from the Rif Mountains in the north side. As for the geographical diversity of the Middle Atlas mountains, there is a rich nature; valleys rivers, and splendid views of the mountains. Moreover, at the foothill of these mountains, there are so many beautiful things to see like the city of Ifrane for instance, which is also the Switzerland of Morocco. Riding horses or bicycles and hiking to explore the areas around are the most common activities, as there is a dazzling nature everywhere.
Trekking the small Atlas Mountains
They call it Small Atlas Mountains because it has the lower peaks among the Atlas Mountains, which does not exceed 2500 meters high. The small Atlas Mountains prolong in the southwest nearness to the Atlantic Ocean, where the mountain atlas connects to the grand desert. Therefore, the climate of the small Atlas mount is common by the desert climate, and the majority of the vegetation cover of these mountains is suitable for grazing. By the Saharan climate in these mountains. There not many activities to do except walking, the peaks are not high enough so they are easy to reach. However, in the heart of the small Atlas, there is Tafraout which is an attractive destination for tourists as they come to visit it daily.
Tafraout contains giant rocks of the Omraktregion. In addition, these rocks were colored by the Belgian artist John Viram in 1984. The neighboring villages are rich in historical monuments. Old houses, Kasbah, rock inscriptions, ancient irrigation systems, etc. Visiting the Small atlas will allow you discovering various traditions of the population in the region of Tafraout in particular, and you don’t have to worry about the lodgment. The city has many hotels and guest houses.
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