10 Facts About the High Atlas Mountains

There are a number of reasons why the High Atlas Mountains make a great trekking destination. They’re accessible pretty much all year round. There are a range of different treks available, depending upon your time and your experience. You can even take on a weekend trek if you’re looking for a shorter challenge as an introduction, or as a corporate teambuilding exercise. And the area is both interesting and beautiful. But the High Atlas Mountains don’t get as much attention as other trekking destinations. And that’s mainly because they’re not as well known. So, these are our favourite facts about the area to get your travel juices flowing.

10 Interesting Facts About the High Atlas Mountains

1. The High Atlas Mountains are part of the broader Atlas Mountain range. It extends more than 1,500 miles. And stretches across three countries – Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Which is why most people break their treks into smaller chunks!

2. Mount Toubkal is the highest point of the mountain range. It reaches 13,665 feet (4,165 meters) above sea level. And is usually the ultimate trekking target in the area.

3. The Berber people, who have lived in and around the mountains for thousands of years, are thought to be one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

4. Despite the snow-capped peaks, many of the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains are heavily forested. This creates a rich habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. Including the Barbary macaque, Atlas Mountain badger, Barbary leopard, Barbary stag, Atlas Mountain viper, and [slightly less excitingly] the Barbary sheep.

5. Not such a favourite fact as a sad one, the High Atlas Mountains were once home to many creatures that have since become extinct. Including the Atlas bear, the barbary lion and the North African elephant.

6. The High Atlas Mountains hold a wealth of natural resources. These include gold, natural gas, iron ore, silver, copper, lead ore, mercury, marble, anthracite, rock salt, and phosphate.

7. The Atlas Mountain range separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans from the Sahara Desert.

8. The mountains are a place of uniquely mixed climate. Here, freezing polar air from the north mixes with the tropical air from the jungles of the south. Creating a range of habitat types.

9. It’s not a great place to find a phone signal. Not everyone sees this as a plus – and the local people have created their own communication system. But it’s a great place to go if you’re looking for tech detox.

10. If you’re looking to really experience history, it doesn’t get much better than parts of the High Atlas Mountains. The Youssef Ben Tachfine cave is believed to date back to mid-palaeolithic times. We don’t cover this in our trek, but if history is your thing, you might consider it as an add-on excursion before you leave the area.

The High Atlas Mountains are a diverse and appealing area. For trekkers, they have a lot to offer for all capabilities. So, if you’re looking for a new trekking experience, why not check out what North Africa has to offer?

Find out more about High Atlas Mountain treks with Choose a Challenge.