When you’re choosing your next trekking challenge, you’ve got a lot to consider. The difficulty of the terrain. The types of accommodation you’re willing to consider. The weather and conditions you’re willing to endure. Not to mention the all the practicalities of an overseas trip – who you’re going to travel with, whether you are going to take on a guide or join a planned expedition, the language barriers you may face, and the expense of it all. But one thing that is sometimes overlooked is the sightseeing potential.

Any trek can hold a world of wonders, both natural and manmade. Taking you to sights rarely seen and experiences that will stay with you. And that’s why, although it doesn’t have the epic adventuring credentials of the Everest or K2 base camps or the iconic status of Machu Picchu, we love trekking Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.  

The Three Best Sights of the High Atlas Mountains Trek

Mount Toubkal

Mount Toubkal, part of the Toubkal Massif range, is the highest mountain in North Africa. Reaching 4,167 metes (13,671 feet), it is an awe-inspiring sight, with its rugged snow-capped peaks. And on your trek through the High Atlas Mountains, you will be treated to some of the most spectacular views of the ranges. As well as scaling to the peak of the mountain itself. It’s hard work. But it is worth every step.  

Ifni Lake

With its breath-taking emerald waters, Lake Ifni is one the hands-down stand out spectacles of the High Atlas Mountains. The only lake in the Toubkal Massif, it sits at 2,295 meters (9,826 feet), and is surrounded by the summits of the Jbel Toubkal, Ouanoukrim, and the dome of Ifni. A wonderful place to cool tired feet, it was created by a landslide and is now used by locals as a source of irrigation. But it is also spectacularly beautiful.

Amsouzert

Known for being one of the most picturesque villages on the trail to Mount Toubkal, Amsouzert provides a wonderful opportunity to sample local culture. With traditional Moroccan architecture and the lush green valley contrasting starkly with the brown mountains that frame it, Amsouzert provides a welcome break on your mountain trek.

The wildlife

While we can’t promise that you’ll see much more than a Barbary sheep or Barbary macaque, the High Atlas Mountains are also home to an amazing array of wildlife. And if you’re lucky, you may just catch a peek of a Cuvier's gazelle, Barbary stag, Algerian nuthatch, Atlas Mountain badger, or even a Barbary leopard.

The High Atlas Mountains aren’t always the first choice for trekkers. They get outshone by the star quality of other destinations. But whenever you visit, there is always something to see. Whether it’s the blooms of spring and summer in the valleys, or the snowy plains of late autumn. The scenery is stark but spectacular. And it’s one of our favourite places to visit.

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