6 Things You May Not Know About the High Atlas Mountains
Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains have become one of the most popular trekking destinations in North Africa. With Mount Toubkal boasting the highest peak (4,167m), it’s not an *easy* trek. But it is by no means the most difficult for inexperienced hikers. And it provides a wonderful opportunity to take in a unique view of Morocco.
But to get the most of your trekking experience, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with some facts! And these are our favourites about Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.
Six Facts About the High Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are not a single chain of mountains
Because they’re referred to collectively, the Atlas Mountains are often viewed as a continuous chain. But the reality is that the mountains actually form a series of ranges (including the High Atlas), with many peaks divided by wide plateaus. Collectively, the mountains cover a massive 1,600 miles (2,500km). Effectively separating the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines from the Sahara Desert.
There are four regions of the Atlas Mountains
While the best-known area of the Atlas Mountains (and the one that we’re most concerned with), the High Atlas, is located in Morocco, along with the Middle Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges, the full range covers three countries. The Saharan Atlas is located in Algeria. And the Tell Atlas and Aures Mountains spread between Algeria and Tunisia.
The weather is perfect for hiking
At Choose a Challenge, we typically conduct High Atlas Mount treks in May, June, and September. This is because this is when you’ll experience the best hiking weather. While it can still be hot at the base – reaching highs of around 25°C. Further up the mountains, temperatures are unlikely to dip below 7°C. With lows of 12°C and 15°C in June and September respectively. Meaning that you’re not going to be exposed to too great extremes in temperature.
The mountains have a long human history
It is estimated that the Atlas Mountains have been inhabited by people since around 3000 BC. The Berber people are by far the most populous. And they have survived attempted colonisation by multiple countries throughout the centuries.
The area is rich in natural resources
From rock salt and natural gas to copper, silver, and gold, the High Atlas Mountains possess a huge range of minerals and other natural resources. Imider mine, on the eastern slopes of the Atlas mountains in Morocco, is the world's seventh biggest producer of silver. While other mines search for the cobalt needed to produce phone batteries. There is even a small ‘mining tourism’ trade.
The High Atlas Mountains are home to diverse wildlife
From the endangered Barbary leopard to Atlas Mountain badgers, Algerian nuthatch, and Barbary sheep, the diverse habitat of the mountains provides a home to a huge amount of wildlife. And while you might not be lucky enough to meet a Cuvier's gazelle or Barbary stag, there’s every chance that you will encounter a macaque or two. But as rich in wildlife as the area is now, the High Atlas Mountains have sadly lost a wealth of natural inhabitants over the years. Thanks to hunting and climate change, the North African elephant and Barbary bear have both become extinct. While only a few Barbary lions remain in captivity.
The High Atlas Mountains are a fascinating area, Full of natural beauty and cultural history, they have something to interest almost everyone. And with a relatively gentle incline, the trek to Mount Toubkal is open to hikers of all abilities. Making the High Atlas Mountains the perfect choice for a culture-driven hiking challenge.
Find out more about trekking the High Atlas Mountains with Choose a Challenge.
