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The Lofty Heights Of The Atlas Mountains

The Lofty Heights Of The Atlas Mountains

By Sean Mahon

Starkly contrasting the colourful vibrancy and noise of Marrakech with their snow-capped peaks and traditionally built Berber villages, the Atlas Mountains are renowned for their rustic beauty and popular trekking opportunities.  Stretching 2,500km through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the mountains showcase the breathtaking beauty of northwest Africa whilst those ascending the various peaks can also gain insight into authentic Berber culture and Moroccan life.
 
The Atlas Mountains separate the coastlines of the Mediterranean and Atlantic from the Sahara Desert and, extending through three different countries, cover a total distance of approximately 1,000 miles.  Despite crossing borders, much of the mountainous peaks are found in Morocco where the land is divided into three parallel ranges known as the Anti, Middle, and High Atlas – with the latter attracting the most visitors across the entire Atlas Mountains range.  As the home of Mount Toubkal, the High Atlas range also boasts the highest peak with the mount averaging at around 13,665ft, and to experience dramatically beautiful views of Morocco, Toubkal is where the majority choose to trek.

With winding trails and wild surroundings, trekking the higher peaks is the main draw of the Atlas Mountains, although lower ones such as Sirwa and Sahro are still popular options.  For those hoping to trek, the multi-day packages prove the best way to experience the mountains.  With guides to cook meals along the way and mules to carry your belongings, trekking the mountains is an unforgettable experience and one that attracts mountaineers from all over the world.  Though the Moroccan ranges are easily accessible by car, their isolated nature and tranquillity has long been embraced by the Berber people, orShleuh, who have inhabited the mountains for thousands of years.   Living in small villages of flat-roofed mud houses on top of the slopes, the friendliness and warmth of the people means it is common to be invited to share tea and bread with a local family, whilst trekkers can gain insight from the Berber people who are always willing to share their valuable knowledge. 
 
Like the Berber culture, the mountains are also a haven for birdlife unique to Africa including the rare Moussier’s redstart, bearded vulture, and barbary falcon which, along with the spectacular waterfalls, valleys, and surrounding scenery make the Atlas Mountains a retreat of inspiring beauty.

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