High Atlas Mountains
The barrier between Marrakech and the south, crossed by the Tizi n'Tichka at 2,260 metres. Berber villages, walnut groves and terraced fields fill the valleys, and the old caravan road through Telouet is the finest way over.
The Tizi n'Tichka
The pass has carried the road between Marrakech and the south since the 1930s and was rebuilt and widened through the 2010s. It climbs to 2,260 metres through argan and walnut country, and the change of landscape at the top — green north side, bare red south side — is abrupt. Snow closes it occasionally in midwinter.
Telouet and the Ounila road
Before the modern pass, caravans crossed by Telouet, where the Glaoui family built the palace that controlled the route. The kasbah is half-ruined but two restored rooms keep their painted cedar ceilings. From there the old road follows the Ounila Valley down to Aït Ben Haddou through gorges and cliff villages, and it is a far better drive than the main road.
Villages and walking
The valleys hold hundreds of Berber villages built of the same earth as the mountains, with terraced fields and communal granaries. Walking here ranges from an afternoon between villages to multi-day traverses. Toubkal, North Africa's highest summit at 4,167 metres, is climbed from Imlil south of Marrakech and needs two days.
Tours — High Atlas Mountains
Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet Kasbah Day Trip
One day, two kasbahs and the old caravan road between them. This trip pairs the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou with…
Price on request
5-Day Grand Tour of Southern Morocco
The trip we recommend when you have the time. Five days lets the south unfold at its own pace: two nights in the Sahara instead…
Price on request
Hot Air Balloon Flight with Berber Breakfast
A one-hour flight at first light over the plains, villages and palm groves north of Marrakech, with the snow line of the High…
Price on request
Imperial Cities & Sahara Grand Circuit
The whole country in one loop. This circuit joins the imperial cities — Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat — with Roman Volubilis…
Price on request