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About High Atlas

Morocco's High Atlas mountains rise green out of the desert, dotted with traditional stone Berber villages. The highest mountain range in North Africa, this spectacular region is a real playground for adventurers. The High Atlas's 1000kms of mountain range is criss crossed with walking or biking trails, and there are some wonderful paddling opportunities. There's even some skiing. All the best places to stay in the High Atlas will be able to advise you of the best outdoor adventures around.

Some of our High Atlas collections:

What not to Miss

  • The High Atlas is where you'll find the purest forms of Berber culture, in the tiny villages clinging to the mountains. Aït-Benhaddou, with mud brick buildings is one of the best known - probably because of its World Heritage Status.
  • Amizmiz is another well known town, this time it's probably because there is one of the largest Berber souks in the area.
  • If you're here for an adventure Jebel Toubkal is probably the biggest. It's both one of the highest mountains in North Africa and a very achievable summit - it can be done in two or three days. You don't need a permit to climb the mountain and it's relatively easy to find an excellent guide - and very possible to 'go it alone'. Better not to attempt the climb in summer.

The Hotel Guru's pick of the best places to stay in the High Atlas Mountains range from a simple guesthouse, perfect for trekkers on a budget, to the uber luxury of Richard Branson's exclusive retreat in the hills.

The Best Places to Stay in the High Atlas

To experience Berber culture

  • Traditional and comfortable, the Kasbah Bab Ourika is eco-friendly and with a Berber feel. Traditional 'rammed earth' walls surround rose-filled courtyards and there's a gorgeous terrace and pool. Plus there's plenty to do in the staggeringly beautiful surrounding countryside. Only 45minutes from Marrakech.
  • The Domaine de la Roseraie is a rural paradise in the foothills of the High Atlas. It's surrounded by wonderful trekking country and a great place to unwind. The altitude, 1000 metres above sea level, means it's cool in summer and being tucked away in a valley, also mild in winter.

For easy access to Mt. Toubkal

  • Dar Adrar is a simple guesthouse within the Toubkal National Park, but still only an hours drive from Marrakech. In a lovely little Berber village with spectacular views of the mountains, this is the kind of place where the hot water may not always come on demand, but the grand breakfasts and excellent tagines will make up for it.

For Luxury

  • Gorgeous Berber castle, Kasbah Angour is the Moroccan equivalent of a country house hotel. With 25 rooms, two suites and a decent restaurant. The views over the High Atlas foothills are spectacular, there's a beautiful garden and a huge swimming pool.
  • If you're looking for proper five star luxury, look no further than the Kasbah Tamadot. Owned by Richard Branson, these 28 rooms are exclusive and very luxurious, providing their guests with every bohemian opulent comfort. There is ballooning, trekking, a hammam and spa, yoga classes, cooking classes, golf, tennis, birdwatching and mule rides available.

To Escape and Relax

  • A former country house, The Capaldi now feels like a country house hotel and is a beautiful place to escape from busy Marrakech. The desert backdrop is peaceful and the 23 rooms are exotic and luxurious. They also have a cinema, two pools and a hammam.
  • L'Amandier is in a spectacular setting, and is a spectacular hotel. Inside it’s cool and contemporary with floor to ceiling glass and minimalist style.

For Great Value

  • Perfect for trekkers, Dour Samra is a wonderfully simple, yet comfortable guesthouse in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Obviously the scenery is magnificent from each of the eight rooms and the room rate starts from around £40 per night.

Prefer an apartment?

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Marrakech-Menara Airport and Fès–Saïs Airport are both considered gateways to the High Atlas Mountains, but Marrakech is closer and only about 40minutes drive.
  • If you want to hire a car - which you might want to do if you’re staying in the High Atlas Mountains and you want to see more of Morocco - we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • If you’re hiking the best time to visit the High Atlas Mountains is between March and November. July and August are hot, but the elevation here means it’s not as hot as the rest of Morocco. December through February are cooler and the days are still sunny. The best time to summit Mt. Toubkal is between April and September.

Still not sure?

    Weather

    Monthly Weather in High Atlas

    Best Hotels in High Atlas

    • Kasbah Bab Ourika Ourika, High Atlas 28 rooms from £130

      Exclusive offer  -  Eco friendly break
      Luxury
      Great walks  -  In the national park and the Atlas Mountains
      Views  -  Spectacular views to the Atlas Mountains
      Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor Pool
      RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews

      A stunning escape in the foothills of the Atlas mountains less than an hour from Marrakech. With staggering mountain views - this is the perfect place for enthusiastic trekkers as well as those who want to relax. See More

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    • Dar Adrar Aroumd, High Atlas 8 rooms from £24

      Great walks  -  Ideal base if you're climbing Mt Toubkal. Owner can arrange guided walks of the area.
      Traditional
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
      Views

      A simple and charmingly rustic guesthouse perched in the High Atlas mountains above Imlil. See More

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    • Douar Samra High Atlas 8 rooms from £41

      Great walks  -  In the heart of the Toubkal National Park
      Restaurant  -  Communal dining
      Full of character
      Remote  -  Off the beaten track.
      RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViews

      A wonderful, simple yet comfortable, guesthouse in the heart of the High Atlas. Magnificent scenery, exquisite rooms, respect for the community. The warmest of welcomes and an excellent base for walking or heading to the hills. See More

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    • Domaine de la Roseraie Ouirgane, High Atlas 42 rooms from £77

      Romantic Break  -  The hotel offers couples massages and Hammam sessions plus romantic dinner for two on your first night.
      Active Holiday  -  Ideally situated to explore the Atlas Mountains either on foot or on horseback.
      Great walks  -  Take a walk around the 60 acres of rose filled parkland the hotel sits in.
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

      Traditional hotel in the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Large, unpretentious bedrooms with traditional Moroccan features set scattered through exotic gardens. Lovely swimming pool and seasonal cooking. A spa and hammam to completely unwind in. Ideal for nature lovers. See More

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    • Kasbah Angour High Atlas 27 rooms from £110

      Country Escape  -  A stunning rural hideaway in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains
      Restaurant  -  The restauarant serves a range of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes with many ingredients grown on site
      Great walks  -  The Kasbah can arrange guided walks and treks in the stunning surrounding region
      Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
      Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

      Gorgeous Berber castle in foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Superb panoramic views, suites with traditional Moroccan materials and locally made furniture. Beautiful gardens, a large swimming pool and wonderful local excursions. A relaxing spot to recoup in after a day of activity. See More

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    • Kasbah du Toubkal Atlas Mountains, High Atlas 17 rooms from £139

      Active Holiday  -  This is the perfect spot to set off on a once ina lifetime trekking experience, not for the faint hearted!
      Trekking  -  This is trekking country- Choose from the Flexible 6-day trekking package or the 2-day ascent of Toubkal.
      Eco break  -  it employs locals, funds the Village Association and has won a Green Globe for sustainable tourism.
      Child friendly  -  Plenty of activities on and off site.
      SpaRestaurantViews
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

      An eco-friendly resort perched on the side of the Atlas Mountains. The rooms range from economy dorms to luxurious havens. Moroccan chic decor with exposed wood beams, whitewash walls and bright fabrics. Indescribable views. The delicious food and lovely hosts seal the deal. See More

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    • The Capaldi Marrakech, High Atlas 23 rooms from £154

      Total relaxation  -  Atlas mountain-scape, gourmet restaurant and on site hammam; the perfect place to unwind especially after a few days in the city
      Romantic Break  -  With its quiet relaxed atmosphere, stunning views, stylish accommodation and excellent food, it's perfect for romance!
      Foodies  -  Foodies will not be disappointed by the superb restaurant which is a destination in its own right
      Great walks  -  The hotel will arrange a private guide to take you hiking off-the-beaten-track in the Atlas Mountains
      Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
      Recommended by  -  I Escape

      A rural hideaway with the Atlas Mountains in the background and desert surrounds. A good range of rooms and suites are done in boho-chic style with traditional elements alongside striking modern art. With a gourmet restaurant, cinema, two pools and a hammam it's perfect for relaxation and romance. See More

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    • L'Amandier Near Marrakech, High Atlas 6 rooms from £234

      Back to Nature  -  Find stunning mountains surrounds and architecture that allows one to enjoy it whether inside or out.
      Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
      Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
      Views  -  Great views from hotel
      TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

      A spectacular work of architecture in equally impressive surroundings. Cool and contemporary throughout this is nature experienced the modern way. Rooms with large floor to ceiling glass windows are otherwise minimalist in style leaving the views to do the talking. The ideal mountain getaway. See More

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    • Kasbah Tamadot Asni, High Atlas 28 rooms from £450

      Active Holiday  -  With a range of trekking options from north Africa's highest peak Jbel Toubkal to a gentle hike down the river to Asni village.
      Honeymoons  -  Romantic suites with wonderful views, charming touches and private dining.
      Swimming Pool  -  Infinity pool with stunning views
      Hills & mountains
      Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets
      Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Kiwi Collection

      Richard Branson's exclusive Moroccan hideaway. The ultimate luxury break - 5-star spa, undulating rose gardens, celestial valley views from its hilltop perch, gourmet feasts. Want for nothing in this Atlas heaven. See More

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