Hiking the High Atlas Mountains, A Village Delight
15/05/07 11:40
Morocco’s High Atlas
Mountains are the highest of the ranges that
begins near the Atlantic Ocean and stretch all
the way to Algeria. They serve as a natural
barrier keeping the Sahara Desert
from infiltrating completely over Morocco. These
mountains also serve as a weather barrier. The
high peaks of the High Atlas range keep clouds
on the Moroccan side, resulting in the ample
rainfall necessary to give the mountains lush
green valleys and enough snow in the winter for
winter sports. Snow in the High Atlas lasts well
into spring. Many untapped mineral resources of
gold, silver, lead, zinc, iron, manganese,
antimony, phosphates and petroleum are waiting
to be discovered. The High Atlas Mountains are
home to several million people, mostly Berbers.
Mount
Jebel Toubkal, or Jebel Toubkal, is the
highest peak in the High Atlas Mountains. With a
summit at 4176 meters above sea level, it is the
highest mountain in North Africa. Different
trails will take hikers to the top. While the
summit of the mountain is not considered
attractive, the views of the sunrise from the
top are spectacular. Views of Jebels Saghro and
Siroua are decent, too. The mountain and its
park are great for birdwatchers, especially
February through May.
Setting in Mount Toubkal National Park is the village of Imlil, an attractive village with houses unevenly placed and many trees lining the hillsides. It is a busy and colorful place. Located nearly 2000 meters above sea level, it is a good place to begin a trek in the High Atlas Mountains. From Imlil, you’ll be able to walk up to Armed, another Berber village in the area where the trekking really begins. Armed is unique in its layout. Its houses seem to be built one on top of another among walnut and almond trees overlooking ancient terraced fields for barley, vegetables and other crops.
Armed has the distinction of being the highest permanent settlement in the valley.
Written by: Carole Morris
Provided by: Morocco Tours by Journey Beyond Travel
Setting in Mount Toubkal National Park is the village of Imlil, an attractive village with houses unevenly placed and many trees lining the hillsides. It is a busy and colorful place. Located nearly 2000 meters above sea level, it is a good place to begin a trek in the High Atlas Mountains. From Imlil, you’ll be able to walk up to Armed, another Berber village in the area where the trekking really begins. Armed is unique in its layout. Its houses seem to be built one on top of another among walnut and almond trees overlooking ancient terraced fields for barley, vegetables and other crops.
Armed has the distinction of being the highest permanent settlement in the valley.
Written by: Carole Morris
Provided by: Morocco Tours by Journey Beyond Travel
