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