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:

• High Atlas Hotels - The Best Hotels for Trekking

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

• Want to fly to High Atlas?

• 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?

• Consider instead the best places to stay in Ouarzazate, a quiet town at the base of the High Atlas mountains,
• One of the best places to stay in Marrakech? or one of the best hotels near Marrakech?
• Or traditional Fez?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in High Atlas