How To (& Why) Visit Berber Villages In The High Atlas Mountains From Marrakech

The Berber Villages in the High Atlas Mountains are a must visit on a day (or two day) trip from Marrakech.

I went on an organized tour with my hotel, and it would be an understatement to say that this was the highlight of my trip. Here’s why you have to visit, how to visit, and what you need to know before booking your trip!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

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The Atlas Mountains Vs. High Atlas Mountains Morocco

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in North Africa spanning three countries: Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It makes up the area between the Sahara Desert, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

The High Atlas Mountains are a part of the Atlas Mountains only found in Morocco. They’re home to the highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains. The highest peak is Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 m (13,671 ft). It’s the second highest peak in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro, but it’s the highest peak in North Africa (and Morocco!).

The mountains meeting to form a valley in the middle. Trees rise on on the mountains, but in the distance the mountains look more yellow rocky than green. Birds are flying above the peak on the left, high in the blue skies above. There isn't a cloud in the sky.

What To Do In the High Atlas Mountains From Marrakech

There are two types of main experiences in the High Atlas Mountains: a hike to the peak of Mount Toubkal, or a hike through the valleys with Berber Villages and nature.

Hike To Toubkal Atlas Mountains Peak

The hike to the peak takes you from Imlil, a mountain town, to the peak of Mount Toubkal. They recommend going with an expert guide as this isn’t exactly a beginner hike.

It’s a minimum two day trek to the peak, but you can find tours for up to 5 days long! You can book organized tours through Viator, like this two day tour taking you to the peak.

Don’t worry if you aren’t an experienced hiker, like myself, there are other ways to see the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech…

A valley of rocky mountains, where some green lush trees can still survive in the middle - otherwise it would have truly looked like desert mountains. There are roads through the trees below but not much else. When you look closely at the closest rock mountain, you can make out some buildings on the edge of the same colour.

Hike Through The Valley

A hike through the valleys of the Atlas Mountains Morocco are much easier, and in my opinion, offer so much more! The hike is typically less inclined, and are much shorter, making this day trip from Marrakech much more accessible.

Hikes through the valleys will take you through different Berber Villages and to scenic points like waterfalls. You can even find tours that you don’t have a hike at all (like this one from Viator, with a 30 minute optional hike!).

I still recommend booking an organized tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech because it’s safer as your guide will know where to go. Plus you get a lot of added value from having a local guide take you around their villages. On top of that, tours will often cover transportation from Marrakech, navigation in the mountains, as well as food and water throughout the day.

I absolutely loved my day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech it was a mix of nature with Moroccan culture and tradition mixed in.

walking through a Berber Village in the High atlas Mountains Morocco. There's a paved road with a dir road next to it leading up into the village. A stone rock wall separates you from the rest of the village. There are stairs leading up to a large building, on the rooftop are some clothes drying on hangers. There are even wires that are going through the village.

What To Look For In A Day Trip To High Atlas Mountain (For Non Hikers)

As I mentioned, you’re going to want to book an organized tour to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, but there can be a lot to choose from. Each tour offers slightly different experiences to cater to different needs.

Check Length of the Hike

The hike length can vary tremendously from tour to tour. My hike was about 4 and a half hours total, with a break for lunch halfway through. The incline between the valleys wasn’t too significant. The bigger concern was actually the sun and the lack of shade, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.

So depending on when you’re visiting, and your fitness level you might want to book a longer or shorter hike. Just know what you’re in for before you book!

Book With a Local Guide

My local guide made my tour what it was! He was from one of the villages in the mountains (which we actually walked by on the hike). He gave insight into what Berber life was and what it looks like today.

Because he was also from the area, he knew everything, and everyone! He would introduce me to people as we walked by, making me feel even more welcome in the community.

Having a local guide turned it from an aimless hike through nature to a cultural experience in the High Atlas Mountains. Otherwise, I could have been anywhere!

a man and a woman are photographed from behind walking on a gravel path with mountains surrounding them on every side. The woman is wearing beige palette with a floral blouse, a bucket hat, and full length pants. Even her purse matches the beige. The man is next to her, with his arm in the air, explaining something to the woman as they walk. He's also pretty covered up with long sleeves and pants.

Visit A Berber Village

Not only do you want a local guide, but you want to be sure to walk through a Berber Village. These are are built into the High Atlas Mountains Morocco.

Imlil is the main village that you’ll most likely want to see, but they are all very similar, just smaller. And the smaller towns are still just as interesting, they’ll just have less infrastructure.

Walking through them is one thing, but when you see them from a far it’s even more incredible. You can really appreciate how camouflaged they are into the mountains.

Book A Tour With A Traditional Lunch

The best part of my tour, by far, was the traditional Berber meal that was served for lunch. Not only was this a highlight of my day, but it was also the best meal I had on my trip to Morocco (and that says a lot – the food is absolutely delicious!).

My tour set up a picnic lunch in the middle of the valleys under one of two trees offering shade. It was the perfect halfway point on the hike to get off my feet and talk more with my guide.

Everything we needed (food and supplies) were carried up by mule and cooked on the spot under the tree. It was all local and fresh ingredients. I had goat tajine, mackerel salad, pasta salad, and fruit for dessert. The only thing that was made in advance was the bread that our tour guides aunt had made for us (which was sensational by the way!).

And it was all served with some mint tea of course – it really doesn’t get better than this!

The perfect picnic lunch is set up under a large leafy canopy tree hanging low above the ground. The ground is rocky, but a blanket is set up, with two pillow seats, two small chairs, and a table for two.

If Possible, Splurge on a Private Tour

If there’s an option for a private tour, I highly recommend upgrading. I’ve never done this before, but no one else signed up for my tour so it was either I pay double or it would be cancelled. Since the tours in Morocco are much more affordable, splurging on a private tour was like booking a regular group tour in the U.S..

This was the best decision I made. Not only did it give me full access to my local guide, we spoke the entire time. But it also let my partner and I make decisions about the tour, like where we wanted to go on the hike and how long we wanted it to be.

Did It Feel Too Touristy?

I’ve gone on some excursions in the desert, where it felt like such a tourist trap. These are experiences that aren’t for locals, and are just set up for tourists to enjoy. This was NOT the case hiking in the Atlas Mountains Morocco.

On this tour, my guide was open about his life and didn’t try to change it to “look more authentic”. I knew he had a phone, he used it to call our driver or the chef to update them on our arrival time. He showed us pictures on it from their recent holiday and how they celebrated Eid (which is quite interesting, there’s a costume made out of a goat). He was proud that they had cell service all the way here in the mountains – I mean that is pretty impressive!

a mule carries a lot of leafy greens on his back, at least it's not heavy. He's walking on a gravel path, through a valley in the mountains. — *This isn’t for the enjoyment of tourists to see. Locals use mules to carry down fresh produce and supplies from the mountains every day.*

Sure there were moments that are for tourists. Locals aren’t eating picnic lunches in the valley, but we still had an authentic tajine meal, made by a local.

And locals do live here and enjoy this area as well, it isn’t fabricated just for tourists to enjoy. In fact on our way back, tajines were being sold to locals who were hiking up to enjoy picnic lunches by the waterfall and river. It’s just a different way to experience it.

The most touristy part of the tour was the Women’s Argan Oil Cooperative, and this is a part of every tour in Marrakech unfortunately (I went to four of them!). You just have to listen to their sales pitch that’s only for tourists.

So although there were some things that are set up for tourists, the day felt pretty local and authentic. And it’s always going to be touristy on some degree, tourists are how they make money, but they will still welcome you into their daily life and show you how they live.

A black wire leads your eye from the left to the right all the way to a mosque on the other side. Behind the yellow mosque is an entire village built into the side of the mountain. All the homes are very similar so they kind of blend into each other. The blue sky above adds a beautiful contrast.

My Top 5 Tours To Book

Here are 5 tours that I researched and found had top rated traveler reviews. They each offer a slightly different and unique experiences, so you can choose based on which one most interests you.

I trust Viator to book tours in Morocco because it’s a trusted company that I’ve booked tours with in the past, and I can read other traveler reviews.

1. Excursion With The Club Med La Palmeraie (My Tour)

I booked my tour through my hotel, Club Med La Palmeraie, as an excursion. It was an incredible day trip but of course you have to be staying at the hotel to book it (which I do recommend) but it is on the pricier side. And of course, the excursion was an additional fee, and also much pricier than what you can book on your own.

I did really enjoy this tour, and I haven’t been able to find an exact replica of what I did. I had transportation from Marrakech to Imlil where we met our local Berber guide for the afternoon. The hike was about 4 and a half hours total, and we went through 5 different villages. The most unique part was that instead of eating lunch in a local home, it was a picnic lunch in the valleys – which was so incredible and the highlight of the day. But we didn’t stop in Asni, which did look like a good time!

P.S. Even if you’re staying at the Club Med La Palmeraie, you can still book with an outside tour group. Just confirm that the tour company will pick you up. Otherwise, there are always pick up points in Marrakech and you can ask the hotel to order you a taxi.

>> Read my full review on staying at the Club Med La Palmeraie.

the pool at the club med marrakech in morocco. It's large, and there are quite a few people in the pool and sitting on pool lounge chairs around it. There are open umbrellas on the other side of the pool in front of a large moroccan style tower. There are short palm trees all around the pool

2. Most Popular Tour: 3 Valleys, Waterfalls, & Camel Ride

This is the top rated tour in the Atlas Mountains, and for good reason. It gives you A LOT in just one day. You’ll go to a Berber Village, a waterfall, and even experience a camel ride.

Keep in mind, you do have to bring cash for lunch as it’s not included but they give you the price in advance (and I do recommend getting the lunch – it’s a highlight, and you need to eat on a full day tour anyway!).

Unpopular opinion: If you are trying to avoid made-for-tourist experiences, a camel ride is what you’ll want to avoid. These are purely set up for tourists to enjoy. But I also understand wanting to have that experience once just to say you did it!

Book tour on Viator.

>> Alternative option: Atlas Mountains and 3 Valleys, with the Agafay Desert (this is a good option instead of a camel ride, you visit the Agafay Desert, another popular destination from Marrakech.)

3. My Recommendation: Atlas Mountains & 5 Valleys

This tour is offered from the same tour company but without the overly touristy experiences (like the Agafay Desert and camel ride), so this is the one that I would recommend.

This tour focuses on the High Atlas Mountains and hiking through Berber Villages which is why you’re booking the tour. They advertise the hike is about 60 to 90 minutes, lunch and breakfast are even included.

See tour & availability on Viator.

>> Alternative option: Atlas Mountains 30 Minute Optional Hike

The best experience on a hike in the high atlas mountains. A silver moroccan teapot sits on a table with a glass full of mint tea next to it. The tea is being enjoyed outside on the middle of the mountains, under a tree for shade.

4. Three Day Berber Village Hike

This tour is the High Atlas Mountain Berber Villages on steroids. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the High Atlas Mountains Morocco, hiking from village to village. Enjoy traditional meals every day and sleep in hiking huts on the route. Each day includes about 4 to 7 hours of hiking.

See the full itinerary on Viator.

5. Two Day Mount Toubkal Hike

If you’re up for the challenge and are an experienced hiker, there’s no better tour to do than the three day Mount Toubkal hike that takes you to the peak. You’ll sleep in traditional mountain hut on the way, enjoy home cooked Berber cooking, and see the view from Mount Toubkal at sunrise.

Check out the tour on Viator.

Pro Tip: These tours all have 24 hour cancellation so you can book it now and cancel up to 24 hours before your trip. This way you can reserve the date you want without any stress of it selling out. Some of these tours also offer Reserve Now & Pay Later options so you reserve your spot but won’t pay anything.

Imlil high atlas mountains, the largest town with ads and blankets hanging out to try over the rooftop edges. The large mountain looms above the buildings in the distance.

What To Wear For A Day in the High Atlas Mountains Morocco

There’s ZERO shade when hiking in the Atlas Mountains through the Berber villages, or rather, minimal shade. Although it will be hot, especially in the summer, you’ll want to stay covered as much as possible. My guide wore a full length sweater and pants, and I wish I followed his ways.

I wore lightweight pants but I did not have a long sleeve shirt on hand. So I had a tank top with a short sleeve blouse on top for extra coverage and breeziness. The key is to wear loose, lightweight clothing (bonus if it’s UV protected as well).

It’s not such a serious hike that I was okay in my On running shoes. I didn’t want to pack an additional pair of shoes just for this hike…

a woman is photographed from behind as she walked on a narrowish path in the high atlas mountains. You can see a small Berber Village across a valley of trees on the opposite mountain. As she walks down, she holds on to the back of her hat so it doesn't fly away into the valley below.

Extra Accessories for the High Atlas Mountains Morocco

You’ll want to make sure you have a few sun accessories, like a hat and sunglasses. I recommend a hat with a string because it can get quite windy at times and you don’t want to loose it. I was walking around with my hand on my head to keep my hat from flying away.

I did bring sun umbrella though, which my guide made fun of me for, but it was necessary. I did make sure to close it when we were close to the mountain edges on our walk. But it was a lifesaver from the 11 UV and the direct heat beating down.

I did of course also apply sunscreen, and reapply at the halfway mark. And if you’re really worried about the heat, you can even pack yourself a handheld fan to use.

And although your guide will most likely come prepared, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be either. I always bring my 1.2 L Thermoflask for my partner and I on vacation and I made sure to bring it with us on this hike in the sun. My guide did have water for us, but you never want to feel limited on your water supply in this heat.

The bathroom situation for women might also be a bit less than desirable. I went to the bathroom at the tourist office before our hike began, which was a real bathroom, but there wasn’t any toilet paper. My guide had to run around finding a roll for me to use. I don’t think they were used to having many women here…? He made sure to bring it with him after that for the rest of the journey just in case. But if you want to avoid any precarious situations, just pack a small roll for emergencies.

a woman and a man walk through a valley in the high atlas mountains on a gravel path. The man is fully covered, with a backpack. The woman wears a Tshirt, but has a sun umbrella to shade her from the beating sun. There isn't a cloud or tree for shade,

Imlil Atlas Mountains Fun Fact

As I mentioned, there is actually cell service in the Atlas Mountains, at least in Imlil and the villages. So you don’t have to leave your phone at home. And I would make sure to have at least a data plan when visiting Morocco, I’ve been using Airalo for easy e-sims on my travels.

Save on your first international data plan with my code MEGHAN4678 or visit their website.

Why Hiking in Atlas Mountains Morocco Was Such A Highlight in Morocco

Hiking through the Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains felt like an experience of a lifetime. It wasn’t a challenging or scary feat, but it still felt surreal.

It was incredible to walk in the middle of mountains, not just learning about, but seeing this completely different way of life. It almost felt like I was living it, as I walked from village to village on these rural roads.

It’s such a different experience from walking around the city in Marrakech, and hiking through mountains. I’ve never hiked from village to village before. And these aren’t abandoned villages either, people still live here.

Even though there is a lot of tourism here, it felt way more local. And as we walked through everyone was always so friendly welcoming us to the Morocco.

Simple Marrakech Travel Guide

Check out my digital and printable travel guide for first timers to Marrakech Morocco.

Use it digitally on your phone to check off top attractions as you do them. Or print it out in one of three size formates, 8.5 x 11, 5.5 x 8.5, or 2.75 x 4.25 for a packable mini travel planner!

vertical image with text on top: ultimate travel guide: Marrakech Morocco. Underneath is a hand holding up a 4.25 x 5.5 size pocket travel planner. You can see the cover page which has the silhouette of a Moroccan crescent moon doorway. In the background is traditional moroccan architecture in reddish, sand, and light pink hues.

8 Pages included:

Cover Page
Morocco at a Glance: with tips and quick information about Morocco
Marrakech at a Glance: with tips and advice for traveling to Marrakech
Marrakech Top Things To Do Checklist: don’t miss a top thing to do in Marrakech by checking off activities as you do them!
Moroccan food to try checklist
Moroccan souvenirs to buy in Marrakech
Common Moroccan phrases in Arabic and French
Packing list for Morocco

See it on Etsy >>

Book A Place To Stay In Marrakech

I stayed at the Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie, and it was exactly what I was looking for – a mix of touring and relaxing without any of the stress that typical comes with travel.

But a more typical place to stay in Marrakech is in a Riad, a hotel with an open air courtyard in the middle. Sometimes there’s a pool, while other times it’s a lounge area.

Riad NayaNour has a few features that I appreciate compared to other Riads in Marrakech. For starters, the room and the courtyard pool are larger than most Riads I’ve looked at. Plus there’s also a rooftop for you to relax in the sun! If you’re a Booking.com Genius Level 2 member, you’ll also get breakfast included with your stay! See room rates and availability!

Riad Lyla is another good option in Marrakech, and it’s even more budget friendly! It offers a wonderful pool and rooftop for guests to enjoy and your booking even has a delicious breakfast included! See room rates and availability.

Or see more Riad and accommodation options on Booking.com.