The High Atlas (Grand Atlas) is the largest part of the Atlas mountain system; the highest mountains in North Africa.
Berber tribes live in a hard-to-reach and little-known region here. They keep the traditional culture and worldview. Their way of life has been formed over the centuries, as well as the economy of the region.
The High Atlas lies from the plains near the Atlantic to the Algerian-Moroccan border. The total length of the mountain wall is about 800 km, and in some places, it reaches 100 km. The height of the mountain peaks reaches 3000-4000 m. There are steep gorges and uninhabited rocky plains between them.
The gorges and slopes of the High Atlas were a refuge for fugitives, lonely persons, and for entire nations. The resettlement of nomads has lasted for many centuries. They tried to save themselves from the empty lands of the Sahara. Nomads moved to the north, where they fought with the sedentary communities of the highlanders for rare areas suitable for cultivation.
The inhabitants of the mountains built fortified houses during the days of feudal troubles, so many of them have survived. Today, local Berbers live in tigrems – buildings with thick impregnable walls. There are small fields and vegetable gardens among the little houses on the mountain slopes. Local people cultivate every piece of land which is suitable for agriculture. They also water the plants with the river water. Cereals (barley and wheat), corn, alfalfa, turnips, and potatoes are grown here. Local people also grow sheep and goats. When you travel with Tripety, you will be highly impressed with the culture of the local people and will see how friendly they are.
In winter, there are heavy snowfalls in the mountains. Sometimes, because of such weather conditions, the Berber communities of the High Atlas are cut off from the outside world. However, for Berbers, this is a familiar situation because it is usually winter weather for many centuries. It is better to avoid traveling there for Tripey travelers in winter.
The highest peak of the High Atlas is located in the western part of the massif – this is the Jebel Toubkal Mountain (4167 m), the highest mountain in North Africa. There are several small villages with small houses and vegetable gardens on the slopes of Jebel Toubkal. Tripety travel app will help you to find the best location with the most lovely view from the highest peak.
There is the Jebel Mgun Mountain (4068 m) in the middle of the ridge, which is surrounded by the Tessaut, Ait-Bugemez, and Ait-Bu Ulli valleys. Tripety travel app will help you to get from valley to valley only by narrow mountain paths. There are wadi rivers along the bottom of the valleys, and villages with fortified houses are near these rivers. Behind them, you may see cultivated fields and vegetable gardens.
In the eastern part of the High Atlas, there is the Jebel Ayashi Mountain (3737 m). There are flocks of sheep graze from late spring to early autumn. Plan your trip with the travel weather planner to see the most beautiful nature in your preferred places.
