High Atlas

A traditional Berber village The High Atlas is a region in Morocco covering the mountain range and surrounding destinations such as Marrakech. It's a regular destination for mountain hikers, ski enthusiasts, or travellers interested in the indigenous Berber culture found throughout its many peaks and valleys. Understand Berbers are the indigenous North Africans, having inhabited the north coast of Africa ranging from present day Morocco to Egypt, for at least 5,000 years. The Arab invasion of North Africa in the 7th century forced Berbers to assimilate, or take refuge in the Atlas mountains. It is said that as much as 80% of the Moroccan population is racially Berber, however only half of those people live culturally Berber lifestyles. Berbers have adopted Islam as their primary religion, but continue to speak dialectic Berber in their villages, and practice Berber music, spirituality, and art. The Atlas mountains are home to relatively pure Berber populations, who live in earthen adobe houses. Marrakech is the only Moroccan city with a recognizable Berber ambiance, being situated at the base of the southern Atlas mountains. The color of Marrakech is the color of the Berbers - reddish, ochre and earth tones are the only colors you see adorning the adobe buildings, giving the impression that the entire city springs from the earth. Towns Marrakech – It's long been a city that conjures up images from your wildest dreams. It's a great market town and a great place to eat Aït-Benhaddou – a traditional mud brick town, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Amizmiz – A small Berber town that hosts one of the largest Berber souks in the region. A great point of departure for the small Berber villages of the mountains. Asni – A small town at the foothills of the High Atlas Setti Fatma – Berber town at the end of the Ourika Valley Other destinations Ouirgane Walking to the Todra Gorge Imlil Starting point for some awesome hiking. Only 75 minutes from Marrakech by shared taxi. ‎Marigha Oukaimeden Ski resort. Tinerhir – This town is the perfect point of access to the stunning Todra Gorge. The stunning Ourika Valley - situated less than 30 minutes from the Marrakech Medina - is a portal to the High Atlas, and home to many Berber villages. Talk Get in Get around See Do If you are looking to experience how real Berbers live in the High Atlas, there are different outfits that will help you get to some of their villages. Valerie and Abdel. moroccanworkshops@yahoo.co.uk will put you in touch with an experienced and multi lingual guide in Taroudant, Morocco for 1 to 5 day walks of varying intensity, staying in a tent or with selected Berber people in the mountains. They are environmentalists and use local transport where required, no 4x4s! Inexpensive with small percentage of cost going to help local schools and projects, which you may visit Eat Valerie. Drink Sleep Marrakech hotel Kasbah Omar [1] is the first luxury Morocco riad to be built in a Berber village. Located in the village of Anrar in the Ourika Valley, it has panoramic views of the mountains and the river valley and, at night, the lights of center city of Marrakech in the distance. Anrar is a village of about 52 Berber families, who farm organically in the valley below and tend to their goats in the mountains above. Their lifestyle is agrarian and self - sufficient. You will find exceptional craftmanship of pottery, carpets, and jewelry, and a charming, jovial hospitality. Get out This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!