High Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas Mountains are located in Central Morocco, where the highest peaks in the country are situated, with many over 3,660 metres (12,000 feet).

The northern sides and tops of the lower peaks are clothed with forests of cork, oak, pine, cedar, and other trees, including walnuts, which grow to the limit of irrigation. I noticed the pine, cedar and Walnut trees.

The lower slopes enclose well-watered valleys in which the Amazigh (Berber) peoples cultivate tiny irrigated fields. In Aroumd, near where we stayed, I noticed they were growing lots of various apples, pears, quince, cherries and walnuts.

The mountains’ southern flanks, exposed to the hot, dry Saharan winds, are generally destitute of vegetation. Minerals extracted include copper, iron ore, lead, zinc, and manganese. Snow covers the peaks during Winter, and many tourists visit Toubkal National Park for hiking in the summer months.

We hiked from Imlil to Aroumd, 400m height gain in about 1km. Was thankful for the donkey that took our bags up the hill. Was huffing, puffing and sweating by the time I got to the top in the 30C+ heat!

Our homestay/guesthouse in Aroumd.

Some of us decided to go for a walk after lunch down through the village and along the river bed.

Some of the others decided to hike for a couple more hours up the mountain but two of us decided we had done enough “up” for the day. We went for a wander back down the riverbed and through some of the orchards.

We were impressed by the amount of work gone into building the soccer field. To think they’ll need to do it all again after the river washes it away next lot of rain.

Next the road to Ait Benhaddou a d the Western Sahara…….