Discover the essence of Morocco in the Atlas Mountains

On a National Geographic Expedition to Morocco, bustling souks and colourful cities await — but our exploration is not limited to the markets of Marrakech. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s highest peaks, rise like a rampart against the drifting sands of the Sahara. On our carefully curated Morocco tours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover this dramatic region in depth, following exciting hiking trails and wandering through ancient kasbahs and ksars (fortified villages).

Embodying the renowned National Geographic spirit of adventure, conservation and education, our journeys provide unparalleled access to unique people and places and offer support both to local economies and to the work of National Geographic’s explorers and researchers, worldwide.

As well as taking in the heights of the Atlas Mountains, our tours capture a wide variety of Morocco’s most spectacular sights. Whether you want to explore the palaces of Fez with a private guide, enjoy unforgettable family adventures in the Sahara, take a hands-on cooking class in Marrakech, or discover the country’s most picturesque corners on a tour led by National Geographic photographers, let us guide you through the best of this vibrant country.

Five of the best ways to experience the Atlas Mountains on a National Geographic expedition

1. Discover the Anti-Atlas towns of Taroudant and Taliouine

The Anti-Atlas range, the southwestern section of the Atlas Mountains, runs roughly parallel to the Moroccan border, from Tafilalt to the Atlantic. In the west of the region is the walled market town of Taroudant. Set in the fertile Souss valley, it has a similar look to Marrakech, complete with mountain backdrop, but its compact ancient core is far less hectic. Taliouine, 65 miles (105km) east, is a thriving centre for saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. There are several kasbahs (citadels) in the nearby hills, including an impressive Glaoui-built fortress. On our Sahara and Beyond expedition, you’ll spend time in both towns, staying at a beautiful riad inside the vibrant, red walls of Taroudant.

2. Stroll through Aït Mansour Gorge and visit Tafraoute

As you continue on our Sahara & Beyond tour, you’ll journey further south, deeper into the Anti-Atlas. Here, rugged cliffs and arid, weathered mountains add an extra dimension to the increasingly dramatic landscapes. A stop at Aït Mansour Gorge cannot be missed, as this palm-shaded valley of salmon pink coloured rock is unforgettably picturesque. As you stroll through the palm groves, you’ll take in the knowledge of your expert guides, before gaining an insight into the area’s rural culture over lunch at the home of a local family. From here, a scenic road winds north to Tafraoute, a relaxed town with a good selection of small, authentic restaurants, set among extraordinary rock formations. As Morocco’s almond-growing capital, Tafraoute is particularly beautiful in February, when it’s blossom season.

3. Venture into Aït Ben Haddou

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, an ancient adobe ksar in the Ounila Valley, might seem strangely familiar, even on your first visit. Regularly used as a movie and TV location, you might recognise it from Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth or The Mummy.

An enchanting village to explore, Aït Ben Haddou had great historic importance due to its location on the trans-Saharan trade route linking Sudan to Marrakech via the Tizi-n’Telouet Pass. Before the Tizi-n’Tichka road was built, this was one of the few trans-Atlas routes that the caravans could take.

Budding photographers looking to capture the charm of Aït Ben Haddou will benefit from the advice of National Geographic experts on our dedicated photography tour, while families can take on a tagine cooking class in the heart of the village as part of our Morocco family journey.

4. Follow the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs

The legendary route between the desert city of Ouarzazate and the Dadès Gorge leads through kasbah country, dotted with citadels that look as if they’ve been carved out of the rock they stand on. A key stop on several of our Morocco expeditions, Ouarzazate is home to one of Morocco’s largest film studios, where scenes for many productions, including Game of Thrones, have been filmed. Here you can sample unique local specialities such as medfouna (a stuffed flatbread that’s the Amazigh answer to pizza) and learn about traditional Amazigh medicine from a local herbalist.

5. Climb the High Atlas

With terraced foothills, deep valleys and snow-capped peaks soaring to well over 13,000 ft, the drama of the Atlas Mountains reaches a crescendo in the High Atlas. Trekking to the 13,671 ft summit of Toubkal, North Africa’s mightiest mountain, is a challenge requiring careful preparation, but the region offers relatively easy high-altitude trails, too. Our Morocco Private Expedition provides the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in the Atlas area. As you visit remote villages and markets on foot, your private guides will explain local customs and introduce you to your Amazigh hosts in their homes. To make your trek even more manageable, mules will carry any luggage you don’t need to hand.

Why travel with National Geographic Expeditions?

Our comprehensive range of Morocco expedition experiences offer something for every traveller.  Tours last between nine and fifteen days and range from privately guided adventures, small group tours and family-focused itineraries. On every expedition, you’ll travel alongside highly knowledgeable guides and dive into local communities as you enjoy a range of unique and educational experiences.

Discover our entire range of expeditions here.