Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE HIGH ATLAS
Welcome to North Africa's highest mountain range, known by local Berbers as 'Idraren
Draren' (Mountains of Mountains), and a trekker's paradise from spring through to au-
tumn. The High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco for almost 1000km, encircling Mar-
rakesh to the south and east from the Atlantic Coast just north of Agadir to Khenifra in the
northeast. Its saw-toothed Jurassic peaks act as a weather barrier between the mild, Medi-
terranean climate to the north and the encroaching Sahara to the south.
In its highest reaches, snow falls regularly from September to May, allowing for winter
sports in Oukaïmeden, while year-round rivers flow northwards towards Marrakesh creat-
ing a network of fertile valleys - the Zat, Ourika, Mizane and Ouirgane. Happiest of all are
the secluded valleys of the central High Atlas, which include Zaouiat Ahansal, Aït
Bougomez, Aït Bououli and Aït Blel.
In the High Atlas the main language is the Berber dialect of Tashelhit, with some pockets
of Tamazight.
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Central High Atlas
The road less travelled lies to the east of Marrakesh in the central High Atlas, accessible
through the regional hub of Demnate. Here a chalky mass of muscular mountains, weather-
worn canyons and sculpted gorges (providing the best climbing in the country) hide fertile
valleys, many inaccessible to vehicles until a few years ago. Several peaks in the area ex-
ceed 4000m including Irhil M'Goun, which at 4071m is the highest point.
Demnate
POP 23,400
The once-grand Glaoui kasbah and mudbrick ramparts have been left to crumble, yet Dem-
nate's fascinating interfaith heritage has survived. At the heart of town is a
mellah
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(Jewish quarter), with an entry about 150m on the right after the
town's main gate. Hundreds of Jewish families from Morocco, France, Israel, Canada and
the United States arrive each July for the
Jewish moussem
(festival), a week-long mystical
event said to offer miracle cures. Demnate also has two
zawiyas
(Islamic religious shrines)
