Lords of the Atlas

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Lords of the Atlas, from the coast through the very tops of the Atlas Mountains. This route is not for the faint hearted as we crawl over high passes at over 3000m and wind through narrow gorges. 

Starting in the  coastal town of Essaouira, the route travels through rolling hills and their  Olive and Argan tree plantations towards the imperial town of Taroudannt. From here we ascend the Tizi N Test pass, stopping at the 11th century Mosque of Tinmal. At an altitude over 2000m we turn  east in the shadow of Mount  Toubkal, North Africas  highest peak. Valleys are full of berber villages and snow melt rivers. Ancient Kasbahs and Agadirs keep watch from  hilltops as we negotiate higher a deeper into the mountains. In spring almond blossom, wild flowers and snow topped peaks make the views truly breath taking.

As we travel east the mountains get wilder and more rugged, much of the time will be at 2500m. Crossing 3 of the highest passes we skirt around the Cathedral before following a river up onto the high plateaus of Imichil before taking in the Dades and Todra Gorges. Nearing the end of a epic adventure we ascend again on narrow cliff edge tracks built by the Foreign Legion before ending our quest with good meal and a few drinks at one of the best campsites in Morocco.

Potentially one of the most technical routes offered but a great way to avoid the extreme heat in the desert. A perfect early or late summer adventure.