The High Atlas Mountains stretch across Central Morocco, from the Atlantic Ocean to the border of Algeria. The most prominent peak in the range — and all of Morocco — is Mount Toubkal, which sits above the popular trekking town of Imlil. Many visitors choose to climb Mount Toubkal with this expedition.  

Getting to Imlil is easiest from Marrakech, but can be done relatively easy from many cities in Morocco. Most people choose a private driver who knows the best locations along the way to see the many rural villages, viewpoints, and shops.

From Marrakech

Duration: 2-3 hours 

Reaching the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech is a simple journey, totaling 55 miles (90 km) and taking roughly 2 to 3 hours, depending on stops. The best choice for this trip is a by car, either a rental or transfer service. 

A private driver will allow you the freedom to stop off at places like Lake Lalla Takerkoust or the town of Asni. The second half of the trip is along winding mountain roads passing traditional Berber villages and pastoral landscapes. For more detailed instructions, see our directions on reaching the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech. 

From Fes

Duration: 3 - 9.5 hours 

Driving from Fes to the village of Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains means you get a tour of several other noteworthy cities in Morocco. The A2 Highway will take you through Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech on the way. 

For this reason, you may wish to take several days to make the drive to fully explore northern Morocco. Or consider a tour of Morocco which includes all these destinations at a leisurely pace. While a private driver is the easiest way to make the 385 miles (621 km) drive, there are other options. 

Nonstop flights between Fes and Marrakech take just one hour but do not typically depart every day. Once in Marrakech you can choose to take a rental car from the airport or arrange a private transfer for the 2-hour drive into the High Atlas. While this trip technically only takes 3 hours, the time spent getting in and out of airports mean you’ll only save 1 to 2 hours. 

There is a daily train service, operated by Moroccan Railways, leaving Fes several times a day. It arrives in Marrakech 6.5 hours later. From Marrakech, you can arrange a private driver, rent a car, or use a shared taxi to reach the High Atlas Mountains in 2 to 3 hours.

From Agadir

Duration: 4.5 - 6.5 hours 

A private transfer is an ideal option to cover the 181 miles (292 km) between Agadir and the High Atlas Mountains. Leaving Agadir on the N8 Highway, the landscape turns from coastal views to red rock and shrub-covered mountains as you pass alongside Paradise Valley. A stop in the town of Amskroud offers sweeping views across the valley on clear days. 

Continuing on the A7 for a few hours, you will arrive at Lake Lalla Takerkoust, which is a popular getaway for many locals living in Marrakech. Consider dining at a waterfront restaurant or taking a dip in the lake, weather permitting. 

From here, it’s another 90-minute drive through switchback mountain roads leading into the foothills of the High Atlas. Along the way, there are several scenic roadside stops. It’s quite common to see vendors selling gems, pottery, and jewelry at these rest stops. 

For those wishing to take public transportation, it’s possible to take a bus from Agadir to Marrakech and continue the journey from this point. The bus takes 3.5 hours to arrive in Marrakech, and it will take another 3 hours to reach Imlil via shared taxi.