There are places in Morocco that leave you speechless, and the Anti Atlas is undoubtedly one of them. I recently embarked on what can only be described as an epic 15-day journey through this magnificent region, covering more than 120 kilometers on foot and another 1,800 kilometers using local transport between villages. If you're looking to discover one of Morocco's most enchanting and magical areas, join me as I recount my adventure through the Anti Atlas mountains.
What Makes the Anti Atlas Special?
The Anti Atlas (الاطلس الصغير in Arabic) is one of Morocco's most breathtaking regions, yet it remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. During my journey, I became convinced that Morocco might just be the most beautiful country in the world. The incredible diversity of landscapes, climates, terrain, and cultures packed into this region alone is simply mind-blowing.
In this adventure, I'll take you to some of the most remarkable spots in the Anti Atlas, including:
- Mount Sirwa, the highest peak in the Anti Atlas at 3,340 meters
- Ancient granaries and storage facilities that have stood the test of time
- The extraordinary volcanic Tassaout Gorges
- Lake Ifni, Morocco's highest lake
- The village of Tiski
- The remarkable Jafar Spring with its natural sparkling water
But this is just scratching the surface - we'll also discover countless waterfalls, valleys, and mountains that make this region truly special.
From Marrakech to Tachakoucht
My journey began in Marrakech, heading south toward the city of Ouarzazate. My destination for the first day was the small village of Tachakoucht, located about 98 kilometers from Ouarzazate. After reaching this remote village, we decided to spend the night there and continue our journey on foot the next morning.
The Long Trek Begins
I woke up to a freezing morning in Tachakoucht - the water bottles had completely frozen overnight! After a simple breakfast, we prepared for our 14-kilometer trek to the next destination.
The landscape spread before us was a vast, arid expanse. The desert-like terrain stretched endlessly, making it seem like the path had no end. With the scorching sun overhead and heavy backpacks weighing us down (each carrying about 19 kilograms of supplies), this was going to be a challenging day.
"The barren desert is all your eyes can see. The path stretches on, and you begin to think it has no end."
Unexpected Hospitality
One of the most touching aspects of traveling through rural Morocco is encountering the incredible hospitality of local people. About halfway through our journey, we met some residents from Tachakoucht village who welcomed us warmly.
What happened next was truly heartwarming. An elderly local man approached us on his donkey. Despite clearly living in modest circumstances, he insisted on sharing his bread and locally grown apples with us. When we tried to decline his generosity, he absolutely refused to take no for an answer.
"Please, you must take this," he insisted, handing us traditional bread and some of the most delicious red apples I've ever tasted.
This encounter perfectly encapsulates the spirit of rural Morocco - people with very little materially but with hearts full of generosity. The man told us a bit about his life as a farmer in this harsh environment. Despite the challenging conditions, his contentment and generosity were truly humbling.
As we continued our journey, we could hear the call to prayer echoing through the mountains. In these remote areas, faith remains a central pillar of daily life, bringing communities together five times a day.
Reaching Azib Iri: A Ghost Village
After more than eight hours of walking under the hot sun, we finally reached our destination for the day - Azib Iri. To our surprise, we found the village completely abandoned - no people, no animals, just empty houses standing as silent witnesses to a bygone era.
According to local information, the village had been deserted years ago due to water scarcity and the harsh living conditions. Residents had moved to neighboring villages like Tachakoucht or to larger cities in search of better opportunities.
Yet there was something hauntingly beautiful about this ghost village. Situated at the foot of the mountain and surrounded by apple orchards and a small stream providing seasonal water, Azib Iri has a certain tranquility that's hard to describe. During the winter months, this entire area gets completely covered in snow, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C or even lower. The heavy snowfall can cut off the village from neighboring areas, creating a truly isolated winter wonderland.
Spending the night in this deserted village requires professional camping equipment to protect against the biting cold that descends after sunset. We decided to continue our journey to camp near a water source, setting ourselves up for the next day's adventure - discovering one of the strangest natural sparkling water springs called Ansra Jafar.
The Anti Atlas: Morocco's Best-Kept Secret
What struck me throughout this journey was how the Anti Atlas represents Morocco at its most authentic. Away from the tourist crowds of Marrakech or Chefchaouen, this region offers a glimpse into a Morocco that few visitors ever experience.
The mountains here don't just dominate the landscape - they define an entire way of life. Communities have adapted to these harsh conditions for centuries, creating unique cultural practices and architectural styles that you won't find anywhere else.
Berber Hospitality: The Heart of the Anti Atlas Experience
If there's one thing that will stay with me forever from this journey, it's the incredible hospitality of the Berber people who call the Anti Atlas home. Despite living in some of Morocco's most challenging conditions, their generosity knows no bounds.
The elderly man who insisted on sharing his bread and apples with us is just one example of the kindness strangers showed us throughout our 15-day trek. These encounters weren't simply pleasant surprises - they were often what kept us going during the most difficult stretches of our journey.
In the most remote corners of the Anti Atlas, people still maintain a purity of spirit and generosity that's becoming increasingly rare in our modern world. There's an innocence in their interactions that touched me deeply - they expect nothing in return for their kindness.
Practical Tips for Trekking the Anti Atlas
If you're inspired to follow in my footsteps and explore the Anti Atlas, here are some essential tips based on my experience:
- Prepare for extreme temperature variations - Days can be scorching, while nights often drop below freezing
- Pack wisely and lightly - You'll likely be carrying everything yourself for long distances
- Bring enough water and water purification methods - Water sources are limited in many areas
- Learn basic Arabic or Berber phrases - English is rarely spoken in remote villages
- Respect local customs and dress modestly - You're entering very traditional communities
- Bring appropriate camping gear - Professional equipment is necessary for overnight stays
- Consider hiring a local guide - Navigation can be challenging and local knowledge invaluable
The Natural Wonders of the Anti Atlas
Throughout my 15-day journey, I encountered natural formations that seemed to belong to another world. The volcanic gorges of Tassaout with their otherworldly formations, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ifni shimmering at Morocco's highest elevation, and the natural carbonated water spring of Jafar are just a few examples.
The diversity of landscapes is truly astonishing - from arid desert-like terrain to lush valleys, from snow-capped peaks to ancient oases. The Anti Atlas offers a constantly changing panorama that keeps you in a permanent state of wonder.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
My trek through the Anti Atlas wasn't just about discovering Morocco's hidden treasures - it was also a journey of self-discovery. Pushing through physical challenges, experiencing extreme simplicity, and connecting with people whose lives are so different from my own gave me a new perspective on what really matters.
There's something profoundly clarifying about walking 120 kilometers through some of Morocco's most challenging terrain. The silence of the mountains, broken only by the occasional call to prayer or the sound of a stream, creates space for reflection that's impossible to find in our busy modern lives.
Join the Adventure
The Anti Atlas region of Morocco offers an authentic experience that's becoming increasingly rare in our globalized world. If you're seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty, I can't recommend this journey enough.
Have you visited the Anti Atlas or are you planning to explore this magical region? I'd love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you might have about my experience. Drop a comment below and let's start a conversation about one of Morocco's most spectacular yet underexplored regions!