23 March: The High Atlas

These are the highest mountains in North Africa and rise steeply from the plain, 30 miles south of Marrakech. On this particular route into the High Atlas, the road runs out at the village of Imlil (alt. 5,700 ft.). It’s a trekking centre so you can continue on good tracks by mule, on foot, or 4X4.

We carried on walking a short way up the path toward Djebel Toubcal, the highest peak at 13,681 ft., avoiding the guides touting for hire and even guides who’ll find you guides!