the magnificent mountains of morocco

Since it’s exactly two years today since I moved to Morocco with my partner and our cat, I thought I’d share one of my favourite parts of this country with you: the mountains! There are two mountain ranges that stretch through Morocco: the Atlas and the Rif. The highest mountain in North Africa, Jbel Toubkal, is situated in southwestern Morocco and its highest peak is 4,167 metres above sea level (13,671 feet). I haven’t yet visited that particular mountain, but I intend to!

The Moroccan mountains are home to many endemic species (that is, species that only occur in a specific region), such as the Atlas cedar, the Atlas mountain viper and the Barbary macaque (that I made a post about before I even moved here). To me, the mountains add yet another stunning natural habitat to this country of extremes. To the west, we have the long coast with the Atlantic, always humid and often fertile; further east, going from north-east to south-west, there are mountains covered in snow and coniferous forest; and along the eastern border, the great, ever-expanding Sahara desert, the world’s largest. There’s certainly something for everyone.

So here’s my photographic ode to this country where I’m happy to say that I have found yet another home:

Crossing the High Atlas, one of the three sub-ranges in the Moroccan Atlas mountains.

Hazy hills, also in the High Atlas.

I like calling this one The Moroccan Flag – the red of the soil combined with the green of the vegetation always reminds me of the colours of the flag.

On the other side: on our way to the desert with the Anti-Atlas range nearby.

Two months ago, we went hiking in the Rif mountains in the north of the country. We were rewarded with stunning views and unforgettable experiences! I will probably make another post about that trip, but I’ve only processed very few photos from there so far. It’s been a very photo-intense summer and autumn! (I’m not complaining)

The beautiful (and homely) coniferous forest of Talassemtane national park in the Rif mountains.

The endemic Atlas cedar near the peak of the area’s highest mountain, Jbel Lakraa.

Our galaxy, the Milky Way, revealing itself in the night sky above the Rif mountains.

Tags: africa, atlas, atlas mountains, Chefchaouen, landscape, milky way, morocco, mountains, national park, nature, nature photography, outdoors, photography, rif, Rif mountains, talassemtane, travel

6 thoughts on “the magnificent mountains of morocco”

Lyle Krahn on November 24, 2015 at 15:46 said:

I think that living on the prairies has given me a special appreciation for the mountains. You made some wonderful photos here.

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- hannele on November 24, 2015 at 16:14 said:
  
  The same is true of me – I grew up in the part of Finland which is jokingly called Pampas (after the South American lowlands) because it’s so flat. I think this is why I always feel completely overwhelmed (in a good way) and astounded when I see mountains!
  
  Thanks for your comment 🙂
  
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marianorrgard on November 26, 2015 at 00:27 said:

Vilka fantastiska berg! 🙂

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- hannele on November 26, 2015 at 00:35 said:
  
  Ja, verkligen! Det är en av de där grejerna som gör att jag känner mej liten… På ett bra sätt. 🙂
  
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WALID Amara on November 15, 2016 at 20:03 said:

Ohh WOW NICE thanks for taking such photos of my country
There isn’t a lot of pictures of tge Moroccan nature exept for some picture of the desert which I don’t find them that good
Any way your the best.GREAT JOOB

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- hannele on November 15, 2016 at 23:26 said:
  
  Thanks a lot! I’m very glad to hear you like them. This country has fantastic natural landscapes to explore, it’s impossible to get enough. 🙂
  
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