Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

This vast park in the Eastern High Atlas is a rugged landscape of high peaks, plateaus, and deep valleys, offering a remote wilderness experience. It's an...

Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي at a Glance

Location
Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco, North Africa
Coordinates
32.329285, -5.190184
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

Nearest airport: Aéroport Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif ⴰⵣⴰⴳⵯⵣ ⵕⵕⴰⵛⵉⴷⵉⴰ ⵎⵓⵍⴰⵢ ⵄⵍⵉ ⵛⵛⵔⵉⴼ مطار الرشيدية مولاي علي الشريف (ERH), 86 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport Fès Saïss مطار فاس سايس (FEZ), 179 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

The warmest temperatures in Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي occur in July, averaging 20.3°C (up to 26.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 0.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 10.5mm. Average humidity: 25.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 0.4°C (rainfall: 14.4mm)
  • February: 1.8°C (rainfall: 34.4mm)
  • March: 3.1°C (rainfall: 51.1mm)
  • April: 7.0°C (rainfall: 37.5mm)
  • May: 11.3°C (rainfall: 44.3mm)
  • June: 15.2°C (rainfall: 31.6mm)
  • July: 20.3°C (rainfall: 10.5mm)
  • August: 19.3°C (rainfall: 19.4mm)
  • September: 14.1°C (rainfall: 35.6mm)
  • October: 9.7°C (rainfall: 23.5mm)
  • November: 4.9°C (rainfall: 16.5mm)
  • December: 1.7°C (rainfall: 27.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

The best months to visit Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي are July, August, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 0.41°C, rainfall 14.4mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 53.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 1.84°C, rainfall 34.4mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 56.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 3.06°C, rainfall 51.1mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 62.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 7.02°C, rainfall 37.5mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 53.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 11.31°C, rainfall 44.3mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 45.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 15.22°C, rainfall 31.6mm, sunshine 12.5 hrs, humidity 43.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.29°C, rainfall 10.5mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 25.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 19.29°C, rainfall 19.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 31.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 14.14°C, rainfall 35.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 50.4%
  • October: Great, temperature 9.66°C, rainfall 23.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 51%
  • November: Great, temperature 4.92°C, rainfall 16.5mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 54.4%
  • December: Good, temperature 1.66°C, rainfall 27.3mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 56.9%

Wildlife in Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

Home to 8 recorded species including 4 birds of prey, 2 waterbirds, 1 iconic birds, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

Based on average temperature of 9.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 49%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

7 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

Similar Parks in Middle Atlas Mountains

Visitor Tips - Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي

We love the raw, untamed beauty of the Haut Atlas Oriental, a place where the mountains truly feel ancient and alive. The chance to spot Barbary sheep against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, or to share a cup of mint tea with a local Berber family, offers an authentic Moroccan mountain experience that is both humbling and profoundly rewarding.

Gate Times

The park generally operates from sunrise to sunset, typically around 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though these times shift with the seasons. We strongly recommend securing your permits in advance, especially if you plan multi-day treks or overnight stays, as access can be regulated at key entry points near towns like Imilchil or Midelt. While some smaller access points might seem informal, a valid permit is always required for any extensive exploration.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For a dedicated guide on a multi-day trek, we suggest 150-250 MAD per day from the group. For muleteers or camp staff, 50-100 MAD per day is appropriate. Always tip in local currency, Moroccan Dirham, and present it discreetly at the end of your service, rather than after each small task.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Morocco

Travel advisory for Morocco

Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental متنزه قومي الأطلس الكبير الشرقي FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental for trekking and wildlife viewing?

The best time to visit is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for trekking. These seasons also offer clearer skies and increased chances for spotting Barbary sheep and Cuvier's gazelle as they are more active.

What specific challenges should trekkers be prepared for when exploring the remote valleys and peaks of Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental?

Trekkers should be prepared for significant altitude changes, variable weather conditions even within a single day, and the necessity of self-sufficiency due to the park's remote nature. It's highly recommended to hire experienced local guides who are familiar with the terrain and can assist with navigation and safety.

How can visitors maximize their chances of spotting the elusive Barbary sheep and Cuvier's gazelle in this vast Moroccan wilderness?

To increase your chances, focus on early morning or late afternoon excursions when these animals are most active, and utilize binoculars for scanning the distant slopes and plateaus. Engaging a local guide with knowledge of their typical habitats and movement patterns is invaluable for successful sightings.

What are the typical logistical considerations for accessing Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental, given its remote location?

Access often requires a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the unpaved roads leading into the park from nearby towns like Midelt or Imilchil. Visitors should plan to arrange transport, accommodation (often basic guesthouses or camping), and guides in advance, as facilities within the park are minimal.

What kind of experience and associated costs should one expect for a multi-day wilderness trip in Parc National du Haut Atlas Oriental?

Expect a rugged, immersive wilderness experience focused on trekking and nature observation, rather than luxury amenities. Costs typically include local guides, mule support for gear, basic accommodation or camping fees, and food, varying based on the duration and level of support chosen.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.