What to do in The Atlas Mountains

Rising quite unexpectedly at the edge of the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains are the highest point in North Africa and impressive as they come. Most travellers make a beeline for one of the beautiful kasbahs with their incredible views, secluded locations, and heavenly hamman treatments. From there, explore the mountains on foot, mule or horseback, or mountain bike - or make the hair-raising drive along the Tizi-n-Test Pass. There also a number of stand-out natural gems to visit, including the rainbow-hued hills of Salt Natural Park, or try your hand at rafting in the Ourika Valley and trekking to the summit of snow-capped Mount Toubkal. If you plan to do a spot of skiing, January is your best bet.