Plizio Visual Lab

High Plateaus

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The High Plateaus (Hauts Plateaux) in eastern Morocco are a vast, flat upland region situated between the Middle Atlas to the west and the Algerian border to the east. The landscape lies at an average altitude of about 1,000 to 1,300 meters and is characterized by an extreme continental, semi-arid climate. Geologically, the plateaus consist of limestone and debris layers that support only sparse vegetation, primarily steppe grasses like alfa grass. Alfa is a vital resource for paper manufacturing and traditional crafts. The region is sparsely populated and traditionally serves as grazing land for nomadic and semi-nomadic Berber tribes raising sheep and camels. Due to low rainfall and vast distances, infrastructure is poorly developed, highlighting the isolated and rugged character of the region. Recently, there have been efforts to harness solar energy potential in this sun-drenched area.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	6	9	13	17	23	27	26	21	16	9	5
Rain mm	28	24	24	34	21	8	4	16	25	38	44	25

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The vast plains in eastern Morocco are best accessed via overland roads from cities like Oujda or Figuig. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is absolutely essential for leaving the paved main routes safely behind.

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Best season

Spring and late autumn are highly well-suited to avoid the extreme temperatures. Summer brings sweltering desert heat, while the winter months in the vast, open landscape are often freezing cold and unforgiving.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain consists primarily of dry, flat steppes and stony plateaus with very sparse vegetation. There are hardly any marked trails, which often makes orientation in the monotonous vastness very difficult.

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What to bring

Sufficient fuel, spare tires, and huge amounts of drinking water are strictly vital. Reliable GPS devices, thick dust cloths, and layered clothing for the freezing nights should be included on any expedition.

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Parking

In the fringe towns, vehicles can be parked very safely at local accommodations. Up on the high plateaus, you simply park your camp in the open landscape, making sure to stay away from dry riverbeds.

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Safety

Do not rely solely on mobile phones, as the network coverage is extremely patchy. Respect the unpredictable nature of the desert and ideally travel in guided convoys with experienced local desert experts.

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Time needed

Crossing or deeply exploring the vast plateaus requires a minimum of two to three days. Shorter, half-day detours are perfectly possible from the various oasis towns located right at the edge of the steppe.

Geography

Coordinates

33.00000, -3.00000

Facts

The plateaus sit at approx. 1,000 to 1,300 m altitude
Alfa grass is the most economically significant plant
The region is a hub for Moroccan sheep farming
In winter, temperatures can drop well below 0 °C
The plateaus form the watershed for the Moulouya basin
The mining town of Jerada is located nearby

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mwanza Island Habitat37 km · EExplore →

Mwanza South Port45 km · EExplore →

CCM Kirumba Stadium47 km · EExplore →

Sengerema53 km · SEExplore →

Bulyanhulu Gold Mine61 km · SExplore →

Shinyanga77 km · NWExplore →

Shinyanga Farmland79 km · NWExplore →

Nansio81 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the High Plateaus?

A vast, semi-arid steppe landscape in the east.

What to do there?

Well-suited for hiking and observing the nomadic lifestyle.

Is it touristy?

Very little visited, very authentic.

Do you need a 4x4?

Yes, highly recommended for remote paths.

When is the best time?

Autumn and spring.

High Plateaus: where is it located?

High Plateaus is located in Morocco.

High Plateaus: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

High Plateaus: why is it worth visiting?

The High Plateaus (Hauts Plateaux) in eastern Morocco are a vast, flat upland region situated between the Middle Atlas to the west and the Algerian border to the east.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →