3 Best Sights in High Atlas, Morocco

This unique floral and sculptural garden is a must-visit attraction if you are in the area. Andre Heller, the renowned multi-media artist created this destination to bring together local flora and fauna with his avant-garde style. The garden is a delight to walk in and perfect for visitors of all ages. Stop for a drink or bite at the onsite cafe during your visit. A free shuttle is also included from Marrakech twice daily. 

The absolute pièce de résistance of any visit to the Ourika Valley is a trip to Nectarome, the region's first aromatic garden. It produces essential oils for massages, spas, and hammams in the classiest of hotels and riads back in Marrakesh. Started by two Moroccan brothers (one a biochemist, the other a pharmacist), it grows 50 species of aromatic and medicinal plants, all in 2.5 acres of beautifully maintained and colorful gardens. They pick the plants on-site, then extract, process, and bottle the oil in the top-secret perfume workshop. You can take a guided tour (80 DH) through the grounds and learn about the healing properties of each plant (lavender for rest; rosemary for blood circulation; thyme for digestion; geraniums for menopause, etc.), or wander on your own (20 DH). You can also have an essential-oils open-air pedicure in specially constructed basins dug into the ground (80 DH for 20 minutes) or bake your own Berber bread in one of three types of clay oven to accompany your breakfast (50DH). Whatever you do, don't miss the seven-plant tea infusion, taken in a garden gazebo or Berber tent, or the boutique, where you can buy the goods.

Don't munch on the leaves of the oleander rose; they're pretty on the outside but poisonous on the inside. Two leaves are enough to kill a man.

A charming saffron farm located between Marrakesh and Ourika, Paradis du Safran is well worth a visit. The saffron itself is harvested in late October / early November depending on the weather and visitors to Morocco in this time should make a visit a must. You can also enjoy their barefoot sensory trail and relaxing garden space. Saffron tea is served to guests and if you contact in advance breakfast or lunch are also possible.