This small mountain village at the base of Mount Toubkal serves as a starting point for High Atlas treks. Local Berber communities maintain apple orchards and walnut groves.
Imlil sits at 1,800 meters in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Steep valleys here hold walnut groves layered on terraces and villages built from reddish clay. This settlement serves as the main starting point for climbs up Jebel Toubkal, which rises 4,167 meters as North Africa’s tallest peak. From Imlil, you can hike to the Imlil Waterfall in 30 minutes, walk through Ait Souka’s walnut orchards, or browse seasonal stalls on paths leading toward Toubkal’s mountain huts. After a major flood in 1995 and a security incident in 2018, the village improved its roads and trekking guidelines. Today, it remains a practical base for exploring trails in Toubkal National Park, learning about daily life in local communities, and escaping the heat of lower elevations.
Climbing Jebel Toubkal and Other Hiking Routes
Imlil marks the beginning of the route up Jebel Toubkal. The climb typically takes two to three days, and you must hire a licensed guide, a rule enforced since 2019. The trail winds through Sidi Chamharouch, a village with a shrine where non-Muslims cannot enter the white-domed building. Higher up, stone refuges like Les Mouflons provide shelter at 3,200 meters. Bring your passport for police checks along the way. If you prefer shorter walks, follow the path to the Imlil Waterfall or hike the Tizi N’Mezzik pass for wide views of the Azzaden Valley. For multi-day trips, mules can carry your gear, and guides often organize overnight stops in villages such as Armoud.
Traveling Between Marrakech and Imlil
The drive from Marrakech to Imlil covers 90 kilometers of mountain roads, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. The route passes olive groves and a luxury hotel owned by a British entrepreneur. Shared taxis leave from Bab er-Rob or Asni Square in Marrakech, charging 50–100 MAD per person. Private taxis cost 300–500 MAD. Public buses go only as far as Asni, where you’ll switch to a taxi for the remaining 17 kilometers. Imlil’s roads end at the village edge, giving way to hiking trails immediately. In winter, verify that roads are clear of snow before traveling.
Where to Stay: Guesthouses and Mountain Huts
Imlil has more than 100 places to sleep. Kasbah du Toubkal includes a rooftop terrace with valley views. Budget options like Hotel Soleil Imlil give trekking tips, while Riads such as Atlas Panorama have heated rooms for colder months. Refuges along the Toubkal trail often fill up in summer, so reserve early. Some families invite visitors for meals or cooking lessons focused on dishes like lamb tagine or pastries filled with walnuts.
Life in Imlil’s Surrounding Villages
Communities in the Imlil Valley, including Ait Souka and Tamatert, grow apples and host travelers. Stone channels direct water from the Asif N’au Mizane river to fields on terraced slopes. A local organization funds projects like a public bathhouse and trash collection systems. Mules move supplies between villages, often guided by children carrying schoolbags. On Saturdays, Asni’s market sells silver jewelry, spices, and wool blankets.
Eating in Imlil: Local Dishes and Tea Stops
Try lamb mechoui or harira soup at Chez les Berbères, a family-run spot. Kasbah du Toubkal’s restaurant prepares mint tea and almond cookies on a terrace with valley views. In June, cherry sellers set up along hiking paths, and September brings walnut harvesting. Many guesthouses serve breakfast with amlou—a mix of almonds, honey, and argan oil—spread on warm bread. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach issues.
Staying Safe and Preparing for Weather
Temperatures in winter drop below freezing, and snow sometimes blocks trails between December and March. Summer days warm to 25°C, but nights stay chilly. Following a 2018 incident near Imlil, guides are required for Toubkal climbs, and police check hikers’ IDs. Flash floods are uncommon but possible; check the forecast before crossing streams. Pack layers, shoes with good grip, and sunscreen for intense mountain sun.
Exploring Toubkal National Park
The park covers 380 square kilometers. Trails lead through juniper forests, past rock formations in the Azzaden Valley, and to a small museum near Imlil. In winter, some visitors ski tour with local guides. Spring brings wildflowers along routes to villages like Armoud. Barbary macaques and golden eagles live in the area. You can hike day trails without a guide, but tell your accommodation your plans.
Festivals and Helpful Advice
Asni’s Saturday market sells local honey, clay pots, and livestock. In September, villages nearby celebrate walnut harvests with demonstrations of traditional oil pressing. Avoid planning treks during Ramadan, as many guides reduce their workload. Few places accept credit cards, so carry Moroccan dirhams. Wi-Fi is unreliable—download maps or route details before arriving.
