Imlil and Toubkal Guide: Hiking the High Atlas and Where to Stay

Just 90 minutes from the heat and bustle of Marrakech, the village of Imlil sits at about 1,740 metres in the High Atlas, surrounded by walnut trees, terraced fields and earth-coloured Berber villages. It is the starting point for climbing Jebel Toubkal, at 4,167 metres the highest peak in North Africa, and for some of the best day hikes in Morocco. Even if you never reach a summit, a night in the mountains is one of the most memorable experiences of a Morocco trip.

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Climbing Jebel Toubkal

Toubkal is a non-technical climb in summer, but it is a serious high-altitude trek. The classic route takes two days. On day one, you walk from Imlil through the village of Aroumd and past the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch to the Toubkal refuges at about 3,200 metres, a hike of five to six hours. On day two, you start before dawn for the steep, rocky ascent to the summit, then walk all the way back down to Imlil.

Foreign visitors must climb with a licensed mountain guide, which your guest house can arrange. From roughly November to April the mountain is often covered in snow and ice, and crampons, an ice axe and winter experience are essential. Take time to acclimatise, drink plenty of water and turn back if you feel unwell.

Best day hikes from Imlil

1. Aroumd. A short, steep walk takes you to this pretty village perched above the valley, with wonderful views up towards Toubkal.
2. Tizi n’Mzik pass. A half-day hike up to a pass at about 2,500 metres, with views over the valleys on both sides.
3. The valley villages. Easy walks link the villages around Imlil through walnut groves and terraced fields, a great way to meet local families.
4. Sidi Chamharouch. A longer day hike to the white-painted shrine on the trail to Toubkal, a pilgrimage site for local people.
5. Mule trekking. Hire a mule and muleteer to carry your bags, or children, on longer multi-day treks through the Toubkal National Park.

Where to stay in Imlil

Most places to stay are family-run guest houses with roof terraces facing the mountains. Many can arrange guides, mules and transfers from Marrakech.

Atlas Haven

Riad Atlas Panorama

Riad Dar Omar

Riad Berber Towers

Jnane Karma

Kasbah Imoula

Kasbah Tamadot

Getting there and around

Imlil is about 65 kilometres south of Marrakech, roughly 1.5 hours by road via Asni. The easiest option is a private transfer, which many guest houses arrange, or a fixed-price transfer from Marrakech Airport with Kiwitaxi. Shared grand taxis run from Marrakech to Asni, where you can change for Imlil. If you only have a day, book an Atlas Mountains day trip or a guided Toubkal trek from Marrakech on GetYourGuide. In the village and the mountains, everything is on foot or by mule.

Do it like a Moroccan: local tips

• Layer up. Even in summer, mountain mornings and nights are cold. Bring a fleece, a warm hat and a waterproof jacket.
• Wear proper boots. The trails are rocky and steep, so good hiking boots matter more than anything else.
• Bring cash. There are no reliable ATMs in Imlil, so withdraw dirhams in Marrakech.
• Respect village life. Dress modestly and always ask before photographing people.
• Stay connected. Coverage is patchy in the high mountains; a Morocco eSIM from Airalo works in the village.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn are the best seasons for hiking and climbing, with warm days and little snow. Summer is a pleasant escape from the heat of Marrakech, though the trails are busier. In winter the valley is beautiful under snow, but Toubkal becomes a winter mountaineering climb.

Continue your trip with our Marrakech travel guide, the best day trips from Marrakech or the Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou guide, or plan your route with the free Moroccanly trip planner.

Cover photo: Louis Hansel on Unsplash