Imlil & Mount Toubkal
إمليل · توبقالHiking in the High Atlas, under North Africa's highest peak.
Overview
Imlil is a mountain village in the High Atlas, the starting point for walks to Berber villages and for the climb of Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest summit in North Africa. Walnut trees, terraced fields and earthen houses make it a beautiful contrast to Marrakech, and it is much cooler in summer.
How to get there
About 1.5 hours by road from Marrakech. Day tours, private drivers or grand taxis via Asni.
Highlights
Day walks
Easy to moderate walks to the villages of Aroumd and the Imnane valley, with tea in a family home.
Toubkal summit
Usually a 2-day trek with a night at the refuge. Hikers going to the summit must be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide.
Mules and muleteers
Mules carry luggage up the mountain paths; a great experience for kids.
Kasbah views
Restored kasbah guesthouses with terraces facing the peaks.
Local tips
- Hire an official mountain guide; ask your guesthouse.
- Even in summer, nights are cold above 2,500 m.
Explore Morocco
- Chefchaouen: The blue city of the Rif mountains.
- Meknes & Volubilis: An imperial city and the best Roman ruins in Morocco.
- Ifrane & the cedar forest: Cool mountain air, alpine houses and wild Barbary macaques.
- Essaouira: A windy, artistic port town with blue boats and ramparts.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: Morocco's most spectacular waterfalls, with monkeys and rainbows.
- Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou: Earthen kasbahs and film-set landscapes beyond the Atlas.
- Merzouga & the Sahara: Golden dunes, camel rides and a night under the stars.
- Laayoune & the Sahara coast: The largest city of the Moroccan Sahara, between dunes and ocean.
- Dakhla: A turquoise lagoon in the desert, a world capital of kitesurfing.