Day Trip to Imlil and Atlas Mountains from Marrakech
Book one of the best Day Trip from Marrakech to Imlil and Atlas Mountains
Day Trip from Marrakech to Imlil valley
Day Trip to Imlil Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, Challenge the hikes and enjoy the real Berber hospitality where the original native still embrace their traditions and culture. start an adventure through the palm fields and the rivers of Asni before meeting again your driver guide and continue your explorative journey towards Imlil Valley. Once in Imlil, you will meet your local mountain guide who will lead you on guided hiking and walking tour to explore the hidden Berber villages and visit the Kasbah Toubkal one of the wonders of the area or ride mules to explore the surroundings of High atlas and the foothills of Toubkal massif.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in the Maghreb. It separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. It stretches around 2,500 km (1,600 mi) through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The range’s highest peak is Toubkal, which is in southwestern Morocco, with an elevation of 4,167 meters (13,671 ft). The Atlas mountains are primarily inhabited by Berber populations. The terms for ‘mountain’ are Adrar and Adras in some Berber languages. These terms are believed to be cognates of the toponym Atlas. The mountains are also home to a number of animals and plants which are mostly found within Africa but some of which can be found in Europe. Many of these species are endangered and a few are already extinct.
Imlil
Imlil is a small village in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. It is 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level. A portrait of Imlil and the problems and prospects of Morocco’s mountain populations appeared in 1984 in the book by James A. Miller called Imlil and published by Westview Press. It is close to the mountain Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Imlil makes a good base for attempting to summit Toubkal as it lies at the end of the tarmac road, and is a natural place to hire mountain guides and mules for the onward trek. Imlil is the center of mountain tourism in Morocco due to its unique position. From here, 90% of visitors head up to Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco.
Imlil is connected to Asni and Ikkiss by road, and shared taxis and minibusses provide services to them both. Asni is the closest town to Imlil and is where the weekly Saturday market is held.
Imlil is a village is a relatively new creation. It was created to cater to the number of tourists pouring through en route to Toubkal. The original communities still exist in the valleys around Tamatert, Ait Souka, Tagadirt, Tacheddirt, Acheim, Taourirt n’Ait Mizane, Mzikene, and Arhrene.
Before the advent of mountain tourism, the Imlil area was well known for its walnuts, apples, and cherry production. While these are still important to the local economy, these have been eclipsed by tourism. Both mountain tourists and Moroccans come to Imlil seeking cool relief from the heat of the Haouz.
The Film ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ was partly filmed in the village.
On 17 December 2018, two trekkers, from Denmark and Norway, were murdered near the village by Islamic terrorists who had pledged allegiance to ISIS. At least one victim was beheaded, with the murders videoed and posted to social media.
Enjoy Day Trip to Imlil Atlas Mountains from Marrakech
2 – 3 Pax 70€ per person
4 – 6 Pax 50€ per person
6 – 8 Pax 45€ per person
Imlil to Marrakech day trip Highlights
- Guided one & half hour hike from Imlil to see waterfalls and Berber hamlets
- Visit the Kasbah Toubkal on the wonders of the area (optional)
- Imlil and Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech
- Ascend the Atlas foothills past Berber villages, walnut groves, and lush valleys
- Visit an argan oil co-operative and Berber market (Saturdays only)
- Traditional Berber lunch at a Berber family home, local restaurant, or Toubkal kasbah
- depends on your choice.
- Duration: 1 day
- Departure time: 8 / 8:30 am
- Starting point: Your hotel/riad in Marrakech
- Ending point: Your hotel/riad in Marrakech
Itinerary day trip from Marrakech to Imlil via Atlas mountains
We will pick up you at 9:00 from your hotel in Marrakech or at the meeting point(if you stay in Medina), then start the exciting day trip to Imlil valley & Atlas Mountains. First and foremost, it is always about experiencing the people, life, and culture of the Berber mountain villages you’ll visit. I want you to leave not just with photos, but with stories and memories of personal encounters with the individuals you’ll meet during the day you spend with us in the hills of the High Atlas mountains. While driving enjoys the panoramic view over the green valley of olive trees and ancient Berber villages in Tahanaout. We took the opportunity of visiting the Argan oil cooperative of local women in Tahanaout during our trip to Imlil. After that, you can visit the weekly market (on Tuesdays)then head up south the Moulay Brahim Gorges, and the Berber village of Asni where you can visit the weekly market on Saturday only) then drive up to Imlil valley the drive will be by the green river with many different trees and water head down. This picturesque valley offers the everyday landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, now reach Imlil valley the starting point for much multi-day trekking in the National Park, and to the second-highest mountain in Africa, the Jebel Toubkal here you will start your walk up through the Berber village and waterfall, here you will have the opportunity learning about the Berber hospitalities and activates during each day and see terrace fields of barley, corn, and vegetables, surrounded by cherry and walnut trees. Alternatively, enjoy splendid views across the valley.
After the walk, with your local guide for 2 to 3 hours, then, you will enjoy your lunch 3-course meal on the terrace with the best view of the high atlas in a Berber home near Imlil center. Moreover, you can relax or head back down to Marrakech. Depending on the time, there may be time to explore the Berber villages more before heading back to Marrakech. End of your Marrakech day trip to Imlil.
What's included in Day Trip to Imlil and Atlas Mountains from Marrakech
- Pick-up & Drop off at your hotel, riad, or accommodation in Marrakech
- Transportation in a private car with a professional driver
- English speaking
- Mountain walking guide.
What's not included in Day Trip to Imlil and Atlas Mountains from Marrakech
- All lunch meals and drinks.
- Airline tickets to - from Morocco.
- Entry fees, Personal expenses, and Tips.
NOTE: If this Day Trip to Imlil from Marrakech does not match what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to Contact us and we will prepare the trip to your needs and requirements.
Day trip from Marrakech to Imlil Reviews
Riv
Best 1-Day Trip Marrakech to Imlil Village
What a fantastic tour! Our guide and driver Hassan was the best guide we had on our Morocco vacation. He was extremely knowledgeable, genuine, personable, and more than happy to stop by when we wanted to take a photo (and he even bought us some fresh cherries on the way home!).
The tour said there was no forced shopping and that it was fine (and very refreshing compared to other tours we’ve been on). Lunch at the Berbers was delicious, in a very peaceful setting and we also really enjoyed the mule ride – the guides took good care of us.
Alex H…
Imlil and Atlas Mountains Day Trips from Marrakech
We booked the Imlil tour and the next day the Essaouira tour. We had the chance to spend two amazing days with Said and his team in the Atlas Mountains and in the Atlantic Sea.
The whole team is extremely friendly and answered all of our questions. Anytime we wanted to stop for drinks or photos they would and we always felt like they value their job and love what they do.
We can recommend this good boy! Next time we are in Morocco we are sure to book a desert trip with them!
Thank you, Saïd and Hassan. We hope to see you soon!
Eric S…
Full-day Trip Marrakech to Imlil
We are a family of four, with a 21-year-old boy and an 8-year-old. 1 day we did the Marrakech city tour with Hassan and Said, which was wonderful. I really don’t think we would have had the same experience of walking ourselves. Hassan was quick at the hotel to pick us up and Said really did a great job touring the sites with us and really educating us about Marrakech.
On the second day, Hassan picked us up for the day trip to the Imlil Mountains and the High Atlas with a donkey trek. It was such a beautiful day and it couldn’t have been better. Hassan is a pleasure to spend time with and he really has patience with tourists (we have so many questions!). We took donkeys to a Berber village for lunch and did a little hike.
I can’t say enough about MTC, what a perfect two-day adventure. Hassan was the perfect companion, Said a great guide to the city, and it should be noted that Hassan and Said were very responsive in setting everything up before our trip, answering a ton of questions and making sure we were ready. I can’t say enough about TCM … do yourself a favor and contact Said and his brother to book a visit or two !!
Jhone…
Fantastic Day trip from Marrakech
Our driver, Hassan, was amazing. Vehicle on time, clean and with air conditioning and safe driver. He made photo stop suggestions (no shopping as promised) and was very friendly and informative. We ended up walking instead of using a mule, nothing difficult but I would recommend runners or grippy shoes as there was a lot of loose rocks. The lunch was plentiful and a magnificent view of the mountains. I would definitely recommend a nice break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
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