Imlil is a village in the High Atlas, about an hour and a half from Marrakech, at the head of a valley of walnut trees and terraced fields. It is the main base for climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, but you do not need to be a mountaineer to enjoy it. This Imlil travel guide covers the village, the easy walks around it and practical details.
Imlil at a Glance
- Altitude: about 1,740 meters.
- Best for: walking, mountain air and Amazigh village life.
- How long: a day trip is possible; one or two nights is better.
- Best time: April to June and September to October for walking.
The Village
Imlil is small: one main street of shops, cafés and guide offices, with houses climbing the slopes on either side. Mules carry luggage and supplies up the paths, the river runs loud in spring, and the high peaks close off the end of the valley. Life here follows the seasons: cherries and apples in summer, walnuts in autumn, snow on the summits from late autumn to spring.
Easy Walks from Imlil
Aroumd
A path climbs in about 45 minutes to Aroumd, a large village built on a rocky spur above a wide gravel plain. The views up the valley toward Toubkal are superb, and several houses serve tea or lunch on their terraces.
The Waterfall
A short walk above the village leads to a small waterfall with cafés beside it, a popular stroll for families and day visitors.
Sidi Chamharouch
The mule track toward Toubkal reaches, after about two hours, a tiny settlement around a white-painted boulder that marks a shrine visited by Moroccan pilgrims. Non-Muslims may not cross the bridge to the shrine itself, but the walk and the stalls selling fresh orange juice make a good half-day outing.
Tizi n’Tamatert
To the east, a path and a dirt road climb through pine woods to a pass at about 2,280 meters, with views into the neighboring Imnane Valley. Strong walkers can continue down to the villages on the other side and return by vehicle.
Climbing Toubkal
The ascent of Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 meters, normally takes two days from Imlil with a night at a mountain refuge. It is a demanding walk rather than a technical climb in summer conditions, and a licensed guide is required. See our separate guide to the Toubkal trek from Imlil for the route, season and preparation.
Getting There and Where to Stay
From Marrakech, the road runs south through Tahanaout and Asni, then follows a narrow valley up to Imlil. A private transfer takes about an hour and a half. The cheaper option is a shared grand taxi to Asni and a second one up the valley. Ouirgane is a short detour on the same road.
Imlil and the hamlets around it have many family-run guesthouses, most offering dinner and breakfast, along with a few more comfortable lodges. Some are reached only on foot; your host will send a mule for your bags.
Practical Tips
- Bring cash; there is no reliable ATM in the village.
- It is much cooler than Marrakech, and cold at night for most of the year. Pack layers.
- Wear proper walking shoes even for short walks; the paths are stony.
- Hire guides through the official guides’ office in the village or through your guesthouse.
- The area was hit hard by the earthquake of September 2023. Tourism is an important part of its recovery.
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