28/11/2021
A Complete Guide to Visiting Imlil, Morocco
Generally, tourists come across the name of the small village of Imlil when they are hikers and plan to climb Jebel Toubkal (4160 m) – Morocco’s and North Africa’s highest mountain. But, you don’t have to be crazy fit and determined to walk for miles in order to have fun in Imlil!
Just the journey to Imlil can take your breath away. The road is twisted and interesting, much less frequented than other Atlas mountains’ valleys in the Marrakech area. A glimpse of the small Berber villages, the lazy river, and the walnut tree leaves shining in the sunlight will be the beginning of your trip.
This mountain village is often the starting out point for people who are climbing to the top of Mount Toubkal. It’s also an excellent base if you simply want to enjoy hiking in the region.
There are regular drivers that can take you from Marrakech to Imlil via private transfer. The rate will vary depending on if you want a one-way transfer or the use of the car for the day.
If you’re on a budget the best way of getting there is to take a grand taxi (shared cab) from Marrakech. It is only about 3$ for a seat and a great, authentic experience.
If you would like to actually climb Jebel Toubkal there are few things you have to know. Don’t get fooled by all the travel guide books describing the climb as an easy one! It is not! But it is doable and very interesting! The nature, the landscape, the people. On the way to the top of the mount, there is a holy place called Sidi Chamharouch where one of the local Muslim saints is buried. Moroccan families choose the place as their pilgrimage destination. It can be a very profound and positive experience to interact with the pilgrims who are very often climbing wearing flip-flops!
The best thing to do is to have a mountain guide who will take care of your food supplies, accommodation/refuge booking, mules etc. If you decide to stay at Lahcen’s guesthouse (see where to stay), he is also a licensed mountain guide who can make your trek really memorable for a very reasonable price (around 120/135$ per day per person, food, transport from Marrakech, guide services, accommodation included) www.imlil-trekking.com
If you decide to organize the trek by imlil-trekking, during the high season (May-September) you should contact the HAMID IDBELAID tour guide to make sure to have a place to sleep [email protected]
(and longer)
Whether you choose to do a long or short hike a great company to reach out to is High Atlas Hiking. The company is staffed by local, licensed mountain guides. They can help you arrange a single day experience up to a week or more (and everything in between). Because they are locals they know the area well and can be sure you’re experiencing the best the area has to offer.
http://www.imlil-trekking.com/destination/things-to-do-in-imlil-guide-to-visiting-imlil-activites/
