Let me introduce you to the quaint village of Imlil, an escape from the bustling city life and a gateway to the majestic Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
While the vibrant cities of Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez usually steal the spotlight, Imlil village a hidden gem tucked away in the Atlas Mountains that awaits those willing to explore beyond the usual tourist tracks.
I’ve put together this guide to help you plan an awesome trip to Imlil. It’s got everything you need to know to make your stay in this little village absolutely amazing.
All about Imlil
Most people learn about the small village of Imlil when they’re getting ready to hike Jebel Toubkal, the tallest mountain in Morocco and North Africa, standing at 4160 meters.
But, Imlil is more than just a village near Morocco’s highest peak, it’s a destination that offers a blend of adventure, peace, and natural splendor.
Imlil captivates visitors with its stunning valleys, exceptional trekking trails, and the sheer beauty of its landscapes.
It’s also well known for walnuts, apples, and cherry production that support the local economy of the small community living there.
Is Imlil, Morocco Safe for Visitors?
Absolutely, Imlil village is considered a safe destination for anyone looking to explore its beauty.
It is also considered a safe place for solo female travelers. The locals in Imlil are used to having tourists around and they are very welcoming.
If you are a female traveler consider dressing modestly, as it shows respect for the local customs and culture.
How to ge to Imlil
The ride from Marrakech to Imlil is about 2 hours through mountainous but pretty good roads. The distance is about 90 km.
To get to Imlil from Marrakech, you have 3 options:
Option 1: Hire a private taxi.
Grand taxis are easy to spot because they are found all over the city, especially near hotels and tourist spots.
If you can’t find one easily, just go to Jamaa El Fena.
You should expect to pay between $30 to $40 for a one-way trip.
Option 2: Get a ride in a shared taxi
Taking a shared taxi is the cheapest way to get to Imlil from Marrakech.
You can ride in a shared taxi (with 6 people) for just $3, but it means you’ll be in a tight space with others.
You can find these taxis at the Bab er Robb taxi spot in the city. Not sure where that is? Here’s a link to Google Maps to help you find it.
Option 3: Book a private transfer
Another simple and comfortable way to travel from Marrakech to Imlil is by booking a private transfer with Think Travel Morocco.
It costs about $40 for a private ride from Marrakech to Imlil with this service, and it’s worth it.
Option 4: Organized day trip
If you’re not looking to stay overnight in Imlil, considering a day trip from Marrakech to Imlil village is a great option.
There are plenty of affordable day trips available that will take you to Imlil. You can spend the day there, enjoy a great lunch, and then be brought back to Marrakech at the end of the day.
Here are some of the tours to consider:
When to visit Imlil
According to trekking experts in the region, the best time to visit Imlil is between mid-May and mid-October.
This time is when you can enjoy a warm trekking experience and avoid the snowy days in Imlil.
Summer in Imlil is the perfect travel holiday and an escape from the heat in Marrakech, especially between June and August when the temperature peaks.
Things to do in Imlil
Hike up Jebel Toubkal
When mountaineers are searching for trekking experiences in Morocco, the first thing that comes up is climbing to Jebel Toubkal summit (4160 m).
Imlil is the starting point of Toubkal mountain, and the hike to the summit is from 2 to 3 days from the village. Tourists and hikers tend to spend a few days before in the village enjoying what it has to offer while getting ready for the big adventure.
The trek might seem very easy for some but it’s actually not. This is the reason why having a mountain guide became mandatory – which means, you cannot climb Jebel Toubkal alone without hiring a local guide.
The guide will take care of everything you need for a successful hike experience including food supplies, accommodation/refuge booking, mules, etc.
The trek to the top is really worth it to what it offers from landscapes, nature, and a sense of adventure. After a hard day’s hike, you can stay at one of Toubkal refuges, Refuge du Toubkal, or Les Mouflons for an overnight stay and continue your adventure the next day.
Trek Across the Atlas Mountains
One of the best experiences one can enjoy in Morocco is a trek across the High Atlas mountains. The mountains range along the Sahara Desert and accommodate Berber villages and endangered wildlife. If you are not interested in hiking to Jebel Toubkal, there are many easy and fun treks to enjoy.
You can either go for long or short hikes across the Atlas Mountains but never go alone. A guide is ALWAYS recommended when hiking or trekking in Morocco as the conditions may change and only locals know about it.
This two days trekking experience operated by Morocco Tour Guide offers an interesting Berber experiences that you will certainly love. They depart from Marrakech and stop by Imlil village and many other Berber village before going back to Marrakech.
Spend an Afternoon in Imlil Waterfalls
Imlil Waterfalls is located just 30 minutes west of the village. The small cascade of waterfalls can be a lovely and refreshing afternoon trek. Walking to the waterfalls is also a great way to discover the culture and meet locals and villagers.
Sometimes arranged tours offer visits to locals’ houses to learn about the Berber Moroccan culture and taste the homemade traditional food.
Try a Hammam Experience in Imlil’s local Hammam
You cannot leave Morocco without trying an authentic Moroccan Hammam experience. And the best place to have your first traditional Moroccan Hammam is in the High Atlas, Imlil.
You can either stay in a lodge that offers a Moroccan Hammam (request it before booking, not all lodges have Hammam facilities) or pay a small entrance fee to Imlil Village Association to use their Hammam.
I recommend going with Imlil Village Hammam if you want to experience a local hammam and not a touristy one.
Hike to Armoud Village
Armoud is another quaint and unique village in the Ait Mizane Valley. Armoud village is about an hour hike from Imlil which makes it a great little adventure.
if you are looking to experice the authentic Berber cuture far from the tourist traps, head to this little village.
Better yet, Armoud village is a considered a base for whoever is planning to summit the mount Toubkal.
Have lunch with a Berber family
Dou want to have a life changing experience? Sharing a meal with a Berber family in the Atlas mountain will give you just that.
Learn about these Moroccan people’s simple yet very generous life. The unforgiving landscapes of the Atlas mountains shaped their life and traditions.
Berber families in the Imlil valley will be happy to share moments of joy over a healthy Moroccan meal with you.
Where to stay in Imlil village?
Kasbah Imlil
Kasbah du Toubkal is Imlil’s landmark hotel and one of Morocco’s famous hotels. Kasbah du Toubkal is an award-winning hotel and ecolodge in Morocco.
Located at 1820 meters above sea level and set on a hilltop from their reception in Imlil it, offers amazing landscape views of the village and its surroundings.
The walk from the reception to the Kasbah is 15 minutes and the hotel staff take care of your luggage by carrying it with mules which is so much fun to see!
The hotel is open for non-residents for lunch and they also offer day excursions, trekking tours, creative workshops, and Yoga sessions.
Toubkal Ecolodge
Toubkal ecolodge is a Berber hotel in the High Atlas Mountains. Their accommodation offers six traditional rooms, all designed and furnished with local Moroccan products.
Toubkal Ecolodge is a family hotel business set to promote the heritage of the high atlas mountains and Moroccan Berber culture through its services.
Toubkal Ecolodge is also known to be a good choice for winter visitors interested in skiing in the Atlas mountains.
Dar Imlil
Dar Imlil is another great accommodation option in the village. It’s a small guest house that offers delicious food and spectacular views of Imlil and the Toubkal mountain from a rooftop terrace.
The wonderful little heaven Dar Imlil is very close to many trekking trails which makes it a great option for hikers coming to enjoy the Atlas Mountains.
Riad Jnane Imlil
Jnane Imlil is an authentic guest house in the Atlas Mountains. If you like to enjoy a swim now and then during your trips, Jnane Imlil is one of the few Riads that actually has a pool in Imlil valley.
Eating in Imlil Morocco
Your hotel or guesthouse will definitely offer a rich menu, including tasty Moroccan dishes. But I personally like to try out different places when it comes to food. That’s why I listed a few options in Imlil village, in case you want to discover what’s there for you.
Kasbah Imlil
Kasbah Imlil is both a lodge and a restaurant. There is nothing better than enjoying a mouthwatering Moroccan dish on a roof terrace with mountain views. The restaurant is open for non-residents for lunch, so booking your stay somewhere else won’t prevent you from experiencing a delicious Moroccan meal with spectacular views.
Restaurant Talaoul
Talaoul guest house is located in a family-owned village called Talaoul. The guest house has a restaurant that serves Moroccan local food on the terrace with a full panoramic view over the valley and the mountains.
Imlil Tours & Tour Guides
- Atlas Mountains, Imlil valleys, and Camel Ride day trip from Marrakech
- Day Trip Imlil Treks from Marrakech
Visiting Imlil tips
- Dress in modest clothing. If you are not sure what to wear, check our guide about what to wear in Morocco.
- Carry your sunscreen, sunglasses and hats with you. Sunburns are a common thing to get if you are visiting during sunny months.
- Carry your passpot and travel documents with you when visiting Imlil. There are police check points everywhere.
- Take regular breaks and rest if you feel the altitude sickness and avoid smoking.
- Learn about Moroccan people and culture before you visit. Chech our post about all things you should never do in Morocco.
Happy Imlil trip
Imlil village in Morocco is not for everyone. It’s not the best place for shopping and you won’t find all the creature comforts there.
It’s a place to retreat, relax, reflect and unwind. If you wanna run up some mountains, you can do that too. Imlil is different, as it should be. It’s a unique place that makes you feel like you have truly traveled, beyond borders, beyond time.
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The Atlas Mountains look like a great place to explore and hike. I love the idea of hiking the Atlas Mountains and then having a place to take a relaxing break
Greta post! The Atlas mountains are so beautiful. I visited years ago but would love to go back to do more hiking there
What a fantastic place to visit! I can’t wait to go to Morocco and explore destinations like this! 🙂
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains is firmly on my bucket list. I’m hoping to take on Mount Toubkal hopefully next year. Imlil looks like such a lovely place to spend some time!