Excursion to Imlil, High Atlas Mountains

The high Atlas village of Imlil is the gateway to the magnificent Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak and crowning wonder of the Atlas range and the tallest mountain in North Africa. The scenery is truly stunning and, at just over an hours drive from the Marrakech, it is remarkably accessible, making it the perfect day trip during your stay in the red city.

The excursion normally leaves at 09.00am when your dedicated vehicle will collect you from a dedicated pick up point close to any of our luxury riads in the heart of the Marrakech Medina.

From here you will drive from the Medina towards the Atlas Mountains. The Berbers call the Atlas range idraren draren, “The Mountains of Mountains”, and it is easy to see why. As you leave Marrakech, the omnipotent Atlas Mountains stand tall as an unmoving monument, dominating the skyline, stretching as far as the eye can see.

En route to Imlil, it is possible to stop off at Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s luxury retreat, and a traditional Berber village. Both stops offer stunning views of Imlil and the surrounding landscape and are highly recommended. Your driver can normally help you organise both of these visits, please let him and our riad staff know in advance if you are interested in visiting either Kasbah Tamadot, or the Berber village during your trip to Imlil.

Once you have arrived at the village of Imlil, your driver will assist you in securing a local Berber guide to lead the excursion. The local guides are there to guide you on your trek and answer any questions you may have about the local area. The hike itself can be altered to suit most levels of experience and athletic ability, allowing you to take in the natural landscape at your chosen pace.

The varied landscape itself is marked by a prevailing silence and an overwhelming stillness; two luxuries rarely found in the vibrant medina of Marrakech. As you can see in the video below, the landscape is varied, unique and always beautiful; all in all, a definite ‘must see’ for those visiting Morocco.

Our luxury Riads act as the perfect base to explore the Marrakech medina, the Atlas Mountains (including Imlil) and beyond; our experienced staff are on hand to organise any trips or excursions you wish to take.