Summit Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m)
A two-day, mule-supported climb — a night at the Toubkal Refuge (3,207 m), the summit at dawn, and back down to Imlil by that afternoon. A walk rather than a climb in summer; crampons from November to April.
Agadir, Morocco · 300 days of sunshine· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
High Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Imlil, Morocco
The High Atlas trekking village that puts North Africa's highest summit within a two-day walk — high above the Souss plain.
Best time
April–June and September–November for trekking; December–February for winter mountaineering
Recommended
1–4 days
Airport
Marrakech Menara (RAK) + 1h drive
Region
High Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Why Imlil
Imlil is a Berber village at 1,740 m inside the Toubkal National Park, roughly 60 km and an hour's drive south of Marrakech up the Mizane valley. It's the main base for climbs of Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest peak in North Africa, and the hub of a web of mule tracks linking High Atlas villages you can only reach on foot. Even if you never lace up for the summit, the drive up is a spectacle — terraced cherry, walnut and apple orchards stacked above the Asni market, and the village of Aroumd clinging to its ridge. The top is a non-technical walk in summer but demands crampons and an ice axe in winter. For our coastal guests it's the high-mountain core of the very range that walls off the Souss; most reach it via Marrakech, though the Tizi n'Test road climbs into these peaks from the Taroudant side instead.
What to see
Highlights of Imlil.
Kasbah du Toubkal
A lovingly converted Berber kasbah above the village, with Atlas-facing terraces, a hammam and what may be the best mountain lunch in Morocco — the obvious base for any visit.
Village walks to Aroumd and Sidi Chamharouch
An easy two-hour walk to the hanging village of Aroumd, or three hours up the Mizane valley to the whitewashed Sidi Chamharouch shrine at 2,310 m — rich day hikes that ask nothing of the summit.
Berber villages and mule-track circuit
A four-day traverse stringing together Imlil, Tacheddirt, Tizi n'Tagharat and Ouaneskra — high passes, remote gîtes and an unbroken Atlas ridge in view the whole way.
Itineraries
Our Imlil tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Imlil. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
3 days
Toubkal Berber trek
Climb Jbel Toubkal with certified mountain guides and a mule-supported camp, with a Berber hammam waiting on the way back.
from $850Enquire →
1 day
Imlil village day from Marrakech
A private day up into the High Atlas: the Asni souk, a walk through Imlil, lunch at Kasbah du Toubkal, and back to Marrakech by evening.
from $220Enquire →
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: 60 km from Marrakech — about 1h by private car via Asni; no public transport runs all the way to Imlil
- Guide permit: A licensed mountain guide has been compulsory for the Toubkal summit since 2018; we work with a small panel of certified local guides
- Altitude: Imlil 1,740 m · Toubkal Refuge 3,207 m · Summit 4,167 m — give yourself 1–2 nights in Marrakech to acclimatise first
- What to bring: Sturdy hiking boots, warm layers (summit nights can drop to −10°C), sun protection and a headlamp
Concierge
Have your Imlil trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Imlil — common questions.
How hard is the Toubkal summit trek?+
In summer it's a long, steep walk rather than a technical climb — you need fitness but no mountaineering skills. Altitude is the real test: the route gains 2,400 m from Imlil. Above the snow line in winter it's a different animal, calling for crampons, an ice axe and genuine winter-mountain experience.
Can I visit Imlil without trekking to the summit?+
Absolutely — Imlil makes a lovely day trip or lodge stay for non-trekkers. The walks to Aroumd, to Sidi Chamharouch and along the valley are gentle, and Kasbah du Toubkal is worth the drive on its own.
What is the best time of year to trek in Imlil?+
April–June and September–November bring settled weather, clear skies and comfortable temperatures. July–August is busy and hot lower down but fine up high. December–March turns the ground above 3,000 m into serious winter mountaineering terrain.
How far is Imlil from Marrakech?+
Around 60 km — roughly an hour by private transfer up through the Asni valley. It's the nearest slice of the High Atlas to Marrakech and an easy day out.
Read more
From the journal
Stories and practical guides to plan your time in Imlil and the wider High Atlas · Toubkal National Park.
Anti-Atlas Day Trips from Agadir — Taroudant, Tafraoute & the Painted Rocks
Do You Need Cash in Agadir, or Can You Pay by Card — Should You Bring Euros, and Where Do You Get Dirhams?
Is Essaouira Worth a Day Trip from Agadir, or Is It Too Far — How Long Is the Drive, What Will You See, and Should You Stay Over?
Closest destinations
Pair Imlil with.
These destinations are closest to Imlil — easily combined on a private itinerary.
8 kmHigh Atlas · Imlil & Toubkal
Atlas Mountains
Berber villages, walnut orchards and the highest summit in North Africa — the snowy wall that stands guard over the Souss and the coast.
Explore28 kmHigh Atlas · Near Marrakech
Ourika Valley
Berber villages, riverside lunches and seven waterfalls — the greenest, easiest High Atlas bolt-hole from Marrakech.
Explore
40 kmNear Marrakech · Stone desert
Agafay Desert
A moonscape of rolling hills 40 minutes from Marrakech — luxury camps, camel rides and Atlas sunsets without the long haul to the dunes.
Explore