The Toubkal summit (4,167 m)
A two-day, mule-supported climb — a night at the Toubkal Refuge (3,207 m), the summit at first light, then down to Imlil the same afternoon. A walk-up in summer; crampons needed from November to April.
Fes, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
High Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Imlil, Morocco
The High Atlas trekking base for Jbel Toubkal — firmly on the Marrakech side, reached on the southern leg of an imperial journey.
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
Be clear about the map: Imlil sits on the Marrakech side of the country, not the Fes one, so guests building a Fes-anchored trip reach it on the southern, Marrakech leg rather than from the north. It is a Berber village at 1,740 m in the Toubkal National Park, about 60 km and an hour's drive south of Marrakech up the Mizane valley, and the main launch point for climbing Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m) — the highest summit in North Africa and across the whole Atlas chain. From here a web of mule tracks fans out to High Atlas hamlets you can only reach on foot. Even without trekking, the drive up rewards the effort: terraced cherry, walnut and apple orchards climbing above the Asni market, and the village of Aroumd balanced on a ridge over the valley. Toubkal is a non-technical walk-up in summer, but crampons and an ice axe are essential once winter snow sets in.
What to see
Highlights of Imlil.
A mountain lunch above the village
Atlas-facing terraces, a hammam and an unhurried lunch in a converted Berber kasbah perched over the valley — the obvious place to slow down and take in the range, summit or no summit.
Walks to Aroumd and Sidi Chamharouch
An easy two-hour stroll to the cliff-clinging village of Aroumd, or three hours up the Mizane valley to the whitewashed Sidi Chamharouch shrine at 2,310 m — satisfying day hikes that skip the summit grind.
The Berber mule-track traverse
A four-day circuit linking Imlil, Tacheddirt, Tizi n'Tagharat and Ouaneskra over high passes, with nights in remote gîtes and the 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 summit, Berber-guided
Climb Jbel Toubkal with certified local guides and a mule-supported camp, closing with a Berber hammam back in the valley — slotted onto the Marrakech leg of a wider trip.
from $850Enquire →
1 day
A High Atlas day from Marrakech
A private day up into the mountains: the Asni souk, a walk through Imlil village, a terrace lunch with Atlas views and back to Marrakech by evening.
from $220Enquire →
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: 60 km from Marrakech — 1h by private car via Asni; no public transport runs directly to Imlil
- Guide permit: A licensed mountain guide is mandatory 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 — acclimatise in Marrakech for 1–2 nights first
- What to bring: Solid 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 demanding is the Toubkal summit?+
In summer it is a long, steep walk rather than a technical climb — you need solid fitness but no mountaineering skill. The real test is altitude, with 2,400 m of ascent gained from Imlil. Above the snow line in winter it becomes a proper mountaineering route needing crampons, an ice axe and cold-weather experience.
Is Imlil worth it if I am not summiting?+
Very much so — it suits non-trekkers as a day trip or a lodge stay. The walks to Aroumd, Sidi Chamharouch and along the valley are gentle, and the drive up through the orchards is worth it on its own.
When is the best time to trek from Imlil?+
April–June and September–November bring settled weather, clear skies and comfortable walking temperatures. July–August is hot and busy lower down but fine at altitude. December–March is serious winter terrain above 3,000 m.
How does Imlil fit a Fes-based trip?+
It does not connect to Fes directly — Imlil is roughly 60 km and an hour south of Marrakech through the Asni valley, on the opposite side of the country. We add it to the Marrakech leg of an imperial journey, where it is an easy day trip or a short trekking extension rather than anything you reach from the north.
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 terraces and North Africa's highest summit — the trekking heart of the imperial south.
Explore
28 kmHigh Atlas · Near Marrakech
Ourika Valley
Berber villages, river-bank lunches and seven waterfalls — the greenest, easiest High Atlas escape, taken on the Marrakech leg of a Fes-anchored journey.
Explore
40 kmNear Marrakech · Stone desert
Agafay Desert
A lunar landscape of rolling hills 40 minutes from Marrakech — a stone-desert shortcut for guests who can't spare the days for the real Sahara north of Fes.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Travel notes and practical guides to plan your time around Imlil.