Imlil: explore this magnificent village

Imlil: explore this magnificent village

Explore this magnificent village: Located in the foothills of the Moroccan High Atlas, just an hour and a half’s drive from Marrakech, the village of Imlil is a favorite destination for hikers visiting Marrakech.
Imlil is the charming village at the foot of the Toubkal ascent, where the main road from Marrakech stops, to let nature take its course around the Atlas Mountains.

Many first Morocco tour often take classic itineraries, such as the city of Marrakech and its famous souks… However, you can find the authentic spirit of Morocco in more remote places. For this reason, if you go to Marrakech, it’s always a good idea to take a trek and visit the village of Imlil, in Morocco.

Imlil, the foot of the Toubkal ascent:

Almost 90% of tourists who visit Imlil come to climb Toubkal.
Toubkal is the highest peak in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco and North Africa (4167 m). It is the second highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

However, you don’t have to climb Toubkal to visit Imlil. Surrounded by the Toubkal National Park and situated at an altitude of 1,800 metres, Imlil is dotted with small Berber villages. You can explore these authentic villages, breathe in the fresh mountain air and relax.

What to do during a day in Imlil:

You can visit Imlil any day of the week. You can plan a short hike in the surrounding area, eat a tagine on the riverbanks in the heart of breathtaking nature or simply relax in a café in the center of Imlil, looking out over the beautiful mountains that surround the village.

It’s a good idea to take a guide, to find new paths and avoid getting lost. If you’re in a group, this is the best option we suggest. Local guides speak several languages. They are honest people who know the places to visit very well and will guide you along your walk.

Recommended ideas and things to do in Imlil:

As already mentioned, Imlil is only an hour and a half from Marrakech. You’ll pass through the breathtaking High Atlas Road, with small villages along the way. If you’re heading to Imlil on a Saturday, you should stop off at the local market in the town of Asni. The market is easy to spot as it’s on the main road.

Hiking experience:

If you’ve finally decided to take on a guide, he’ll be able to suggest a number of options and trails for hiking in Imlil, from the longest to the simplest. For example, one of the hikes you can do from the village of Imlil is to take the path to the Imlil waterfalls! It’s a very easy hike that only takes about 30 minutes to reach the famous waterfalls known to the locals.

If you want to go really far, you can hike to Jbels Aguelzim (about 3 hours’ walk) or to Adrar Adj (3122m). But if you’re only in Imlil for a day, it’s best to avoid a hike lasting more than 3 hours.

Picnicking in the mountains:

This is one of the most popular activities in and around Imlil. This is your chance to discover a delicious tajine in the middle of nowhere, with a cup of mint tea.
A picnic will give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy nature for as long as possible at an altitude of over 2000 meters above sea level.

Paragliding experience in Marrakech:

Not far from Imlil, in the Tahanaout region, you can experience the adrenalin and well-being of flying through the skies of the High Atlas.

The paragliding experience is for thrill-seekers and those who like to try new things.
Paragliding can be experienced while visiting the village of Imlil, but also if you’re simply visiting the city of Marrakech and looking to escape and experience a unique moment.

How to get to Imlil:

Imlil is a 1h30 drive from the center of Marrakech. Cabs can be hired for a return trip from the cab rank just outside Jamaa El Fna. The large cab will drop you off in Imlil in the morning and pick you up again at the end of the day.
There are also cabs that make the trip several times a day, which you can hire for less than €4 per person.

Where to stay in Imlil:

Imlil: explore this magnificent village: There are lots of fabulous places to stay in Imlil. Between hostels, guest houses and hotels to suit all budgets. However, there’s one choice that made us dream, and will surely make you dream. Not in the heart of Imlil, but on the road between Asni and Imlil. We’re talking about Kasbah Tamadot. It’s the perfect place to stay near Imlil, just 1 hour from Marrakech and 15 minutes from the center of Imlil.