Imlil Day Trip from Marrakech

Imlil is the village where the Mount Toubkal trails begin, and it is also one of the easiest places to reach from Marrakech if you want to walk between Berber villages in real mountain scenery. It is about 65 km from the city and sits at roughly 1,700 to 1,800 metres in the High Atlas (guides quote slightly different altitudes). A private day here is a good fit if you want fresh air, a few hours on foot and a lunch with a view, without committing to a multi-day trek.

The road from Marrakech

You leave the plain, pass through the market town of Asni after about 45 minutes and then take the last stretch of about 17 km up the valley. In total it is about an hour and a half to two hours each way. Some websites quote longer distances for Imlil; the figure to use is about 65 km by the Asni road. The valley narrows as you climb, and the last part of the drive is the first reward of the day.

Choosing your walk

There is no single Imlil walk, which is the point of making the day private. Three common shapes, to be agreed with you and your guide:

• A village walk. From Imlil to the neighbouring village of Aremd is roughly 2.5 km with about 200 metres of climb, around 45 minutes at a steady pace. You pass orchard terraces and mud-brick houses, and it can be done as a loop of two to three hours with tea stops.
• Further up the valley. Published guides put the walk from Imlil to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch at about two hours each way. The shrine itself is closed to non-Muslims, but the setting, with the river and the footbridge, is the reason to go. Allow four to five hours return with rests.
• A slow day. Walk less, sit more: tea in the village, a short stroll and a long lunch.

Mules carry bags on these tracks, so step aside when you hear bells.

What this day is not

It is not a Toubkal ascent. The summit is at 4,167 metres and needs at least two days on the mountain, with a night at altitude. If the peak is what you want, look at our Mount Toubkal trekking page and the 3 day Toubkal trek from Imlil. Our guides live in the area and plan each Toubkal trek with the client, and the summit is never guaranteed, because weather and the group’s pace decide it. An Imlil day trip is also a useful way to see how you feel at altitude before committing to a longer trek.

Weather and what to bring

Imlil is noticeably cooler than Marrakech, and in winter the upper slopes can carry snow. Bring layers, shoes with grip, a hat, sun cream and water. A rain jacket is sensible in spring and autumn. If you plan to walk beyond the village, tell us in advance so the guide can check conditions on the day.

Private, so you decide the pace

You set the pick-up time, the length of the walk and where to eat. A licensed guide is available for the walk and goes into the quote if you ask. Lunch is usually taken in the village or at a café above the valley; tell us any dietary needs when you request the quote. For other short escapes from the city, compare the Ouzoud Waterfalls and the Agafay desert, or read about the Imlil and Toubkal area.