Imlil
(8 Hours)
Overview
Imlil
This day trip is perfect for those that would prefer to travel only a few hours in the vehicle and then experience half a day walking in the mountains. The trip to Imlil is about 1h30 each way. The scenery is stunning and there are guided walks/hikes available to suit most levels of fitness.
Driving from Marrakech you initially ascend gently through agricultural land, mainly olive trees and orchards. But being Morocco you will always encounter a shepherd lovingly accompanying his flock! After driving through the administrative town of Tahahnout, the road starts to steepen, passing via the market town Asni (which hosts a particularly active market on Saturdays). After Asni you turn left, passing Richard Branson´s opulent Kasbah Tamadot, and proceed to Imlil via the Moulay Brahim gorge, which is laden with verdantly green walnut trees, which have a gorgeous blossom in March.
Kasbah Tamadot
Aroumd
Imlil is the starting point for those that would like to trek the highest peak in Morocco, Mount Toubkal. Whilst it is a relatively busy trekking centre, it still retains a wonderfully authentic Moroccan atmosphere.
From Imlil there are several different hiking trails. You can choose a short walk (about 1h30 to 2 hour round trip) to either Douar Samra or Aroumd with lunch at a Berber guest house, or take a longer hike, away from any villages, towards the Ouirgane Valley (3 to 4 hours). You can also choose to ride a mule. The landscape is arid, but interspersed with apple and walnut trees, whilst the views of the snow capped mountains in winter is stunning. Alternatively you can either take a short walk or forego the walk completely, and indulge in a long lunch at either Kasbah Tamadot or Kasbah du Toubkal.
Whatever you choose to do during the day, as you reflect on the day on your return to Marrakech, you will undoubtedly feel invigorated after taking in the wonderful scenery and the clean mountain air. Arriving back in Marrakech you will also better understand the vast differences between the lives of urban and rural dwellers in Morocco.
The views from Moulay Brahim