The village of Imlil and Mount Toubkal

First of all, of course, take the time to discover the pretty little village of Imlil. In a picturesque setting, Imlil is nestled in the Atlas Mountains. Imlil has a relaxed, authentic atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. So take the time to relax in the village, meet the locals and admire the beauty of the Atlas Mountains from your terrace! Depending on when you visit Imlil, you'll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains or, in spring, admire the incredibly green valley.

Known as the starting point for numerous hikes, including the ascent of Mount Toubkal, Imlil and its valley offer a complete change of scenery. Plenty of orchards, chocolate and pink mountains, mules, goats roaming everywhere, breathtaking cliffs... To give you an idea of the majesty of the landscapes awaiting you: the film Seven Years in Tibet was partly filmed in the vicinity of the village!

There are easy hiking trails throughout the valley, but most of them are unmarked. Don't hesitate to ask your hosts about the paths to take, or to hire a mountain guide. You'll be able to explore the surrounding villages and natural sites such as the Imlil waterfalls.

As you can see, Imlil is a little paradise for hiking enthusiasts, and the bravest can set off to climb the famous Mont Toubkal! Offering magnificent views, this ascent is the most popular hike in the entire High Atlas region.

Everything is organised around hiking in Imlil, and you'll easily find the equipment you need on hire from accommodation providers or local guides. Bear in mind that you must be accompanied by a local guide to make the ascent, and that there are checkpoints along the way, so don't try to do it yourself. You can book the excursion in advance or approach a local guide directly once you're there.

The climb takes two days and you will spend the night in a refuge. The route is simple and fairly accessible. The advantage of this climb is that it is not particularly technical and does not require a great deal of mountaineering experience. It does, however, require a minimum of preparation, good physical condition and, above all, a good mental attitude! Be aware that above 3000 metres, it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness.

Hiking is possible all year round. In winter, of course, you'll need suitable equipment, such as crampons. You have two options for the climb: hire a muleteer or carry everything yourself. Either way, once you reach the summit, high above the Atlas mountains, the feeling is indescribable! And that's without mentioning the breathtaking scenery over the two days.

We recommend you spend the night at Riad Atlas Panorama: a sublime setting, delicious cuisine, a warm welcome and very reasonable prices. Mind you, this riad is located at the highest point in the village! But in the mountains, the best things have to be earned, don't they? And the terrace and superb views are well worth the climb. And if you need help getting your suitcases up there, you can call on the muleteers.