Imlil, Morocco, is the High Atlas village where most climbs of Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) begin. It sits at roughly 1,740 m at the head of the Aït Mizane valley, about 1 h 30 by road from Marrakech. Come for a day of walking among walnut groves and terraced hamlets, or stay two or three days if you are aiming for the summit.
Key facts
- Altitude: about 1,740 m, in the High Atlas (Al Haouz province)
- Distance: roughly 65 km from Marrakech (about 1 h 30) and 30–40 minutes from Ouirgane
- Highlights: Aroumd village, the waterfall, the Tizi n'Tamatert pass, walnut and apple orchards
- Ideal stay: one day for walks, two to three days for Toubkal
- Best seasons: spring and autumn; snow is common in winter
- Guide: a licensed mountain guide is required for the Toubkal ascent (check current rules before you go)
Where is Imlil in Morocco and how do you get there?
Imlil lies at the top of the Aït Mizane valley, right below the Toubkal massif and at the entrance to Toubkal National Park. From Marrakech the road runs through Tahannaout and Asni, where you leave the R203 for a narrow mountain road of about 17 km. Allow around 1 h 30 by car or private transfer; shared grand taxis run to Asni, and other taxis cover the last stretch up to the village. Every option is compared in our guide to getting from Marrakech to Imlil by taxi, transfer or car.
The village was badly hit by the earthquake of 8 September 2023. Rebuilding is under way and walkers are welcome again, but some paths or buildings may still be affected by works, so check locally before setting off.
What is there to do in Imlil?
Imlil is not a showpiece village but a working farming community and a trekking base. Its charm lies in the landscape: irrigated terraces planted with walnut, apple and cherry trees, stone and earth houses clinging to the slopes, and peaks that often keep their snow well into spring.
The classic walks
- Aroumd (about 1,900 m): the neighbouring village is roughly an hour's walk away, with fine views up the valley towards Toubkal.
- The Imlil waterfall: a short walk between Imlil and Aroumd, at its fullest in spring when the snow melts.
- Tizi n'Tamatert pass (about 2,280 m): a steadier climb towards the village of Tacheddirt, with views over two valleys.
- Sidi Chamharouch: a shrine at around 2,300 m on the path to the Toubkal refuge; the shrine itself is reserved for Muslims, but the hamlet and its stalls sit right on the trail.
The restored kasbah overlooking the village is one of Imlil's most photographed sights, best admired from the path to Aroumd.
Climbing Toubkal
For many travellers, Imlil is above all the starting point for Jebel Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa. The classic plan is to walk up to the refuge (about 3,200 m) on day one, then reach the summit and come down on day two. Everything is explained in our guide to climbing Mount Toubkal from Imlil.
Where can you eat and shop in Imlil?
The village has a handful of simple cafés and small restaurants around the main square, serving tagines, Berber omelettes, salads and mint tea. Grocery shops cover snacks, and several shops rent out trekking gear such as poles and, in winter, crampons. There is no large market here: for a proper weekly souk, head down to Asni on Saturday. Bring cash, as you cannot count on finding a cash machine in the valley and cards are rarely accepted.
How long should you stay in Imlil?
- One day: enough for the Imlil – Aroumd – waterfall loop, with lunch in the village.
- Two days: the minimum for Toubkal, or time to add Tizi n'Tamatert and Tacheddirt.
- Three days or more: for a trek between valleys, or a summit attempt with a weather buffer.
Most visitors pair Imlil with a quieter base nearby, which helps with acclimatisation and avoids a long return trip to Marrakech on the same day.
When is the best time to visit Imlil?
Spring (April to June) brings blossoming orchards, full waterfalls and pleasant temperatures. Summer stays fresh compared with Marrakech, although afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Autumn (September to November) is harvest time for walnuts and apples, with lovely light on the terraces. In winter, snow can reach the village and nights are cold: magical scenery, but best left to well-equipped travellers.
Should you stay in Imlil or Ouirgane?
Imlil makes sense the night before a very early start to the refuge. For the rest of a trip, many travellers prefer a gentler base: Ouirgane, at around 1,000 m and 30–40 minutes away by road, has a milder climate, a lake and the calm of the N'Fis valley. Here at Auberge Le Mouflon you will find four suites with private bathroom and air conditioning, an outdoor pool in the garden and Rachida's home cooking, and we organise hikes with a local guide towards Imlil and the park. To weigh up both options, read Ouirgane or Imlil: which base to choose.
For background on the village's history and geography, see the Imlil article on Wikipedia.
Read next: Imlil Waterfall Hike: Route, Difficulty and Best Season
How do you plan your stay?
Combining Imlil and Ouirgane lets you enjoy the mountains without giving up comfort: a day on the trails around Imlil, then the peace of the lake in the evening. You can book your suite direct on our website, with no middleman and no online payment, or message us on WhatsApp to arrange a transfer or a guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Imlil worth visiting if you are not climbing Toubkal?
Yes. Walks to Aroumd, the waterfall or the Tizi n'Tamatert pass reveal the Aït Mizane valley in a few hours, with no technical difficulty. The terraced landscape of walnut trees below the peaks is reason enough to make the trip.
Can you visit Imlil as a day trip from Marrakech?
Yes, as long as you set off early: allow about 1 h 30 on the road each way. That leaves time for a two- to four-hour walk and lunch in the village. Staying overnight nearby, for example in Ouirgane, saves spending much of the day in a car.
Do you need a guide to walk around Imlil?
For short, well-trodden walks such as Aroumd, a guide is not usually required, but one is still recommended for route-finding and to understand village life. For the Toubkal ascent, a licensed mountain guide is mandatory under rules introduced in 2018; check the current regulations before you go.
Is Imlil cold in winter?
Yes. At around 1,740 m, nights from December to February often drop below 0 °C and snow can fall in the village itself. Sunny days remain pleasant, but pack warm layers, good boots and proper winter gear for the high mountains.
Good tips from the High Atlas
One letter per season: hikes, Rachida’s recipes and early availability. No spam.
