- Imlil valley Place of Morocco
Imlil is a small tranquil Berber village nestled off the main road from Marrakech to Taroudant, via the Tizi-n- Test pass.
Imlil is the centre of mountain tourism in Morocco due to its unique position. From here 90% of visitors head up to Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco. Imlil is the end of the tarmac road, and a natural place to hire mountain guides and mules for the onward trek.
Before the advent of mountain tourism the Imlil area was well known for its walnuts, apples and cherry production. While these are still important to the local economy, these have been eclipsed by tourism, both mountain tourists and Moroccans seeking a cool relief from the heat of the Haouz.
- Imlil Valley Highlights
The High Atlas Mountains. As if that much weren't already clear. The High Atlases are the most easily reached section of the mountain range, and, capped off by the peak of Toubkal, arguably the most visually brilliant.
Trekking. Gazing at the High Atlas Mountains from afar--or even from eye level with Imlil as a base--cannot do your experience with the beautiful and exotic Moroccan landscapes justice. With countless guides, both private and group, available for expeditions, it is nearly not worth the trip to Imlil without the trek. And the pinnacle both figuratively and literally of High Andes hiking is the 13,670-foot peak of Mt. Toubkal.
The Kasbah du Toubkal Mountain Retreat. A Berber-European fusion at the foot of Mt. Toubkel, this extensive resort will add a flourish of luxury to what may otherwise be no-frills travel.
Eating. While in Imlil, make it a pastime to sit on the Kasbah roof for lunch, watching the mountains morph colors as the sun moves.
Buying Local. A group of shops that cater to tourists towards the south of Imlil Villages sells jewellery, headscarves, and the Moroccan djellaba, a full body garment with a pointed hood worn by men. They also stock trekking resources, which cannot be found higher up.
The Imlil Village Hammam. Opened in 2004, the community bath house welcomes tourists for a small entrance fee.
