Our 22-year-old Moroccan Berber mountain guide, Mohamed, our fearless mule Daisy, and two new friends I met just a few months ago are here with us at 2200 metres in Morocco’s High Atlas mountain region. not even in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be able to spend even a few days in Morocco talking to and living among Berbers.
Our two-day hiking adventure in the High Atlas in Morocco was made possible by Kasbah du Toubkal – a Berber Hospitality Center and a Luxury Eco Lodge in Imlil Valley that took care of everything for us. Traveling to popular metropolitan cities or the Sahara desert might not be for you if you’re an outdoor fanatic like me.
Mountains of Morocco’s High Atlas
High Atlas mountains in Morocco act as a weather system barrier between the Sahara desert and continental zones north and west of the country’s borders.
Berber people predominate in the Atlas Mountains, where agriculture is the primary source of income. People come from all over the world to hike in the mountains. It is also possible to participate in winter sports throughout the winter months.
Imlil Valley is a popular destination for tourists from across the world since it serves as a jumping-off point for many of the High Atlas region’s hiking paths. Our adventure began there, too.
journey from Marrakesh to the Kasbah of Toubkal
We began our trek in Marrakesh, as most hikers do (see also my Marrakesh guide). The transfer from our Marrakesh hotel was taken care of by our lodging. Driving from Ouargla to Imlil Valley takes around an hour and a half.
After that, we spent two days immersing ourselves in the culture of the Berber people of Morocco, staying in their homes and eating their home-cooked tagines while learning some of their language and seeing how they live in the mountains.
The personnel at Kasbah du Toubkal went out of their way to make us feel at home. Berber friendliness was on display in the high-quality service and courteous employees.
I had no idea that Morocco was a great place to go trekking. However, the view from the lodge made me wish I could stay there for the rest of my life.
The Toubkal summit, the tallest in North Africa, may be climbed if you opt for a more strenuous expedition. We opted for a less strenuous but equally beautiful trek this time.
Going on a mountain trek in the High Atlas range
To get to and from Imlil Valley in the High Atlas, we hiked via Azzadn Valley over the course of two days. While our feet rested after the day’s hiking, we slept at a resort in Azzadn where Berbers looked after us.
Our journey was as follows:
To get to the Azzadn valley, you’ll trek from Imlil valley for six hours and stop for lunch along the way.
An overnight stay at the Azzadn Valley Lodge.
Imlil to Azzadn Valley: a 7-hour hike that includes a lunch break.
It was a rather easy trip, making it suitable for novices. We took plenty of rest stops and breaks along the way.
The first three hours of the journey, until we reached the spot for lunch, were the most difficult since the mountain terrain was steeper. After there, it was mainly a downward trek with stunning views of the mountains in the distance.
Mule-carrying our luggage and two guides were our only companions on the whole walk. We had a 22-year-old mountain guide named Mohamed, who was born and raised in Imlil Valley and had enough of knowledge to guide us up the mountain. While driving through the desert, we picked up a few Berber terms.
Wearing suitable hiking shoes, sunscreen, poles, a sunhat, and water are all required. Long pants, a camera, and sunscreen are all recommended. While in the villages, you’ll need something to cover your shoulders and knees.
Packing: The mule will transport your luggage, including your bags and any extra water you may need.
The hosts from Kasbah du Toubkal provide all meals for the duration of the two-day excursion.
Your mountain guide and the entire staff at Kasbah du Toubkal are fluent in English. The majority of Moroccans are fluent in French.
It’s all about having fun, taking a lot of photos, and savouring the experience of trekking the High Atlas mountains in Morocco.
Staying at the Kasbah du Toubkal is a wonderful experience.
out being of the hustle and bustle of the city, Kasbah du Toubkal is a perfect spot to unwind and take in the Berber hospitality.
The resort, which sits at an elevation of 1820 metres, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are several stores, cafés, and restaurants in the hamlet, as well as many curious and kind Berbers.
The eco-friendly guesthouse, maintained by Berbers, is open all year round and provides traditional Berber hospitality. Modern convenience and traditional hospitality may be found at the Toubkal National Park. A library, a hammam, and a garden are just some of the amenities you’ll find at this hotel.
Kasba du Toubkal was refurbished using local materials and craftspeople, and the whole staff is drawn from the area. As part of Green Pearls, all service activities are carried out in a manner that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Donkeys in Imlil Valley are treated with respect and dignity thanks to the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad.
More information:
Hotel in the High Atlas Mountains that is both environmentally friendly and luxurious – A review of Kasbah du Toukal written by my friend Amandine from Les Berlinettes is available here.
Learn more about Kasbah du Toubkal’s lodging options and facilities directly from the source.
Are you planning on going to Marrakesh, Morocco? Here’s my Marrakesh travel guide, including my favourite sights to visit and restaurants to try.
It was a pleasure to stay in Kasbah du Toubkal while in Morocco. It was an honour to experience Berber hospitality and culture for the first time.