The village of Imlil, at 1,740 m and about 65 km south of Marrakech, is the gateway to Toubkal National Park. From here, trails lead to the Berber villages of the valley and up Jebel Toubkal, which rises to 4,167 m, the highest summit in North Africa. Terraced earthen villages, walnut trees and Atlas passes can be explored on a day's walk, or over two days to the summit.
Highlights
The villages of the Imlil valley
Stone and earth houses stacked above terraced fields, walnut and apple orchards: the valley can be explored on foot in a few hours. Aroumd (Aremd), above Imlil, is the last large village on the way to Toubkal.
Climbing Toubkal in 2 days
On the first day, allow five to six hours' walk from Imlil to the refuge, at around 3,200 m, via the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. On the second day, set off before dawn to reach the summit in three to four hours, then walk back down to Imlil.
The Toubkal refuges
At the foot of the summit, the Refuge du Toubkal (Neltner refuge, 3,207 m) and the Refuge Les Mouflons offer dormitories and meals. Book ahead in high season, directly or through your guide.
Infos pratiques
Tips
A licensed guide has been compulsory for the Toubkal ascent since late 2018, including for the walk up to Sidi Chamharouch. Checkpoints after Aroumd, at Sidi Chamharouch and at the refuge check passports and the guide's licence. A guide usually costs 500 to 1,000 MAD per day, depending on the season and experience (prices observed in October 2026). Mules can carry luggage up to the refuge.
How to get there
Imlil is about 1 h 30 by road from Marrakech, via Asni. Shared grand taxi or minibus to Asni, then another shared taxi to Imlil; private taxi or transfer arranged by your guide or accommodation. From Imlil, everything is on foot.
Opening hours
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