Overview of This Atlas Mountains Day Trip
Our Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech takes you to Imlil, a village at about 1,740 m below Jbel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, for a walk through Berber villages and lunch with a mountain view. It is private: your own driver collects you at 8:30 am and has you back in Marrakech by about 5:30 pm.
The drive is only about 65 km, but everything changes on the way: from the flat Haouz plain up the Moulay Brahim gorge to terraced fields, walnut trees and villages of stone and earth stacked on the slopes. In Imlil you walk up the valley to Aroumd, one of its highest villages, with Toubkal ahead of you. The pace is yours; the walk can be shorter, or skipped for a slow lunch on a terrace.
- The Moulay Brahim gorge and the road into the High Atlas
- Asni and its Saturday market
- A walk from Imlil to the village of Aroumd
- Views of Jbel Toubkal, 4,167 m
- Lunch on a terrace facing the mountains
Your Day, Hour by Hour
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8:30 am
Pickup in Marrakech
About 1 h 30 driving · 65 kmYour driver collects you from your riad or hotel. The road crosses the plain south of the city, then climbs the Moulay Brahim gorge, with a stop for the view back over the valley.
- Stops
- Tahannaout, Moulay Brahim gorge
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10:00 am
Asni and the road to Imlil
On Saturdays, Asni’s weekly market fills with farmers from the valleys: vegetables, spices, mules and barbers working under tents. On other days, a short stop, then the last 17 km up the valley to Imlil.
- Stops
- Asni
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10:30 am
The walk to Aroumd
From Imlil, walk up through walnut and apple orchards to Aroumd, with Toubkal ahead. Allow 2 to 3 hours there and back at an easy pace, with a stop for mint tea on the way. A local mountain guide can lead the walk; we arrange one on request.
- Stops
- Imlil, Aroumd
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1:30 pm
Lunch in Imlil
Lunch on a terrace in Imlil: tagine, salads and fresh bread, with the mountains all around. Tell us about any special diet and we suggest a place.
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3:30 pm
Back to Marrakech
About 1 h 30 drivingThe drive down, with a stop wherever you want, and you are back at your riad or hotel around 5 or 5:30 pm.
Route Map: Marrakech to Imlil
Marrakech to Imlil is about 65 km each way, the last part on a good mountain road.
What’s Included in This Day Trip
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your riad or hotel
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Stops for photos wherever you want
Not included
- Local mountain guide in Imlil (arranged on request)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Atlas Mountains Day Trip Prices
Our day trips cost from about $40 per person, for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price for this trip depends on two things:
- Group sizeThe vehicle and driver cost the same whatever the size of your party, so the more of you travel, the less each person pays.
- ExtrasLocal guides and activities are added only if you want them, and priced in your quote.
Customize This Day Trip
Add the Ourika Valley on the way back, make the walk longer, or stay a night in a mountain guesthouse in Imlil. Tell us what you have in mind.
Customize This Day Trip
Your driver/guide
A professional, English-speaking driver/guide who knows the road from Marrakech, in an air-conditioned car or minivan for your group. Other languages are available on request.
Meet our drivers and guidesAtlas Mountains Day Trip FAQ
Is an Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech worth it?
Yes, if you want a break from the city. In 90 minutes you are in mountain villages with cool air, walnut groves and views of Toubkal, and the walk can be as easy as you like.
How hard is the walk from Imlil?
Easy to moderate: village paths with some climbing, 2 to 3 hours in all. Wear walking shoes. We can shorten it, or skip it and stay in the valley.
Do we need a guide for the walk?
We recommend a local mountain guide, who knows the paths and the villages; we arrange one on request. Climbing Toubkal itself is a trek of at least two days with a guide, not a day trip.
Is it cold in the Atlas Mountains?
Imlil is several degrees cooler than Marrakech. In winter bring a warm jacket; the high peaks are usually white with snow from December to April.
How much does the Atlas Mountains day trip cost?
Our day trips start from about $40 per person for groups of up to 6. The car and driver are yours alone, so the price per person depends on your group size, and on whether you want a mountain guide. We reply with an exact price within 24 hours; a 30% deposit confirms your booking.
