The spectacular High Atlas Mountain of Morocco is a hiking/trekking paradise. Most trekkers flock here with the goal of ascending Mt. Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa (4,167m/13,671 ft.). For those, like us, who do not have enough time to go for this popular ascent, a day hike in this scenic mountain is just as rewarding.
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We hired a car in Marrakesh to take us to the High Atlas Mountain. We traveled about 60 kms south to the mountain village of Imlil, from where we started the hike and where we engaged a licensed guide for the hike.
The day hike in the High Atlas Mountain provided a very refreshing break from the intensity of Marrakech. The air was fresh, the trail was peaceful, the view was breathtaking and the village people we met on the trail were some of the warmest and friendliest we met in Morocco.
The ride from Marrakesh to the High Atlas offered some lovely sceneries.
Navigating the switchback roads of the High Atlas.
Some ceramics on the road side stop.
We reached the village of Imlil in about 75 minutes. Like most of mountain villages of the High Atlas, Imlil is inhabited by Berbers who live in flat-roofed homes built out of muds.
Some locals painting a fence along the trailhead in Imlil.
View of a mountain village as we get higher on the trail.
Some big boulders along our path.
Some of the beautiful children we encountered on the trail. After they saw us taking photos of them they politely told us, “no foto, no foto.” The children and women we met during the hike were all warm and friendly, but shunned photography.
The girl walking behind Keith ran and hid behind the rock when she saw me taking photo.
The stunning view of the mountains and villages from the trail.
Old-fashioned ways meet modernity. A handwashed laundry line and a sattelite dish at one of the homes in the village of Armed.
Keith performing magic tricks for the children along the trail in the village of Armed.
Keith’s magic trick was a big hit and he attracted more fans:) Some of the kids even called their parents to come out and see his performance.
It was a harvest season for walnuts. Every walnut farmer we passed by offered us a handful or two. Poor Keith, his backpack was full of and heavy with walnuts by the second half of the hike.
People harvesting walnuts.
Behind us is the scenic cluster of home in the village of Armed.
Fellow hikers on the trail.
We stopped for lunch at the beautiful Kasbah du Toubkal. It is considered as the premium mountain retreat lodge in Morocco.
View of a mountain village from Kasbah du Toubkal. Some of the scenes in the movie Kundun was shot at the Kasbah and its surrounding area.
Enjoying the lovely garden of Kasbah du Toubkal with the Mt. Jebel Toubkal in the background.
Washing and drying area for carpets.
Looking down at the trails below.
Brahmin, our mountain guide. The village in the background is where he lives.
The trail that descends to Imlil.
One of the locals we encountered as we reached the end of the trail in Imlil.
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Travel Notes:
- To hike the High Atlas, you need to hire one of the official guides at the Bureau des Guides in Imlil, otherwise you may get into trouble. Unbeknown to us, our driver was trying to hire an unlicensed guide for us. One of the licensed guide found out and confronted him, an altercation ensued and the two men were brought to the police station. (We were in shocked because we didn’t ask the driver to arrange for a guide for us as we knew that we had to go the Bureau. Turned out he was doing it for a commission.)
- We highly recommend a lunch stop at Kasbah Toubkal. You have to let the Bureau de Guides know if you plan to do so and they will make a reservation for you before you start the trek.
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What a beautiful hike! The mountain is scenic and all the viillages and the people made it more interesting. Lovely pics.
Hi Dani, it was a lovely hike indeed. And you’re right, the wonderful people made the hike more memorable.
What a beautiful landscape! By the way, did you find out why locals don’t like to be photographed? It’s interesting because in may parts of the world people would be more than happy to be taken picture of.
Bama recently posted..Secluded and Mysterious Plaosan Temples
Hello Bama,
Well, from what we were told, some people believe that taking their photos is like capturing/stealing their souls. We thought it was unfortunate because we thought they were such photogenic people.
Morocco is definitely on my Bucket List! Your photos are gorgeous as always!
Natalie C. recently posted..Croatia – Did You Know? Fun Fact #2
Hi Natalie,
We think you’ll enjoy Morocco. It’s very colorful and very rich in culture. It can also be challenging but it makes it more interesting:) Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Such a beautiful landscape! Morocco is already in my bucket list, but I wish I can find a travel buddy too. Seems hard to travel solo there given the cost etc 😀
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..Yee Peng, the Floating Lantern Festival of Chiang Mai
Hey Aleah, you should definitely check out Morocco! We recommend that you travel there with a buddy, not only for the cost but, as a woman, its safer to travel with someone. Give me a holler when you’re ready to go and I’ll give you some tips.
Stayed at the village of Armed (or Aremd) and remembered – with the snow falling at the time – it was used as a stand-in for Tibet in a movie.
Gorgeous spot, really!
Hi Dennis,
It was a beautiful spot indeed. Must be lovely with snow falling. The landscape actually reminded me of Tibet a bit. -Marisol
Looks a like a very spectacular and peaceful hike. I love all your local encounters on the trail. It makes the hike more memorable. Of course, I enjoyed all the lovely photos.
Thank Jan. True, the locals we encountered on the trail made the hike more memorable. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Amazing photos Marisol!
Thanks Mitch! Really glad you enjoyed them.
We have driven through the High Atlas but not done a trek. How lovely that your guide lives in the area. It is always good to have a local’s view of a place. I love the High Atlas. Ending up at the police station was an interesting twist.
budget jan recently posted..Budget Experience – Madrid’s Retiro Park
Morocco hosts the highest mountains & valleys in North Africa, however the Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in Northwest Africa extending about 2400km through Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia. The highest Peak is Jbel Toubkal at 4167m (13671ft) in south western Morocco, the second is the M’goun at 4071m. The Atlas Range separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. The Mountains are divided into additional and separate ranges such as The Middle Atlas, The High Atlas and The Anti-Atlas, The population of the Atlas Mountains is mainly made up of Berber Tribes.
We at Atlas Sahara Trek we have daily trek to climb Toubkal Mountain 4167m.
http://atlas-sahara-trek.about.ma/
The Toubkal Atlas Team is an authentic and a reliable trekking group of very experienced Mountain Guides . All of our team members are familiar with the nature and culture of Morocco with most having grown up in the High Atlas mountains. We strive to instill respect for these mountains and take pride in doing our part to preserve their natural beauty, the way of life of its people, and its rich cultural heritage. Mor Information Visite The Web site: http://toubkal-Atlas.about.ma/
The Toubkal Atlas Team is an authentic and a reliable trekking group of very experienced Mountain Guides . All of our team members are familiar with the nature and culture of Morocco with most having grown up in the High Atlas mountains. We strive to instill respect for these mountains and take pride in doing our part to preserve their natural beauty, the way of life of its people, and its rich cultural heritage. Mor Information Visit The Web site: http://toubkal-Atlas.about.ma/
Top Trekking In Morocco is one of the best specialists in travel and the discovery of Morocco.
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Imlil Toubkal Authentic Lodge is a traditional Berber house perched above Imlil in the village of Arghen near the Mazike village.
The situation of The Lodge provides you with excellent views and stunning sceneries on Imlil’s valley and towards the Toubkal summit.
From the balcony, you can mentally prepare yourself for the day head whilst we provide an ample breakfast to fuel your adventures. Moreover, The Lodge is ideally located for hiking in the surrounding valleys and summiting mountain peaks including the famous Jebel Toubkal.
We do not have sherpas in Morocco, but muleteers with their mules will take care of your heavy rucksacks and after your excursions The Lodge offers hot showers and we prepare you mint tea that will restore you. We have also more relaxing courses available if you would prefer something more crafty and creative.
If you would like to have a memorable trip we can offer you a wonderful guiding service specialized in Morocco tours , hiking and trekking around the unique Toubkal National Park.
There are different tours available, adapted to different levels, and offering prices that suit your budget. We will help you with lodging, finding the best deals in all Morocco. Moreover, we can pick you up at Marrakesh airport, and surely offer you lots of advice and information in order to make your trip to Morocco, a safe and truly enjoyable stay, away from the typical overcrowded tours.
Enjoy nature, the Morocco Mountain Guides , and true Moroccan people with us. Discover the real Morocco!
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The Toubkal Trekking Adventures Team is an authentic and a reliable trekking group of very experienced Mountain Guides . All of our team members are familiar with the nature and culture of Morocco with most having grown up in the High Atlas mountains. We strive to instill respect for these mountains and take pride in doing our part to preserve their natural beauty, the way of life of its people, and its rich cultural heritage. Mor Information Visit The Web site:
http://www.toubkaltrekkingadventures.com