Hike Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Sleep in a Kasbah
Explore the lush valleys and lofty trails of the High Atlas, based at a beautiful kasbah perched above Imlil in the Toubkal Valley
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAll Lodging
4 nights at a beautiful kasbah in the village of ImlilMeals
All your breakfasts, lunches, and dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenPorter Service
Muleteer and cook on each hike, for picnic-lunching in styleSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Set off on a series of magnificent day hikes in the High Atlas, reaching high plateaus and summits with 360° views of the Toubkal Massif
Settle into the iconic Kasbah du Toubkal, where panoramic mountain views meet authentic Berber hospitality
Savor delicious Moroccan cuisine, from freshly prepared dishes at the Kasbah to picnic feasts set up for you on the mountainside
Key Information
Day 1
First glimpse of the kasbah
Meet your host at Marrakech Airport and relax for the scenic drive into the Atlas Mountains, bound for the village of Imlil. Nestled in the heart of the Toubkal Valley, Imlil is a peaceful mountain spot and where you'll find your base for the trip – the beautiful Kasbah du Toubkal. Settle in with a cup of tea on the terrace or a dip in the pool as you acclimatize to the altitude. Depending on your arrival time, head out for an optional walk around the village or a short hike on the nearby trails to stretch your legs. In the evening, gather with your fellow adventurers and local trekking guide for a welcome dinner at the Kasbah and a chat about the hiking ahead.
Day 2
Hike to Tasghimout Plateau (8,530ft) via Mazik Village
Hiking
Begin your day with a steady climb from the Kasbah du Toubkal, heading southwest towards the small Berber village of Mazik for a glimpse of mountain life. The trail rises through terraced farmland where locals grow barley, corn, and vegetables in summer. You’ll pass walnut groves and juniper trees, with the scent of wild thyme in the air and views of surrounding peaks opening up as you gain altitude. After a few hours, reach the Tasghimout Plateau at about 8,530ft – a natural balcony over the Imlil Valley with sweeping views of the Toubkal Massif, including the snow-capped summit of Mount Toubkal on clear days. From here, follow a narrow ridge trail to the Tizi Mzik Pass (8,166ft). In spring and summer, you might see shepherds tending their flocks on the high slopes. Stop for lunch at the pass, perched above deep valleys with mountain views in all directions. The descent follows a gentler, more shaded trail looping back towards Imlil, past shepherd huts and occasional waterfalls. Re-enter the lush valley, winding through fruit orchards and stone irrigation channels, before returning to the Kasbah for a well-earned Moroccan feast in the evening.
Day 3
Tizi Ntamataret & summit of Talamroute (8,694ft)
Hiking
Set out from the Kasbah du Toubkal and begin a gradual ascent toward the Tizi Ntamatert Pass (7,477ft), climbing steadily out of the Mizane Valley. The trail winds past Berber hamlets, where traditional stone houses cling to the hillsides and mules remain the main form of transport. Continue through terraced fields and juniper and pine groves, with switchbacks revealing wide views over Imlil and the valleys beyond. From the pass, look down into the quieter Imenane Valley, then leave the main trail for a more exposed climb to the summit of Talmroute (8,694ft). The final push is steep in places but rewards you with a 360-degree panorama – on clear days you’ll see the snow-capped summit of Toubkal to the southwest and the ridgelines of the Imenane and Azzaden Valleys stretching into the distance. After a well-deserved rest at the top, descend by a different route, looping back to Imlil through rocky ridges, pine forests, and cultivated valley slopes. Back at the Kasbah, enjoy some downtime to recover from the day's efforts, followed by another blissful evening at this beautiful spot, enjoying the flavors of Morocco at dinner time.
Day 4
Tidli Forest and Isk Summit (8,268ft)
Hiking
On your final day in the High Atlas, set out from the Kasbah for a loop through the lush Tidli Forest to the summit of Isk. The trail winds through pine and juniper woodland along quieter paths, with a real sense of solitude. As you climb, the trees thin, opening views across the Mizane Valley. You’ll gain height steadily, passing grazing pastures and shepherd shelters, before reaching the Isk summit – a peaceful spot perched at 8,268ft, with panoramic views of Mount Toubkal and its surrounding peaks. After a break, descend back into the forest and continue towards Aroumd, the largest and one of the oldest Berber villages in the Imlil region. Built on a rocky outcrop, its traditional stone houses are stacked into the hillside. From here, follow a gentle path through the valley to the Kasbah, arriving mid to late afternoon. With the hike complete, there’s time to freshen up and relax before gathering for a farewell dinner – one last evening of Berber hospitality, with the mountains as your backdrop.
Day 5
Farewell to the kasbah
Wake up in your beautiful surroundings one last time, grab breakfast on the terrace and take in the views again over a coffee while soaking up the last of this magical base. Your host will transfer you back to Marrakech's international airport in time for any onward flights, or they can drop you off in the city itself if you are staying on longer in Morocco.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Any time on Day 5
Transfers
Your host will meet you at Marrakech Airport and transfer you to the Atlas Mountains, reaching your base in Imlil after a scenic 1.5-hour drive. On Day 5, you’ll return to Marrakech Airport in time for your onward flight. Transfers between the airport and your kasbah base are included for any arrival time on Day 1 and any departure time on Day 5. If you’re already in Marrakech on Day 1, or plan to stay longer from Day 5 onwards, your host can arrange collection or drop-off from the city instead of the airport.
Travel options
There are daily flights to Marrakech from major airports across the UK and Europe. North American travelers can take direct flights to Marrakech from Montreal, New York and Atlanta.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Delicious and nourishing, the food on this trip is as memorable as the hikes. Each day starts and ends at the Kasbah du Toubkal, where you’ll enjoy carefully prepared breakfasts and dinners in one of the most impressive dining settings in the Atlas Mountains. Expect a refined take on traditional Berber fare – slow-cooked lamb tagines, fragrant vegetable couscous, fresh-baked breads, and seasonal mountain produce – all served with warm Moroccan hospitality. Out on the trails, lunches are just as special. You’ll stop for Moroccan-style picnics with beautifully prepared spreads of grilled meats, olives, salads, local cheeses, and sweet treats, all paired with freshly brewed mint tea. The kasbah is not licensed to serve alcohol, but guests are welcome to bring their own, and your host can arrange a supermarket stop on the way so you can stock up if you’d like to enjoy a drink during downtime. Filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee are included with all meals.
The team at the Kasbah can cater to most dietary requirements with advance notice, so just let your host know on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Kasbah du Toubkal
Your base for this adventure is the Kasbah du Toubkal – a beautifully restored mountain retreat perched high above the village of Imlil, with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. Often described as the most unique and sustainable lodge in the Atlas Mountains, it combines traditional Berber hospitality with thoughtful touches of comfort and luxury. Rooms are warm, inviting and full of character, with handwoven rugs, carved wooden details, and cozy beds to sink into after a day on the trails. There’s a peaceful roof terrace for stargazing or mint tea at sunset, a traditional hammam to soothe tired legs, and a relaxed communal atmosphere that makes you feel at home during your time in the High Atlas. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms (unless you've booked a private room upgrade).
A stay at the Kasbah du Toubkal also benefits the local community: the kasbah is run in partnership with the villagers of Imlil and reinvests in local education and sustainability projects. See the FAQs for more details.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, a private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking – single rooms are limited and subject to availability.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trek involves three consecutive days of 6–8 hours of hiking on mountain trails, with steady ascents and descents of 2,600–3,900ft each day, so you'll need a level of endurance. The routes are non-technical, though some sections are steep, rocky or uneven, requiring good balance and stamina. You’ll be hiking at between 5,600–8,700ft, where altitude can make moderate terrain feel more challenging. Expect a mix of rocky paths, forest tracks and terraced farmland, with some exposed ridges and passes. Conditions range from strong daytime sun to cooler nights, so layering is recommended.
Is this trip for me?
This trip is best suited to hikers with a moderate level of fitness and a sense of adventure. You should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day with up to 3,900ft of ascent and descent over multiple days. Previous hillwalking or hiking experience is recommended, but no technical climbing skills are required. Some walks in hilly terrain in the lead up to the trip will help you feel prepared for the elevation involved. You should be ready for remote mountain trails, variable weather, and some sustained physical effort. Each of the daily hikes are loops from the Kasbah, so it is possible to skip or shorten a day if you prefer to rest or explore Imlil at a gentler pace.
What if i need to skip an activity?
You are welcome to skip any of the hikes on this trip and relax at the kasbah if you don't feel up to it on any given day.
What will I need to carry?
You'll just need to carry a daypack with your personal items such as a cell phone, camera, waterproofs, and water bottle. A muleteer and chef accompany the group on the hikes to transport the supplies for each lunch while out on the hikes.
January to February is winter in the mountains. Days are crisp and cool, perfect for hiking – with average daytime temperatures around 50°F, dropping to freezing at night. Snow dusts the higher peaks, adding a dramatic backdrop to your views, while the trails around Imlil remain accessible and uncrowded.
July to August brings warm, sunny days and cooler mountain air – a welcome escape from the Moroccan heat. Expect daytime highs around 77°F, with lower humidity and comfortable evenings. It’s the ideal season for long hikes and relaxed terrace dinners under starry skies.
November to December sees the return of cooler temperatures, with daytime averages of 50–59°F and chilly nights. Autumn colors linger in the valleys and the snow line begins to creep down from the peaks, making for atmospheric trekking conditions.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided day hike to Tasghimout Plateau (8,530ft)
- Guided day hike to Tizi Ntamataret & the summit of Talamroute (8,694ft)
- Guided day hike to Tidli Forest and Isk Summit (8,268ft)
Guides
- Expert, English-speaking, local trekking guides
Lodging
- 4 nights at the iconic and characterful Kasbah du Toubkal
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 4 nourishing breakfasts
- 3 Moroccan-style picnic lunches
- 4 refined Berber dinners
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Marrakech Airport on Day 5
Porter Service
- A muleteer and chef join the group for each day hike, to carry supplies for Moroccan-stye picnic feasts at lunchtime
Community Levy at the Kasbah du Toubkal
- A 5% community levy at the Kasbah du Toubkal is included in the trip price. This funds local community initiatives; see the FAQs for more details
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are at your discretion, however Morocco does have a strong tipping culture so we encourage you to factor this in to your budgeting for the trip. We suggest 40 Euros per person for the trip as a whole, to cover service at the kasbah and your guiding team. Of course you are free to tip more if you feel it is warranted.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate coverage for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and gear, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment coverage, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer coverage for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (15-30 liters)
- Waterproof liner for your daypack
CLOTHES
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Lightweight long sleeve top for sun/wind protection
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- Buff or neckscarf
- Scarf/something to cover shoulders for women
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
February and November dates only:
- Down jacket
- Warm hat
- Gloves
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1-2 liters
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks. You'll be fed extremely well on this trip, so bringing along snacks is optional depending on if you like to have some extra fuel on the hikes, or if your dietary requirements mean extra sustenance is needed.
Single/twin/double room
Payable Before Departure
Single/twin/double room
… Per night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer - each way, up to 5 people
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way, up to 5 people
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 42kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
A 5% community levy is included in every bill at the Kasbah du Toubkal, whether you visit independently or on a group trip like this one. Funds from this levy go directly to local projects through the Association des Bassins d’Imlil and the charity Education For All. Your contribution supports vital initiatives such as a local ambulance service, waste management, a public hammam and boarding facilities for girls from remote villages, so they can attend school.
This 5% levy is an integral part of the kasbah's sustainable tourism model. It has helped fund infrastructure and community development across the Imlil Valley since the kasbah opened in the mid‑1990s, anchoring its long-standing commitment to benefit the local Berber community. The levy is included in the price you pay to book the trip through Much Better Adventures – there’s nothing extra to pay on arrival.
Your host for this trip is the Kasbah du Toubkal itself, along with its team of experienced hiking guides. They know this part of the Atlas Mountains inside out and can adapt the route if needed due to unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather.
Depending on the group size of the trip, you will have one or two main trekking guides, plus a muleteer and a cook will join the group on each hike to transport supplies for the group to enjoy some sumptuous and memorable picnic-style Moroccan lunches.
Your base is at the Kasbah du Toubkal for the duration, so you can leave your luggage in your room throughout the trip.
The tap water in Morocco is not safe to consume. The kasbah has a courtyard filter station providing safe drinking water to guests; you can fill up your water bottle or bladder here ahead of each day of hiking. Plastic bottled water is not provided as part of the kasbah's sustainability policy.
This trip visits locations at or above 8,200ft, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group well-being, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatize can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
This trip includes locations where temperatures can range from extremely hot to extremely cold during different parts of the itinerary. In some areas, you may face high daytime temperatures, strong sun, and humidity with limited shade. Elsewhere – especially at higher elevations – temperatures may drop below freezing, particularly at night.
These extremes can affect your physical performance and increase the risk of heat-related issues such as dehydration or heat stroke, or cold-related risks like frostbite and hypothermia. Your guide will manage the pace, monitor group well-being, and adjust the plan when needed to keep everyone safe.
We recommend considering how you personally respond to heat and cold, and speaking with a healthcare professional if you have any conditions that could be affected. Packing the right gear for both climates is essential, and arriving early may help your body acclimatize more comfortably – especially if you're coming from a more moderate climate.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday 19th February 2026
to Monday 23rd February 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
