Day 1

You meet your guide(s) in Marrakesh for an orientation to the day—and week—ahead. You depart by private mini-coach on a 1½-hour drive to Imlil, the point of departure for most climbers attempting the ascent of Jbel Toubkal—Morocco’s highest peak at 13,655 feet. The tranquility of Berber village life provides the perfect contrast to the bustling vibrancy of Marrakesh. Your home for the next three nights is situated in the heart of the Toubkal National Park. From the village of Imlil, footpaths and mule tracks ascend through lush irrigated terraces, apple orchards, and walnut groves to higher villages, where the way of life has changed little for centuries, and traditional values and hospitality are unaffected by the outside world.

Upon reaching Imlil—the mountain climbing center for the Toubkal Region situated at about 5,700 feet—your luggage is loaded onto a mule, and you walk 15-minutes up to your mountain resort lodge. Perched on a great rock outcrop above the main village, with panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and waterfalls, you are welcomed like family at this “hospitality center” by your Berber hosts. The staff from nearby villages work hard to ensure that your every need is met and you soon sit down in the Moroccan restaurant or rooftop terrace (weather permitting) to a welcome lunch consisting of fresh bread (baked in the clay ovens in the courtyard below) along with a typical Moroccan main course such as a stew-like tajine of meat and vegetables and fresh fruit accompanied by traditional pastries or cookies for dessert.

After lunch, you set out on a 2- to 3-hour circuit to the west of the kasbah through the nearby villages of Achen, Mzig, and then circle back to your resort through Imlil. Today’s walk is a perfect introduction to the Aït Mizane Valley, a pleasant and tranquil region full of almond, apple, cherry, and walnut trees.

In 1996, the village and surrounding peaks was used as the backdrop of Scorsese’s film biography of the Dalai Lama, "Kundun", set in Tibet. The village was compensated with a waste disposal system, now self-funded, and in 2004, a hammam (a traditional Turkish steam bath, for villagers only) was constructed after another fundraising initiative, and is now an important communal center for residents of Imlil and the surrounding villages.

In the late afternoon, there is time to settle into your comfortable room. You soon are seated in the dining room, toasting your adventures in the High Atlas at a welcome dinner, perhaps starting with a delicate lentil or vegetable harira soup, followed by couscous, accompanied by fresh bread, local olives, and closing with a fresh fruit tart for dessert.
Kasbah du Toubkal, Imlil

Day 2

This morning you awake in the high mountain air, ready for a breakfast of fresh fruit and orange juice, homemade breads and pastries, eggs, and coffee or tea. A full day of walking begins with a 15-minute climb via 4-wheel-drive jeeps to the Tizi n’Tamatert (7,500-ft mountain pass) with views of the stony peaks and green river valleys below. From the ridge, you then descend (3900 feet along a dirt road and rocky trail) into the stunning Imenane (also spelled Imane) valley. The route takes you by the village of Tinerhourhine, where women and children might be out doing laundry in the river, accompanied by plenty of singing and playing. The route then begins an ascent to Ikkiss and Amskere, where you stop for lunch. After this well-earned rest and time to refuel, the route then follows a steadily ascending mule path, with several switchbacks, to the pass of Aguersioual (known as Tizi n’Aguersioual). The descent begins on a series of steep switchbacks until the village of Aguersioual. At this point the route follows a river, crossing smaller streams, and seguias, which are traditional irrigation canals. The terraced hillsides are lush with walnut groves.

You return by late afternoon to the Kasbah. There is ample time to soak in the bath, relax in the library, or linger in the grounds and terraces before another dinner of local specialties in the cozy dining room.
Kasbah du Toubkal, Imlil

Day 3

After breakfast, you embark on a 5-hour (round-trip) trek south of the Kasbah to the koubba (or dome) of Sidi Chamharouch, a popular and venerated Berber shrine. You set off directly from the lodge on a trail that leads past the village of Aremd (also seen spelled “Around”), which is the largest settlement in the area. Taking the route that zigzags towards Toubkal, your goal is the Sanctuary of Sidi Chamharouch and the cool waters of the springs surrounding it. The trail follows along the course of the Reraya Rriver, passing the village of Aremd, and then crosses over and up to the other side of the Aït Mizane valley. Your picnic lunch of fresh-baked bread, cheese, fresh fruit, and cookies might be unpacked en route or upon arrival at the sanctuary. You may cross paths with Berber families who make the trek, often from quite far away, to this site to seek a cure for any sort of health ailment (possibly with a goat in tow to pay for the healing).

The return walk is along the same trail but this time you stop at the village of Aremd, after passing through apple and cherry orchards. In the springtime, you may be able to pick the occasional cherry from a tree, while in the fall, the apple harvest might be in full swing. Time permitting, you stop for tea and a chat with some local folk taking a break in their daily chores. Aremd is unique in the Assif Aït Mizane Valley, with its flat-roofed houses seemingly built atop one another, and its location on a spur overlooking ancient terraced fields of barley, corn, and vegetables, and surrounded on all sides by almond and walnut trees.

From here, the shorter option returns directly to the Kasbah. Whereas for those seeking a longer option, the trail continues past a waterfall and on through neighboring villages to Targa Imoula and ultimately Aït Souka, before looping back to the Kasbah. In the late afternoon there is time for both groups to rest, and perhaps restore in the hammam, before gathering for another savory dinner. On your last night in the High Atlas, you may be inspired to stroll out onto the rooftop terrace to stargaze at an unbelievably clear night sky.
Kasbah du Toubkal, Imlil

Day 4

On your final morning in this stunning region, you sip your piping hot coffee on the rooftop deck, soaking in a last view of the surrounding high peaks and valleys. As your luggage is loaded onto mules, you depart on foot for the 15-minute descent to Imlil where the minibus is waiting, and you board for the approximately 45-minute drive to the Ourika Valley, your next destination.

The foothills of the High Atlas at around 3,000 feet, the area is reminiscent of the American Southwest in its topology and geology. The three-hour walk begins by following an easy dirt path along dry river beds into a landscape with dramatic pinkish red sandstone formations. However you know you are in Morocco as you pass through the typical small villages, which take their names from the salt mines dotting this valley. You arrive on foot at your next hotel, a charming retreat surrounded by 60 acres of gardens and paths, tucked under the mountains. A welcome lunch awaits in the rose gardens. After lunch, you are free to enjoy the hotel’s extensive and beautiful grounds with its abundant roses, fruit and olive trees, or one of its three swimming pools; or you may choose to be more active and take an optional horseback ride. Later its perfumed terraces are the perfect setting for a cocktail before proceeding to dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, well known for its fine cuisine using fresh produce grown on the premises.
Hotel La Roseraie, Ouirgane

Day 5

After a leisurely breakfast, you depart on foot from the hotel for the neighboring village of Agni. Traversing a pine forest, the trail climbs gradually, and soon reaches a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding countryside. Continuing on, you make a stop for a picnic lunch, then continue on to a visit to the local Jewish temple. You return to your hotel, through a landscape thick with olive, walnut, and plum trees. Some may choose to spend the remainder of the afternoon again enjoying the hotel’s grounds, pools, and patios, while others may opt for a horseback ride. This evening the group again gathers for another sampling of the hotel restaurant’s renowned specialties.
Hotel La Roseraie, Ouirgane

Day 6

Following a poolside buffet breakfast, you drive 45 minutes to Ijoukak, the starting point for today’s walk. This easy 4-mile walk along the Oued Nfiss brings you to the isolated village of Tin Mal. Here stunning views of the surrounding valley and the High Atlas accompany your exploration of one of the most secluded historic sites in Morocco, the Tin Mal Mosque. This impressive structure, the spiritual home of Morocco’s third dynasty, was built in 1156 by the Berber Almohads in honor of their founding father. It was from this area that the Almohads worked to place Morocco and Spain under their control late in the 12th century.

You return to your hotel for a poolside lunch, following which a 90-minute drive returns you to the red-earthed walls and palm-lined streets of Marrakesh. After checking into your hotel, a deluxe property on the edge of the medina, your guide(s) take you to experience the city’s pulse. The square Djemaa El Fna (literally, Assembly of the Dead) is perhaps the greatest open-air theater in the world where snake charmers, storytellers, and acrobats all compete for attention. Dinner is on your own this evening, and whether your preference is to dine at a simple café or experience a refined dinner at one of the many luxurious palace restaurants, your guide(s) will offer recommendations.
La Maison Arabe, Marrakesh

Day 7

After breakfast, a guided tour provides a wonderful overview of this vibrant city, unmistakably African in feel, and very different from other cities in Morocco. You begin with a visit to some of the major attractions including the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, the Palais de la Bahia, and the Maison Tiskiwin, home to a fine collection of items related to Moroccan rural culture and society. You take a break for lunch at a popular and lively local restaurant. After lunch, you may return to the main square, the Place Djemaa El Fna, where you are free to continue your exploration of the souks or market stalls, or take in some of the activities from a balcony seat at one of the upstairs cafés. Some may prefer to relax at the hotel before a farewell feast at a special restaurant tucked away in the medina.
La Maison Arabe, Marrakesh

Day 8

This morning you wake to the call of the muezzin, by now both familiar and soothing. After breakfast, you are free to continue your exploration of Marrakesh or depart at your leisure for your next destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Kasbah du Toubkal
Imlil, Morocco

Designed in traditional style with updated amenities and comforts, the Kasbah is an award-winning eco-mountain lodge. Local Berber culture and staff ensure an authentic experience in style, with stunning mountain views, grounds, and open-air terraces.

Nights 4 & 5

Hotel La Roseraie
Ouirgane, Morocco

In the heart of the Ouirgane valley amidst rose gardens and lemon groves, this idyllic retreat offers beautiful cottage-style rooms and a restaurant featuring recipes from locally grown produce. Amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, health center, and horseback riding.

Nights 6 & 7

La Maison Arabe
Marrakesh, Morocco

Ideally situated in the medina, this boutique hotel boasts 3 restaurants, a piano bar, a world-famous cooking school as well as a pool and spa (including two traditional hammams) where natural products from the region are used during the treatments.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Saida Ezzahoui

A native of the former imperial city of Fès, Morocco, Saida is a licensed guide of this fascinating city, and the only female guide to accompany groups along trails through her beloved Atlas Mountains.  With a degree in English Literature and fluency in three languages, Saida personifies the modern, yet traditional, Moroccan woman.

Abdeljalil Braoul

Abdeljalil was born in a small town outside of Morocco’s spiritual capital, Fès. With a BA in English literature from the University of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah (Fès), "Jalil" also brings to the trail more than fifteen years of guiding experience and an intimate knowledge of his native country’s renowned and lesser-known attributes.

Issam El Hadri

Issam El Hadri has been leading tours in his native Morocco for six years. Hailing from a Berber village in the Middle Atlas, Issam is a certified mountain guide and, in addition to leading visitors in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains, he is eager to share his love of the Sahara and enthusiasm for Moroccan cuisine.

Moha Ait Aamo

Moha Ait Aamo, from a small Berber village in the Middle Atlas of Morocco, is passionate about sharing all aspects of his diverse country with visitors. Guiding for more than six years, multilingual Moha is certified as both a mountain and desert guide, and completed a diploma program in tourism, as well as an undergraduate degree in Spanish.