Hiking in Asni and Imlil

Route overview

The Asni-Imlil route remains among the most popular routes from Marrakech. Its highlights include stops at panoramic viewpoints to savor the splendor of the landscapes and admire the artistic and architectural originality of the surrounding villages. It also includes a visit to the weekly market in Asni, the exploration of agricultural cooperatives highlighting local products, as well as a break in Imlil, the starting point for numerous hikes towards Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa culminating at 4165 meters. The crossing on foot lasts between 3 and 4 hours, offering an immersive experience with the local population, promoting cultural exchanges and allowing the acquisition of local products, as well as the tasting of local dishes imbued with culinary tradition.

Located just an hour's drive from Marrakech, the village of Asni is surrounded by orchards and gardens, nestled in an exceptionally fertile valley. Its weekly Saturday market attracts farmers from several kilometers around. After selling their goods, they return home peacefully, accompanied by the leisurely pace of their donkeys.

Nestled in the heart of magnificent gorges, this village, although accessible by a track that is sometimes impassable depending on the season, is located halfway between Toubkal to the south and Oukaïmeden to the north. Imlil, a picturesque little gem, remains protected from mass tourism due to its difficult access.

The village serves as a gateway to the 38 hectares of the National Park and the Toubkal highlands, where many hikers undertake the ascent of the highest peak of the Atlas range, culminating at 000 meters. An hour's walk away, the marabout of Sidi Chamharouche, revered by both Muslims and Jews, looms on the horizon.

Climbing Toubkal requires two to three days, with two intermediate shelters at 3207 meters above sea level to facilitate preparation for the ascent of the mountain the next morning.

CREATIVE and SOLIDARITY addresses

- Idraren (Larbi DIDOUCAN). Valorization of Atlas nuts - 06 61 46 02 17 / Asni
- Aswik (El houcine AZYAME). Valorization of Atlas nuts - 0672 10 99 59 / Imlil
- Issafen Oudrar (Ait ADDI). Development of the apple sector - 0661 24 85 00 / Asni
- Tiwizi Association (Hassan DARJOUN). Beekeeping and crafts - 0662 68 05 23 / Asni
- Adrar (Mohamed AIT MOUBARAK). TAPIS Cooperative - 06 66 25 84 50 / Imlil

Recommendations

• Take your time and pleasure to make great photos.
• Savor the landscapes and moments of the hike.
• Enjoy the warm welcome of the locals.
• Protect yourself from the sun.

Planning

Note: This itinerary is designed to simplify planning your trip. However, times and dates remain flexible. Do not hesitate to extend or shorten your stay at one of the points of interest depending on your feelings.

Info & Booking

The tourist itineraries offered in the province of Al Haouz are mainly marketed by foreign tour operators, travel agencies specializing in rural tourism, in particular those located in Marrakech, as well as by tourist guides of natural areas, whether live or via their websites.