Consider this a complete guide to everything you need to know, what to expect, and who to book for an authentic Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech!
This guide on how to take a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, details all the questions you might have about how to do it, travel times, what to see… but most importantly who to book!
Searching for tour guides, for the Atlas Mountains can be overwhelming to say the least. But my post here explains it all, and lists 3 day trip options from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.
SO! Assuming you’re on holiday in Marrakech, and you want to experience something outside the city. You’ve decided on a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. Something less touristy, dramatic scenery, friendly welcoming people… then I have the best day trip tour for you!
Five years ago, my family and I slow travelled Morocco. And we had one of those pinch yourselves moments in the Atlas Mountains when we met Ahmed and his family. It honestly became one of the best decisions we ever made while slow travelling. Today I’m so honoured to call Ahmed a true friend… across countries and cultures, our families have become lifelong friends.
There is just something very uniquely special about Ahmed and his tiny Berber village in the High Atlas Mountains. Now I return yearly with a tour group of my own, and the High Atlas Mountains comes out everyone’s favourite… every single time. 💗
⭐️ (Note: this is NOT an affiliate post… just doing what I can to spread the word and help a good person!)
Table of Contents
Is a Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains Worth It?
A day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, might just be one of the best decisions you make on your Morocco holiday. Take it from someone who has slow travelled Morocco for 3 months, and returned numerous times.
In my opinion the Atlas Mountains are an authentic window into rural Moroccan life. It’s one of my favourite places to visit, and given it’s so close to Marrakech, it’s so easy to see and do.
In short, the 90 minute drive from Marrakech to Imlil in the Atlas Mountains, not only makes a day trip easy, but definitely worth while! Especially if you do the day trip tour with my friend Ahmed from Trek Atlas… he, his family, and his guides are the best hosts you could ask for.
READ: My review of Trek Atlas Tours & how we met!
How Far Is the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech?
In a private transfer or taxi, the drive from Marrakech to Imlil in the Atlas Mountains takes 90 minutes. The distance is an easy 65 km (40 miles), a comfortable trip. What’s more, it’s a picturesque drive, through valleys, countryside and Berber villages.
Essentially Imlil is the last big town before the High Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal (the highest peak in North Africa). Beyond Imlil, you’ll find only mountains trails and the odd small village.
As such there are public transport options to get to Imlil, though they’re not straight forward. Read my complete guide to Atlas Mountain trekking in Morocco if you want to know more about the DIY approach. But if you want my advice, the private transfer, through a guided tour, is certainly the best way to go for a day trip.
Getting to Imlil from Marrakech
Your Atlas Mountain day trip begins with a private pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech at 9am.
Then driving South from Marrakech, you begin the journey towards Imlil and the Atlas Mountains. As mentioned above, the drive is an easy one, nothing stressful. We did it with our young kids and enjoyed the changing scenery as we went.
Driving through Tahnaout, enjoy the views as you begin to pass through traditional Berber villages. Then through Asni the landscape changes again as you begin to approach the High Atlas. Keep your eyes peeled as you pass Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury accommodation on your left… just because ☺️
As you continue, the dramatic Mount Toubkal gets closer and closer, until eventually you arrive at Imlil and can go no further. Welcome to the High Atlas Mountains, your day trip has now begun!
The Day Trip Itineraries & Options
I’m listing three of the most popular day trip itineraries here, but actually there are more. And these are very much up for discussion, when you get in touch with Ahmed.
In designing your day trip from Marrakech, Ahmed will consider factors such as the size of your group, ages, type of walkers/hikers, interests etc. So read through the below list, for an idea to get you thinking about what options are available to you. Then if there is anything else that you’d love to do, don’t hesitate to mention it to him!
The Village of Aroumd & Ahmed’s Home
In case you missed it above, Ahmed Zin was born and raised in the Atlas Mountains and has become a great friend. He is a qualified, registered mountain guide for the Atlas Mountains, and I do not exaggerate when I say he is the best there is. I’ve been back several times, visiting him and his family and getting to know the landscape a little better each time.
Aroumd (also known as Armed), has been Ahmed’s family village for generations. It is a beautiful Berber village at the base of the High Atlas Mountains and entry point to the Mount Toubkal hiking trail. Given this is his Ahmed’s home, the day trips from Marrakech are centred around his village of Aroumd.
Aroumd is perched on a mountainside, and while cars can stop outside, it’s not super common to go in by car. So the village is very much explored on foot. There’s a river which runs by at the base, and narrow, maze like streets within the village itself. Then down in the valley, there are apple, walnut and cherry trees, among other produce that provides income to the locals. And all of this at the base of Mount Toubkal.
You’ll notice that each of the three Atlas Mountain day trip options below feature Aroumd in one way or another.
Option 1 – Tidli & Isk Peak
This is one of the most popular itinerary options on the list. It’s a great way to get a really good feel for the Atlas Mountains, with a good balance of hiking and exploration. It is designed for the strong hiking lovers, and includes a 6 hour trek.
Starting in Imlil at 1740 metres, you’ll begin the walk through Imlil Valley, towards Isk Peak and the traditional Berber village of Tawririt, then along the river to Aït Mizane or Amadin waterfalls. The guides will point out agricultural terraces, as well as walnut trees, and farming practices that have sustained the village and community for generations.
Moving on, you’ll arrive in Aroumd, before taking the Tidli trail and Tidli Plateau… a peaceful hike under the majestic Taskoult and Aksoual mountains. Hiking to the highest point, Tidli Peak at 2300 metres, before making the return journey to Imlil.
The absolute highlight of this tour, is that you won’t be on the tourist trail. This is Ahmed’s back country, you won’t find these names on Google Maps – I tried and couldn’t. Which means you get to experience a day off the beaten track, quite literally.
Option 2 – Adad Peak
This day trip itinerary is for the moderate level hiker, an approximate 4 to 5 hour trek through the Atlas Mountains, depending on fitness levels. It’s a mixed blend of Option 1 and can be adapted to include more or less of the same sights.
From Imlil follow the same trail as above, with a more gentle summit of Adad Peak at 2080 metres. Then moving on, you’ll walk to Aroumd for lunch, then on to explore Tidli Plateau. From here Ahmed and the guides will select a waterfall or two, such as Amadin Waterfall, before ending the day with a walk back into Imlil.
Once again, Ahmed and his guides take their clients on this trail with their rich local knowledge of the area. This isn’t the stock standard, cookie cutter, guided tour of the Atlas Mountains. This is off the beaten track, visiting the views and landscape only they know.
Option 3 – Imlil & Village of Aroumd
As I mentioned above, the Berber village of Aroumd is Ahmed’s home, and it’s really beautiful. I could spend hours walking around his village, because it’s the perfect piece of rural Morocco that I love.
This itinerary is a gentle, unhurried one, for the casual day tripper who doesn’t want to burn the calories. Start with a walk from Imlil to Aroumd, there are multiple tracks you can take. Ahmed or his guides will chose the best ones for you, and the beauty is, you can walk in one way, and out another.
Consequently this itinerary option, allows for a peaceful view, a day-in-the-life perspective of a typical Berber village. What’s more the villagers are super friendly and you really won’t see many other tourists. Most likely you won’t see any at all.
Two women, who came on my women’s tour spent the day doing this, and absolutely loved it. In fact it was their favourite day on our two week itinerary… that says it ALL!
What it Costs & What’s Included
Prices per person naturally, will vary depending on the time of year, and how many are in your group. But typically prices start from 180 Euros, for two people, for a day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech.
Food – You’ll be provided lunch, tea and snacks. Most travellers who review Trek Atlas, make a point of complimenting the food. They often comment on the high quality of the meals, stating they’re some of the best meals they’ve eaten while in Morocco. And I can vouch for that too, we had the best prune and beef tagine on my most recent overnight visit.
Marrakech Private Transfer – Transport is also included in your day trip tour price, the door to door service from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.
Obviously, if you choose to purchase anything extra, such as on orange juice on the trail, then that is your expense. However note that tipping is an extra, read below for my recommendations on how much to tip.
What to Bring / Know Before You Go
Tipping – While tips aren’t expected, it is courteous to thank and tip the team at the end of the trip. As a general rule of thumb, 5 to 10 Euros per guide, per person is fair. And for the extra guides such as cooks (if using), porters (if using) and so on, 2-4 Euros each, per person is good. It’s good to pay the tip to each of the team individually, at the end of the day, in cash, Euros or MAD.
What to Wear – You’ll need a hat, sunglasses, sunblock for sun protection. It’s also good to wear moisture-wicking clothing, merino layers if you’re visiting in the winter season. A sturdy pair of shoes or hiking shoes as some of the trails have loose stones. It’s also important to note, that this area isn’t like Marrakech and a more respectful dress code is appreciated.
Cash – Bring cash with you from Marrakech, as there are no ATMs in Imlil, and definitely no ATMs in Aroumd! The nearest town for an ATM is in Asni.
Seasons – Summer (July & August) in the Atlas Mountains is beautiful, cooler days away from the very hot Marrakech, is a lovely escape. Then in winter (December & January) the snow arrives. As such the landscape is constantly changing. I’m yet to visit in winter, but the photos are beckoning me!
Book Your Atlas Mountains Day Trip
To book with Ahmed and Trek Atlas, click here to his booking page. He responds quickly, but can be busy on tours, and reception in his village of Aroumd can be weather dependent.
IF for whatever reason you want his Whatsapp number, email me and I’ll connect you to him.
I absolutely thoroughly recommend you do this day trip… it’s one of the best experiences you’ll take away from your time in Morocco. I truly believe it. And also by booking directly with Ahmed your fee goes directly to him and the village. From my years of visiting and knowing Ahmed, I’ve found that he is a very loyal, principled person.
So by supporting him, you are truly supporting the wealth of their community… ultimately your being there, does good for a small mountainside Berber village.
Read: My guide to Trek Atlas & watch a short interview with Ahmed!
More on the Atlas Mountains
I also created a trekking guide to the Atlas Mountains and many more itineraries of Morocco. So if you want to know more like this, my best tips and tricks to travelling Morocco then click below!
🏔️ Trekking the Atlas Mountains – everything you need to know!
🚙 One Month in Morocco – a complete itinerary and guide
🇲🇦 3 Days in Marrakech – how to get the best out of your visit
🌊 8 of the Best Riads in Essaouira – my favs in the iconic coastal medina
📌 Don’t forget to save or pin this post on how to take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech!
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