Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech with Berber lunch

Summary

Trek Morocco’s Atlas peaks & Berber villages with local lunch

You’ll travel from Marrakech into Morocco’s Atlas Mountains for a guided trek through traditional Berber villages, sharing mint tea and stories along winding trails. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local guesthouse overlooking Mizane Valley before heading back — it’s the kind of day you’ll remember long after you’ve left those mountain paths behind.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that peak?” our guide Youssef asked, pointing past the terraced fields as we stepped out of the van in Imlil. It was still early but already there was this crispness in the air, like the mountains had just woken up too. The drive from Marrakech took about an hour and a half — not too long, but enough to watch the city colors fade into olive groves and stone houses. I kept catching glimpses of Jbel Toubkal in the distance, its top still streaked with snow even though it was May. Kind of surreal, honestly.

We started walking towards Aremd village, following narrow paths between walnut trees and little streams that sounded louder than you’d expect. Youssef stopped now and then to greet people in Tamazight — everyone seemed to know him. He told us about Berber life here, how winters can be tough but also quiet in a good way. I tried some homemade bread at one stop (still warm) and it tasted smoky from the clay oven. There was this smell of mint everywhere, probably from all the tea being made behind those blue doors.

Lunch was at a family guesthouse perched above the Mizane Valley — tagine bubbling away while we sat on cushions by the window. The view just sort of swallowed us up; you could see all these tiny villages clinging to the hillsides. I remember thinking how different everything felt from Marrakech — slower, softer somehow. After eating way too much (I regret nothing), we wandered back down to Imlil, legs a bit tired but not really wanting it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains Trek and Village Visit

• Pickup from Marrakech hotel at 9 AM
• Drive to Imlil village
• Walk to Aremd village
• Lunch at local guesthouse with valley view
• Walk back to Imlil
• Drive back to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Imlil?

The drive takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Is lunch included on this Atlas Mountains day trip?

Yes, a traditional Berber lunch at a local guesthouse is included.

Will there be a local guide during the trek?

Yes, you’ll walk with an experienced local mountain guide.

How difficult is the walk to Aremd village?

The walk is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels.

Are hotel pickups included in Marrakech?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your day trip.

What is the highest mountain visible on this tour?

You can see Jbel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4167 meters.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transfers are by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, all transfers by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, trekking with a local mountain guide through Berber villages near Imlil and Aremd, plus a traditional Berber lunch served at a family guesthouse overlooking Mizane Valley before returning in the afternoon.