High Atlas Day Trip: Berber Villages, Imlil & Mint Tea Experience

Summary

Guided High Atlas Mountains Tour with Local Berber Culture

You’ll get a real feel for Berber life in the High Atlas on this day trip—taste homemade mint tea, meet locals in Imlil, and wander mountain trails with a guide who knows every shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

The air changed as we left Marrakech—cooler, sharper, with a faint scent of wood smoke drifting through the van window. Our driver wove past olive groves and roadside stalls stacked with oranges. Somewhere near Tahnaout, we stopped at an argan oil cooperative. Inside, women sat chatting in Tamazight while cracking argan nuts by hand. The nutty smell filled the room and I got to try a dab of the oil on my wrist—earthy and smooth.

If you’re lucky enough to pass through Asni on a Saturday, like we did, you’ll catch the weekly souk. It’s noisy and lively—kids darting between stalls, men haggling over dates and spices. Our guide Youssef pointed out the best place for fresh bread (still warm from the oven). Then we climbed higher into the mountains until Imlil came into view—whitewashed houses clinging to steep hillsides under Mount Toubkal’s snowy peak.

Mint tea was waiting for us at a local family’s home—sweet and hot, poured high so it foamed in the glass. We chatted about village life before heading out with Youssef for a walk through narrow lanes and walnut groves. You can pick how long you want to hike—some folks did just an hour; others went further up toward the waterfalls. Along the way, sheep bells echoed off stone walls and kids waved from rooftops. The pace is easy but bring good shoes; some paths are rocky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — High Atlas and Berber Culture

• Depart from Marrakech
• Transfer to Imlil via Tahnaout
• Stop at argan oil cooperative
• Visit Asni market (Saturdays)
• Arrive in Imlil, welcome mint tea
• Tour Imlil valley and Berber villages

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Infants can ride in prams or strollers, though some paths are uneven so a carrier might help. Kids usually love meeting local families and seeing animals along the way.

How much walking is involved? Can I choose how far to hike?

You can decide with your guide when you arrive in Imlil—walks range from 1 to 3 hours depending on what suits you best.

Are meals included during the tour?

The tour includes several meals: lunch during your day in Imlil plus dinner on other days of your stay if you're booking a longer package.

What should I bring for this trip?

Comfortable shoes are key—the paths can be rocky or dusty. A light jacket is handy since mountain weather changes quickly.

What’s included

Your trip covers transport from Marrakech, an experienced local guide throughout the day, lunch in Imlil, welcome mint tea at a Berber family home, visits to an argan oil cooperative and (if it’s Saturday) Asni market. If you’re staying longer: accommodation, dinners, Sahara festival night, camel ride, airport transfers—all sorted for you.