Marrakech & Atlas Mountains: Imlil Valley Walk, Waterfalls & Berber Lunch

Summary

Atlas villages, mountain air, waterfalls and Berber home cooking

You’ll leave Marrakech behind for mountain air, gentle walks through Berber villages, mint tea with locals, and a family-cooked lunch overlooking snowy peaks. Expect laughter with your guide, time by cool waterfalls, and moments that linger long after you return to the city.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed leaving Marrakech was how the city noise just faded out—like someone turning down the volume. We were barely thirty minutes out when our guide, Youssef, pulled over by a cluster of mud-brick houses in Tahnaout. The air smelled different here—dusty but fresh, with a hint of wood smoke. He pointed at the oldest Berber village tucked into the hillside and told us about his grandmother who still lives nearby. I tried to say “thank you” in Tamazight and he laughed—apparently my accent was more French than Berber. Anyway, we snapped a few photos (the light was sharp that morning), then piled back in for the drive toward Imlil.

We reached Imlil after winding through valleys where goats picked their way along stone terraces. The walk started easy—a gentle path past walnut trees and kids kicking a battered football. At one point we stopped for mint tea with a local family; their little boy kept peeking at us from behind his mother’s skirt. There’s something about that tea—hot and sweet, but with this green bite you only get up here. The sound of water got louder as we climbed, and suddenly there it was: a waterfall spilling over dark rock into a pool so clear you could see every pebble. I dipped my hand in (cold!) while Youssef explained how these streams feed all the villages below.

Lunch was at Youssef’s family home—a low table set out on their terrace facing Mount Toubkal. His mother served tagine straight from the pot; steam rose up carrying cinnamon and lemon scents. We ate with our hands mostly (I’m still not sure if I did it right), chatting about football and weather and how fast the snow melts each spring. There’s no rush here—just sun on your face, mountains all around, and that feeling like you’re far away from everything familiar but somehow welcome anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Atlas Mountains and Imlil Valley tour

• Pick-up from accommodation in Marrakech
• Drive to Tahanout Berber village
• Visit Berber woman cooperative
• Stop at Asni to view Oukaimden summit
• Reach Imlil village
• Walk through Berber villages
• Visit waterfall in remote area
• Enjoy traditional Berber lunch at local home
• Return to Marrakech by 4:30 pm

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Marrakech to Imlil Valley?

The tour starts around 8:30 am with pickup in Marrakech and returns by about 4:30 pm.

Is lunch included on the Atlas Mountains day trip?

Yes, lunch is cooked by your guide’s family in their traditional home in Imlil village.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech is included.

How difficult is the walk to the waterfalls?

The walk is described as gentle and suitable for most fitness levels.

Will we visit any Berber villages during this tour?

Yes, you’ll pass through several Berber villages including stops for tea and cultural insights.

What should I bring for the Atlas Mountains day trip?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; everything else is provided including breakfast and water.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

Yes, infants can use strollers or prams and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do we see Mount Toubkal on this tour?

You’ll have views of Mount Toubkal—the highest peak in Morocco—and can stop for photos.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Marrakech (or nearest accessible point), all entry fees and taxes, breakfast en route, mint tea and bottled water during stops, a guided walk through Imlil Valley’s villages to waterfalls, plus a traditional Berber lunch cooked by your host family before returning to Marrakech by late afternoon.