The charm that never ceases.
For me, Imlil is a destination that always keeps charming me with its beauty and wonderful vibes, this was my fourth visit to Imlil, the gem of the High Atlas Mountains.
I was working nightshift and had two days off, so I thought what destination could be better than Imil to spend these two days welcomed in the Atlas mountains?
I finished work at 7 am, went home, had breakfast, grabbed my small backpack, and headed to the train station, my ticket had already been booked days ago so I could have a better deal, which I did, a single seat by the window in the first class at 89 DH.
it took 2 hours and a half to arrive in Marrakech, I spent it reading a book ( Valley of the Casbahs, a Journey across the Moroccan Sahara) by Jeffrey Tayler, and watching an episode from a series (Maid) on Netflix.
Once I arrived, I waited for a taxi to get me to a place called Arsat Lamaach, where I could take another Taxi to Imlil. I waited and waited but no Taxi stopped for me, then I guy on a motorcycle did and asked me about my destination:
— where are you going?
— Arsat Lamaach, I am heading to Imlil eventually.
— Okay, get on the Motorcycle.
— Alright thanks.
It took us almost 10 minutes to arrive, I took out my wallet and handed 10 dh to him.
— No brother, it’s 20dh. the guy said
— 20dh!? Come on you can’t be serious, 10 dh is fair enough, even a Taxi would not have charged me 20dh.
— you know, if I did not pick you up, you would have waited very long for a Taxi, just be generous and give me 20dh?
— I only have 10 dh brother, that’s it. I said and walked away.
I would not say that he tried to scam me, but I had to ask him for the price before getting on that old motorcycle that needed to retire. Anyway, I learned the lesson. (ALWAYS ASK FOR THE PRICE FIRST)
Eventually, I took a Taxi from Arsat Lamaach to Imlil for 35 DH, an Old man behind the steering wheel, gently drove us through the sharp turns of the High Atlas Mountains. After one hour we reached Imlil, I felt sleepy since I had been working the whole night, but the fresh clean air of Imlil gently smashed me, I walked for 15 minutes to get to the lodge that I already have been to before, called Dar Adouss, I met Aziz, the guy taking care of the lodge welcomed me, offered tea and showed me my room, Finally I could take a cold shower and have some rest.
After two hours of sleep, I headed to the center of Imil, where you can find restaurants, grocery stores, and shops selling clothes, mountaineering equipment, and traditional handmade items that can buy as a souvenir. I had harira ( traditional Moroccan soup) and some dates. on my way, I enjoyed the scenery, the clouds flirting with the mountains, apple trees almost ready to deliver the fruits, birds chirping, and the river burbling, that was wonderful.
I had a peaceful night, my room’s window overlooked a whooshing streamwater that helped me relax during the night and fell asleep like a baby.
The Day After, I woke up in good shape ready for a good hike, and had my breakfast that was included in the price of the booking ( 100dh/night, breakfast included) a great deal, then I went for a hike from Douar Ait Souka to Douar Armed, the starting point of the trail to Toubkal summit.
The hike was stunning, I stopped often to contemplate the panoramic view of the mountains surrounding the villages of Imlil using my small binoculars that fit in my pocket, which served me well.
here are some photos I took:
After a good hike, I took another path for the return to the center of Imlil, I had a delicious lunch, meatballs, onions, and tomatoes, all nicely grilled, accompanied by bread and fresh mint tea.
During my stay at the lodge, I met a couple from Newzeland and Angland, we had some nice conversations and talked mainly about traveling, they intended to ascend Toubkal Mountain (4167m), the highest mountain in North Africa, I hope they enjoyed it.
After two days that I enjoyed as all my visits to Imil, I headed back to Casablanca, with new memories and motivation to go back to Imlil, but this time to ascend Toubkal Mountain, hopefully during the spring season.
Happy Travels.