In the morning, the group leaves the red walls of Marrakech. Ninety minutes later, it walks among walnut trees and irrigation channels, below the snowfields of Toubkal, the highest summit in North Africa at 4,167 metres. Few excursions change the scenery so much in so little time, which is why a mountain day fits so well into a circuit or a seminar programme based in Marrakech.
Imlil or the Ourika valley?
Both leave from Marrakech, and they do not offer the same day.
Imlil, about an hour and a half away via Asni, is the starting point for walks towards Toubkal. The valley is steep, the villages cling to the slopes, and the paths climb quickly. It suits groups that want a real walk and wide views.
The Ourika valley, about an hour away, is gentler. The road follows the river up to Setti Fatma, where a path leads to a series of waterfalls. It suits a group of mixed ages, or a lighter day after a busy seminar.
Coach, minibus or both?
By coach to the foot of the mountains, then it depends on the size of the vehicle. The last kilometres to Imlil are narrow and winding: a large coach may need to hand over to minibuses. This is best settled at the planning stage, according to the group, rather than discovered on the day. On the Saturday route, the weekly market of Asni makes an easy and colourful stop.
What kind of walk suits a group?
One that leaves nobody behind. The simplest answer is to offer two options on the same morning, each with its own local mountain guide:
- A short loop of about an hour and a half, through the terraces and the lower villages.
- A longer climb of three hours or more, towards a pass or the village of Aroumd, for the keenest walkers.
- A mule for anyone who prefers to ride, or to carry bags and water.
Both groups meet again for lunch, often in a village house or on a terrace facing the valley. Participants need good shoes, a layer for the wind, sun protection and water: in the mountains, the temperature can drop by ten degrees compared with Marrakech.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and autumn give the greenest valleys and the gentlest temperatures. In summer, the mountain is a welcome escape from the heat of Marrakech. In winter, snow can reach the villages, and the day then needs warm clothing and a flexible programme. For a seminar group, the mountain day also makes a good break between two working days, as we describe in Planning a seminar in Marrakech.
