good for you

The Kasbah is far from your average hotel - here you are the honored guest of the local Berbers, who have lived in the High Atlas since before the Roman conquest of North Africa. This is the perfect place for travelers who want stylish comfort combined with a genuine taste of Moroccan village life - there's plenty of contact with local people and their culture, from guided mountain treks to using the local hammam, a traditional Arab communal bathhouse and meeting place. And according to Conde Nast traveler, "Kasbah du Toubkal has the best rooftop views in Africa".

Perched on a hilltop at the foot of North Africa's highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal, the Kasbah itself is a carefully restored 1940s traditional fortified residence, once home to the local 'Caid', a most ungentle feudal ruler, who was unseated with Morocco's independence in 1956. The once-derelict building was reclaimed, the dreaded dungeon filled in, and the place turned into a hotel which, is very Moroccan in style and extremely welcoming. The views over the surrounding national park are positively cinematic - Scorsese fans may recognize the Kasbah and its surrounds from Kundun.

The Kasbah also has two sister properties; the Toubkal Lodge and Dar Imlil in Imlil village - perfect for those who would like to do some trekking but still say in luxury accommodation.

good for morocco

Kasbah du Toubkal is a joint venture between a British company and the people of the Imlil valley. The hotel hopes to lead the way in sustainable tourism in rural Morocco, fostering close involvement with local communities, raising awareness about the value of sustainable tourism and educating locals and visitors about care for the natural environment. The hotel is managed and staffed by local people, and its British owners support the local community through donations to the Village Association.

Rooms

Food

• Breakfast is included in all rates and served on the Breakfast Balcony overlooking the high atlas.
• Lunch and dinner are typical Moroccon style cuisine. Expect various types of tagine and couscous, all served in red clay bowls. Vegetarians are well catered for. Lunch €15 / Dinner €20
• Tea, Coffee - complimentary, on request
• No alcohol is served at the Kasbah although you're welcome to bring your own.

Features & Facilities

• The Kasbah caters for conferences (up to 60 people) and educational tours.
• Accommodation is either at the Kasbah, or at one of their two sister properties; the Toubkal Lodge, and Dar Imlil. Both sister properties are used for those who are doing some trekking and would like to stay in quality accommodation. The same standards of accommodation are available in all three properties with rooms beautifully decorated in the Moroccan style and balconies with stunning views of the High Atlas.
• The hotel organizes trekking expeditions and you can even climb Toubkal mountain. Treks can be for a 1/2 day or a few days, up to you. Below are prices and more information.

trekking in the high atlas

The High Atlas, the greatest mountain range of North Africa, is perhaps the most beautiful and intriguing part of Morocco. It has retained a remoteness which until recent decades was virtually complete, and contains villages where the way of life has changed little for centuries.

Outsiders to the mountains are constantly surprised when they encounter the friendliness and openness of the villagers, as they go about their everyday tasks. Hiking in the High Atlas is one of the best possible experiences in Morocco - feasible exploration of stunning natural beauty, and of a rigidly individual world.

Regardless of levels of fitness this area is accessible to all. There is a wide range of trekking possibilities, from a short ramble through the villages that surround the Kasbah, to more demanding multi-day treks. Mule support can be arranged for bags and people, which opens up more opportunities. The mule trails around the valleys are well contoured and kept in excellent condition.

toubkal ascent

The ascent of Jbel Toubkal (4167 metres), North Africa's highest mountain, is achievable during the summer months without specialist climbing skills. Most people who are reasonably fit and determined can achieve this goal and the views are magnificent - on a clear day you can see the Sahara.

trekking rates

ascent of toubkal

€225 p/person, minimum 2 people.

€150 for an extra person

Includes: all meals, accommodation, muleteers, drinks, guide, cook, mules.

all other trekking

• Half Day trekking with registered guide

Minimum 2 people, €25 p/person

Extra trekkers €10

Mule €15

• Full Day - fully supported trekking

Minimum 2 people - €70 p/person

Extra person - €50

(Includes registered guide and muleteer/cook, picnic)

Overnight stay (including prepared meals and accommodation) €50

Local Info & Activities

The Kasbah specializes in trekking and is surrounded by stunning landscape and interesting isolated villages, where the way of life hasn't changed for centuries.

See the 'Features' section for more information and prices on trekking.

insider tips

The winter is chilly at night, though relatively mild during the day, with spectacular scenery of the snow-capped Atlas mountains, while in Spring (April-May) the snows melt, heralding warmer days and an abundance of wildflowers, this is probably the best time for trekking.

Sustainability

• The Kasbah was sensitively restored using local labour and traditional methods.
• Nearly all staff are from the local community
• The hotel is owned by Discover Ltd in the UK, which supports the Village Association in a number of ways - the company underwrote the purchase of a village ambulance and helps run the service. Discover also established a rubbish clearance system for the area, including the building of a communal environmentally sensitive incinerator. A 5% levy on all hotel earnings is donated to the Village Association.
• The Kasbah is at the end of a dirt road, no cars can drive up there.
• The Kasbah has installed a water filter system to eliminate the need for plastic bottles.
• The Kasbah offsets some of its energy use through Climate care.

Getting There

The Kasbah is situated near the village of Imlil in the High Atlas, a 1+1/2 hours drive from Marrakech.

by public transport

This consists of taking a shared taxi or local bus from Marrakech to Asni and then the local taxi (camionette) from Asni to Imlil. The prices vary depending on your bargaining skills and the general demand for taxis at the time! - a local would pay from €3 to €5, a tourist? The journey would generally take between 2 hours to half a day depending on waiting time etc. Since the road from Asni to Imlil has been tarmac covered, taxis are happy to take you to Imlil and are often waiting for hire in Imlil.

by taxi

The Kasbah can organise transfers between Marrakech and Imlil for €80 per car, this is with a driver who regularly does the trip. It's cheaper if you arrange it yourself. From Imlil it's a short walk (uphill) to the Kasbah, although Mules are arranged to take your luggage.

BY RENTED CAR - Directions from Marrakech to Imlil and the Kasbah du Toubkal

Take the Marrakech to Asni road (this is the road that eventually goes to Taroudant via the Tizi-n-Test pass) at Asni take the first left after the village. Imlil is 17 km up this tarmaced road. In Imlil centre there is a car park, park here. About 20 metres up on the right-hand side is the Kasbah du Toubkal's remote reception - this is open from 09.00 hours to 17.00 hours. Report here and you will be looked after. Outside of these hours please ring the Kasbah on 024 48 56 11 and they will arrange for someone to meet you in the car park. The Kasbah is a 15 min walk/mule ride (luggage will be brought up by mule)

reporting to the kasbah remote reception

The Kasbah's remote reception in the village of Imlil is 20 metres from main car park is open 09.00 hours to 17.00 hours. Outside these times please phone/make arrangements to be met._ Tel: Kasbah (from Marrakech) 024 48 56 11, Fax: 024 48 56 36.

from imlil to the kasbah du toubkal

From Imlil, leave the car park and follow the main street up and through the village. After the shops the road turns sharply left and then right. On the right-hand bend take the footpath off to the left. This climbs slowly at first, then more steeply through the walnut groves up to the Kasbah.

directions to the kasbah du toubkal from agadir

There are 2 choices which will in part depend on whether you like driving on spectacular mountain roads.

Depart Agadir to Taroudant and then drive up and over the spectacular Tizi n' Test pass over 2000m in altitude. Then continue down the pass to the Tinmal mosque, then continue to Ajoukak, Ouirgane, and onto Asni. Just before arriving at Asni, on the right there is a turning to Imlil. (If you come to the village of Asni you have missed the turning). This is a spectacular drive but has winding mountain roads and allows you to see major monument of the Tinmal mosque en route. Approx driving time 6 hours (3 to 4 hours to Marrakech). After Taroudant there are very few places to stop and eat until you get to Ouirgane.

Take the main highway from Agadir to Marrakech and then follow our directions from Marrakech. This route is much less interesting scenery wise and is on a major highway with a lot of commercial traffic. Approx 5 to 6 hours driving time.

directions to the kasbah du toubkal from essaouira

Take the main highway from Essaouira to Marrakech and then follow our directions from Marrakech. This route the first half hour is slightly rolling countryside, but then becomes a more barren limestone plain (very hot in summer). Approx 4 hours driving time. (2 to 3 hours to Marrakech)

directions to the kasbah du toubkal from casablanca

Take the motorway from Casablanca to Settat (motorway is being extended to Marrakech by 2007), continue to Marrakech and then follow our directions from Marrakech. Approx 5 hours driving time (3 to 4 hours to Marrakech prior to motorway opening).

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

Standard Double Room: Euro150

(double occupancy, ensuite with shower)

Superior Double Room: Euro200

(double occupancy, ensuite with bath)

Deluxe Double Room: Euro230

(double occupancy, ensuite with bath, private balcony)

Berber Suite: Euro290

(double occupancy, ensuite with bath & shower, two storey - upstairs private Berber salon with sofas and outside terrace, downstairs deluxe double ensuite with bath & shower)

Garden Apartment Suite: Euro420

(double occupancy, 110sq m living area, deluxe double, large lounge with 12m glass wall opening onto balcony with view of waterfalls & high atlas, fitted kitchen, private sun terrace, shared garden)

Garden House: Euro760

3-bedroomed house (based on 6 person occupancy) with its own entrance, lounge with an open fire and a 12 metre glass wall looking up towards the mountains and the peak of Jbel Toubkal. Also has dining room & kitchen.

Small Berber Salon: Euro120

Dorm style, based on 3 person occupancy. Shared bathroom

large berber salon: euro150

Dorm style, based on 4 person occupancy, shared bathroom.

extras

additional info / charges

• Children up to 5 years - free
• Children 5-15 years - 50% off meals and trekking
• Extra person in the Berber Salons Euro40
• Rates valid until October 2007
• The Kasbah and Lodge prefer guests to stay for a minimum of 2 nights.
• A 5% levy is added to all bills - this is paid to the Imlil Village Association and has paid for the local ambulance service amongst other things.
• Check out time is 11am

• Use of Hammam (public baths)
• Accommodation & Breakfast for 2, unless otherwise stated.

The Toubkal lodge is a 3-bedroomed, 3 bathroom lodge which is on a per room or entire house basis. Rates include breakfast but don't include the cost of trekking.

Double with ensuite: Euro200 (half board)

(shared balcony and lounge)

Exclusive rental of the lodge: Euro550

(6 people sharing)

Dar Imlil is a house in Imlil village which guests can stay at if they are trekking. Rates include breakfast but don't include the cost of trekking.

Double en suite: €120

(double occupancy, roof terrace)

Superior room ensuite: €150

(double occupancy, roof terrace)

booking & cancellation policies

• A 10% non-refundable deposit is required in order to secure a booking
• Cancellation made at any time up until 48 hours prior to check in, will result in a cancellation fee of 60% of the total cost of stay.
• Cancellation made 48 hours or less before arrival date will incur a cancellation charge of 100% of cost of booking.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.