Quick facts
MAD (Moroccan Dirham) Currency — Cash only — no ATMs in Imlil
Tamazight & Arabic Language — French common; limited English
WET (UTC+1) Timezone — Morocco stays on UTC+1 year-round
Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct Best Months — Mild trekking weather; snow in winter
~$25–60 USD Daily Budget — Budget gite to mid-range kasbah
Visa-free for most Visa — EU/US/UK/AU visa-free 90 days
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-25 | $30-50 |
| Food | $8-12 | $15-25 |
| Transport | $5-6 | $15-20 |
| Activities | $5-10 | $50-70 |
| Daily Total | $30-50 | $100-160 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Health & Safety
- Altitude sickness can occur above 2,500m. Acclimatise in Imlil before attempting higher treks. Ascend slowly and stay hydrated.
- The nearest pharmacy is in Asni (17km). The nearest hospital is in Marrakech. Bring any medication you need.
- Imlil is very safe — the biggest risks are altitude, dehydration, and slips on mountain trails.
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage (Maroc Telecom) works in Imlil village but is patchy on mountain trails and non-existent at the refuge.
- WiFi at gites is limited and slow. Embrace the disconnection.
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps) before arriving — essential for trekking.
Getting There
- From Marrakech: shared grand taxi (MAD 50-60, 1.5 hours) from near Bab er-Rob. Departs when full.
- Private transfer: MAD 300-400 one way. Can be arranged through your gite or Marrakech riad.
- No public buses to Imlil. The road is paved but narrow and winding.
Money
- No ATMs in Imlil. Withdraw all cash needed in Marrakech before departure.
- All transactions are cash. Budget MAD 400-600 per day depending on activities.
- Tip guides (MAD 200-300 per multi-day trek), mule handlers (MAD 100-150/day), and gite staff (MAD 50-100/stay).
Weather
- April to June: spring trekking season. Warm days (15-25C), cool nights. Snow may remain on Toubkal summit.
- September to October: autumn season. Clear skies, warm days, less snow. Best weather for summit attempts.
- November to March: cold and snowy above 2,500m. Toubkal requires crampons and ice axe in winter.
Packing for Toubkal
- Essentials: trekking boots (broken in), warm layers, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, headlamp, sunscreen.
- The mule carries your main pack — you only need a daypack for summit day (water, snacks, layers, camera).
- Trekking poles are highly recommended for the steep scree descent from the summit.
