Imlil is a small village in the high Atlas Mountains of Morocco .It is a good starting point for a trekking holiday or for climbing Mt Toubkal the second highest mountain in Africa .Imlil village has a variety of shops and "pensions" as well as being a base for guides and trekking parties. The route to Toubkal starts in the village. Its a progressive community and monies from tourism go into a variety of projects organised by the Village associations such as litter collection and disposal and a new Hammam due to open in November 2004 and other projects in the way.
The ait mizane Valley: At the foot of Morocco's highest mountain, Jbel Toubkal (13,167'), a valley in the High Atlas mountains opens before us. This area is called Imlil (pronounced IM-leel) and it is about 55 miles south of Marrakech and just one mile high in elevation. Imlil is home to a small Berber tribe, the Ait Mizane, or "people of the Mizane," which is the name of the stream in the bottom of the valley. Imlil is a collection of several small villages composing about 2500 people in all. They are installed on the northern slope of the High Western Atlas. Their field extends to the plain from Marrakech. Their manpower is approximately 1500 people living between 1600 m and 2900 m of altitude. Aït Mizane set up an interdependent group which maintains the bonds privileged with Sidi Chamharouch, a local saint considered as the king of the genious. It is eternally alive; the place of pilgrimage is a cave with the load of Aït Mizane. The pilgrims come there to cure female sterility or rheumatisms. The tribe is divided into fractions. Each fraction endeavours to mark its difference compared to another fraction. In each village is a village assembly. Each village organizes the prayer of Aïd el Kebir, has its ritual cycle and has a ritual meadow.
Where to sleep?
Leaving the stress and insanity of Marrakech for this little mountain village and surroundings is a good idea, even just for a day or two. You can pitch a tent in a grassy clearing beside the guest House. Imlil also has several pensions in the village area: If you want really a good accommodation the Gîte Tourtatine Guest house above the village will provide wonderful accommodation. There is Omar ait tadrart who can help with reservations or see contact us . One of the great delights of the area is to sit on the House roof eating lunch or taking tea and watching the next villages Arghen, Ait souka, Tamatert, Targa Imoula, and the subtle changes of colour of the surrounding mountains as the sun moves.
Each village has:
its own cultures (its members divide the same irrigation canal, the courses of transhumance are identical).
its place of prayer (mosque).
The village shelters several families of various origins. The hearth is the place where the kitchen is made but it is also the unit which is under the single authority of elder group. The wide family allows a distribution between the men and the women. The woman takes part in all the tasks. If the father dies, the mother remains with the head of the family. If it is the mother who dies and that the widower takes again a wife.
The principal activities of Aït Mizane: are Agriculture with the cereal culture, the breeding of bovines and caprine and arboriculture (walnut trees, fruit trees), and Tourism (Mountain guides, Hébergeurs, Muletiers and cooks...). The culture is carried out on irrigated terraces. In the arid zones of mountain, the water which comes from the torrents and the sources is stored in the basins. The dairy production is very weak (3 to 4 L per cow). The cows can be had in association. The borrower ensures the food of the animal but guard butter and milk. At the time of the sale of the animal, the sum is divided into two, the owner recovers the price starting and a half of the animal. The company of Aït Mizane practises the marriage within their tribe, they consolidate economic bonds thus.
The owners of plain have interest has to have animals of mountain on their grounds, that allows them:
to have partners who ensure the reception, a protection and lodging at the time of the great pilgrimages.
That a woman can move, it will be dealt with and will be protected,
to carry out exchanges of goods.
To have labour during the harvests and of the harvest of fruits.
The pastoral activity is more appraisal than the agricultural activity. The livestock is a good which makes it possible to have money and to conclude from matrimonial alliances. The statute of the shepherd is devalued. If each couple has a room in the family house, which of the shepherd is on the floor of the animals, i.e. on low the floor. Very often, the shepherd does not take part in the daily meals because it leaves early and returns late.

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Ahmed ait tadrart is a mountain guide , he was born in Imlil, which is close to the High Atlas mountains North Africans greatest mountain rang, the most intriguing and the most beautiful region of Morocco, he is the owner of the 1st ranked guest house in the high atlas and Imlil " Tourtatine".

Tourtatine is a Very pleasant and clean Guest House, the trekkers was using this House since it was opened in 2000.

He is a well-known guide in morocco, he is experienced in hiking and trekking , as well as in organising trekking.

For further in formation visit our website:
www.tawada.fr.fm
www.atlaswalkers.com
E-mail:tadrarte_trekking_guide@yahoo.fr
Tel+212 24 36 16 80
Ahmed Mobile: +212 66 94 56 61
Hassan Mobile: +212 72 660 880

The South of Morocco with its kasbahs and direct access to the Sahara is growing in popularity.

To make the most of your visit to this fascinating region of Morocco, Atlaswalkers has put together a comprehensive programme of desert trips based out of each the main places to stay, Ouarzazate, Zagora and Erfoud as well as two and three day excursions from Marrakech for those of you on short breaks to the Imperial city.

In the grid below are links to further details of this exciting programme of activities and excursions - ranging from 4WD and quad bike safaris to extended camel safaris into the wilderness of the Deep South and simple overnight excursions to see the sunset at the fabulous Erg Chebbi (dunes) near Merzouga.[FONT=Arial][SIZE=7][COLOR=blue]

Anti Atlas is the most exposed massif in west south, we reach it by the west of Agadir or by the north of Taroudant by the mountains of high atlas occidental. Anti Atlas means in Arabic the small Atlas , because the top is at 2500 m ( the highest point is Jebel Aklim),rich in their authenticity, you will discover their valleys, tresors, and specially their Berber people. We will traverse the old beautiful villages and the gorges, cretes, plateaux and summit in the field of almondier and arganiers, 2 wonderful trees in this region. The almond flowers in January, February and give fruit in July.

This trip takes you from Tafraoute near Agadir, through the stunning Anti Atlas Mountains and Ameln Valley, via different Berber villages and on to Tiznit, which is well known for the silver markets and walled town.

The drive from Tafraoute to Tiznit is one of the most spectacularly beautiful that you can make in Morocco. The amazing splendour of the Anti Atlas Mountains, the contrast between oasis greenery and barren mountain slopes and the bizarre lunar landscape around Tafraoute make this drive very worthwhile and memorable.
In the rugged Anti-Atlas country see the famous blue painted rocks by Belgian artist, Jean Verame.

The Ameln Valley (Valley of Almonds) offers some of the most spectacular nature scenes of Morocco, as well as some of the most beautiful villages. The Ameln Valley is known as the valley of 26 villages, all pink and red brick, nestling on the sides of the mountains.
See the unusual pink village of Aguerd-Oudad, which is built under a huge boulder eroded into an unusual formation, known as "The Hat of Napoleon"[COLOR=blue]

Hiking Essaouira, the ancient and mythical Mogador, which has become one of the most trendy coast spot, you will enjoy splendid hiking between dunes and ocean at the slow rhythm of a camel caravan. Sometimes walk near the sea along the immense beaches which merge with the dunes, and sometimes along vertiginous cliffs. Splendid sunsets.

Start the walk at the beautiful castle, once built by the Portuguese. Walk along the walls alongside sea. You will see a building on a small island, built as a prison. Sea on this part of the coast is windy therefore you get wet by the wildy waves of the sea as it hits the walls. Notice the towers at the end of the seawalls and go down to the streets of Essaouria to discover its medieval architecture.

There will be Turkish baths, synagogues shops selling spices and riads on hidden streets. You will notice the European character of this cute town as well. There is a little possibility that you see hustlers here. The atmosphere is more relaxed that the rest of Morocco. There are coffee houses around as well as European style patisseries.

For lunch go back to the harbour and sit a while watching seagulls following the boats and you can have fish at one of the places at the harbour. Once more you will notice that the shops here are much different than in Agadir and you will be treated more as a person than cash-machine and that is a good feeling while travelling.

We also have day hikes into the surrounding countryside from Ouarzazate and some pre-bookable sightseeing, particularly in and around Ouarzazate; clients staying at Skoura and Ait Ben Haddou can also take advantage of the majority of these trips.[COLOR=blue]

Toubkal in Winter After the morning to experience exotic Marrakech you head off into the mountains and get onto the trails. From Aremd you’ll climb to Neltner (3207m), the base camp for Toubkal, and undertake several walks to get used to the conditions and acclimatise. With three nights at Neltner there is plenty of time to practice with your ice axe and crampons
The Roof of North Africa

The main goal of the trip is to climb summit Jebel Toubkal - North Africa’s highest peak (4167m), but there is also time for the sister peak Ouanakrim (4088m). Winter is a more challenging time to climb in the mountains but the rewards are truly inspirational. The mountains are capped with snow and the air is crisp and clear making the views immeasurably more breathtaking.[FONT=Arial][SIZE=7][COLOR=blue]

Toubkal in Winter After the morning to experience exotic Marrakech you head off into the mountains and get onto the trails. From Aremd you’ll climb to Neltner (3207m), the base camp for Toubkal, and undertake several walks to get used to the conditions and acclimatise. With three nights at Neltner there is plenty of time to practice with your ice axe and crampons
The Roof of North Africa

The main goal of the trip is to climb summit Jebel Toubkal - North Africa’s highest peak (4167m), but there is also time for the sister peak Ouanakrim (4088m). Winter is a more challenging time to climb in the mountains but the rewards are truly inspirational. The mountains are capped with snow and the air is crisp and clear making the views immeasurably more breathtaking.[FONT=Arial][SIZE=7][COLOR=blue]

I'm fully certified Atlas mountain guide based in Imlil in the High Atlas and the nearby city of Marrakesh.
I have over 20 years experience in this field and I have worked with thousand of visitors from all over the world, speaking many different languages. I offer a wide range of services for those planning a trip to the High Atlas, from basic one day guided walks to full package treks, including transport to the region, accomodation, food, guides, mules, tentes, kitchen, entertainment and much more. I'm able to suggest itineraries to meet the requirements of visitors based on the number of days available, number of group members (from sole travellers to large group), difficultly of trek, level of food and accomodation required, etc. It would be very useful to gain an indication of the type of trip you have in mind, so we can get a clear picture of your requirements. Please be as spesific as you can, and we will use this informations to work up a suitable package.
We are of course able to answer any specific questions you may have in connection with your proposed trip.
If you can set out your plans by e-mail and attach any further questions, we will then make contact to work out the details. I hope this is helpful.
I look forward to receiving further details of you proposed trip and I hope to welcome you to the magnificent High Atlas mountain.[COLOR=blue][SIZE=7][FONT=Arial]

I'm fully certified Atlas mountain guide based in Imlil in the High Atlas and the nearby city of Marrakesh.
I have over 20 years experience in this field and I have worked with thousand of visitors from all over the world, speaking many different languages. I offer a wide range of services for those planning a trip to the High Atlas, from basic one day guided walks to full package treks, including transport to the region, accomodation, food, guides, mules, tentes, kitchen, entertainment and much more. I'm able to suggest itineraries to meet the requirements of visitors based on the number of days available, number of group members (from sole travellers to large group), difficultly of trek, level of food and accomodation required, etc. It would be very useful to gain an indication of the type of trip you have in mind, so we can get a clear picture of your requirements. Please be as spesific as you can, and we will use this informations to work up a suitable package.
We are of course able to answer any specific questions you may have in connection with your proposed trip.
If you can set out your plans by e-mail and attach any further questions, we will then make contact to work out the details. I hope this is helpful.
I look forward to receiving further details of you proposed trip and I hope to welcome you to the magnificent High Atlas mountain.[FONT=Arial][COLOR=blue]

I'm fully certified Atlas mountain guide based in Imlil in the High Atlas and the nearby city of Marrakesh.
I have over 20 years experience in this field and I have worked with thousand of visitors from all over the world, speaking many different languages. I offer a wide range of services for those planning a trip to the High Atlas, from basic one day guided walks to full package treks, including transport to the region, accomodation, food, guides, mules, tentes, kitchen, entertainment and much more. I'm able to suggest itineraries to meet the requirements of visitors based on the number of days available, number of group members (from sole travellers to large group), difficultly of trek, level of food and accomodation required, etc. It would be very useful to gain an indication of the type of trip you have in mind, so we can get a clear picture of your requirements. Please be as spesific as you can, and we will use this informations to work up a suitable package.
We are of course able to answer any specific questions you may have in connection with your proposed trip.
If you can set out your plans by e-mail and attach any further questions, we will then make contact to work out the details. I hope this is helpful.
I look forward to receiving further details of you proposed trip and I hope to welcome you to the magnificent High Atlas mountain.[FONT=Arial][COLOR=blue]