Berber Retreat in the High Atlas: Kasbah du Toubkal’s Tranquil Mountain Escape
At the base of Jbel Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak, Kasbah du Toubkal offers a serene retreat just 60 km from Marrakech. Praised by Condé Nast Traveller for its “best rooftop views in North Africa,” this peaceful haven in the High Atlas Mountains offers an unforgettable blend of tranquility and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Managed by locals Hajj Maurice and Hajja Arkia with their dedicated Berber team, Kasbah du Toubkal is a testament to Berber hospitality. Preserving its historical charm, the restored former home of a feudal chieftain blends traditional architecture with modern sustainability, including solar panels that harness Morocco's abundant sunlight.
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including the Garden House, with three bedrooms, a private entrance, and a 12-meter glass wall framing panoramic mountain views. Alternatively, the Deluxe, Superior, and Standard en-suite rooms offer comfort steeped in Berber authenticity. All rooms are adorned with handcrafted walnut furniture, showcasing local craftsmanship.
The cuisine centers on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients, with vegetarian options always available. Guests can enjoy signature dishes like apricot and walnut lamb tagine and couscous meatball kebabs, all prepared with regional produce, minimizing the use of imported goods.
A sanctuary for wellness, the Kasbah invites you to unwind on yoga terraces with spectacular views, indulge in the centuries-old tradition of hammams, or enjoy personalized massages enriched with the finest local botanicals.
Sustainability is central to the Kasbah’s mission. Five percent of all booking proceeds are channeled into community projects through the Imlil Village Association, supporting initiatives like a community hammam, a trout farm, flood protection, apprenticeships, and building a school for 80 children in a nearby valley.
For the adventurous, the Kasbah provides a gateway to the High Atlas Mountains. Guided treks, from gentle walks to the challenging ascent of Jbel Toubkal at 4,167 meters, are available with mule support. A trekking lodge, located a day’s walk from the Kasbah, provides a base for deeper mountain explorations, featuring traditional architecture, solar-powered underfloor heating, and awe-inspiring views.
As you step through the Kasbah’s entrance, marked by a plaque reading "Dreams are only the plans of the reasonable," you’re invited to start dreaming and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this extraordinary destination.
Sustainability Criteria
- The Kasbah is a co-founder of efamorocco.org
- Invoices will incur a 5% charge to the Village Association “Association des Bassins d’Imlil” – a Moroccan NGO -which covers the whole of the surrounding valleys
- The Kasbah is run by Berbers and maintains traditional Berber culture
- Local culture is preserved through donations to the surrounding village community
- Photovoltaic to produce energy
- LED lights and motion sensors are installed throughout
- The Kasbah was built traditionally with adobe walls and wooden ceilings
- The staff wear traditional robes
- All furniture is made locally from wood
- The amenities are made from local products with natural ingredients
- Traditional, local products are used in the hammam
Photos
Features & Activities
- Holiday Villa, Chalet or Cabin
- Hotel in a Historical Building
- Horseback Riding Nearby
- Hotel in the Mountains
- Hotel Close to Nature
Location
Just less than 10 minutes away on foot, the small town of Imlil will be waiting for you, with its traditional houses, the vegetation that grows thanks to its small stream, and its sandy streets.
The Kasbah is set in the Toubkal National Park. Marrakech is 60 km away, a 1.5-hour drive. Private transfers between Marrakech and Imlil are available.
