Kasbah du Toubkal, Imlil, Morocco - Explore & Book

"Question: how is it possible to take off from a London airport and within 6 hours be looking out at a mountain landscape of Tibetan grandeur and isolation? Answer: go to Morocco. More precisely, go to the unique hilltop kasbah-fort set at the base of Mt. Toubkal in the high Atlas, an epic journey that takes in plane, bus, taxi and a short walk. It may take just half a day but it will transport you to a different world.Sitting on the carpeted rooftop terrace in your loaned leather ‘babouches’ (slippers) and hooded woollen ‘djelaba’ (cloak), nodding wordlessly at the smiling Berber men who bring mint tea and freshly-picked nuts, staring up at snow-dusted peaks and down on stone-coloured villages, a wave of emotions inevitably washes over you: excitement at the discoveries ahead, tranquil disconnection from the stress behind, and awe at the majesty of it all. It may not be Tibet, but, as Martin Scorsese discovered when he filmed part of his movie Kundun here, it comes pretty close. Highs A magnificent setting on a remote hilltop amongst north Africa’s highest mountains; from the panoramic roof terrace you look down on 3 valleys fringed with green orchards and earth-coloured hamletsAn ideal base for hikes of all levels in the High Atlas, from a fully inclusive, flexible and tailor-made gentle 5-night package to the 2-day ascent of Toubkal itselfWe applaud the cultural sensitivity with which it's run - it employs locals, funds the Village Association and has won a Green Globe for sustainable tourismIt offers a variety of accommodation options, from ensuite rooms to a self-contained house for 6, perfect for a familyHikers have exclusive access to their Azzaden Trekking Lodge, reached by a half- or full day's hike from the kasbah - the comfiest mountain refuge imaginable, with excellent beds and ensuite bathrooms Lows You have to walk the last 15 minutes (or get on a mule), but hopefully this will attract rather than deter youBe aware that the Dar Imlil rooms are situated in the village of Imlil, 15 minutes below the main kasbahPrices are distinctly European (compared with other local spots) but you do get some of the best rooftop views in north Africa, and a percentage of profits goes to local projectsIt's not licensed, so if you need a post-trek beer, you'll need to bring it with you from Marrakech" - Michael Cullen