The beautiful village of Imlil can be found nestled in the heart of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and the terrain that surrounds this peaceful village is a rich contrast from that of the country’s lowlands. Here, pink houses are spaced unevenly through the village, with numerous trees – mostly walnut – interspersed around them. Everyone in Imlil loves the nature of their surroundings, and all of them would be willing to take a walk with you into the mountains to show you their lovely land.
Situated 1740 meters above sea level, Imlil is a fairly new village in Morocco. It was created as a starting and stopping point for hikers who enter and exit Toubkal National Park. There are still small communities that surround Imlil – namely Tamatert, Ait Souka, Tagadirt, Acheim, Taourirt n’Ait Mizane, Mzikene, and Arhrene – and while the roads leading to and from these villages are unsurfaced, they are still in good condition for visitors to travel on. The rough terrain is what keeps these small wonders of Morocco safe from the ravages of over-commercialism, where the residents still dress in the traditional style of their ancestors and live a simple but satisfying existence.
The area in which Imlil sits has always been known for its walnuts, apples, and cherries. The forests that surround the village have primarily been walnut groves, but as the area has grown, additional harvesting trees have been added. While walnut, apple, and cherry harvesting have been the small area’s primary economy through the years, the tourism trade has become the main source of income for Imlil and the small villages around it. Not only do foreign visitors come to the mountains, but so do other residents of Morocco who only want to escape the heat.