There’s no doubt that Kasbah du Toubkal is a special place to stay, even if you’re completely unaware of its story.
Set in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains and at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, its location alone is reason enough to visit.
And, even if it is the surroundings that first draw you to the area, the Kasbah promises plenty of reasons to cherish your stay there forever.
As a former Nat Geo Unique Lodge (before the scheme was scrapped), it goes without saying that staying here promises to be a unique experience.
What really caught me by surprise, however, were the little unexpected quirks and details.
Kasbah du Toubkal: At a glance
In a hurry? Here are the most important things to know about this unique luxury eco-lodge in Toubkal National Park.
🛌 Stay for 2-4 nights to fully enjoy both the property and the surrounding hikes.
🍽️ Prepare to eat well! Every meal is a hearty affair with local delicacies. Don’t miss lunch on the terrace!
⛰️ For an extra special trip, book a night at the Kasbah’s sister property, Azzeden Trekking Lodge.
Checking in to Kasbah du Toubkal
The recent 2023 earthquake and tourism-limited pandemic years affected the property heavily.
However, both have provided an opportunity for the Kasbah to rebuild and bounce back even better than before.
What is particularly special is that it would be easy to believe that the property has been standing as it is today for many decades. A testament to the design and care put into every detail.
Built from a ruin, the Kasbah continues to depend on mule transport for everything – including building materials.
In fact, mules are used even for guest access.
When my taxi from Marrakech stopped on the edge of a mountain, I wondered if I would have to walk in the dark and find the hotel myself.
A short time later, however, a man on a mule arrived. He loaded my luggage on to the mule and we walked together for 10 minutes or so to the gate.
And I was excited.
Some of the most incredible places I’ve stayed have required the most unorthodox access methods. For example, I had to take a boat through to reach Sukau Rainforest Lodge and drove a tuktuk to reach Gal Oya Lodge.
This unusual entrance told me that what I was about to find behind the gate was going to be more special than I’d anticipated – and it was true.
Staying at Kasbah du Toubkal
I arrived at Kasbah du Toubkal at around 11pm, after a VERY long travel day.
When I arrived and walked into the building – after the short hike down with the mule – the first thing I noticed was the property itself.
Even in the dark, it’s incredibly majestic.
Once I stepped inside, it felt homelier than I could have imagined.
Two staff members were waiting for me with warm smiles and hot water to wash my hands.
They had laid out a table for my dinner even though it was already late. The first course of carrot soup and homemade bread would have been enough, but it was followed by some rice, vegetables and an omelette.
As I enjoyed a much-needed meal, I noticed the incredible detail in everything around me: the beautiful Moroccan rugs, the cosy fireplace, the unique ceramics from which I was eating and the wooden spoon provided for the soup.
Rooms
The room was no less intricate.
The hospitality continued in the room with slippers, a refillable glass water bottle and Berber robes all provided for comfort.
The heater had been turned on to warm up my room – it can be pretty chilly in the Atlas Mountains at night! – and a hot water bottle has been placed in the bed.
I was able to see a few of the 15 rooms while I was staying at Kasbah du Toubkal.
Every room is slightly different, with its own charm, but all have huge beds and many have balconies or terraces with views over the surrounding mountains. My room even had a walk-in wardrobe!
Inside the bathrooms, you’ll find all the usual amenities plus some local products to use. Plus a powerful shower with abundant hot water – something you really want after a day of hiking or exploring.
Location
Kasbah du Toubkal is situated in the village of Imlil, the starting point for many High Atlas hikes including the daring Mount Toubkal ascent.
There are plenty of hiking routes to enjoy in the surrounding area and the Kasbah can organise half-day, full-day and even multi-day treks for guests. They also offer everybody a free 2-hour walk in the surrounding area.
The property is slightly out of town, away from the usual tourist spots (and the constant bids for custom that come with them). Unlike the centre of the village, the Kasbah is nothing but peaceful.
It’s also very close to the Imlil waterfalls, making a visit to them an easy 10-15 minute walk from the entrance.
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Dining
The food at the Kasbah was one of my favourite things about staying there.
Breakfast is a large spread of breads, pancakes, eggs and fruits – a fairly typical breakfast in Moroccan hotels and riads.
Lunch was my favourite meal of all because it is served on the rooftop terrace (weather permitting) with views over the towering mountains.
Dinner takes place in the cosy lounge once again. It’s an open-plan room with seats lining the edges, offering a wonderful chance to meet and share stories with other guests.
As for the food itself, there was (always!) much more than I could manage. Aside from the lack of variety in vegetarian options – which I think wasn’t helped by the fact I was visiting during Ramadan – I couldn’t fault it in any way.
Facilities
You might visit Kasbah du Toubkal to escape for a quiet retreat or you might use it as a base for exploring the High Atlas Mountains and Toubkal National Park.
Whatever your reason for visiting, the hotel is well-equipped – without trying to offer too much.
The brand new infinity pool, which opened for the 2025 season, offers enviable views over the surrounding area and a lovely outdoor spot to relax.
Every guest can book a 30-minute slot for the on-site hammam – an experience that is great for a relaxing day in or after a long day of hiking.
There’s also several spaces where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or Moroccan mint tea at any time of day, many of them with 360-degree views of the mountains.
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Sustainability
There’s always a fine balance between luxury and responsibility, but Kasbah du Toubkal walks the line effortlessly.
Much of this relies on the fact that the founder, Mike McHugo, has built a warm relationship with the local community – and works with locals to make the Kasbah as special as it is.
The property itself has also been designed to fit local customs and architectural practices, blending into the surrounding environment.
As a guest, you are more likely to notice the little details that contribute to the hotel’s sustainability efforts: a lack of plastic, reusable glass bottles and free drinking water from the local spring.
