Welcome to Morocco

Abdul picked me up in a fancy black SUV at the Marrakech airport as the sun was setting.  We traveled due south for almost an hour over the flat, desolate Moroccan plain.  After passing the market town of Asni, the road narrowed to one lane and we began a winding assent, snaking along the side of the  valley wall into the High Atlas Mountains to our destination, the village of Imlil.  It might have been a harrowing drive, but it wasn't.  I had no fear as we sped along.  From my vantage, all I could see was the hillside on my right and the edge of the roadway disappear into blackness on my left.  
 

The night was  very dark when we arrived at the Riad Dar Imlil, a traditional   family house now serving overnight guests. I exited the car, surrounded by darkness and felt I was walking through a tunnel as I made my way along a  stone path and up the steps  leading to the entry.  I opened a large medieval looking wooden door and once inside I was struck by a strong spicy smell.  It was foreign and exotic, perhaps incense burning or a lingering aroma from cooking, I wasn't sure.  I gazed around the large central reception area. The smell, in concert with the dim yellowish glow of the lights and Moorish  

    furnishings created ambiance of another world.

Riad Dar Imlil Reception Area 

I was warmly greeted by the staff and offered a cup of mint tea.  After check-in I was given my options for tomorrow; my day in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco. I chose a grand circuit, a loop walking through six villages in the Imlil valley with views of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in north Africa. The Riad Dar Imlil is located at the edge of the village of Imlil, the trailhead for treks to the mountain's summit and the lure for most visitors.  It's a two day hike to the top of Toubkal and since I only have one day, I will be content with viewing Toubkal from afar.  My day hike will however provide me a glimpse into the life and culture of the Berber's, residents of the Imlil valley for thousands of years.

About The Berbers

The Berber's are the indigenous peoples of North Africa. Their tribes and clans are spread  about with the highest concentrations in Algeria and Morocco.  They are non Arab and non Moor. Berbers historically have lived in rural areas living off the land typically working as farmers and herders. Berbers are world renowned artisans and craftsman known for their handicrafts, especially fine carpets and leather goods. Berbers are independent by nature and highly devoted to family.