Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.
We instigated a rubbish clearance policy in 1997 for the region including the building of a communal incinerator. We have equipped the Kasbah with water filters to discourage the use of plastic bottled water. All supplies are purchased locally as much as possible and all staff are from the local region. As much as possible of the Kasbah purchases are from the local area this includes both consumables for the running of the establishment and the materials and labour used in the construction process. We have also sponsored a "Tourist Code of good practise". A NOTE ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE: We work closely with “SPANA” a British charity working for the Protection of Animals abroad.
We only use mules whether ours or hired in that are in good health have Spana bits, are loaded with 60 to 80 kg of baggage and muleteers are discouraged/banned from riding when the mules are loaded. We worked with Spana to produce this website www.imlilvalley.com and associated pdf brochure for use by everyone involved in tourism to encourage good practice in several area’s of sustainable tourism including mule welfare.
The Impacts of this Trip
We funded an Ambulance for the village and built an incinerator and instigated a rubbish clearance system. A 5% levy is made on the Kasbah income and handed to the village association (Association Des Basins d'Imlil) and Education For All. The Association Bassins d’Imlil covers the whole of the surrounding valleys. This association provides the ambulance that you see in Imlil which provides a service to the local population and visitors, other community projects that have been undertaken include the rubbish clearance system and the provision of the village Hammam. Education For All helps provide college education for girls from the rural High Atlas.
We instigated a rubbish clearance policy in 1997 for the region including the building of a communal incinerator. We have equipped the Kasbah with water filters to discourage the use of plastic bottled water. All supplies are purchased locally as much as possible and all staff are from the local region. As much as possible of the Kasbah purchases are from the local area this includes both consumables for the running of the establishment and the materials and labour used in the construction process. We have also sponsored a "Tourist Code of good practise". A NOTE ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE: We work closely with “SPANA” a British charity working for the Protection of Animals abroad.
We only use mules whether ours or hired in that are in good health have Spana bits, are loaded with 60 to 80 kg of baggage and muleteers are discouraged/banned from riding when the mules are loaded. We worked with Spana to produce this website www.imlilvalley.com and associated pdf brochure for use by everyone involved in tourism to encourage good practice in several area’s of sustainable tourism including mule welfare.
The Impacts of this Trip
We funded an Ambulance for the village and built an incinerator and instigated a rubbish clearance system. A 5% levy is made on the Kasbah income and handed to the village association (Association Des Basins d'Imlil) and Education For All. The Association Bassins d’Imlil covers the whole of the surrounding valleys. This association provides the ambulance that you see in Imlil which provides a service to the local population and visitors, other community projects that have been undertaken include the rubbish clearance system and the provision of the village Hammam. Education For All helps provide college education for girls from the rural High Atlas.
3 Reviews of Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains
Reviewed on 27 Sep 2019 by Jane Currie
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Doing a trek up through the valley..
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come prepared to walk as it is the most beautiful place.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Glad that our visit supported education for local girls... this was something that was actively promoted as part of the company ethos.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We just loved the initial walk in through the main gate to find ourselves in a mini
paradise... what a setting with such fabulous views. All the staff were friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble, they even arranged a birthday cake for my daughter at short notice. We had a fabulous stay and would highly recommend it to everyone.
Reviewed on 28 Jan 2018 by Simon Lupini
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Experiencing outstanding natural beauty with welcoming proud local people. The freshly prepared local food was wonderful. Friendly like minded fellow travellers.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go to relax & experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefiting local communities in a positive manner. Hotel environmental initiatives were good although local villages litter issue is appalling blight on environment, more education required.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Highly recommended.
Read the operator's response here:
Rubbish is a major issue in an area where there are no formal rubbish clearance systems in place. We have and continue to work tirelessly in this area and engage with the local government to improve this area.
We have instigated a rubbish clearance system and this website www.mountainpropre.org will give you an idea of all the work we have done in the area. The Kasbah has a no plastic bottle policy and we instigated this in 2006. We continue to try to help with education in this area see www.imlilvalley.com. The reality is that Imlil valley is much better (far from perfect) than many of the other valleys where no system is in place. We continue to try and work with the Toubkal National Park authorities and the local government to improve the situation. This is an area we devote a lot of time and resources to and is an area of great frustration to us but we continue to work to improve but the reality ultimately it is about education and an acceptable rubbish disposal system. Fortunately the Moroccan government has instigated a no plastic bag policy so hopefully improvements are taking place and we will continue to try and play our part.
Reviewed on 01 Sep 2013 by James Osborn
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hospitality and friendliness of the staff at Kasbah du Toukbal. The stunning views from the dining room. The amazing lunches high on the mountains and relaxing on a mattress after lunch before continuing the trek. Great guide and a schedule tailored completely to our needs. We were looked after so well.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use the walking sticks as the descents can be steep at times and these make it easier on the knees.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I really liked the way the tourism contributed to the community and had provided amenities such as ambulance and refuse collection and also ran a charity to help older girls get a high school education funded
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant
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