Kasbah du Toubkal in the Atlas Mountains

The Kasbah du Toubkal was founded in 1995 by Mike and Chris McHugo, British brothers who have been mountain hikers, and Atlas adventurers since the 1970’s. They bought it as a ruin and, in partnership with Omar Ait Barmed, a local mountain guide who first led Mike through the Imlil Valley in 1978 they have restored it to its original magnificence. The ruin, once the home of a feudal ruler, was rebuilt using local skills and techniques and, these days, it must be one of the most photographed kasbahs in Morocco. And what you see in the iconic photo is what you get.

These words are also on the Kasbah’s website, because this is the sort of business you are dealing with. The Kasbah du Toubkal does leave you speechless and in terms of responsible tourism storytelling, it has been cited as a case study the world over. Not only for its sensitive architecture and exemplary protection of cultural heritage, but also because of its total immersion in the local community. For example, the Kasbah team co-founded the Imlil Valley Association, and there is a five percent automatic levy on every tourist visit to the Kasbah that goes towards funding this. The Association manages everything from waste disposal, a community hammam and improved fresh water to an internet café. They also work at a higher level to ensure that the region is protected from inappropriate and insensitive tourism development, the likes of which has been seen throughout the Alps.

The views and the vibe are both winners at the Kasbah du Toubkal, no matter what your age or income group. But so is the Berber hospitality. You don’t feel as if you have ‘staff’ looking after you, but are treated like an honoured guest in their home. People do whatever they can to help you or advise you, and yet with no sense of hierarchy. It is more like a true Berber community. The manager is just as likely to help you if you need something at the table, as your waiter or waitress. So if elitism is your thing, then the Kasbah may not be. If a deep understanding of mountain life, Berber heritage and a warm, ‘open to all’ welcome is, then the Kasbah will definitely rock your world.

Photo credits: [Top box - Kasbah du Toubkal: Kasbah du Toubkal] [An institution - dining room: Kasbah du Toubkal] [Berber girls: David Rosen] [Hamman: Kasbah du Toubkal] [Help desk banner: Alexander Cahlenstein]