Mule Ride Kik Plateau & Imlil Day Trip: An Honest Look

Thinking of taking a day trip that gets you out of Marrakech and into the amazing landscapes of Morocco? The Mule Ride Kik Plateau and Imlil Day Tour could just be the ticket! Very, very popular for anyone looking for a mix of some easy adventure and beautiful scenery, that tour promises an experience to see a different side of Morocco, so far from the buzz of the city. But, really, is that experience worth it? Let’s have a look at what the tour involves, the things that make it great, and a few considerations that might sway your decision. Maybe you will even like it.

What’s the Kik Plateau? Expect a big view!

So, before you decide anything, what even *is* the Kik Plateau? Basically, that Plateau’s a stunning, wide open space that’s about an hour’s drive from Marrakech. That landscape there just feels like another planet from the packed streets of the city, with its rolling hills and the Atlas Mountains sitting right behind it, really creating this great view. Typically, it’s less visited by tourists than some other spots, giving it, actually, a much more peaceful feel. Apparently, what that does is offer you this chance to connect with the Moroccan countryside in a, kind of, unique way. I want to go back now!

On this particular tour, one of the main things is taking a mule ride across the plateau. You know, riding a mule might be a little new for some, yet, in some respects, that’s part of the adventure. That pace of the mule gives you this chance to really absorb all that beautiful scenery and soak it all in, so to speak. That option is typically available, and sometimes it might be required, for sections of that tour to make some of those viewpoints a little more accessible.

Imlil: At the foot of something huge

Next up, so to speak, there’s Imlil. That little village acts like that gateway to the High Atlas Mountains and really gives you some great views of Mount Toubkal, which is that tallest peak in North Africa. Often, that day trip includes some time spent in Imlil. Really, that might involve a guided hike, seeing a local Berber family, and, of course, eating some tasty Moroccan food. Like your chance to get to know all about that Berber culture is really the most awesome thing, and to experience that mountain lifestyle is like so refreshing.

What a typical tour day looks like, in a way

Alright, let’s break down what that average Mule Ride Kik Plateau and Imlil Day Tour *might* look like. So, in the first place, you typically start with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. After that, there’s, arguably, that drive towards the Kik Plateau, getting your first taste of those rolling landscapes.

Upon reaching the Kik Plateau, that adventure can include your mule ride, allowing you to traverse all that wide-open space and grab that amazing view of the Atlas Mountains. I mean, after the Plateau, the tour normally takes you to Imlil. In Imlil, actually, you’ll meet up with a local guide to lead you on a walk through the village and maybe show you around those surrounding areas. And then, of course, there is lunch – usually a, very, delicious meal enjoyed either in a Berber house or a local restaurant. After that, and getting your fill of that mountain air, you head back to Marrakech in the late afternoon.

What’s often included?

Round-trip transportation from Marrakech in, just a little, something comfortable (a van or 4×4, that kind of thing).
A mule ride on the Kik Plateau.
Guidance from a, very, local Berber guide in Imlil.
Lunch (check, so too it’s clear what beverages are covered).

What’s, arguably, not included?

Drinks unless otherwise specified (so, stay hydrated!).
Tips for your guide and muleteer (that’s always appreciated).
Personal expenses.

What’s awesome about that trip? (Plus, the parts that are just okay)

Okay, let’s look at the good and, what I think, isn’t so good. That change in scenery, right, it’s just unbelievable! I mean, going from those hectic streets of Marrakech to that quiet, open scenery of that Kik Plateau and those Atlas Mountains is, often, something truly special. That tour can be an amazing escape from the city’s, very, craziness.

The Mule Ride is pretty good, right? Riding a mule isn’t something everyone gets to do every day, is that so? And then, it really adds a bit of a unique, and really kind of fun, spin to getting around. That chance to see all that local Berber Culture first-hand is, as a matter of fact, one of that big draws, right? Engaging with local people, visiting those Berber villages, and, I guess, sampling some real Moroccan cuisine makes that experience much richer.

Things to consider…

So, it isn’t always smooth sailing, is that so? Those tours tend to cater to a general audience. This is really not like a highly personalized adventure, is it? Just so you know, that level of engagement *can* depend on your guide and how much effort you put in. A little tip, it’s good to do a, slightly, bit of research on what to expect to kind of prepare for making all that more memorable. Like your Mule Comfort thing is another point, right? A few people who took the trip said that those mules aren’t always like the comfiest things, especially for longer rides. Just so you know! Basically, just maybe think about taking that bit of padding if you’re, really, sensitive. Your Bum will love you for it.

Real-world advice for your Imlil and Kik Plateau trip

Right then, so here’s some totally practical advice to make your Mule Ride Kik Plateau and Imlil Day Tour even better!

What should you wear? So, definitely put on layers! The temperature can really be so up and down, especially if you’re traveling at different times of the year, so layering your clothes really is a big must. Always go for comfy walking shoes or boots. So, there is like a bit of walking, plus the mule ride bit (obvs). Always remember sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. That Moroccan sun is not like your best friend when you’re not ready!
What do you take? Always bring enough water to keep your body temperature under control (those tours sometimes provide water, yet you can never be too careful). Cash money: for tips and all those cool little souvenirs you, arguably, might find, it’s always nice to have. Personal medications, maybe your tummy doesn’t feel right with new food. Like small first-aid supplies, just in case something is not so good, too.
Know before you go: Always, always confirm your pick-up location and time with that tour operator before that day to kind of not get lost or miss it altogether, basically. Listen carefully to the guides: these individuals offer all those invaluable facts regarding the area and culture. If you intend to take pictures of someone, generally speaking, just get consent from that person beforehand (it’s basically only kind). Ask questions, of course. Your interacting with people, and asking questions is actually the only way to deepen how you understand things, and can, arguably, enhance what you know of that whole experience.

Is that Mule Ride Kik Plateau and Imlil Day Trip Right For You, too?

I mean, is that trip that ideal one? Is that for everyone, so to speak? Not exactly, no, but that really does depend on you. That excursion is especially good if:

Want a Day outside Marrakech: that tour serves as a nice break from all that urban hubbub.
The scenery appeals to you: Should you think you love huge expansive scenery with all that mountain backdrop.
Really Like short Adventure Activities: you know, you can ride all those mules without that being overly challenging!
Like learning what all that local Culture involves: all those cultural elements on this trip can easily give that better feel for traditional Berber lifestyles.

Should you, anyway, be unsure that this trip is for you: So, if long physical walks isn’t ideal (so always, please, be mindful, all that mule ride might only involve some short walks) it may not prove too ideal. And maybe you just like solo type exploration because the structured-group excursion doesn’t always give a lot that ‘do my thing’ type liberty, but may just prove the only downfall.

Final Thoughts?

To sum things up now, so to speak – this tour has something to provide! Basically, if your expectations stay realistic that makes everything better. The Mule Ride Kik Plateau combined and that trip to Imlil make just that really different kind of excursion. Providing some moments of incredible views, maybe too some cultural appreciation together with, arguably, small portions related to pure travel that would potentially ensure everyone’s joy while there whether briefly away in Morocco while needing day escapes coming directly out Marrakech itself!