Toubkal Lodge

Toubkal Lodge is the sister accommodation to the Kasbah du Toubkal - the Moroccan hilltop palace that was one of the locations for Martin Scorsese's 1997 film Kundun.

Toubkal Lodge (left and below, photos by Richard Hammond) overlooks the Azzadene valley at the top of the Berber village of Idissa, high in the Atlas mountains. Its three double rooms are modelled on the Garden House at the Kasbah, and are designed for just a handful of guests who want to leave the comfort of the Kasbah and explore the wilds without roughing it in a tent.

It's a four-hour trek over the mountain pass from the Kasbah to the Toubkal Lodge, but if you don't fancy the walk, you can ride in on horseback, by mountain bike or even 4x4. For more information about reaching Toubkal Lodge, see the contact details for the Kasbah du Toubkal.

The main Kasbah du Toubkal is a joint venture between adventure tour company Discover Ltd and local Berber, Haj Omar Ait Bahmed, a partnership that has flourished since 1978. Their Berber Hospitality Centre creates employment for the local villagers and raises money for local community projects.

Getting there: To travel overland from London to Morocco see our detailed journey planner: Train from London to Marrekech. Marrakech-Kasbah du Toubkal transfer costs from €120 (based on six passengers). A double room Toubkal Lodge costs from €200 half-board.