For many people there's little to do here beyond buying food and water, and leaving. Okay, that's a bit harsh. Asni has many hammam (bath houses), which would have been nice after long walks in the day. There's also an internet cafe (6Dh/hour: bargain!)

This village has little to see. Old mud-brick houses seem amazing the first time you seem them, but you'll see more, higher up in the mountains, without all the touts and conmen. Compared to Imlil and Marrakech, Asni is noticeably less touristy and therefore is more like the 'real' Morocco whilst still offering all the ammenities needed to stay there. It is, however, neither as picturesque as Imlil nor better located for visiting the Atlas. If you are looking for a base from which to explore deep into the Atlas, Asni's a bit too far north.

Currently duplicated in Imlil It takes about 1 hour to get from Marrakech to Asni. There are buses from the central bus station which ostensibly leave every 30 minutes. A quicker way is to take a petit taxi to the out-of-town grand taxi 'park' (cost 15dh. If you're better at haggling you can get this lower, if you care about a few pence). From there, a grand taxi will take you to Asni (cost 90dh. (Grand taxis are maybe not the way, if you don't like sharing very confined spaces with strangers: the official policy is to seat 4 people in the back, and two people on the passenger's seat.)). Don't get ripped off taking a taxi straight from the airport!

Alternatively, if you are staying at Kasbah Tamadot (Sir Richard Branson's luxury hotel), private transfers are available from the Marrakech airport to the resort bookable through Virgin Limited Edition.

Asni describes both the small village where the grande taxis drop you and the wider valley, however if we just consider the village: It is split into two parts. The 'commercial' area, down by the main road. Here there are shops lined up on either side of the road. Behind the shops up a slope to the South(?) a short distance is the 'residential' part of the village, consisting of 50 or so houses.

Obviously walking on foot is the way to get around (as the village is only a few hundred metres wide).

A old green Mercedes-Benz minibus shuttles between Asni and Imlil all day long (from 7am onwards). Wait at the taxi area until someone shouts "ImlilImlilImlilImlilImlil!". It should cost just 10 dirhams (Aug 2008 prices): Don't get ripped off. A taxi shouldn't cost that much more (about 15Dh to Imlil; about 30Dh to Marrakech). If, as a tourist, you're quoted a price in the 100s of dirhams (this happens), say it's too expensive and walk away. You'll instantly be called back and asked to name your price: they will still want your business even if they can't rip you off.

There are maybe 20 or 30 tiny shops in Asni, mostly selling exactly the same things. Food, water (probably a really good idea if you're planning to head further into the mountains. Bottled water gets more expensive the further you get from Marrakech? And if you feel like being conned, there are Loads of really naff trinkets being sold by hustlers. BEWARE: Hustlers are out to get you. They'll invite you to their house, give you lots of mint tea and sell you an excellent but massively overpriced meal (50Dh each for cous-cous). I was hustled by these guys (Muhammed and Muhammed) who although were friendly and spoke good English, became really pushy when they got out the inevitable "silver" bangles. They spend all day waiting around the cafe opposite the petrol station. I suppose it's just how they make a living, but it's easier to not get too involved with them. Sunglasses allow you to avoid making eye-contact.

The weekly market (Saturdays) is big. Traders travel for hours and hours to get there. However, remember Marrakech probably has everything you can buy here, at a lower price.

• There are a couple of cafes on the main street mainly selling tagine: It's quite nice.
• Rounds of bread, eggs and cigarettes all cost 1Dh each.
• Fruit and Veg: from a couple of stalls, really fresh stuff, amazing flavour: e.g. 5Dh/kg for potatoes
• There are a few butchers and several places to buy a chicken (alive or dead)
• Tinned foods and sauces are sold in most shops

N.B. There is a lack of dairy: there is no cheese (except 'Laughing Cow') and although they sell milk, it's already curdled before you buy it.

• Water: bottled water (1.5 litre bottles) can be bought at most shops. Some shops have fridges, and therefore sell COLD water! The locals drink the tap water with no problem, but reccommended foreigners drinking just small amounts at first to get used to it before they can do the same. They also said that the water in Asni is far better than in Marrakech.
• Soft Drinks: Coke, Fanta, Sprite etc... cost around 7Dh for a litre bottle, and can be bought from a fridge too.
• Alcohol: it's legal, but there's nowhere to buy it in Asni!