Tafraoute

Nestled in the stunningly gorgeous Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco, the village of Tafraoute is surrounded by mountains of red granite.  Although getting there requires some 250 kilometers of driving, along winding roads and dusty paths, from Agadir, this small, relaxed, and spectacularly beautiful village is the perfect base for exploring the nearby mountains.  Relatively free of tourists, Tafraoute is also an idyllic place to relax for a few days or longer!

 

Take a leisurely drive through the Ameln Valley, and stop to visit the charming Berber villages of Oumesnat and Emintizket.  Explore the unique rock formations and agadir (hilltop granaries) in the villages of Amtoudi and Ikouka.  In Tafraoute itself, Wednesday is market day, providing an excellent opportunity to sample local crafts.  Laidback Tafraoute is also a wonderful place to sample the Old Hammam or bathhouse.  If you’re feeling physically fit and up for a rigorous hike, explore the Anti-Atlas Mountains and climb Jebel Kest, the highest peak in the region.  La Tête du Lion or Lion’s Head, located atop a boulder on the Tafraoute Valley Mountain, bears an uncanny resemblance to a leonine head.  The Aït Mansour Gorge, thirty kilometers from the village, is considered one of Morocco’s finest oases, with spectacular views, lush palms, and plenty of activities such as swimming, hiking, and biking.

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