Tiout Oasis Souss Plain and Anti-Atlas Mountains

TIOUT OASIS AND THE ANTI ATLAS MOUNTAINS

This excursion takes you through savannah-like and irrigated landscapes on the edge of the Souss Valley to an oasis on the northern edge of the Anti Atlas mountains just 35 minutes drive south of Taroudant and ends with a short journey into the mountains.

In the Souss valley you’ll see the tremendous contrast between commercially farmed irrigated cash crops (such as oranges, maize or bananas) and subsistence farming of arid land including the strange sight of goats grazing in the native argan trees. On the way back to Taroudant you return by another route which includes adrive across a wide dry river bed or,on the rare occasions when the river is in flood, we use another route.

At the oasis you’ll gain an insight into traditional life, farming and irrigation systems, see a marabout (a saint’s grave), as well as having a chance to see lizards, birds, search for wild tortoises, see a desert wadi, a hilltop kasbah once used as a filmset from which there are fine views, take a donkey ride and visit a women’s cooperative where there is a chance to purchase high quality organic products including argan oil which is unique to this region (recognised by UNESCO as a “Biosphere Reserve” and prized for its unique culinary and cosmetic properties).

Normally led by our experienced and very knowledgeable Berber natural history guide, Said, who has a wealth of knowledge about the local countryside (where he was brought up)as well as politics and much more, this trip is normally automatically included in your “Real Morocco” programme since it includes points of interest for everyone. Walking is easy but there are some rough surfaces; walking shoes are therefore advised.

Normal timing 9am - 3pm. 

What’s included

Guide, driver and transport. Optional:packed lunch. There is a restaurant if you prefer a larger meal at lunch time