About
Tafraoute
The town is 143 km south-west of Agadir, a trip of some 3 hours.
Located apprximately 3 hours south east of Agadir, the area is predominantly inhabited by women and children for most of the year because poverty has driven the men to emigrate to large cities or abroad; this has resulted in the construction of some incongruously grand houses and a very peaceful and welcoming atmosphere with some spectacular views of the mountains.
The town comes alive on Tuesdays when the main souk takes place, and in late February or early March when the almond harvest is celebrated with singing and dancing, which is in stark contrast to the peace of the rest of the year.
Climate
The Anti Atlas Mountains enjoys a relatively equable climate on the Atlantic fringe, but as you pass inland towards Ouarzazate and further south the climate becomes more extreme. Altitudes and latitudes are lower than the High Atlas so it is the warmest mountainous region in winter. The best time to visit the inland parts of the region is between September and May, but be aware that nights are cold in midwinter
In Tafraoute the summers are short, warm, arid, and clear and the winters are cold, dry, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 3°C to 30°C
Location
- Visit the beautiful Ait Mansour Gorge about 28km south of Tafraoute – you can walk/drive through the gorge and view the impressive scenery and traditional Berber villages. The gorges are can become unpassable during the winter months with floods but during spring and autumn, you can take a short or long long walk (2-4 hours) depending on your level of fitness.
- Visit to the Blue painted rocks (you can do this with your driver/car hire; located about 30-45 minutes south of Chez Amaliya). Originally painted by Belgian artist Jean Verame and the assistance of Tafraoute’s fire brigade plus 18 tonnes of paint.
- See ‘Napoleon’s hat’ – another peculiar rock formation that is in the shape of Napoleon’s hat. Located about 2kms south of Tafraoute. Some climb to the top of the ‘hat’ but is quite a strenuous walk for intrepid visitors.
- Visit to see the ‘Lion’s Head’ a natural rock formation that in a certain light (late afternoon) takes on the appearance of a Lion’s Head– this is clearly visible from the grounds of Chez Amaliya.
- Visit the village of Tazzka (granite rocks and prehistoric carvings of gazelles) - about 2km north from Tafraoute.
- Walk to Oumesnat across the valley - visit the Traditional House - discover the ruins of an old deserted Berber village. Oumesnat is approx 6km north of Tafraoute. For longer walking options the valley from village to village is approx. 10km.
- Kasbah Tizourgane- Located in a truly spectacular, peaceful and remote setting between Tafraoute and Agadir (just north of Madao) and is reached by 166 steps, this well renovated guesthouse forms part of a restoration project of a fascinating ancient monument and feels like a step back in time. It is open to the public but can also just be viewed/admired/photographed from the roadside.
Itinerary Inspiration featuring Tafraoute
02 Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Coast
07 Anti-Atlas Mountains
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