Castles and canyons of the Anti-Atlas

Morocco, discover this 8-day trip

Mountain Nature Culture Adventure Historical

Trip Description

This southwestern region of Morocco is relatively unknown and overlooked by mass tourism. The Moroccan south is not just the desert, nor only the Todra and Dadès gorges, and not necessarily the must-sees of Ouarzazate. The Anti-Atlas alone deserves one (or several!) trip(s) that will delight lovers of traditional architecture, truly authentic encounters with the Berbers, stunning and contrasting landscapes made up of canyons and oases, as well as natural curiosities. The itinerary proposed here for a week would really deserve to be extended in order to approach the Anti-Atlas in a less touristy way, taking the time to share activities with the locals.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
Taroudant
Welcome at Agadir airport (also possible from Marrakech, but the journey is longer) by a shuttle chartered by the riad. Depending on the arrival time, possibility of a first discovery of the medina of Taroudant and/or a carriage ride around the ramparts. Half-board overnight stay at Riad Tafilag 3*, ideally located in the city center. Small pool.
day 2
Tafraoute
Your private driver will pick you up to take a very scenic winding road up the Anti-Atlas, with several stops to visit abandoned but well-built agadirs. Once in the Ammeln Valley, at the foot of the highest peaks of the Anti-Atlas exceeding 3000 m, you will visit a house-museum in Oumesnate. Discover the painted rocks of Tafraoute (you might even prefer the unpainted ones!). Comfortable accommodation at Maison d’Hôtes El Malara (good food, swimming pool, bar), not far from the famous rocks.
day 3
Landscapes worthy of Sergio Leone
The Dadès and Todra can go get dressed! The Ait Mansour gorges already offer a feast for the eyes with beautiful nestled palm groves and old villages that are as photogenic as you could wish. Next, it's the turn of the Igmir canyon, an incredible narrow gorge that you can walk down on foot with a bit of resourcefulness, and several natural curiosities not to be missed (and you probably won't see any tourists there!). Then, it continues with a gorge dotted with palm groves, ruined agadirs, and astonishing hills. A well-deserved rest while staying in the atmosphere at Borj Biramane (bath, bar, bungalows), with half board.
day 4
Amtoudi
Little road to reach the Amtoudi gorge, for a beautiful and bucolic hike, with swimming spots at the gueltas. Two agadirs require a bit of uphill walking effort, but are definitely the highlights of the day, offering an instructive and fun discovery, as well as breathtaking panoramas. Accommodation is in a comfortable guesthouse at Tigmi Bulbul, on a half-board basis.
day 5
Boutrouch
The arid high plateaus of the Anti-Atlas are not very far away. A complete change of scenery, which may seem austere after the harvest. Here again, several agadirs are to be discovered, as well as breathtaking views over the valley. You will also find a women's craft cooperative that we like to support, where you can watch Berber women dye and weave wool, as well as cook for you. Accommodation, simple but clean, is offered by the association, where you will certainly be the only guests. Half board.
day 6
Taroudant
Back in the Souss plain, with a possible morning detour to the mouth of the Massa park (possible bird watching). In the afternoon, a hike is offered in the valley of citrons up to a spring. Overnight stay in Taroudant at the Dar Tourkia riad, half-board.
day 7
Taroudant
Free relaxation day: stroll through the souks of Taroudant, enjoy the spa and the pool. Same accommodation in half board.
day 8
Return flight
Transfer to Agadir airport by taxi.