Le Désert

The Sahara ... Its history is intertwined with that of humanity. Mineral universe that once fertilization entire
 

continent, preserving wealth in it long unsuspected. Immensity of sand and rock, mirages and oasis, remaining forever the land of our dreams and our breakouts.

The steps of the great desert, near the Atlantic, a few steps in its tracks hold the traveler. This is Tan-Tan Plage, oceanfront. And a little further down the coast, Cape Juby and Tarfaya ... This is Laayoune, rising from the sands, revealed in his triumphant modernity. This is Smara, the spiritual capital of the Sahara, in the heart of Hamra al Sanguia ... And to the south, at the mouth of the Rio de Oro, which houses his Dakhla port of sport fishing in the most beautiful bay in the southern Sahara.

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The Atlas mountains

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With around 10 summits over 4000m which are relatively accessible, the Atlas mountains are a real kingdom for trekking, riding and skiing.

The Middle and Anti-Atlas mountains

Located to the north of the country, the Middle Atlas

Imouzzer Ida Outanane, Anti-Atlas: the valley of paradise

The Ida Ouatane region extends over the foothills of the High Atlas, in the Agadir hinterland. Gorges, fertile valleys – a landscape to take your breath away.

High plateaus

Around 60km north east of Agadir, the Berber villages of Ida-Outane appear perched on the lower slopes of the western Atlas. At 1250m, sitting atop of a green palm grove, Imouzzer Ida Outanane can be seen from afar with its white houses. The place is known for its honey scented with thyme, cactus and lavender.

Natural basins

In the bottom of the green valleys, when the sun is still high in the sky, make use of the coolness provided by the natural basins that the wadi has carved over the millennia. A refreshing dip after kilometers of walking. Far off, you can see the argan trees whose fruit is used for making argan oil
 

The argan tree is endemic to Morocco. The nut of its fruit contains a kernel which, once crushed by the hands of expert women, releases an oil the color of honey. It is used in cooking for its nutty flavor, as well as for its cosmetic and medicinal properties. Argan protects the skin from ageing, strengthens muscle tissue, regulates the flow of healthy oils in the blood and hydrates the epidermis.

Massage

Firstly, some expert advice: it is a good idea to apply a layer of argan oil to the body the evening before. Once at the hammam, having acclimatized and taken a quick shower, an employee will lather your body generously in black soap. This olive-oil based paste contains active hydrating agents and emollients. With the kessa (scrubbing glove), the next stage is exfoliation, using a circular movement to remove dead skin. Sometimes rose petals may be added to the argan oil. The massage will begin at the ankles and gradually move up the whole body. Having moved through to the rest room to drink a mint tea accompanies by a cake (or not), it is not advised to take a shower straight away. This is to keep the skin supple and silky for longer.

, which is highly valued in cosmetics. It is quite rightly said to have great powers of hydration.

Winter waterfalls

There is a palm grove 4km away from the village of Imouzzer Ida Outanane and surprising waterfalls which can be seen in winter. Try the various honeys alongside the roadside. Connoisseurs will find that the thyme-scented one is the most subtle. Try amlou, a delicious, almost legendary specialty, made from honey, crushed almonds and argan oil which is used like a spread.

To remember

mountains are suitable for lovers of forest walks. As the height difference is relatively small (highest point is 3326m), you can walk or ride a horse or a mountain bike there. Among the interesting sites, the Ifrane national park, the Virgin waterfalls and the Aïn Leuh cedar forest are worth a special mention. The Bou Iblane and Bounaceur line of ridges is steeper. The Anti-Atlas range extends to the south as far as the Tafraoute region. The town is dominated by its highest point, the Jbel El Kest (2278m). Walking and riding are practiced there. The most famous routes pass through the fortified villages and qsars (storage areas) or the valley of almond trees.

The High Atlas

Azilal

Azilal is considered to be the ideal village for setting off to visit the treasures of the Upper Atlas, from the magnificent Bin el Ouidane lake to Mount M’Goun.

Land

Aït Bouguemez valley, also called the Happy Valley, is suited to walking, mule rides and mountain-biking. There are several circuits organized by travel agencies and many pass through the village of Aït Imi, famous for its irrigation system and water mills which have been transformed into wheat and corn mills. Mountain hiking is suitable for more experienced people depending on the level of difficulty. Skiing (and even cross-country skiing)

From skiing to parachute jumping, a wide range of activities and open-air sports are enjoyed right in the heart of Morocco.

Skiing

The combination of travelling by mule and skiing (known as "mule-skiing") in the High Atlas mountains, cross-country skiing in the cedar forests of the Tabular Middle Atlas and Alpine skiing at the resort of Oukaïmeden or Michlifen, near Ifrane
.n Ifrane, the air is so fresh it is invigorating. Markets, excursions, fishing, hunting, skiing. Take advantage of the natural resources of the national park at any time of year.

Another season

Ifrane, perched at an altitude of 1650m, provides freshness in summer and snow in winter. The ski resort of Michlifen, 19km south of the town, and the slopes of Mount Hebri have great slopes to hurtle down once the chill sets in. A unique experience and possibilities of cozy accommodation right at the foot of the slopes.

Still water runs deep

One of the treasures of Ifrane is its lakes and rivers. Come pike or trout fishing in the heart of an unexpected Morocco, in preserved and unchanged surroundings. No matter what you catch, enjoy the unspoilt nature without reserve, forget stress and watch the bobbing of your cork. Fish won't be far away!

Hunting and game

An incomparable natural area, the Ifrane region is also a hunting area. Hares, boar, partridge – local wildlife roams freely in the superb forests neighboring Morocco's "Little Switzerland". From dawn, accompanied by experienced guides, head out on the trail of a abundant and incredibly varied game. A research station studying animal behavior accurately and carefully monitors the game stock.

Mountain pastures and countryside

Take advantage of your stay in Ifrane to explore the natural areas and discover the volcanic plateaus, the mountain pastures and the splendid cedar, maple and poplar forests. Among other marvels, the Afennourir Lake spreads over nearly 1000 acres surrounded by cedar forest. It is a favorite destination for many species of rare birds.

Climbing

Morocco is home to several remarkable sites: Aremd, the Djebel Aroudane, the Taghia gorges, the Sirwa Massif and Mount Tidighin in the Rif. Climbing Mount M’Goun (4068m) is still a must, and the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the second highest summit in Africa after Kilimanjaro, takes two days for experienced climbers.

Fishing and hunting

While pike and tench are more common in Lake Tislit, brown trout can be fished in the wadis of Ahansal, Assif Melloul, M’goun and in the upper Tassaoute. For surf-casting and deep-sea fishing, head to Dakhla Bay. Hunters should head for the Bin El Ouidane and Arboua regions, and the ring of Ouaouizert.

Riding

A country of horsemen, Morocco has successfully continued the equestrian tradition. Horse rides are organized in the western High Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Saghro and Sirwa massifs.

Mountain-biking

The pleasures of mountain-biking are celebrated at all the tracks of the western and central High Atlas, the Saghro and Sirwa massifs, as well as Mount Tidighin in the Rif and in the desert.

White waters

Canyoning at the Aqua-n-Tazart and the Aqua N’Taghia, rafting in the spring in the Ahansal wadi and the Assif Melloul, kayaking in Ourika and Assif Nfiss, the Talembote Wadi and Mount Tidighin in the Rif: a wide variety of pleasures!

Caving

Morocco has an impressive number of caves and underground networks. Among the most famous are the Friouato cave, near Taza – which was opened for visitors at the start of the last century – Toghobeit, to the south of Chefchaouen (713m deep) and the Goran cave, between Oualidia and Safi, which was already explored at the time of the Phoenicians and houses cave paintings.

Bird's eye view

Fly high paragliding in the High Atlas or parachuting in Beni Mellal. Also take advantage of several aerial routes on board a Cessna 207 available leaving from Marrakech. Does a ULM flight tempt you? You can fly over the Marrakech region and/or the Atlas valleys.

 is possible is possible between February and April The second-highest summit in Morocco, an ascent of Mount M’Goun (4068m) takes six days. The less technical Arous gorges can also be climbed.

Water

With its waterfalls and numerous section of white water, the region is ideal for enjoying kayaking, rafting and canyoning, in Tilouguite for example. Rainbow trout fishing is also possible. On the beautiful Bin el Ouidane lake, 27km north of Azilal, many water sports

Surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving…Thanks to its exceptional conditions and its two coasts, Morocco is the dream destination for all water sports.

The country with two coasts

More than 3500km of coast on two sides, the Atlantic ocean along a long seafront to the west and the Mediterranean sea along a wide coastal strip to the north… And perfect air and wind conditions everywhere.

More surfing and windsurfing

Come to the long sandy beaches of Oualidia, Dar Bouazza, Taghazout, Agadir and Essaouira, a city where numerous international competitions take place. To the north of Safi, the surf spot of Sidi Bouzid is an international standard point-break for surfers. Regular, fast and powerful, its wave is ranked among the top 10 in the world (a maximum of four meters high for a swell which can reach two meters).

More kite-surfing

Go down even further south, to the protected Dakhla Bay. A long and perfect right-breaking wave has led surfers to rank this Foum Labouir spot just behind Hawaii. Dakhla, like Tamuda Bay in the north, is also famous for its diving. Jet-skiing is also high on the agenda in a wide variety of resorts. In terms of weather, the trade wind blows across the coast from the end of March to mid-September. The consistently mild temperature allows pleasant enjoyment of these sports throughout the year. Add to this the great diversity of coasts, water which rarely falls below 18°C in the depths of winter, and you have a paradise for water sports!

 such as jet-skiing and windsurfing are practiced. Finally, take advantage of a stop at Beni Mellal to swim in the Aïn Asserdoune springs.

Caves

The interesting caves at El Ksiba form a multitude of cavities which can be as much as 20m deep. The Aven des Ours (Swallow-hole of the Bear) is 6km away. This chasm plunges 117m down amid lush green vegetation. The spot, which is popular with Barbary macaques, is ideal for a lovely walk. With its caves and chasms, the entire region is ideal for potholing and paleontology. Four sites form the Mesozoic Era prove the presence of dinosaurs in the Aït Bouguemez valley as well as in the Demnate nature reserve where fossilized footprints are visible.

Air

Extreme sports like parachuting (from September to April in Beni Mellal) and paragliding (in the Aït Bouguemez valley) can be arranged.

 is an ideal base camp to fan out in all directions. All forms of hiking, riding, mountain-biking etc. are enjoyed. White-water sports (canyoning, rafting, kayaking, etc.) are also promoted in the Ahansal wadi and the Assif Melloul. There are numerous sites of interest. On the north side: the Aït Bouguemez valley, the Ouzoud waterfalls, the Imi-n-Ifri bridge. On the south side: the valley and gorges of Mgoun, the geological heritage, the Todra and Dadès gorges. The Mount M’Goun can be climbed in six days (4068m). Finally, from these mountains rises Mount Toubkal which, with its 4167m, is the second highest peak in Africa after Kilimanjaro). Allow two and a half days to reach its summit leaving from the village of Imlil.

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Le sud marocain

francais

Désert, oasis, canyons, dunes, palmeraies, kasbahs... Ces quelques mots parlent à eux seuls pour 

évoquer la diversité du sud marocain.

Des paysages fascinants et parfois mythiques attirent le tourisme de masse mais c'est dans de telles régions aux conditions de vie difficiles et aux ressources fragiles et très limitées que le tourisme responsable prend tout son sens.

Les grandes régions à découvrir dans le sud :

Les grandes régions à découvrir dans le sud :

• la vallée di ziz(Erfoud, Merzouga, Rissanila 
• La Vallée du Ziz, une des plus belles palmeraies du Maroc, s'étend au sud d'Er Rachidia sur une centaine de kilomètres, avant de rejoindre le désert du Sahara au pied de l'Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) qui abrite les plus hautes dunes du sud marocain.
  Cet Erg impressionnant est aussi un des haut-lieux touristiques du sud du Maroc. Pour apprécier pleinement la magie du désert à l'écart des foules le meilleur moyen est de pévoir une randonnée chamelière avec au moins une nuit dans le désert.
• 
• la vallée du dadés (Tineghir, Boumalen, Skoura, Ouarzazate
• La Vallée du Dadès et la route des Kasbahs :
  Située entre le Haut-Atlas au nord et la Jebel Sarghro au sud et entre Aït Ben Haddou à l'ouest et et Goulmima à l'est, cette région offre une succession d'oasis, qui concentrent un grand nombre de très belles kasbahs. Cette région exceptionnelle parmi les plus connues et les plus spectaculaires du sud marocain comporte aussi des sites parmi les plus fréquentées comme les Gorges du Dadès et les Gorges du Todra et mérite une attention particulière dans le choix des étapes pour pouvoir ressentir pleinement toute la magie des lieux.
  
• la vallée du daraa (Agdz, Zagora, Mahmid
• Immense palmeraie qui s'étire entre des montagnes arides le long de l'oued Draa jusqu'à Mahmid (au sud de Zagora) porte des champs de dunes de l'Erg Chigaga.
• lejbel daghro : une région montagneuse du sud marocain particulièrement propice à la randonnée pédestre, muletière ou à VTT.
• Fief des Aït Atta, tribu berbère de tradition pastorale, le Jebel Sarhro est un massif offrant des paysages grandioses et spectaculaires, d'une nature minérale: gorges, pitons, pains de sucre, dykes (rivières de lave)... Un massif à découvrir en randonnée à pied, à dos de mulet, ou à VTT et avec des gens du pays !
  Présentation géographique : le massif culmine à 2712m et s'étend d'est en ouest entre les vallées du Ziz et du Draa, au sud de la vallée du Dadès et au nord du Sahara. Région très inaccessible et rurale par excellence, d'une population d'environ 68.000 habitants, avec seulement deux gros bourgs situés sur le seul axe routier majeur et goudronné (axe est-ouest au pied du flanc sud) : N'Kob et Tazzarine. Les traversées nord-sud se font par trois cols parcourus par des pistes difficiles et très spectaculaires: le col du Tazarerte (2283m), le col du Kouaouch 2592m), et le col du Tagmout (1919m).
  

  

  Populations: on y trouve quelques rares villages de pierres et de pisé, où d'ingénieux systèmes d'irrigation permettent la culture du blé, de l'orge, de légumes et d'arbres fruitiers (amandiers, noyers et quelques pêchers).
  

  

  La khaïma, tente nomade traditionnelle, faite de fines bandelettes en poils de chèvre, y reste une des survivances de la tradition pastorale des Aït Atta, éleveurs de moutons et chèvres qui changent de pâturages une ou deux fois par mois et qui pratiquent la transhumance, quittant ces terres minérales transformées en désert brûlant pendant la période estivale, pour remonter vers le nord. Cette tradition nomade explique l'esprit d'indépendance et de liberté qu'ont toujours cultivé les Aït Atta.
  Rappel historique : parti dans le sud marocain en quête de spiritualité, Charles de Foucault est un des premiers voyageurs occidentaux ayant exploré le Jebel Sarhro, ses récits furent publiés en 1888 à Paris ("Reconnaissance au Maroc"). La richesse ethnologique des renseignements rapportés lui valut la médaille de la Société Géographique de Paris.
  

  

  Le Jebel Sarhro fut plus tard le cadre d'une des plus formidables épopées de la guerre franco-marocaine (1933), dans laquelle les troupes françaises alliées à celles du Sultan du Maroc firent face à une résistance impressionnante et hàroïque des tribus Aït Atta. C'est dans ce massif que le célèbre capitaine Bournazel, un des protagonistes de cette guerre, fut tué. Les Ait Hatta, inférieur en nombre, finirent par capituler forçant l'admiration de leurs opposants pour leur courage exemplaire.
  
  Ecotourisme :
  Quel tourisme pour le Jebel Sarhro?
  La beauté des lieux attire les randonneurs et les 4X4 qui déboulent armés d'appareils photos mais n'apportent pas grand chose de positif et d'enrichissant à cette fragile économie locale. Si vous choisissez cette destination, pensez aux gens qui y vivent, et essayer de faire en sorte que votre voyage soit à la fois un enrichissement pour vous et pour les populations locales, qu'il permette d'aider à la sauvegarde de l'identité culturelle locale et du patrimoine naturel. Cela veut dire vérifier que les gens par lesquels vous organisez votre voyage soient sensibles à une véritable approche écotouristique. Si vous organisez votre voyage seul, prenez au moins un guide local.

   

Le sud marocain abrite une biodiversité riche mais fragile. De nombreuses espèces de la faune sont menacées comme l'oryx, la gazelle, l'autruche. Des programmes de sauvegarde et de réintroduction de la faune saharienne ont été mis en place dans le parc nationaux du souss massa a.

Le Parc National du Souss Massa est situé sur la côte Atlantique au sud d'Agadir et s'étend sur une surface de 33.800 hectares (65 km de long sur 5 km de large) à l'embouchure des oueds Souss et Massa. Il abrite une flore de 300 espèces dont 13 espèces endémiques, et c'est un lieu de passage, d'hivernage ou de nidification pour plus de 275 espèces d'oiseaux dont la dernière colonie viable au monde d'ibis chauve. Le parc comprend plusieurs réserves dont 2 (non accessibles au public) qui constituent des lieux majeurs de reconstitution de la faune saharienne avec la réintroduction de population d'oryx, d'addax, de gazelles et d'Autruches à cou rouge. Seule la Réserve de Massa, site ornithologique de renommée internationale est ouverte au public à l'embouchure de l'oued Massa (bien se renseigner sur les saisons pour l'observation des oiseaux).

english

Desert oasis, canyons, dunes, palm trees, Kasbah ... These few words to speak for themselves

discuss the diversity of southern Morocco.

Fascinating and sometimes mythical landscapes attract mass tourism but it is in such regions with difficult living conditions and fragile and very limited that responsible tourism resources makes sense.

Large areas in the south to discover:

Large areas in the south to discover:

Ziz Valley di (Erfoud, Merzouga, Rissanila

Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful palm groves of Morocco, lies south of Er Rachidia over a hundred kilometers before joining the Sahara Desert at the foot of the Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) which houses the highest dunes of southern Morocco.

This impressive Erg is also one of the top tourist attractions in the south of Morocco. To fully appreciate the magic of the desert away from the crowds is the best way pévoir a camel trek with at least one night in the desert.

• 

Dades Valley (Tineghir Boumalen, Skoura, Ouarzazate

Dades Valley and the road Kasbah:

Between the High Atlas to the north and south and Jebel Saghro between Ait Ben Haddou to the west and east and Goulmina, this region offers an oasis succession, which concentrate a large number of beautiful kasbah. This unique area among the best known and most spectacular of southern Morocco also has one of the most popular websites such as Gorges du Dades and Todra and deserves special attention in the choice of steps to fully experience the magic of places.

Valley daraa (Agdz Zagora Mahmid

Huge palm which stretches between the arid mountains along the Draa up Mahmid (south of Zagora) carries fields Erg Chigaga.

lejbel daghro: a mountainous region of southern Morocco particularly conducive to hiking, mule or mountain biking.

Stronghold of Ait Atta Berber tribe of pastoral tradition, Jebel Sarhro is a massive offering grandiose and spectacular scenery, mineral nature gorges, peaks, sugar loaves, dykes (lava flows) ... A massive discover hiking, mule, or ATV with locals!

Geographic Presentation: the massive peaks at 2712m and runs east to west between the valleys of the Draa and Ziz, south of the Dades Valley and north of the Sahara. Very inaccessible and rural excellence by region, with a population of about 68,000 inhabitants, with only two large towns on the only major road and paved axis (east-west at the south side) and Kob Tazzarine. The north-south crossings are covered by three passes through difficult and spectacular tracks: the neck of Tazarerte (2283m), Col du Kouaouch 2592m) and the Col du Tagmout (1919m).

Populations: there are a few villages of stone and mud, where ingenious irrigation systems allow the cultivation of wheat, barley, vegetables and fruit trees (almond, walnut and some peach).

The khaïma, traditional nomadic tent, made of thin strips of goat hair, it remains one of the remnants of the pastoral tradition of the Ait Atta, sheep and goats grazing change once or twice a month and practice transhumance, leaving these mineral lands converted to hot desert during the summer to move north. This nomadic tradition explains the spirit of independence and freedom have always cultivated the Ait Atta.

History: party in the south of Morocco in search of spirituality, Charles de Foucault is one of the first Western travelers who explored the Jebel Sarhro, his stories were published in 1888 in Paris ("Recognition in Morocco"). Ethnological wealth of information reported earned him the Medal of the Geographical Society of Paris.

Jebel Sarhro later became part of one of the greatest epics of the Franco-Moroccan War (1933), in which the French troops allied to those of the Sultan of Morocco faced a impressive strength and hàroïque Ait Atta tribes. It is in this massive than the famous Captain Bournazel, one of the protagonists of the war, was killed. Ait Hatta, outnumbered, eventually forcing the surrender admiration of their opponents for their exemplary courage.

Ecotourism:

What tourism for Jebel Sarhro?

The beauty of the place attracts hikers and 4X4 which tumble armed with cameras but does not bring much positive and rewarding in this fragile local economy. If you choose this destination, think about the people who live there, and try to ensure that your trip is both enriching for you and for local people, it allows to help safeguard

the identity local cultural and natural heritage. This means that people check in which you organize your trip to be sensitive to genuine ecotourism approach. If you organize your trip alone, at least take a local guide.

   

Southern Morocco is home to a rich but fragile biodiversity. Many species of wildlife are threatened as oryx, gazelle, ostrich. Backup programs and reintroduction of the Saharan fauna have been introduced in the National Park of Souss Massa has.

The Souss-Massa National Park is located on the Atlantic coast south of Agadir and extends over an area of ​​33,800 hectares (65 km long and 5 km wide) at the mouth of Wadi Souss and Massa.

It has 300 species of flora, including 13 endemic species, and it is a place of passage, wintering or nesting habitat for over 275 species of birds including the last viable colony in the world bald ibis.

The park includes several reserves 2 (non-public) that are major places of recreation of the Saharan fauna with the reintroduction of Oryx, Addax, gazelles and ostriches red neck.

Only Massa Reserve, internationally renowned bird sanctuary is open to the public at the mouth of the Oued Massa (well informed about the seasons for bird watching).

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