The South
The South is a region rich in folklore and spectacular scenery, dotted with small oasis villages and quiet towns surrounded by orchards and olive groves.
Erfoud is the centre for excursions to the oasis of Tafilalt, kept green and fertile by the underground waters of the Ziz and the Rheris. Er Rachidia is the provincial capital of the Tafilalt region, and has a bustling market on the main square. On the road between Er Rachidia and Erfoud are the ‘Blue Springs’ at Meski and the natural amphitheatre of Cirque de Jaffar near Midelt. Tinerhir, once a garrison of the French Foreign Legion, is worth visiting for its kasbahs. Near Tinerhir is the outstanding scenery of the Drâa Valley (famous for its red-earthern kasbahs) and the magnificent Todra gorge.
This former French garrison can be reached via a beautifully scenic route from Marrakech over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Ouarzazate is a good starting point for tours to the deep south. Of particular interest is the kasbah of Taourirt, the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Carpet Weavers’ Co-operative Shop. About 30km (19 miles) from Ouarzazate lies the exotic and UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou. The Ksar is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat and consists of a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls. Aït-Ben-Haddou has featured in several films, including Lawrence of Arabia and The Sheltering Sky. The magnificent ochre-coloured cliffs and rock formations of the Dadès Gorge, one of Morocco’s highlights, lie approximately 100km (63 miles) east of Ouarzazate. Nearby is the pleasant village of Boumalne du Dadès which has several hotels and guest houses offering accommodation.
From the top of the Djebel Zagora, there is a spectacular view of the Draa Valley and desert. The oasis of Tamergroute, 18km (11 miles) away from Zagora, has a library containing some of the earliest Arabic manuscripts, written nine centuries ago on gazelle skins. They are on display at the Zaouia Nasseria. Nearby, Mhamid and its palm groves are at the gates of the great sand desert.
South of Agadir, the pink kasbahs of Tafraoute perch on spurs of rock, their façades often painted with strange designs in white or ochre. Goulimine is the site of the Blue Men’s souk, held each weekend. A camel market also takes place once a week, on Saturday.
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