Saharan Morocco
Towns and Villages
- – considered the capital of the south, a great example of preservation and tourism that hasn't destroyed the feel of a fantastic and ancient city.
- – the Gate of Sahara, this small city is located on the way of Erg Chebbi Dunes.
- – biggest town north of Erfoud. Military use of this town gives it a clean and organized urban net.
- - this small village lies on the southwest edge of Erg Chebbi.
- – small village on the border with Algeria, south of Zagora town.
- – small village on the edge of Erg Chebbi Dunes.
- – small Berber town southeast of Agdz on the road Ouarzazate - Agdz - Alnif - Rissani; full of old kasbahs and surrounded by palm groves and the Saghrou Mountains.
- - this small oasis town lies near the northwest edge of the Sahara.
- – small desert town south of Ouarzazate.
Other destinations
- – just a transport hub to pass from or to Rissani and Merzouga.
- – this small city lies on the southeast edge of the Sahara and is the main cultural hub of the Beni Guil nomadic tribe and terminus of the Oriental Desert Express.
- – village in the Draa Valley. Historical centre of the Nasiriyya order.
Nature parks
Oasis FintA proper oasis 15 km south of Ouarzazate.
Todgha GorgesImpressive river canyons.
Dadès GorgesSeveral rugged wadi gorges carved out by the Dadès River. Plan a full day tour by 4WD jeep. Make a shortcut off-road in order to avoid a part of the paved N10. The views are spectacular and you have a great chance to meet shepherds (often young girls) with their herd. In the area are many Kasbah's, some inhabited, some abandoned. Don't be surprised if you see a for-sale sign on an abandoned Kasbah.
Valley of RosesThese are the southernmost gorges of the Valley of Dadès. Known for its extensive rose production. M’Goun is also a geopark known for its mineralogical and paleontological properties. It has abundant dinosaur tracks and the Jurassic limestone bridge .
Talk
French is widely spoken by most people connected to some kind of business. Moroccan Sahara divides into Berbers and Arabs from different tribes.
How are you
- Berber: meitanit?; Arabic: labass?; French: ça va?;
- Berber: tanmirt; Arabic: shukran; French: merci;
- Berber: righ ian assir limoun; Arabic: bghit wahid assir limoun; French: je veux un jus d'orange;
- Berber: assouninu; Arabic: sahbi; French: mon ami;
- Tachelhit Berber: yan, sin, krad, kkuz, semmus, sdis, sa, ttam, ttza, mraw; Moroccan Arabic: wahed, juj, tleta, arbaa, remsa, setta, sebaa, tamanya, tsaa, aashra; French: un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix;
Get around
Try to do the circle from Ouarzazate to Nkob, Rissani, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi Dunes with villages such as Merzouga, Hassilabied, Khamlia, back up passing the Rose Valley and Gorges du Todra back to Ouarzazate. Also could be the southern route of Ouarzazate, Agdz, Zagora, Mhamid.
In Ouarzazate, explore Oasis Fint, Oasis Skoura, Unesco Ksar of Ait ben Haddou, Tifoultoute Kasbah, Stork Kasbah, Taourirt Kasbah, Cinema Museum, Open air Cinema Studios, Saturday morning market.
See
Erg Chebbi DunesErg Chebbi Dunes
Tinfou DunesTinfou Dunes
Chegaga DunesChegaga Dunes
Old Kasbahs in NkobOld Kasbahs in Nkob
Ksar of Maadid in ErfoudKsar of Maadid in Erfoud
Taourirt Kasbah in OuarzazateTaourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
Unesco Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in OuarzazateUnesco Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate
Fint Oasis in OuarzazateFint Oasis in Ouarzazate
Underground Ksar of TamegrouteUnderground Ksar of Tamegroute
Tifoultoute Kasbah in OuarzazateTifoultoute Kasbah in Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate open air Cinema StudiosOuarzazate open air Cinema Studios
M'Hamid
Plan an expedition out to M'Hamid. A night in the Sahara is unforgettable and can be the best part of your Moroccan adventure. Ourzazate is the last big town in the south where this is easy and cheap to do. There are lots of agencies around that can arrange a trek like this, though this is the more expensive way to do it. A cheaper way, if you don't mind worrying about a few details, is to rent a car, go out there yourself, and negotiate an overnight in the desert with a Merzougan auberge (most of them offer overnights in the desert). Renting a car and driving the way is relatively easy if you drive a stick. The roads out that way are very good and easy to navigate. The overnight in the dunes should only cost about 300-400 dirham. A grand taxi will also take you out that way and back for 150-200 dirham. Everything out here is negotiable, so shop around for the best price.Do
- ATV quad excursion in Ouarzazate
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Mountain trekking in Nkob
- Gnawa music in Khamlia village in Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Erfoud Saturday morning market
Explore Taourirt and Tassoumaat districts in OuarzazateExplore Taourirt and Tassoumaat districts in Ouarzazate
Eat
- Restaurant Pizzeria des Dunes in Erfoud
- Restaurant 3 Thes in Ouarzazate
- Restaurant Hotel Ennakhile in Nkob
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Restaurant Kasbah Meteorites in Alnif
phone: +212-535-783-809Kasbah Meteorite is a hotel located 13 km west of Alnif, a small Berber town on the road connecting Marrakech and Ouarzazate to Rissani in Sahara Desert.
Drink
Desert TeaDesert tea is usually just Chinese green tea and plenty of sugar. Ask for mint just for a change.
Bottled waterIf you're not used to Moroccan water, most likely you'll get sick of drinking it. Get bottled water selling in all small groceries stores spread around all towns and villages. Water labels: Bahia, Sidi Ali, Sidi Harazem, Ciel (watch out for Ciel water, it is made to make you drink more water), Ain Saiss.
Stay safe
All small towns such Erfoud, Rissani, Zagora, Mhamid have plenty of good quality pharmacies where you can get most necessary items.
Unemployment is high, and this is one of the country's tourist destinations. Expect young boys to proposing to be your guide through the desert. If you don't want their services, just smile and say no.
Go next
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Flight from Errachidia to Casablanca
address: Errachidia Airport1hr 20 min flight from Errachidia to Casablanca.