Tafraoute

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During our 6 month tour of Morocco, there was only one place we seemed to keep returning to – Tafraoute.

There was just something about the town which kept us coming back. Maybe it’s the scenery, the laid-back vibe, and the people. Whatever it is we love it there – our favourite town in Morocco.

To quote Wikipedia,
 
Tafraout, also Tafraoute is a town in Tiznit Province, Souss-Massa region, Morocco. Situated in the central part of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, a mountain range in Morocco which is part of the Atlas Mountains in the northwest of Africa, the town has a population of 4,931 at the 2004 census.

Tafraoute

Located at an altitude of 1200 metres in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountains, Tafraoute is located in a beautiful glacial valley surrounded by fertile gorges filled with palm, almond, olive, fig and argan trees. The stunning reflection of light off the high mountain peaks at sunset is truly breathtaking.
 
Tafraoute has become a popular destination for motorhome enthusiasts, with several campsites and two huge parking areas that can accommodate over 1000 vehicles.
 
Despite the influx of visitors, the town has maintained its authentic Moroccan charm. Although some shops and businesses cater to tourists, they are relatively few, and prices are much more reasonable than in larger tourist destinations. Its off-the-beaten-track location makes it a peaceful and tranquil haven.
 
The pink granite mountains and unique rock formations surrounding Tafraoute are highly regarded by hiking enthusiasts. However, many of the trails are not recommended for casual walkers. More experienced hikers can enjoy some incredible trails, including Jebel Kest, the highest peak in the region.

Places of Interest

Tafraoute offers more than just hiking trails. There are several popular tourist attractions to visit, including:
 
– Maison Traditionelle: A traditional Berber house that has been in the same family for generations. It has been restored and turned into a museum and guest house, offering a glimpse into the life of the Berbers who lived there in the past.
 
– Painted Rocks: Painted in 1984 by Belgian artist Jean Verame as a tribute to his late wife, these rocks are located off the beaten track and accessible by a piste. The boulders were painted using 18 tons of paint in blue, yellow, red, and black. Today, it is an open-air museum, impressive for its sheer magnitude and artistic curiosity.
 
– Gazelle Rock Painting: There are hundreds of ancient rock carvings scattered all over the Sous Massa region. The carved Gazelles located at Tazekka, just outside Tafraoute, are the most easily accessible. There are two carved Gazelles there, one up on the cliff face, and the other on the upturned face of a fallen boulder.
 
– La Tete du Lion: A short distance from Tafraoute, in the village of Ammelne, a majestic lion silhouette looks over the valley. Although it is just a random formation of rocks in the mountain above the village, it looks remarkably like the head of a lion, particularly during early afternoon when the shadows highlight the eyes and mouth.

Festival Time

Two main festivals also take place in Tafraoute. One is the Almond Festival, held in the second week of February when the almond trees in the region are in full bloom. Berber music and dance are performed live each night along with delicious Berber foods. The second festival is the Tafraoute Summer Music Festival, a three-day event held in August. The festival features local bands, musicians, and artists from all over Morocco.

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