The Ammeln valley
A green valley lined with stone and earth villages at the foot of the mountain. Perfect for a quiet walk among gardens and palm trees.
Excursion · Anti-Atlas
Tafraout
Tafraout, the pink granite cirque of the Anti-Atlas
Mountains that turn red at sunset, villages clinging to the rock and almond trees in bloom in February: the big day out from the riad.
157 km, about 3h
From the riad
Pink granite and palm groves
Landscape
October to April
Best time
Nature and Amazigh villages
Best for
In the heart of the Anti-Atlas, Tafraout sits in a cirque of pink granite boulders. Above the town, the Ammeln valley lines up its Amazigh villages at the foot of Jebel Lekst, among palm, argan and almond trees.
It is the most spectacular excursion in the region, and also the longest: three hours of mountain road each way. Set off early, or stay the night to watch the granite glow at sunset.
Things to do in Tafraout
The painted rocks
In 1984 the Belgian artist Jean Vérame painted huge granite boulders blue, pink and purple, using 18 tonnes of paint. The colours have faded, but the scene is unique.
The granite rocks
Around town the granite takes on surprising shapes. The best known have names: Napoleon's Hat, at Agard Oudad, and the Lion's Face, on the side of Jebel Lekst.
A traditional house
In the valley, some traditional houses are open to visitors, as at Oumesnat: low rooms, rugs, tools and everyday life as it used to be.
Tafraout babouches
The region is known for its embroidered leather babouche slippers. The shops in the centre sell them in every colour.
Sunset
Late in the day the granite soaks up the light and the mountains turn red and purple. Half an hour of show that makes a night there worthwhile.
When to visit Tafraout
In the mountains, the seasons are distinct.
Best time
October to April
Mild, bright days, perfect for walking.
February
Almond blossom
The valley turns white and pink for about two weeks.
Almond festival
February or March
Music, dancing and crafts to celebrate the blossom.
Summer
Very hot
Days are scorching: go in the morning and late afternoon.
Excursion · Anti-Atlas
Tafraout highlights
Three moments not to miss.
The Ammeln valley
Villages and gardens
Amazigh villages at the foot of Jebel Lekst, to explore on foot or by car.
The painted rocks
Land art
Jean Vérame's work, amid a jumble of granite south of town.
Agard Oudad
Village and rock
The village of Napoleon's Hat, right next to Tafraout.
Getting there
From Riad Asmaa, Tafraout is about 157 km away: allow 3 hours on a winding mountain road through the argan trees of the Anti-Atlas.
The road is paved but slow. Set off early in the morning, and avoid driving back after dark if you are at the wheel.
The easiest option for our guests: we arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide.
Where to eat
Restaurants in the centre serve tagines, Berber omelettes and salads, often on terraces with mountain views.
Try amlou, the local paste of almonds, argan oil and honey, and take a jar home. For the evening, remember to order dinner at the riad the day before: meals are cooked to order.
The villages of the valley
The Ammeln valley has many villages stepped up at the foot of the mountain. Old stone and earth houses stand next to new ones built by families who moved to the cities for work.
By car, the valley road lets you stop from one village to the next. On foot, paths link the gardens and palm trees.
Hiking around Tafraout
Granite, palm groves and villages make it ideal walking country, from a short stroll to a proper hike. Climbers also come for the granite boulders and walls.
Bring good shoes, water and a hat: shade is rare outside the palm groves.
Around Tafraout
To extend the trip.
Aït Mansour gorge
A narrow gorge carpeted with palm trees, south of Tafraout.
Tiznit
The silver town, with its ramparts and jewellers, on the way to the coast.
Taroudant
The little Marrakech and its ochre walls, in the Souss plain.
See the excursionSidi Ifni
The Art Deco town on the Atlantic and the arches of Legzira.
See the excursionTafraout in pictures
Planning your trip
- Set off early: the road takes about 3 hours each way.
- To enjoy sunset on the granite, plan a night there.
- In February, the almond blossom is the most beautiful time of year.
- Bring water, a hat and good walking shoes.
- Carry cash in dirhams: shops and small restaurants do not always take cards.
- We can arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Riad Asmaa from Tafraout?
About 157 km, roughly 3 hours of mountain road. We can arrange transport from the riad.
Can Tafraout be done as a day trip?
Yes, if you leave early, but it is a long day (about 6 hours of driving there and back). A night there lets you enjoy the sunset.
When is the best time to visit Tafraout?
From October to April. The almond trees bloom in February; summer is very hot.
When do the almond trees bloom in Tafraout?
In February, for about two weeks. An almond festival takes place in February or March.
Who painted the rocks at Tafraout?
The Belgian artist Jean Vérame, in 1984, with 18 tonnes of paint. The colours have faded over time.
What is Napoleon's Hat?
A granite rock shaped like a bicorne hat, in the village of Agard Oudad near Tafraout.
What should I buy in Tafraout?
Embroidered leather babouches, amlou and argan oil from the region.
Is the road to Tafraout difficult?
It is paved but winding and slow. Avoid driving back after dark if you are at the wheel.
Can Riad Asmaa arrange the excursion?
Yes, with a licensed tourism transport agency and an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Excursion · Anti-Atlas
Stay at Riad Asmaa and discover the pink granite of Tafraout.
Photo credits : Wikimedia Commons. Holger Uwe Schmitt (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Simohnt (CC BY-SA 4.0) · rob Stoeltje (CC BY 2.0) · Roy Egloff (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Yassine madmone (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bjørn Christian Tørrissen (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Redeemer (CC BY 4.0)