Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Immouzzer des Ida Outanane
This thoroughly recommended detour takes you about 60km (two hours' drive) northeast
of Agadir, into the High Atlas foothills. On the way you pass through the aptly named
Paradise Valley
, an oleander- and palm-lined gorge, and a popular picnic and swimming
spot. Local producers have formed a
route du miel
(honey route), and stalls sell the sweet
stuff as well as argan oil. Signs by the road point to walking trails.
The famous cascades of Immouzzer are one of North Africa's most beautiful water-
falls. The calcium-rich water flows most strongly between February and August, although
recent droughts have frequently reduced it to a trickle. Given the stream of tourist stalls
and
faux guides
(unofficial guides) leading to the falls, you may prefer Paradise Valley.
When it's flowing, water falls off the edge of the plateau in several chutes, running
down one cliff face known as the Bride's Veil. The path to the foot of the falls finishes at
an iridescent blue plunge pool with overhanging rocks and foliage. If you can cross the
river here, you can climb to a plateau and see the top plunge pool, and caves once inhab-
ited by hippies. The steep, 4km road from Immouzzer village down to the falls is one of
many walks in the region.
The area turns white in February and March when the almond trees blossom. There is a
honey harvest and festival in July and August, and around late November you may be
lucky enough to witness the olive harvest. Locals climb into the trees to shake olives from
the branches and oil is pressed in the village. Thursday is souq day.
Sleeping & Eating
There are cafes at the bottom of the path to the falls, and on the way up. The hotels in
Paradise Valley are spread out about 30km from Aourir.
Auberge le Panoramic
( 0528 21 67 09;
www.auberge-le-panoramic.com
; Paradise Valley; s/d/tr incl half-board Dh280/500/
750; )
The new block at this friendly stop on the
route du miel
is the pick of Paradise
Valley's accommodation, with almost vertigo-inducing views from the en-suite rooms'
balconies. The restaurant serves tajines, omelettes, brochettes and a breakfast featuring
three honeys, produced by the beehives on the slopes below.
HOTEL
€
Hotel Tifrit
HOTEL
€
