Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARGAN COUNTRY
As you travel along the N10 east of Taroudannt you will see frizzy argan trees, beloved of local goats
and international chefs, growing near the road.
In a restored 19th-century mansion on the edge of the Berber village of Ouled Berhil, some 45km
northeast of Taroudannt, is
Hôtel Palais Riad Hida
( 0528 53 10 44;
www.riadhida.com
; s/d incl
half-board Dh638/1067; ). Accommodation is in nondescript bungalows, but it's a special
environment from the moment you cross the tiled threshold and clap eyes on the central courtyard,
with its towering palms and long pools.
Some 10km further on from Ouled Berhil, a signpost indicates the Tizi n'Test road, one of the most
spectacular and perilous passes in the country, leading northeast over the High Atlas to Marrakesh.
Approaching the mountains, this secondary road leads through a lush state-run
argan preserve
- a
dream destination for mountain goats accustomed to slim pickings in the High Atlas. Stop here to pic-
nic in the shade among frolicking kids, or stake out the herds for the ultimate Anti Atlas postcard shot:
a goat casually balanced on a treetop, munching on sun-ripe argan nuts.
Shopping
Taroudannt is the central Chleuh city of the Souss, so it is a good place to look for the
quality silver jewellery for which this tribe is renowned. The jewellery is influenced both
by Saharan tribes and by the Jewish silversmiths who formed a significant part of the
community until the late 1960s.
Souq Arabe
The main souq, also known as the
grand souq,
has antique and souvenir shops hidden in
the quiet streets. The area southwest of the mosque is good for present shopping, with a
small square of jewellery shops just off Ave Bir Zaran.
ARTS & CRAFTS
Souq Berbère
Also known as the
marché municipal,
this souq on the south side of Pl an-Nasr sells car-
pets, jewellery, argan oil, musical instruments, lamps, leatherwork and ceramics - past the
trainers and mobile phones on the central thoroughfare.
ARTS & CRAFTS, CARPETS
Sunday Morning Souq
This large market, held outside Bab el-Khemis north of the kasbah, brings in people from
the whole region.
FOOD & DRINK
