Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Camels trekking at Erg Chebbi dunes
The Valley of the Kasbahs
!
Skoura
provide a strong defence against
the pillaging nomads. A walled
settlement east of the Erfoud
road is worth a detour.
d
Map E1
&
Er Rachidia
The first town east of
Ouarzazate is notable for a
palmeraie with impressive old
kasbahs, including the Kasbah
Amerhidil (part hotel, part
museum), once owned by the
Glaoui family
(see p96)
.
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Map D2
@
El Kelaa M'Gouna
From this town, the
extensive palm groves of Ziz and
Tafilalt begin. The place is known
for crafts such as pottery and
carved wooden objects.
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Map F1
• Tourist information: 0535 57 09 44
This small town lies at the
heart of rose-growing country.
Most of the petals picked each
spring are exported for use in
the perfume industry.
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Map D2
£
Dadès Gorge
*
Erfoud
This peaceful town serves
as a base for tours to the soaring
Erg Chebbi sand dunes and the
Tafilalt palm grove. It also hosts
a three-day Date Festival each
October following the annual
date harvest.
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Map F1
(
Rissani
Follow the road north from
Boumalne du Dadès to this
stunning gorge, a spectacular
backdrop for several kasbahs.
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Map E1
$
Tinerhir
This ancient town dating
back to the 7th century lies on
the edge of the Sahara and has a
very famous souk.
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Map F1
)
Merzouga
Built on a rocky outcrop, the
region's administrative centre is
bordered by lush palm groves.
Known for its silver jewellery, it
has several working silver mines
nearby.
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Map E1 • Tourist informa-
tion: Hotel Tombouctou; 0544 83 46 04
This is a Saharan oasis at
the foot of the Erg Chebbi
dunes. Camel drivers offer one-
hour to two-day tours into the
sand hills.
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Map F2
%
Todra Gorge
Sheer cliffs dramatically rise
on either side of this narrow
gorge with the picturesque vill-
age of Tamtattouchte at the north-
ern end. Two hotels make an
overnight stay possible.
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Map E1
^
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The fortified villages, or
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98
