Local Excursions
| Excursion | Mileage by road (ONE WAY) and walking options | Things to see & do | Eating options | Suggested footwear & clothing | Day & normal times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life in Berber villages in the foothills of the High Atlas | 16 miles by road plus 2 miles or more on foot (can be reduced for some members of the group) | Traditional Berber mountain villages. Pottery making, olive pressing and soap making project set up by us. | Vegan vegetable tagine or couscous (usually barley) at a house in the village owned by friends of our staff | Good walking shoes/ boots advised. Uneven terrain & some small climbs (can be avoided). Traditional villages; discreet clothing is courteous – cover arms, legs & chest (men too!) | 09:30 – 15:30 |
| Tiout oasis & palmery, the Souss Valley, Freyja Kasbah & the Anti Atlas Mountains | 19 miles by road and as much or as little walking as the group chooses. | An oasis of date palms on the edge of the Anti Atlas mountains.Views and opportunities to walk or take donkey rides (at about 20 DH for 30 minutes). We can see camel-herders from the Sahara en route. Lots of wildlife. Argan oil women’s cooperative. | Packed lunch. | Fairly easy walking through oasis. The villagers at the oasis do see tourists so shorts etc are acceptable – still wise to dress soberly. | 09:30 – 15:30 We will suggest days when there are less visitors |
| Walking near Afensou, gorge & High Atlas Mountains Afensou/Imoulass region & the Mentaga Valley | 21 miles and a 2 hour to 5 hour circular or linear walk (the latter is best) | New, quiet and scenic mountain road with opportunities to visit a river with attractive gorge and pools, Thuya forest & to see a variety of scenery & villages and walk in the lush valley. | Packed lunch. | Good walking shoes/ boots advised. Variety of terrain, depending on route chosen. Traditional village so discreet clothing is courteous. Cover arms, legs & chest (men and women). | 09:30 – 16:00 (varies with daylight) |
| Amegour oasis & Anti Atlas Mountains | 22 miles and a walk of 1 hour – 3 hours. | Packed lunch. | Good walking shoes/ boots advised. Choice of routes. Traditional village so discreet clothing is courteous. Cover arms, legs & chest (men and women). | 09:30 – 14:00 | |
| Coast South of Agadir (Souss estuary, Polizzi’s Medina, Kasbah, camels and horse riding) | 50 miles. Flexible programme Special interest options: birding, architecture, horse & camel riding Note extra costs for riding (c 100Dh per hr) & entrance fee to the Medina (c40 Dh) | Souss Estuary (National Park)- excellent site for birdwatchers (less so in summer). Polizzi’s Medina- a superb craftsman-built complex designed by an eminent architect using traditional techniques & patterns – see workshops and buy goods. Nearby stables offer rides in dunes and on beach on Arab horses (NOT suitable for inexperienced riders) or camels (no experience needed, just ). | Restaurant at Polizzi’s medina or picnic. | Easy walking through sand dunes. An area visited by tourists, although it is well outside the main resort (by the King’s palace!) so shorts etc are acceptable, but wear loose/stretchy trousers to ride | Good option on the day you depart if you have a late flight from Agadir. |
| Tiz n Test Pass High Atlas Mountains | 56 miles (much of it along a fast road thru the Souss valley) plus either a 3 hour walk or a relaxing stop. | A pass over the High Atlas Mts, said to be the most beautiful in Africa. Excellent views but not for those who suffer more than mild vertigo. A lovely mainly downhill walk for the afternoon through the valley from the top of the pass or, for the less energetic, you can relax near or at the inn at the top of the pass – great for artists! | Picnic or auberge at top of pass offers very simple meals for about 65DH for mint tea, salad & an egg tagine. | Good walking shoes/ boots advised. Uneven terrain and steep path with loose rocks. Traditional village so discreet clothing is courteous. Cover arms, legs & chest (men and women) | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Massa Estuary (Souss Massa National Park) & the Atlantic Ocean | 2 hour drive via Souss Valley (76 miles). 2 hour walk with lots of stops (1 hour there & 1 back) along estuary. | Perfect for birdwatchers (internationally famous site). Bring your binoculars! Remote beach. Beware of strong currents. | Picnic | Fairly easy walking on generally level ground. Shorts are acceptable. | 09:30 – 17:30 (varies with daylight). Best done as part of an airport run. |
| Atlantic Coast North of Agadir: Taghazout famous for surfing & beaches beyond. Option to go further to Cap Rhir lighthouse and Tamri National Park | 1.5 to 2.5 hour drive via Agadir (65 to 90 miles). Walk and spend time on the beach at chosen sites. | Beyond Tahazoute: the most attractive beaches are found. Birdwatchers will enjoy sea birds at Cap Rhir and the internationally famous site for bald ibis near Tamri. | Picnic or small restaurant associated with a honey, olive and argan oil cooperative at Tamri. | Fairly easy walking on generally level ground. Shorts etc are acceptable | 09:30 – 17:30 (varies with daylight) |