After arriving with intentions to stay one night and ending up stopped for a week we found loads of great things to do in Tafraoute and can’t wait to share what it was that made us stay.
Tafraoute is a small town nestled in the gorgeous Ameln Valley of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It isn’t one of the imperial cities or famed as a stop on the usual tourist trail. And actually the town itself is assuredly small by Moroccan standards.
But rest assured it will be worth the visit. Tafraoute might not be on every Morocco itinerary but that only makes the appeal stronger. And those who venture to this beautiful mountain oases will confirm that it is one of Morocco’s many understated treasures.
Read on to learn about what makes Tafraoute unique and all the very best things to see and do in Tafraoute, Morocco.
How to get to Tafraoute
Tafraout is not a city on the main tourist trail of Morocco. But it’s off-the-beaten-path location makes Tafrauote a secluded and peaceful town. And the kind of place that had us turning up for one night (just to ‘check it out’) and we stayed a week!
The town of Tafraout is 150 km south-east of Agadir and about a hundred km south of Taroudant and east of Tiznit.
If you do not a have a vehicle, you can opt for collective taxis or for buses, which will allow you to reach Agadir (3-4 hours) or Tiznit (2-3 hours) for less than 100 MAD. From Marrakech allow at least 8 hours of road.
- Marrakech to Tafraoute: 5 hr 23 min (377.3 km) via A3
- Agadir to Tafraoute: 2 hr 59 min (164.2 km) via R105
- Tiznit to Tafraoute: 2 hr 7 min (106.2 km) via R104
- Taroudant to Tafraoute: 2 hr 57 min (147.4 km) via P1723
You can also visit Tafraout as part of a daytrip from Agadir.
- Read our complete guide to driving in Morocco.
Best time to visit Tafraout
The Anti-Atlas region of Morocco experiences hot dry summers and chilli winters. Tafraout is nestled into the valley and surrounded by the shelter of the mountains far from the sea. In February the valley and surrounding regions are in spring blossom with the entire landscape dotted with almond blossoms. It is a beautiful time to visit.
The best time to visit Tafraout is from September to May when conditions are favourable for hiking and making the most of the surrounding natural environment.
- Tip: In February the surrounding valleys are filled with beautiful almond blossoms and Tafraout hosts the annual Almond Blossom Festival.
Things to do in Tafraout Morocco
We really enjoyed our stay ad can recommend Tafraoute as a great addition to your Moroccan itinerary.
From the almond blossoms to hiking trails and the vibrant Tafraoute market; there are plenty of awesome things to do in Tafraotue that will keep you busy and deliciously full. (See our recommend places to eat in Tafraoute too!).
- Tafraoute Market
- Blue Painted Rocks in Tafraout
- Chapeau de Napoleon
- La Tete du Lion
- Tafraoute Hammam
- Amlou (and almonds)
- Honey
- Babouches (shoes)
- Hiking in Tafraout
- Cycling and mountain biking
- Ait Mansour Gorge
- La Maison Traditionelle
- Almond Blossom Festival
1. Tafraoute Weekly Market
Wednesday is market day in Tafraoute and this is not something to be missed. Albeit there are smaller stalls of fresh produce dotted around the town during the week. But on Wednesday the entire Tafraout comes alive with the bustle of the vibrant regional weekly market.
On a Wednesday farmers and vendors come from the surrounding villages to sell their produce and wares.
You need about an hour to wander the extent of the market. And don’t forget your shopping bags as the indoor fruit and vegetable section is so beautifully presented it is hard to resist!
- Read about visiting the weekly market in Tafraoute.
2. Blue Painted Rocks in Tafraoute
In recent times (thanks, Instagram) the brightly coloured Painted Rocks have become the most famous addition to Tafraout’s granite landscape.
The Painted Rocks of Tafraout were originally coloured in 1984 by Belgian artist Jean Verame with the help of the Taraout fire brigade(!).
The first painting used 18 tonnes of blue, pink, red and black paint. Albeit the rocks are quite a bit more faded now (some of the originally red rocks are officially pink). And no one quite seems to know the complete story of exactly what inspired the idea in the first place.
But nevertheless, the Painted Rocks have become an icon and certainly recognized as right up there on the list of top things to do in Tafraoute.
The Painted Rocks can be reached by car, on foot or by (mountain) bicycle.
- Tip: There is parking at the painted rocks during the day, but it is no longer possible to stay overnight in a motorhome.
3. La Chapeau de Napoleon / Napoleons Hat
What we didn’t realise before visiting was just quite how popular (and renowned) Tafraout is for hiking and mountain climbing. There is a lot of buzz about the rocky outcrops and mountains of Tafraout. And rightly so. They are stunning and complimentary in contrast to the arid desert region and the rugged Atlantic coastline.
Part way between Tafraout and the Blue Painted Rocks is the village of Agard Oudad. As the checkpoint guards so generously explained to us, this village is famed for the granite rockface in the shape of Napoleons Hat.
The village and the granite mountain behind it attracts hundreds of climbers each year for the strenuous scramble up to the top of Napoleons Hat.
The rock don’t really look much like the shape of a hat (IMHO). But even if you aren’t there to climb mountains it is worth a stop for a photo and to decipher admire both the hat and dedicated climbing task.
4. Lion’s Face – La Tete du Lion
This is another rock formation in Tafraout, translating into English as “The Lion’s Head”. The Tete du Lion is located on top of a boulder face on the Tafraoute Valley Mountain where the late afternoon lighting and shadows create the features of a lion’s face.
The Lion’s Head is a popular challenge for rock climbers also with a number of challenging routes and one climb of over 2500ft.
5. Tafraoute Hammam
After eight months of traveling around Morocco I can only say I wish I had had the confidence to try a Moroccan hammam earlier. Now it is a treasured part of our routine and life in Morocco and a weekly visit to a hammam wherever we are is something we all look forward to.
Complexe Jawharat, the hammam in Tafraoute is blissfully the perfect balance of local and touristic. It caters for visitors to Tafraout with two options for a hammam treatment package. But without the frills of a totally touristic spa so that it retains all the quirks and originality of a truly local hammam experience.
If you haven’t yet tried a Moroccan Hamman, then Tafraoute is a great place to do it.
You are away from the crowds of Marrakech or the bigger cities and there is something even more welcoming about trying it locally for the first time. (Perhaps the blissfulness is also in the anonymity of trying a Moroccan hammam somewhere completely random?!).
But whatever your thoughts don’t delay the experience. Trying a hammam is hands down one of the best things to do in Tafraoute.
- Read our guide to trying a Moroccan hammam in Tafraoute here.
6. Try local Amlou (and almonds)
Amlou is the centerpiece of traditional Moroccan and Berber breakfasts. It is a liquid spread a little like peanut butter. But much more luxurious. (This is fancy stuff).
The spread is made of just four ingredients, but the special and most localized ingredient is only found in Morocco.
Amlou consists of roasted natural almonds, honey, Argan oil and salt.
And this is particularly special to the Tafraout region as the almonds, honey and Argan oil are all locally produced.
Tafraout is known for almonds and honey. And it would be a shame to visit and leave without trying some of Morocco’s most tasty Amlou.
7. Tafraoute Honey
Wander anywhere near the centre of Tafraout and you will see stalls overflowing (literally) with honeycomb. It’s likely the stalls might also be swarming with bees(!) but somehow, they seem to be under control. These friendly apiarists are to thank for supporting the rich pollination of fruit and orchards all over the mountain regions of Morocco.
Even if you can’t buy a jar to carry with you (you are fortunate if you can; do it) grab a cardboard box with some of that dripping honeycomb to try.
This region of Morocco is known for honey. It’s sweet and sticky and delicious. And there is something refreshing about sucking on a piece of honeycomb surrounded by the fresh air of the mountains.
- Tip: It costs between 20 – 40 MAD (2 – 4 EUR) for a few pieces of fresh honeycomb.
And don’t worry if you haven’t got anywhere to store it. It’s not going to last you long. Because in fact you will probably finish it before you leave the shop.
8. Get some comfy Babouches
In case you are wondering what Babouches are. These are the traditional Amazigh Berber shoes from Morocco. Traditionally the shoes are worn by men and come in a range of colours but the most common (and standout) colour is yellow(!).
These shoes are everywhere in the market of Tafraout. The region is renowned for its craftsmanship and work with leather (among other handicrafts). And nowadays the style of shoes comes in a whole range of colours.
People-watching in Tafraout will be different for you now as you can assuredly be on the lookout for locals wearing these Babouches. And you won’t be disappointed. They really are the traditional style of shoe worn by many locals still today.
The most concentrated part of Tafraoute with cobblers selling and making Babouches is just in the small souk in front of Hotel Salama. Here you can see the shoes being made.
The craftsmanship is amazing and something unique to witness. Each of the shoes is handstitched and the soles hand cut to shape such a comfortable shoe.
- Tip: Prices for a pair of handmade Babouches range between 100 – 200 MAD (10 – 20 EUR).
It’s a great investment and will be both a comfortable and noteworthy new look for rocking around Morocco.
9. La Maison Traditionelle / Tazka Berber House and Museum
Located in the nearby village of Tazka just a few kilometres from Tafraout is the quaint family-run Berber museum; La Maison Traditionelle. While the term of museum is slightly ambitious, Mahfoud and his family have generously converted their home to share the history of this region. And La Maison Traditionelle achieves exactly that.
The house has been in the family for many generations. And now the house has been converted to a small museum and displays all the typical household items with simple exhibitions of Berber life and culture.
Mahfoud speaks English well and can tell you about his childhood growing up in the house and the challenges of recent times and climate change in the mountains of the Anti-Atlas.
The chance to visit a traditional home in Morocco is one of those opportunities grab with both hands. It is another of those places that truly feels like a privilege to visit in Morocco.
- Tip: The museum is open for visitors (contrary to Google Maps which says it is closed permanently) year-round except during Ramadan.
10. Hiking and trekking in Tafraoute
We truly didn’t realise the extent of how beautiful and renowned the Tafrout region was for hiking. And of course; it makes total sense. The surrounding Anti-Atlas Mountains is a warren of endless foot trails that are both natural and marked out intended for hiking.
The mountain air is cool in the mornings, and it is a quiet time of day to be out exploring.
The paths wind and cross overlapping up gorges and valleys where shepherds have trekked for generations.
The best trails to start with are up in the valley overlooking the town. If you are not already in a van your first marker direction will be an uphill walk through a field of motorhomes. And just beyond that you are spoilt for trail choice and views.
11. Cycling and mountain biking
Now THIS is something we can wholeheartedly vouch for as one of the highlights and best things to do in Tafraout, Morocco.
The entire Tafraout region is surrounded by valleys and ancient riverbeds. The valleys are streaked with a massive network of foot trails and paths for local transport (donkey) which double as brilliant cycling routes and mountain bike trails.
The most popular day trip outing by mountain bike is the ride from Tafraout to the Blue Painted Rocks. (We did this!).
The trail was as challenging as exhilarating and really turned out to be the highlight of Tafraout for us.
- Tip: Check with Brahim at Tawada Rentals to hire bikes in Tafraout.
11. Ait Mansour Gorge
Just 30km from Tafraoute is the incredible Ait Mansour Gorge located in the heart of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. The scenery is considered as some of Morocco’s finest with an oasis of palm trees and spectacular mountain scenery.
Whether you stop to visit Ait Mansour Gorge on your way in or out of town, or make a day trip of it, you won’t be disappointed. The entire surrounding region of Tafraoute is full of beautiful places to park, explore, hike or just take in the scenery.
13. Tafraoute Almond Festival
The Tafraout region is stunning and a (obviously) a highly recommend place to explore and visit at leisure. But if you happen to time your visit to Tafraout with the February Almond Festival you are in luck.
February is the start of spring in the Anti Atlas Mountains and the time when the valley fills with beautiful spring blossoms. Admittedly it had us a little stumped on first sight when we wondered what kind of fruit and orchards were in blossom at that time. But on closer inspection the valleys are manicured with orchards of almonds all blossoming simultaneously.
It is a striking time to drive the mountains roads and admire from afar. But the town of Tafraout also hosts the annual 3-Day Almond Blossom Festival in February.
This is essentially a huge celebration and vibe of festival in the township. The Place du Festival square is filled with marquees and tents selling almonds and produce along with regional handicrafts. And each evening there is music and dancing in the town that echoes around the valley. It’s a fun atmosphere and a special time to experience Tafraout.
Where to eat in Tafraoute, Morocco
So, I was going to add in the delicious tagines and tea of Tafraoute into the list of things to do. But we all reckon the tastes and treats of Tafraoute deserve a separate section.
There are loads to choose from but here are some of the most popular restaurants and cafes in Tafraout to get you started.
- Restaurant La Kasbah
This was our undisputed favourite in Tafraoute. (And yes; we became frequenters for the tagines with the Friday couscous coming in as our top-rated La Kasbah fave).
La Kasbah restaurant is open in the late morning for coffee and juice and serves lunch and dinner daily.
- Marrakech Restaurant: (Yes, in Tafraout).
Another great option with plenty to choose from and some great tagines.
We recommend the Kefta tagine. (And pretty much all the others too!).
- Café Etoile du Sud (Star of the south)
Café Etoile is a longstanding and popular choice in Tafraoute. Owner Karim will welcome you to the Berber style tent and friendly terrace.
There are tasty tagines, salads and couscous plus sweet Moroccan mint tea that needs to be sipped surrounded by mountains.
Where to stay in Tafraoute, Morocco
Tafraout has long been a base for climbers and hikers exploring the mountains of the Anti-Atlas. The town has all the services and amenities required by hikers and visitors alike including restaurants, shops, campsites, hotels, Hammams, mechanics, a good pharmacy, and small hospital.
As well as a small range of options for accommodation from guesthouses to hotels.
- Hotel Auberge Les Amis
Right in the centre of Tafraout, this family-run guesthouse is popular amongst climbers and visitors looking for budget accommodation. The central loation gives guests an excellent taste of Tafraout life.
- Dar Nour
Moroccan riad situated on the hill within easy walking distance of the town centre. The riad accommodation is basic but well-presented offering a comfortable stay and good value for money.
- Hotel Tifawine
On the main road into Tafraout, the hotel is also home to Tafraout’s popular pizza restaurant.
- Hotel San Antoine
The hotel is clean and modern and well situated on the edge of town (literally opposite the Blossom Festival if you happen to be visiting Tafraout in February). Basic facilities but the hotel is known for its restaurant and bar. Alcohol is available here.
- Hotel Salama
Located in the old souk right in the centre of Tafraout. There is a café on the ground floor serving breakfast, dinner, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Visiting Tafraoute by motorhome
It turns out we hadn’t heard about Tafraoute’s other claim to fame as the home of ‘Van Valley’…
Literally an entire slope of the surrounding valley hillside of the town where motorhomes and campervans can park for 15Dh a day and enjoy the incredible scenery and hospitality of Tafraoute.
If you are visiting Tafraoute by motorhome, be assured there is everything to accommodate your needs. There are several campsites (50 – 100 MAD per night) and there is the huge Van Valley parking area dedicated to motorhomes for 15 MAD (1.5 EUR) per night. Plus, all the motorhome services (black, grey and water) on the main road into town.
If you are visiting Tafraout by motorhome there are campsites, Aires and motorhome parking to choose from.
AIRE DE CAMPING CAR TAFRAOUTE
- Location: R104 Tafraoute
- Type: Paying Motorhome Area
- Park4Night: #46812
- Cost: 15 Dh per night
- Facilities: None. BUT there are all motorhome services on the main road into town only 500m away.
About: An incredible location surrounded by the orange hue of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, There are no fixed parking spaces, rather the entire sandy area of the valley is optional for motorhomes to take a space. A guardian will come around in the early evening to collect 15Dh per vehicle and provide you with a receipt.
Rubbish bins are available on the site. There are many walk9ing trails up into the valley and surrounding rocky mountain areas.
Highlights of this parking in Morocco included the daily vendors walking the campsite selling fresh bread, pastries, berries, and even the offer of a cooked tagine delivered to your van.
PALMERIE TAFRAOUT
- Location: Tafraout R104
- Type: Parking Lot Day / Night
- Park4Night: #70422
- Cost: 15Dh
- Facilities: Parking
About: Like the parking facilities of nearby Van Valley this also has non-assigned parking and occasional vendors visiting with fresh bread and produce for sale.
Read more about travel in Morocco
- 20 Best Things To Do In Tangier.
- Taking the vehicle ferry from Spain to Morocco with your motorhome.
- Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
- Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- A guide to campsites in Morocco.
- Visiting the famous Guelmim Camel Market.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).
