5 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
3 hours away from Marrakech by car Be warned the end of the journey takes place on dirt roads
When to go
From March to November
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Vallée de la Tessaout (Morocco)
©
@flickr cc David Rosen
Practical information on Vallée de la Tessaout
Reviews of Vallée de la Tessaout
Situated in the heart of the High Atlas, in an incredibly rural and sparsely populated zone, the Tessaout valley offers formidable opportunities for hiking across landscapes that dreams are made from.
My suggestion:
The road to get to the Tessaout valley and to Magdaz is a relatively athletic endeavor, with crossings over the river Oued, high crevasses and a total lack of tarmac. A 4x4 is recommended!
My review
Situated in the heart of the High Atlas, a step back from the dizzying heights of road 307 that ropes along the deserted landscapes of the mountains, the Tessaout Valley offers excellent hiking opportunities off the beaten track. The region is mainly populated by Berber tribes and remains profoundly traditional. Their architectecture continues to respect ancient traditions passed down by their forefathers: villages built entirely out of earth, blending their homes into the rocks and mountains.
On the edge of the Tessaout valley is a town called Magdaz, which I had the opportunity to visit. The panoramas offered from this viewpoint are breathtaking. Between the burnt ocre colour of the earth, the blue of the sky, the green leafy oasis and dizzying mountain heights, this is without a doubt one of the most remote areas tucked away in Morocco, and in my opinion is home to the country's most enriching experiences. If you are in the area, this is an absolute must, it makes for an unforgettable moment of your holiday to Morocco.
©
@flickr cc David Rosen
The Tasseout valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Grand Atlas Mountains.
My suggestion:
Check out the picturesque villages in the region.
My review
If you're hoping to meet the locals population and discover some fantastic views, don't miss the opportunity to stop off at the Tasseout valley as part of your stay in Morocco.
The Tasseout valley opened out before me. I'd travelled through numerous traditional Berber villages in the Grand Atlas Mountains, all in a rather sorry state of repair, particularly Magzar. Magzar is an isolated village, cut off by mountain passes. The climate is rather severe in winter, but as cold as it was, I found the village folk equally warm and welcoming.
Berber hospitality is legendary, and I found the reports to be true not only at Magzar, but throughout the entire valley: participating in no-frills family meals, being put up for the night (these people love offering hospitality to travellers!), getting advice and directions with a smile... These everyday gestures really are heart-warming when you're a visitor passing through.
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198-Maroc@flickrccHugues
217 travelers' photos
