Would you want to explore Morocco's stunning palm oasis? The greatest option is Erfoud and the surrounding area. While traveling to the Sahara, this is a must-see destination in southern Morocco. Beautiful oasis and towering palm trees line the route to this remote outpost in the midst of the desert. Known as the "Gateway to the Desert," it is also a popular filming location because of the high quality of the surrounding scenery, which includes settlements and oasis complexes and vast stretches of desert. In the event that you're planning a trip to southern Morocco, Erfoud should be on your itinerary.
For four-wheel-drive adventures and multi-day camel rides in Tafilalet, Erfoud is the starting point. Tafilalet Valley and the Tizimi Palm Grove surround the town, which stretches as far as the eye can see between Ziz Valley and Rheris Valley.
If you've ever wanted to see Morocco's southern desert, Erfoud is a must-see place to see for its stunning scenery. Fossil seekers will be in heaven here, too. Trilobites, the most peculiar fossilized species, were discovered in this area. Beautiful locations are readily accessible from here, and an off-road trail leads right to the sand dunes. Films like The Mummy and The Prince of Persia were filmed here, which may surprise you considering how famous these locations are. Many people are drawn to this location because of its unique architectural design and wonder at what it has to offer.
In Erfoud, it's easy to become lost in the city's tourist attractions for days on end. There are many places to have fun and relax in this little town, including shops, kashas, and restaurants.
The Sahara and Pre-Saharan Deserts of Morocco
As soon as you cross the Atlas Mountains, you'll find yourself in a wide territory of Morocco that encompasses the Sahara and pre-Saharan areas. Mauritania is beyond this region, which links Morocco to the rest of black Africa. The present population is made up of people from all around the country. The quantity of rain falls less often, and the drought lasts for more than six months each year. Due to the region's continental character, the summer dryness is compounded by the high temperatures. People live in oasis with their irrigation cultures, making the environment seem sparse in certain locations. In remote places, the nomads, whose numbers are dwindling, may still be found. Due to harsh weather conditions and a lack of financial and human resources to maintain and monitor it, reforestation efforts in this region were mostly unsuccessful despite the efforts made.
Drinking is a common pastime in Morocco, which is why you'll want to stock up on water. As a result, you must ensure that your body is well hydrated. Tap water should not be used to fulfill your thirst. You shouldn't believe the Moroccans when they say it's safe to drink. It might become worse. True, the general populace consumes it without incident, but this is only because their bodies are equipped to handle it. Soft drinks and fruit juices may be found almost everywhere these days. Restaurants, motels, and supermarkets all sell alcoholic beverages.
Berbers
There are no shortage of Berbers in Morocco, being the country's initial residents. Originally, they were referred to be barbarians by the Romans since they didn't fit in with their way of life. The Berbers, known as Imazighen, or free people, are found mostly on the lower slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. The Almoravid dynasty was created by their forefathers. They till the soil. The soil of the Middle Atlas region is particularly rich in nutrients. Errachidia to Ouarzazate, on the other hand, is arid, with the exception of oasis, owing to the lack of rain. As a result, it is not uncommon to come across Berbers working or studying in major cities around the nation. However, they keep strong links to their ancestral village and tribe. After years of suppression and turmoil, their language was only legally acknowledged in the Moroccan constitution in 2011.
Gazelles
Tourists are referred to as "les gazelles," and it would seem that they travel the whole nation, from the Atlantic to the desert. Please don't misunderstand: it's a good thing! Ghazals, or Al-Ghazal in Arabic and Tamlalt in Berber, have a welcoming meaning: honey; it also symbolizes beauty. So, if someone calls you "gazelle," don't be alarmed. Depending on the context, you might mean it as a complement.
soaking in a tub of sand
In fact, this is not a joke. Taking a sand bath may provide a variety of health advantages, making it a popular activity for tourists visiting the desert. Sand bathing is a popular dry-season treatment for rheumatoid illnesses, back pain, arthritis, and even certain skin conditions for Moroccans and visitors from across the world. If you spend at least an hour on the sand, you'll notice a change. Before getting this procedure, be sure to speak with your doctor if you have any health concerns.
Villages in the Area
Return to the beauty of nature, the charm of tiny towns, the delight of living in a place where life is genuinely an art form. The following list includes some of the towns and cities in the vicinity of Erfoud.
Jorf
Erfoud and Jorf are on the way to Ouarzazate from Tafilalet. The scenery is dominated by kasbahs and palm groves here, too. The ancient irrigation system, with its hundreds of one-meter-high craters, can be seen on each side of the road beyond the Jorf hill. They are, in reality, long-distance groundwater wells that delve deep into the earth.
Attractor Canyons
The ancient town of Tinghir, with its clay and straw buildings and palm trees, may be seen from a vantage point near Tinghir. The Todra gorges, which lie just before the town's entrance if you follow the route to the right, are breathtaking. In several places, the gnarled rock walls soar to heights of 300 meters. To get to the hotels and restaurants, visitors must cross the Todra River, which flows through this canyon. Many settlements and rock formations may be seen along the way to the Todra Gorges. A pass provides access to a great starting point for walks that leads you into the gorge.
Rissani
Caravans travelling south from the Tafilalet region would stop at Rissani for a last sight of civilization. Camelloads of fabric, dates, and salt are loaded here for the journey to Sudan. In 1640, the Alawite royal dynasty of King Mohamed VI established themselves in the ancient section of the city. First Sultan Moulay Ali-great-great-great-great-grandson Cherif's is the current ruler of Morocco. One of the best views of Tafilalt and old Sijilmassa is just before Erfoud on this route, and it may also be seen farther down the road.
Today, Rissani is a major shopping destination for residents in the surrounding area. It's a great way to learn about local customs and traditions, as well as a chance for local vendors and people to interact with one another in a way they would not otherwise have the opportunity. In addition to making the essential purchases, here is also where a wide range of information is shared. There are still souks where the price is still negotiated by hand. Historic tomb of Alawite dynasty founder Moulay Ali-Cherif lies nearby. The ksar Abbar ruins may be found behind this tomb. In addition, the Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim may be seen from here.
Mârzouga and the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi, Morocco
This is a must-see! It's around 55 kilometers from Erfoud over a paved road. Sunset and dawn are the finest times to visit. So amazing to see the sun set and transform the sky with its hue. A luxurious desert tent at the foot of towering orange sand dunes is a must-do overnight stay. An enjoyable and memorable encounter is guaranteed.
How to Get to the Metropolis
To get to Erfoud, you'll need some familiarity with Moroccan forms of transportation. To go to Rissani in southern Morocco, you must first enter the region. The Erg Chebbi sand dunes are also easily accessible from there. After 13 kilometers on asphalt, you'll arrive at the iconic Sahara dunes after a 26-kilometer trip across the desert, making your experience even more exciting. Despite the setback, don't be discouraged. It's not going to be an issue if you are a true adrenaline junkie. For decades, Erfoud was a popular destination for tourists who wanted to see the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi from their base in Erfoud. As a result, the city is now in risk of slipping into a protracted winter slumber.
Erfoud can only be reached by taking the N12 via Rissani or driving over the river straight to Erfoud. There are two primary routes into the city if you're driving. This road links Erfoud to other surrounding towns, including Tinejdad, Jorf and Ouarzazate. The N12, which links Zagora with the area, is the second route. The N13, on the other hand, links Errachidia with Erfoud.
Other towns in Morocco: Erfoud to Rissani: 19 kilometers (N12)
Merzouga is 55 kilometres from Erfoud (R702)
From Erfoud to Errachidia: 80 kilometers (via N13)
315 kilometers from Erfoud to Ouarzazate (N10)
A distance of 440 kilometers separates Erfoud from Fez (N13)
From Erfoud to Marrakech: 510 kilometers.
Taking a Bus to Erfoud
This route is not accessible from the western portion of Erfoud if you take the bus there. From Marrakech, you have the option of travelling either the Draa Valley or the Dades Valley as your route. Three of the most prominent ticketing companies are available for purchase. Supratous Ticket Office, bus counters, and lastly CTM Ticket Office are all you have to choose from.
The firm Supratours operates a daily bus service from Marrakech to Fes. Arrive at Erfoud about 20:00 after leaving the company's main railway station around 08:30. Costs roughly 17 euros for the ticket.
Once you arrive at Erfoud, you have the option of exploring on foot or driving about in a rented vehicle. Erfoud is a great place to visit since it offers something for everyone.
