Back from 3 weeks in Morocco in April (page 1 of 10)

We just spent a little over 3 weeks in Morocco. Three weeks on the road starting from Marrakech in a rental Logan. We decided to split this trip into 3 highlights: the seaside first, a week in Aourir north of Agadir, Aït Baha and Tafraoute for another week, then a week in the Skoura palm grove followed by 3 days in Marrakech before heading back.

When we arrived, we were surprised by the temperatures—much higher than in previous years—and we were amazed by the quantities of flowers we saw throughout our journey. Moroccans explained that they had a lot of rain this winter, beneficial water, not the kind that destroys everything in its path.

First stop: AOURIR. Staying at Bab Aourir, we were able to explore the area. A great discovery this year: the Assif El Had cave, beyond Imouzzer. A beautiful road to get there. Absolute tranquility once you're inside. A lovely spot for a picnic by the *séquia* (irrigation channel) at the cave’s entrance.

I couldn’t resist sharing the light well that illuminates the inside of the cave. Gorgeous. After this lovely break, we head back down quietly to the seaside, admiring the beautiful villages on the mountainside along the way.

We’re happy to be back in the comfort of our little apartment. After a day spent outdoors, it’s nice to come home.



Another beautiful walk: the Honey Valley and Paradise Valley. It’s always a pleasure. Stopping to enjoy the little natural pools, watching the beekeepers at work for a few moments, strolling through the gardens of paradise. Pure bliss.







The next day, it’s beach and swimming—the sun is beating down hard, so we stay well in the shade under the umbrella. Essential.

After this day dedicated to relaxation, we decide to climb up to the heights of Taghazout. We overlook the entire Taghazout Bay.



We share these magical moments with a villager who’s looking after his few goats. Fearless, they climb the argan trees while the little donkey enjoys himself, unaware of how lucky he is to live in such a place.





Another return, and we enjoy the sea a bit more. The village of Taghazout is gradually turning blue.



The Aourir souk on Wednesdays is full of color and activity. It’s the weekly meet-up for people in the region, and it lasts all day. Grilled meal at Bustro. Nice.

A quick trip to Agadir, a walk along the seafront. And that wraps up the first leg of this trip. Off to Aït Baha.

The goal of the day was to visit the granary of Inoumar. Thanks to Michel Terrier’s precise directions, we finally tracked it down. At the end of a dirt track surrounded by barley fields and a few argan trees, we arrived in a small village. There, we met a group of French tourists with their guide and joined them for the visit. Really nice, super nice. The granary only comes into view at the very last moment—it overlooks the wadi below, which may or may not be flowing. It’s stunning.









Between the old village and the granary, you can see numerous cisterns that collect runoff water. Some are full, some stand alone, and others are lined up in a row.

That evening, we stopped in Aït Baha. The next morning, we set off toward Tafraoute.

After a good night's rest, we went to buy our pastries, guided to the bakery by the little vegetable vendor on the corner of the street. Two croissants and two pains au chocolat, 6 MAD. Then we got two "cassés" coffees at the bar, 16 MAD for both. And there you have it—an excellent breakfast.

Ready to tackle the mountain road to Tafraoute... And wow, the whole way there, we were blown away by the views.









The harvest has already begun. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. We’re slowly approaching Tafraoute, one of our favorite spots in Morocco.

The lion still watches over the Ameln Valley. We settled in at L'Arguenier des Amelnes—always such a warm welcome, and the pool is calling our name. Perfect.

Very quiet night—we were worried about the late arrival of a group of 17 participants in a 205 rally. But they "forgot" to show up. ...Majid was disappointed; they waited for them until 3 AM. ...We, on the other hand, slept well. We had our breakfast with msemen, amlou, honey, jam, butter, fresh bread, good mint tea, and coffee.... Everything you need. ...They’d even prepared for the 17 no-shows...

Then, with our picnic, we headed to the painted rocks and took the track to the village of Aday.





Another day, a few laps in the pool and dinner awaited us. The food was still excellent.

The next day was souk day—Wednesday. The souk had moved, but it was still right in the city and hadn’t lost any of its charm.





We bought sfenj for an afternoon snack and took a little break on a terrace in Tangier to soak in the street scene before browsing the shops downtown. Then it was back to the tranquility of our little hostel.



The next day, we went for a walk around the city, through the palm grove, discovering the typical house facades of Tafraoute.







We couldn’t resist the temptation to head out for the umpteenth time on a hike through the Aït Mansour valley and then make our way to the earthen village of Gdour, a village slowly crumbling away, year after year.

A long hike through the villages of the Ameln Valley—all a bit alike, yet each one different—and we left Tafraoute for new horizons.

At daybreak, we're woken up by a cacophony of birds chirping. It doesn't last long, but it's extraordinarily intense. Right after breakfast, we head toward Igherm. The road is magnificent.



Imouane with its granary at the top of the village.



And it's still just as blooming.



The road goes up and down, we cross and re-cross the Tata riverbed. The route often follows the riverbeds, which were the first communication routes used by nomads since time immemorial.



Impressive folds in the landscape.



Beautiful scenes of life. Real paintings.







And always flowers.

But it's stunning! The many splendors of Morocco. I can't get over it, even though I know it a little. But your photos are gorgeous. Well done! I'm looking forward to the rest, of course.

I'm leaving Thursday, same itinerary, and we have the same canteen in Tafraoute 😎😎 See you soon, and thanks for the photos. Hannah

Have a great trip and see you soon on the forum.

Thanks for this little glimpse of Morocco in the spring. It's a pleasure to read and a feast for the eyes. Great job on the photos.

Thanks Daniel for all these colors—there was rain, and that’s great for them!

Yes, Morocco was stunning this year. And our stop in Skoura won’t be outdone by the previous ones. We arrived in the evening at the guesthouse Kasbah La Palmeraie, where we reunited with Mohamed, Ghizlane, and their little family. We settled on the terrace to enjoy the view of the palm grove and the Atlas Mountains. The very next day, Mohamed took us through the palm grove, all the way to the other end. The palm trees were in bloom. Male and female flowers are different, and it’s human hands that step in for pollination, which doesn’t happen naturally.

Female flowers

Male flowers.

The first pomegranate blossoms are starting to appear. The roses scent the paths.



Water is always present to irrigate the gardens in the shade of the majestic kasbahs.





Back at the guesthouse to read, comfortably settled on the terrace.

Some travel journals really stand out 🙂 You know a little, you're familiar with a bit, but you still get drawn into this calm and peaceful narrative, these soothing walks where you take your time, and those lovely photos that bring it all together.

The next day, just like at Aït Mansour, for the umpteenth time, we couldn’t resist the call of the almond tree valley. It’s so close and it’s amazing. Plus, in April, entire mountainsides are in bloom. After breakfast and the delicious honey pancakes prepared by Ghizlane, we buy our picnic and slowly make our way into the almond tree valley. Reeds and wood dry by the roadside, just like the cut grass to feed the animals.



You might think it had snowed on the way out of Toundoute, but not at all—it’s salt rising to the surface.



A water point in the middle of nowhere, and we share a moment with the shepherd who came to water his animals. He poses for the photo. Nice guy.



We continue our journey toward the end of the valley. We follow or cross giant wadis. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.



Then, below the road, a collective beehive that’s a bit worn but still seems active. Just behind it, a small marabout perfectly blended in—you barely notice it. And more wadis, the mountain...



At lunchtime, comfortably settled in the shade of the olive trees, we thought we were alone in this little paradise. Well, not at all—suddenly, we heard bleating behind us. A flock of sheep and goats was arriving in the wadi and about to climb the mountain. And they did it in no time. The experienced shepherd had taken a shortcut and reached the mountaintop at the same time as his animals. Impressive.



And everywhere, flowers, beehives... It’s spring.





We go all the way to the end of the valley, to the village of Cantola. We park the car and go for a walk in the gardens above the village. Here too, water flows through the *séguias* and generously irrigates the cultivated plots. Everything is calm and serene.





A pace of life that leaves you dreaming.

What a magnificent day,

So there are female palm trees and male palm trees?

Kate is right! What serenity in the story and the trip. It's the discovery of places that aren't unfamiliar to me, yet.

Thanks for sharing all these great moments with all of us. It’s a real pleasure.

Yes, that's what I remembered—palm trees are either male or female. But they're not the only trees like that.

Monday, market day, the hustle and bustle is in full swing in Skoura. Traffic isn’t easy on the main street, especially in the morning. Luckily, on foot, you get there quickly.

Everyone sells what they have or repairs what they can.









And everyone has their own mode of transport.



Before leaving the market, we treated ourselves to a mint tea at one of the little eateries in the souk—a delicious tea. A truly extraordinary place where anyone can bring their own tea, sugar, meat, or vegetables and only buy the charcoal. We loved this moment and the atmosphere of kindness, serenity, and sharing that reigned there.

Yes, that's what I remembered—palm trees are either male or female. But they're not the only trees like that.

Okay, it's a bit like papayas in Guadeloupe. Over there, they call someone who doesn’t do much with their ten fingers—a non-productive person—a "papayer," like the male papaya tree. And yeah, you’ve gotta laugh a little...