Tafraoute - Morocco
It is a nice and easy going mountain village located in the Atlas
mountains in South Morocco and is known for its beautiful landscape of red
dessert, pink rocks, ochre covered buildings amid green trees, prehistoric rock
carvings, stunning palm groves and blue painted rocks of Belgium artist Jean
Veran. Tafraoute is located 152 kilo meter south east of Agadir.
Getting around in the Ameln villages you can use taxis or rent mountain bikes.
The almond trees bloom January into February. Tafraoute is the almond capital of Morocco and every year they organize an Almond Blossom festival in early spring. During this time the quite town of Tafraoute undergoes a huge transformation, with festive atmosphere all around. There are dances, music, games and other local activities. The three famous tourism attractions include Palm groves in south east, gazette rock carving ( 2 km south of the town) and artwork of artist Jean Veran. In 1984 Jean and his team painted portion of hills and granite boulders with 18 tones of red, blue, white and violet paint.Though the paint has paled down considerably, it still remains one of the major tourist attractions in Morocco. Well connected by a transport it can also be reached easily. Additionally due to the presence of boulders its a good place for rock climbing. Tafraoute is close enough to Agadir for a day trip.
The general independence, dress and architecture of the Berber people in the area are also a welcome change, . It is an excellent to just relax or place to walk, ride bikes in the nearby Ameln valley. The Ameln Valley near the Tafraoute Mountains, with its 26 Berber villages is place surely worth exploring. The best time to go Tafraoute is in anything other than summer as it gets very hot.
