Ameln Valley

Introduction

It's like a world of its own. The Ameln Valley (Valley of Almonds) offers some of the most spectacular nature scenes of Morocco, as well as some of the most beautiful villages. All villages have charm, but some are more worth the detour. The Ameln Valley is known as the valley of 26 villages, all pink and red brick, nestling on the sides of the mountains. The Ameln valley is popular with tourists and particularly with guidebook writers. The terrain is quite rugged, so 4x4s are highly recommended. Thick with almonds, argan, olive and palm trees, encircling pink homes, the valley, overshadowed by the Anti Atlas peaks, appears like a hidden Shangri-la.

Things to See & Do

The largest and most famous village is Tafraoute, and it is the best base for exploring the area for those with enough time. The village of Oumesnat is built with the rocks at the foot of the Kest Mountains as the backdrop. The houses of the village are often built on top of older houses that have fallen in. Some of the houses are even held up by stilts, to help them not tumble down into the valley below. The village of Anameur's main attraction is its natural spring water pool, set above the village. The unusual pink village of Aguerd-Oudad is built under a huge boulder which has eroded into an unusual formation, known as "The Hat of Napoleon", which is obvious when you see it.

If you're not a mountaineer, this region offers the possibility to "climb" a 2359m high mountain, the Jebel El Kest. You start the ascent from the small village of Tagoudiche, from where you can walk to the top without climbing. The surrounding mountain is made up from amethyst quartzite and right below the summit you will see an igneous dyke.

Not to be Missed

Argan Trees
On the roads look out for the goats climbing in the Argan trees. In this part of Morocco grows the Argan tree (Argania spinosa). This tree is unique to Morocco and produces a fruit like an olive, which is pressed for oil. The goats like the Argan too and it is not unusual to see the goats climbing in the branches to eat the leaves.

Enquiries & Booking

To enquire about or to book a personalized private Ameln Valley tour, please call us on +44(0)7713 615829 or send an email to enquiries@erlebnis-tours-maroc.com to discuss your itinerary and prices.
 

Anti Atlas   Tafraoute

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