found in the Souss-Massa. The greatest threat, now, comes from tourism development. For the
moment, the breeding grounds remain off-limits, though you can spot the ibises around Oued
Massa or at the mouth of the Tamri River.
Jackal, red fox, wild cat, genet and Eurasian wild boar are also found in the park, while a
large fenced area in the north of the park contains species that have disappeared from the
south, including Dorcas gazelles, addaxes, red-necked ostriches and scimitar horned oryxes. A
new visitor centre, under construction at the park’s main entrance near the village of Massa, will
house the Souss-Massa National Park headquarters ( 0528 33 38 80) . Some 58km south
of Agadir, this is signposted from the N1.
Guides (Dh100 to Dh150) can be arranged in Massa, from where a track leads along the
river to the estuary mouth (3km) and Sidi R’bat . This tiny village has two claims to fame.
Supposedly it is where the biblical Jonah was vomited up by a whale, and also where Uqba bin
Nafi, the 7th- century Arab conqueror of Morocco, rode his horse triumphantly into the sea and
called on God to witness the fact that he could find no land left to conquer.
Ksar Massa ( 0661 28 03 19; www.ksarmassa.com; Sidi R’bat, Oued Massa; s/d/tr incl
breakfast Dh1380/1900/2600, tent s/d Dh700/1100, lunch/dinner Dh170/300; ) ,
spectacularly located in the middle of the park, is a fantastical destination in itself. The
terracotta-and-blue contemporary kasbah on the beach is a wonderful place to unwind.
Luxuriously spacious rooms and suites are painted in bright colours and the pool overlooks the
ocean. Management can arrange guided trips into the park and throughout the region. To get
there follow the signposts from Massa.
Getting There & Away
From Agadir and Inezgane, Tiznit-bound local buses and grands taxis will drop you in Massa
(about Dh20). From there, it is about an hour’s walk to Oued Massa river mouth; 4WDs also
head into the park, but both Oued Massa and Oued Souss are usually accessible by 2WD (or
grand taxi).
North of Agadir
Despite the villas, fun parks, golf courses and development projects colonising the coast around
Agadir, if you’re looking for surf and less crowded beaches, head north. There are beautiful
sandy coves every few kilometres.
Getting There & Away
Bus 32 travels between Agadir port and Taghazout (Dh8) via Aourir and Tamraght; a grand taxi
from the city costs the same.
TAMRAGHT & AOURIR
Aourir and Tamraght are known collectively as Banana Village because of the banana groves
alongside Oued Tamraght, which separates the villages. Respectively some 12km and 15km
north of Agadir, they share Banana Beach, which can be good for beginner surfers. Aourir has
a lively Wednesday souq on the ocean side of the N1.
At Rocher du Diable, round the headland to the north of Banana Beach, you can hire surf