Morocco Travel Guide

GUESTHOUSE

KASBAH

Tichka Plateau , a delightful area of highland meadows and hidden gorges. Agencies in town
offer treks; insist on travelling only with a qualified guide. Based at Chambres d’Hotes Les
Amis, recommended guide Said Dayfollah ( 0667 60 16 86;
[http://chambreslesamis.eu5.org; Sidi Belkas) organises homestays and oasis visits as well as](http://chambreslesamis.eu5.org; Sidi Belkas) organises homestays and oasis visits as well as)
walking trips. Charges are typically Dh350 per person per day, including transport and picnic
(Dh250 if you have a vehicle).

ARGAN COUNTRY

As  you travel  along   the N10 east    of  Taroudannt  you will    see frizzy  argan   trees,  beloved of  local   goats   and international   chefs   (

Click   here ), growing near    the road.

In  a   restored    19th-century    mansion on  the edge    of  the Berber  village of  Ouled   Berhil, some    45km    northeast   of  Taroudannt, is

Hôtel   Palais  Riad    Hida    (    0528   53  10  44; www.riadhida.com;   s/d incl    half-board  Dh566/932;   )  .   Accommodation   is  in

nondescript bungalows,  but it’s    a   special environment from    the moment  you cross   the tiled   threshold   and clap    eyes    on  the

central courtyard,  with    its towering    palms   and long    pools.

Some    10km    further on  from    Ouled   Berhil, a   signpost    indicates   the Tizi    n’Test  road    (   Click   here ), one of  the most    spectacular

and perilous    passes  in  the country,    leading northeast   over    the High    Atlas   to  Marrakesh.

Approaching the mountains,  this    secondary   road    leads   through a   lush    state-run   argan   preserve    –   a   dream   destination for

mountain    goats   accustomed  to  slim    pickings    in  the High    Atlas.  Stop    here    to  picnic  in  the shade   among   frolicking  kids,   or  stake

out the herds   for the ultimate    Anti    Atlas   postcard    shot:   a   goat    casually    balanced    on  treetop,    munching    on  sun-ripe    argan   nuts.

Sleeping

Budget hotels on and around the two central squares offer basic accommodation and roof
terraces, good for sunbathing and people-watching.

Naturally Morocco Guest House €

Offline map Google  map (    bookings   0044    1239    710814, 0528    55  16  28, 0661    23  66  27;

[http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk; 422 Derb Afferdou; s/d incl breakfast Dh350/550; ](http://www.naturallymorocco.co.uk; 422 Derb Afferdou; s/d incl breakfast Dh350/550; ) ). If only
there were more places like this medina house, which gives a rare glimpse into Moroccan life
and won a Responsible Tourism award. Run by locals in conjunction with UK-based Naturally
Morocco, it offers delicious Moroccan meals and skilled guides. Activities include trekking,
wildlife trips, coastal excursions and craft workshops, all with an emphasis on cultural contact.
The eight-room house has a kitchen for self-catering, a roof terrace with views of the High and
Anti Atlas, informative displays in the tiled corridors, and a small library. Packages and bike hire
are available.

Hôtel Palais Salam €€

Offline map Google  map (    0528   85  25  01; [email protected]; kasbah; s/d/apt from

Dh562/674/2412; ) This former pasha’s residence, entered through the east wall of the
kasbah, lives up to its palatial name, with gardens, pools and fountains (one inhabited by
turtles) on various levels. Readers recommend the older, ground-floor rooms for their
authenticity, but the newer rooms, behind pink walls and blue shutters, are spacious and
pleasant. There’s a bar and Moroccan and international restaurants.