Essaouira, Sous Valley, and the High Atlas

You depart the Marrakech in the morning and head west, toward the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll see the vegetation change from desert to Argan trees. Essaouira frames the Atlantic Ocean with magnificent 16th century Portuguese fortresses. Along the coastline, thousands of jagged black rocks cut through sprays of ocean foam. The aroma of the sea fills the air and hundreds of seagulls swirl over the water. The medina, or old city, is made up of a labyrinth of alleyways too small for cars with whitewashed houses, shops, and art galleries dotted throughout. Whether you choose to stroll along the ocean and explore the medina or try out local surfing, you will find Essaouira to be an unforgettable encounter.

After breakfast, you depart Essaouira and head south along the coast toward Agadir. Along the way the rocky Atlantic coast will be in constant view and you may even glimpse a few lighthouses. If desired, you can stop at an argan oil women’s cooperative. Argan oil is indigenous only to Morocco and is reputed for its culinary and cosmetic uses. After lunching in Agadir, you will leave the coastline and travel east through the Sous Valley to Taroudant, a small town lying in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains.

Locals know the walled Berber market town of Taroudant as the “Grandmother of Marrakech,” due to the similarity of its ramparts and mud-red walls to those of the famous Red City. It is well known for its souks, the majority of which are located inside the city walls. Upon climbing the walls you will be greeted by a beautiful panoramic view of the city while the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a backdrop. The night will be spent at a nearby riad nestled among groves of almonds, olives, bananas, and oranges.

You’ll wake in the morning and after breakfast, travel through the Argan Forest and slowly ascend into the High Atlas Mountains. Near the summit you’ll cross the Tizi-n- Test Pass (2100 m, 6,889 ft) and shortly thereafter, you’ll approach the 12th Century Tinmal Mosque that non-Muslims can tour. Afterwards, you’ll slowly snake your way down among villages where you’ll glimpse Berbers carrying out subsistence farming in the same way as their ancestors before them. You’ll reach Marrakech by early evening.