For their first big family trip, Olivia (@oliviathebaut), her husband Julien and their two children, Joseph, 5, and Colombe, 3, headed to Morocco. In search of a complete change of scenery, the Souss-Massa region offers beautiful discoveries and promises eternal memories to those who dare to venture there. A look back at this unique itinerary in Berber lands, developed by the local agency of Evaneos, the specialist in ethical, sustainable and tailor-made travel.
A land of contrasts, Morocco is home to a treasure little known to visitors: Souss-Massa, a preserved and authentic territory that charms with its wild beauty and natural riches. This region that connects the north and south of the kingdom and extends from the Atlantic coast to the Algerian border, reveals breathtaking scenes. Starting with the Souss-Massa nature reserve, home to a rich biodiversity, a true haven of peace where fauna and flora thrive. But also small fishing villages with white houses with flat roofs, which line a coastline where wild beaches stretch among the most beautiful in the country. Still spared by mass tourism, these stretches of fine sand caressed by the waves of the Atlantic bear witness to a raw and untamed beauty of nature. As they delve into the desert hinterland, the rocks of the Anti-Atlas, sculpted by time and the elements of the weather, stand like silent guardians of this ancient landscape. They fascinate with their astonishing shapes and their changing colors according to the light of day, inviting both contemplation and adventure.
The souk of Taroudant (stage 6)
The city of Aït Mansour (stage 5)
Eight days of road trip through the magnificent roads lined in season by almond trees or date palms in bloom, that’s the time it takes to let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Souss-Massa and meet its inhabitants and their ancestral way of life, where time has suspended its flight. The journey proposed by Evaneos and its local expert Emmanuelle includes a complete circuit where each stage reveals age-old secrets, between hilltop villages, arid mountains, oases and lush palm groves. This personalized itinerary for Olivia and her family, illustrates the richness of Moroccan heritage and attracts travelers in search of authenticity, natural beauty, an unforgettable experience with a positive impact on the local economy. For exploring families eager for a change of scenery, hikers in love with discoveries and lovers of beautiful landscapes, this more confidential Morocco promises unforgettable experiences and memories. Like a journey out of time, where each encounter and each landscape tells a unique story. Where every corner of nature seems to whisper ancient secrets. And where, every moment spent is an immersion in a world where only the essential matters. •
The Souss-Massa region in 6 stages
Itinerary co-created by Evaneos, with Emmanuelle, destination expert at Evaneos.
Taroudannt (step 6)
Aït Mansour (stage 5)
STEP 1
Souss-Massa National Park
Inaugurated in 1991, this nature reserve opens its doors to all nature lovers and defenders of life. It reveals its most beautiful secrets to those who know how to be attentive. Patience pays off…. Equipped with binoculars, the spectacle is yours to enjoy. Animals of the Sahara and migratory birds, many rare and endemic species have taken up residence here. Oryx antelope, dorcas gazelle, foxes, wild cats… or even pink flamingos and more than 250 species of birds. This gigantic park which extends over 30,000 hectares reveals multiple facets that are just waiting to be explored. Several circuits are possible according to the preferences of each, accompanied by an approved eco-guide.
STEP 2
The Mirleft region and the wild beaches
Legzira Beach, a veritable expanse of ochre sand caressed by the waves of the Atlantic, is located 10 minutes from the village of Mirleft. Its special feature? Its natural arches, dug by the ocean, which offer a breathtaking panorama. Here, activities are legion, whether nautical (surfing, stand-up paddle, kayaking), terrestrial (quad, buggy) or aerial (paragliding baptism). On your way back from your walk, stop at one of the beach restaurants to enjoy a grilled fish, before venturing into the alleys of Mirleft, a pretty little lively village.
STEP 3
Amtoudi Gorges
Heading inland, discovering increasingly desert landscapes. And discovering Amtoudi, a traditional Berber village whose houses reflect the typical landscape of the Anti-Atlas region. From the village, head towards the gorges. The ride can be done on the back of a mule, for the little ones. The view of the Garden of Eden then opens up to spectators: an incredible oasis with its natural pools and palm groves.
On the way there is also a craft production of Berber carpets hand-woven by the women of the village who are united in a cooperative and a basketry. Amtoudi is also famous for its old community and fortified granaries – which can be visited – located high up in the city, true testimonies of Berber culture.
Takatart café in Aït Mansour in the gorges (stage 5)
Legzira Beach (stage 2)
STEP 4
Tafraoute
Perched at an altitude of 1200m, Tafraoute is the capital of the Ammeln Berbers. The must-see of this stage and this valley? The land art work by the Belgian visual artist Jean Vérame – the famous painted rocks (18 tons of blue, pink, red and black paint were used to create this work, editor’s note), created 40 years ago and restored in 2020. Without forgetting to take a detour to the mini-souk of Tafraoute and its ultra-colorful local slippers. A few kilometers from the village, the kasbah inn committed to responsible tourism Chez Amaliya is the perfect pied-à-terre to fall asleep and dream in the depths of the mountains.
STEP 5
The gorges of Aït Mansour
South of Tafraoute, a road joins the Aït Mansour valley with its gorges and lush palm grove. The hike in its heart can be done on foot (on the back of a mule for the little ones), about two hours, to discover the gorges and villages. Halfway, stop at the small local Takatart café for a gourmet snack consisting of mint tea, fresh fruit and bread accompanied by amlou, the local spread made from almonds. The perfect break before continuing the walk in this green oasis which contrasts with the arid mountains around. Date palms thrive there, offering breathtaking views and a welcome coolness when the temperatures soar. Berber villages with their adobe houses dot the valley. Aït Mansour is a haven of peace where nature and local culture harmonize.
STEP 6
Taroudant and the Tioute palm grove
The city of Taroudant, often nicknamed “Little Marrakech”, is a historical gem surrounded by ramparts. A horse-drawn carriage ride at dusk allows you to discover all the secrets of this imperial city. Its medina is home to lively souks and shops that showcase local crafts. Don’t miss the sumptuous Tioute oasis, 30km southeast of the city, for a cool stroll among palm trees, olive trees, pomegranate trees, and orange trees in the heart of nature that served as the setting for the film “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves”.
An article produced in partnership with Evaneos — evaneos.fr
