Things To Do
in Tazert
Tazert is a quiet mountain town tucked in the Atlas foothills, offering rugged scenery, cedar forests, and a calm pace of life. It sits at the crossroads of Amazigh culture, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality from local families. Narrow lanes wind between ancient kasbahs, terraced fields, and olive groves, delivering sweeping valley views at every turn.
Visitors come to explore hikes, cultural encounters, and a slower, rural side of Morocco away from the bigger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the nearest airport and take a scenic drive to Tazert, feeling the anticipation of exploring the picturesque landscapes. Check into a charming local guesthouse, where the hospitable staff greets you with mint tea and traditional pastries. Take some time to unwind from your journey, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this Berber village.
Stroll through the village and interact with the friendly locals, discovering artisan shops that sell handmade crafts and textiles. Visit the nearby olive groves, where you can learn about traditional farming practices and even participate in a hands-on olive oil tasting. Capture beautiful photos of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you experience the region’s rich culture.
Savor a traditional Moroccan dinner at your guesthouse, featuring a tagine made with local ingredients and spices. Enjoy the sounds of the evening as you sit outside, sharing stories with fellow travelers while gazing at the stars in the clear Moroccan sky. Retire early to your room, eager for the adventures that await in the coming days.
After breakfast, head to the bustling local market in Tazert, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and spices. Shop for unique handicrafts while interacting with the friendly vendors, learning about their stories and products. Don’t forget to haggle a little; it’s all part of the market experience!
Visit a local artisan workshop where you can observe craftsmen creating beautiful pottery and textiles. Participate in a small workshop, allowing you to connect with the local culture and perhaps create a souvenir to take home. The afternoon holds a delightful culinary surprise as you join a cooking class and prepare traditional Moroccan dishes.
After enjoying the meal you’ve prepared, take a relaxing walk around the village, experiencing its tranquility as the sun sets behind the mountains. Join your hosts for a storytelling session around a fire, where you can learn more about Berber folklore and traditions. Reflect on the day’s adventures while enjoying a soothing cup of herbal tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🏨Accommodation per night (budget hotel) | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local transport (short taxi ride) | $2-7 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $25-70 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and rich Amazigh culture
- Relatively low crowds compared to major cities
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Rough mountain roads and limited public transport
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Labas 3lik?" - How are you?
- "B'slama" - Goodbye
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran" - No, thank you
- "Afak" - Please
- "Shnu smitek?" - What is your name?
Places to Visit in Tazert
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic valley view at sunrise with soft golden light and long shadows across terraced fields.
Sunset silhouettes against traditional mud-brick walls and carved doors.
Dramatic trees and light filtering through branches along a forest trail near the foothills.
A winding river framed by olive groves and stone terraces, perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.
Food in Tazert
Tazert Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant slow-cooked stew, typically made with lamb or chicken, dried fruits, and nuts; best at family-run kasbah restaurants.
Must-Try!
Steamed semolina served with a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables and chickpeas; a staple at markets and homes.
A hearty tomato-lentil soup often enjoyed with dates and bread, especially during cooler days.
Fresh, warm bread served with high-quality olive oil or locally churned butter, widely available at local stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market where locals stock spices, olives, dates, breads, and prepared snacks; ideal for tasting street foods and buying edible souvenirs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake; in some communities a light kiss on both cheeks may occur between acquaintances. Use formal titles until invited to be more informal.
Modest clothing in public: shoulders and knees covered; more conservative in rural areas; respect local norms at religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people or sensitive sites; avoid photos inside mosques or private homes without consent.
Accept invitations to share tea or a meal when offered; decline politely if you need to, as hospitality is a central part of daily life.
Safety
Tipping in Tazert
Ensure a smooth experience
Leave small tips (about 5-10%) in restaurants and cafés; tip guides and porters modestly for assistance.
Cash is widely accepted; some larger venues may take debit cards. ATMs are available in larger towns; carry local currency (MAD) for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days in the valley; carry water and seek shade during peak sun. Mornings and evenings are best for hikes; higher elevations stay cooler.
Cool days with chilly nights; occasional frost and possible light snowfall on higher peaks. Dress in layers and have a warm jacket.
Lush landscapes with blooming almond trees; pleasant temperatures for trekking and market visits.
Harvest season with olive picking and local festivals; comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.
Tazert at Night
Hiking in Tazert
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic day hikes that explore terraced fields and cedar forests near Tazert; suitable for most fitness levels.
Airports
How to reach Tazert by plane.
Major international hub with lots of flight options; from Marrakech you can drive or take a bus/tax to Tazert.
Smaller international to domestic flights; access via road or bus from Essaouira.
Gateway for southern Morocco; typically a 2-3 hour drive to reach Tazert depending on route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the area, with distinct dialects, crafts, and strong hospitality.
A smaller but present community mix; Arabic and French are commonly spoken in towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across towns; local matches and informal games are common in village fields.
Traditional modes of transport and tourist activities in desert-adjacent areas and surrounding valleys.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tazert.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most vegetable tagines and couscous dishes are vegetarian; request no meat or ask for mushroom substitution; vegetables and legumes are plentiful.