Hotel Auberge Tilila

20/07/2026

hôtel auberge tilila

05/06/2026

Hôtel auberge tilila

10/03/2026

A group of Irish friends who are professionals in the sport of mountaineering

16/01/2026

07/01/2026

A spectacular route combining some of the most beautiful areas of the Anti-Atlas Mountains: from the Amlen Valley to Jbel Lakssa, then on to Tafraout, and finally to Ait Mansour.

This multi-day expedition offers a breathtaking geographical, geological, and cultural experience.

---

Stage 1: From the Amlen Valley to Jbel Lakssa (or Jbel Lakssa)

• Starting point: The Amlen Valley (usually near or in the surrounding area). The valley is known for its orchards and rock formations.

• General direction: You will head north or northeast towards the main mountain range.

• Trail Nature: A relatively easy start in the valley, then the trail gradually ascends through mountain passes and rocky slopes. You may pass small villages (tekem or dwar) built of stone.

• Jbel Lakssa Summit: Reaches an altitude of approximately 2,350 meters. The view from the top is panoramic: you can see Tafraout to the south, the Sahara Desert to the east, and the High Atlas Mountains to the north on clear days.

• Challenge: High altitude. The climb requires good physical fitness. The trail may not be well-marked in all sections.

• Estimated Time: 6-8 hours of vigorous walking (depending on the exact starting point).

• Golden Tip: Do not attempt this stage without a local guide who knows the safe ascent routes and the locations of springs or water sources.

---

Stage 2: From Jbel Lakssa to Tafraout

• Descent Route: You will head south from the summit of Jbel Lakssa or its western slopes towards the Tafraout plain.

• The most beautiful and recommended route: Descending through the Amlen Valley (another branch) or via the village of Tamalokt. This route offers breathtaking views of the giant pink granite boulders for which the Tafraout region is famous.

• A highlight: You will see "Le Rocher Bleu" (The Blue Rock) in the distance, a granite boulder painted blue by the Belgian artist Jean Veramechan.

• Destination: You will arrive in Tafraout, the regional capital, where you can rest and replenish supplies.

• Estimated time: 4-5 hours from the foothills to Tafraout.

---

Stage 3: From Tafraout to Ait Mansour

• Starting point: Tafraout.

• Direction: East then southeast. You will leave the Tafraout mountain basin and begin descending towards drier areas closer to the Sahara Desert.

• Nature of the route: First, a paved road (you can use transportation for this part to save time and effort, as walking on the paved road isn't very pleasant). It's best to deviate slightly to the parallel mountain trails if you have a guide.

• Final destination: Ait Mansour Valley. This is the jewel of the trip.

• Scenery: A stunningly lush, green palm oasis nestled in a deep gorge between towering rock walls. The contrast between the greenery and the barren rocks is breathtaking.

• Activities: Walking within the oasis, among the palm groves, and listening to the sound of flowing water (Ait Mansour Valley).

• You can visit the traditional village of Ait Mansour, perched on the mountainside.

• Estimated time for a direct hike from Tafraout: 5-7 hours (approximately 20-25 km). Many prefer to arrange transportation from Tafraout to a point near the valley and then hike through it.

---

Suggested multi-day itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival at a hamlet in the Ameln Valley. Overnight stay in a simple guesthouse (gîte) or campsite (by prior arrangement). Explore the surrounding valley.

Day 2: Hike up Mount Kassa with a guide. Descend and head towards Tafraout for overnight stay. (This is a very strenuous day.)

Day 3: Morning break in Tafraout (stock up on water and food). In the afternoon, begin hiking or hire a car/taxi to take you to a point near the Ait Mansour Valley (such as Douar Aqsbi). Overnight stay in a guesthouse in the valley or campsite.

Day 4: Explore the Ait Mansour Valley in depth. Return to Tafraout by local transport.

---

Essential Warnings and Tips:

1. A local guide is mandatory: This is a long trail that crosses remote areas. A guide (from a village in the Amlen or Tafraout region) will ensure:

Safety and prevent you from getting lost.

Knowledge of the locations of water sources (springs), which is crucial.

Respectful interaction with local people and possible arrangements for overnight stays in villages.

2. Water and Food: Carry at least 3 liters per person per day, along with water purification tablets. Pack high-energy snacks (nuts, dates, chocolate).

3. Accommodation: Don't rely on hotels. Arrange with your guide for accommodation in rural guesthouses (Gîtes d'étape) or local homes (for a small fee). Carry a light sleeping bag.

4. Weather: Check the forecast. Avoid hiking during periods of extreme heat (summer) or if rain is expected (which can cause flash flooding in the valleys).

5. Respect: The area is conservative. Dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos of people.

6. Maps: A topographic map of the area (scale 1:100,000) is very useful, along with an app like Maps.me (some routes may be available on it).

Conclusion: The route I've chosen is for experienced and fit hikers seeking a deep adventure in the heart of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Combining the majestic mountains with the beauty of the oases will give you an unforgettable experience. Proper planning with a local guide is key to a successful trip.

Would you like help finding a guide or tour operator in the Tafraout/Ameln region? Write us a message.

03/12/2025

Tafraout is considered the premier destination nationally and in Africa. The growing popularity of the Tafraout region, and specifically Mount Kest, among international mountaineers in recent years is largely due to a series of comprehensive climbing books.

The author is not just "Steve," but Steve Broadbent, a professional climber and guide. His book series, published under the title "Climb Tafraout" by the Oxford Mountaineering Club, is considered the definitive and authoritative resource for the region. He has systematically documented and organized thousands of climbing routes, making them accessible and attracting climbers from around the world.

Steve Broadbent's key books include:

"Climb Tafraout | Morocco's Anti-Atlas" (3rd edition, 2024): The most comprehensive guide, covering over 2,000 climbing routes throughout the Anti-Atlas region.

"Climb Tafraout | Tafraout Granite": Focuses on climbing the rock crevices of the region's renowned granite. • "Climbing Tafraout | 100 Classic Climbing Routes" (2018): A selection of the best multi-rope climbing routes, ideal for first-timers.

Why Tafraout is a climbing destination:

• It is a major center in the Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

• It is known for two main types of rock: granite (for crevice climbing) around the town of Tafraout, and quartzite (for long multi-rope climbing routes) on Mount Kest.

• Best climbing season: November to March

02/12/2025

Our Amazigh Ancestors: The Inhabitants of Askour Amlen Village, Tafraout

Located in the Tafraout region of southern Morocco, within the Souss region, the village of Askour Amlen boasts a rich Amazigh cultural heritage. Its history stretches back centuries, during which our Amazigh ancestors preserved their traditions and identity despite numerous challenges.

Our Amazigh ancestors Traditional Architecture
The houses of Askour Amlen village are characterized by:
1. Integration with Nature
• Use of local materials: stone, clay, wood
• Roofs made of argan and palm trunks
• Natural colors that harmonize with the surrounding mountains (red, brown, yellow)
2. Defensive Design
• Closely packed and adjacent houses forming a natural fortification
• Small rectangular openings for observation and defense against attacks and thieves, and small windows for protection from heat and sun
• Narrow, interconnected alleyways
3. Clever Functions
• Agadir: The fortified communal granary for storing provisions and manuscripts
• Lstoun: The inner courtyard as a private family space
• A design that maintains warmth in winter and coolness in summer
Established Traditions and Customs
1. Social Occasions
• Tamghra: Traditional wedding celebrations with Ahwach and Ahwach music
• Id Skan: A system of collective cooperation and solidarity
• Anzar: Rainmaking rituals during drought years
2. Local Knowledge
• Calendar A precise Amazigh agricultural tradition linked to the cycles of nature, known as Arkimen, is a festival celebrated by our ancestors every agricultural year, specifically in January.

• Traditional medicine using local plants such as thyme, wormwood, and many others.
• Proverbs and sayings that preserve the values ​​of cooperation and patience (ⴰⵎⵔⴰⵡ ⵏ ⵜⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖⵜ)
3. Traditional Dress
• Men: Tidraa and Teslahma woolen djellaba
• Women: Tamlahft (Ahayek) and Tazerzit (silver jewelry), and other Amazigh ornaments.
• Traditional leather single-piece necklaces, tamnia, tarhit, and tashbilit.

Courage and Heroism
1. Defending the Land
• A history of resistance against invaders
• Active participation in the battles for independence
• Protection of strategic mountain passes
2. Chivalrous Values
• Anflas: An honorary system of horsemanship and combat skills
• Traditions of Tirregza (Noble) conduct in dealing with adversaries
• Protecting the vulnerable and strangers as a sacred value
3. Resilience in the face of challenges
• Adapting to the harshness of the mountainous environment
• Preserving identity despite historical pressures
• Safeguarding language and culture across generations
Cultural Heritage
1. Language
• Speaking the distinctive Tashelhit dialect of the region
• Preserving poetry and songs that carry history
2. Arts
• Ahwach: Expressive group dance
• Amdyazen: Poets who preserve collective memory
• Tamghart: Traditional engravings and weaving
3. Environmental Knowledge
• Water management system using traditional qanats, digging wells, extracting springs, and dividing irrigation water in an innovative and organized manner
• Agriculture in harmony with the mountain climate
• Nomadic grazing that maintains ecological balance
Our ancestors in Askaour Amlen Tafraout are not merely historical inhabitants, but guardians of an integrated civilization that combines bravery in defending the land, wisdom in dealing with nature, and creativity in crafting a dignified life in the embrace of the mountains. Their heritage forms an integral part of the rich and diverse Amazigh identity of Morocco.

30/11/2025

A group of friends, professional mountaineers, are having dinner under the stars.