15

..... an area of Morocco mostly overlooked by travellers / tourists is the Sous Valley and the remote seaside villages on the Atlantic south of Inzagane/Agadir. Taroudannt at the centre of the valley is a gem, its a working town providing banking, engineering, markets and health services to the valley and the Mountains of the southern slopes of the Atlas and the Anti-Atlas mountains. An amazing range of hotels from the exclusive and unaffordable La Gazelle d'Or where retired French President Jacques Chirac holds court most Christmases and New Year. The Hotel Palais Salam formally the home of the old Pasha of Troudannt, an Arabian Nights like feel, magnificent garden with pool, terrapins and birds all contained within castellated high tick walls. In side the town wall, which is complete and in very good order, are riads and small hotels full of character. Two souks without pressure salesmen, relaxed friendly browsing. The Tiz-n-Test pass road starts some 20km. to the east for the drive of your life. Drives into the Anti-Atlas to villages like Ighrem or Tafraoute easily reached within a few hours, stunning scenery.

On the Atlantic the villages of Tifnit, its an odd place, only men live here scrapping a living fishing, I never saw a woman from here except an occasional female visitor causing a bit of a stir. From Tiznit on the highway south the villages of Mirhleft, Legzira Beach, (google for beautiful pics), and Sidi Ifin can be reached on flat traffic free roads. All underdeveloped and very simple, catch it before it disappears.

Happy travels Bek11.

16

Last time I visted that Salam it was vastly over-priced and the hotel clerk was pretty grumpy. And there WAS pressure in the souks, but not as intense as Fes or Marrakech. But the souks almost gave me a claustrophobic feeling.

17

Taroudannt is a nice town but I would find it extremely limited after a few days!

18

I've spent the last nine days covering many of the places described in the two tours. Taroundannt is a nice place to use as a base for side trips. Yes, I'd get cabin fever in any small town after a few days but then I love the countryside and the itinerary does seem as if you will get out a lot. You'll only see the climbing goats when the argan fruit is ripe which is around autumn time.

Ouirgane is more of a collection of small hamlets rather than a town, no real centre, haven't seen anything shop wise other than a grocer. Imlil is very small place but extremely lively as it's the trail head for many walks in the area. Fantastic scenery.

19

Thanks everyone for your answers.
Will make a decision on the itinerary / dates soon and book. I think the tour company are probably getting annoyed by me not booking anything yet...the ten day tour is from 8th to 18th, the problem is trying to fit in my other committments on either side of the tour...

7 days from the 7th april, or ten from the 8th onward. any advice? There is a $100 pound difference between the two tours