Around 30 km from Jebel L'Kest, Aït Mansour is a small locality close to beautiful palm groves to the South-East of Tafraoute. At the entrance to Aït Mansour, I particularly appreciated the spectacular gorges which dominate the valley: the scenery is almost lunar, with its granite rocks and red cliffs. It's a beautiful view, one you can take in fully during a bike ride or a hike. But avoid travelling here in winter, as the paths are often snowed over and fog makes it impossible to know where you're headed.
At Aït Mansour, I appreciated the warm welcome of the Chleuhs (Berbers); they're always quick to invite you into their farms and offer you a delicious cup of mint tea. The surroundings of Aït Mansour certainly merit a stop, particularly the Afella Ighir path, winding around the palm groves in the valley and the villages perched above the oasis.
I'd advise a visit to the Timguilcht gorge – but do keep in mind that the road can be perilous to vehicles, and go instead by foot. It really is an adventure off the beaten track!
Around 30 km from Jebel L'Kest, Aït Mansour is a small locality close to beautiful palm groves to the South-East of Tafraoute. At the entrance to Aït Mansour, I particularly appreciated the spectacular gorges which dominate the valley: the scenery is almost lunar, with its granite rocks and red cliffs. It's a beautiful view, one you can take in fully during a bike ride or a hike. But avoid travelling here in winter, as the paths are often snowed over and fog makes it impossible to know where you're headed.
At Aït Mansour, I appreciated the warm welcome of the Chleuhs (Berbers); they're always quick to invite you into their farms and offer you a delicious cup of mint tea. The surroundings of Aït Mansour certainly merit a stop, particularly the Afella Ighir path, winding around the palm groves in the valley and the villages perched above the oasis.
I'd advise a visit to the Timguilcht gorge – but do keep in mind that the road can be perilous to vehicles, and go instead by foot. It really is an adventure off the beaten track!
