Azilal

Azilal is a town in central Morocco, in the Atlas Mountains. It is located at around 31°58′1″N 6°34′10″W / 31.96694°N 6.56944°W / 31.96694; -6.56944.east of Marrakech and north to Ouarzazate, is at the heart of the mountain in the central part of the High Atlas peaks rising to over to 4000 meters.

It is in these highlands that are source of the most beautiful rivers of Morocco: They generally follow the peaceful open valleys, often wooded and densely populated, which separate the mountain ranges, but sometimes they cut the narrow gorges, deep canyons giant, which testify to the admirable work of water and time on limestone and red clay. In these rivers, often very quickly, practice sport fishing, rafting, canoeing, and on large reservoirs, all water sports.

It rains in this region, especially in the fall and spring. Summer is hot - sometimes with violent storms - even in the high valleys. But the nights are cool, and cold winters  with days often sunny and warm. This mountainous province, snow from October until spring at altitude and is the area of election for walkers and hikers, walking and skiing, climbing, and all who love the mountains. The effort it requires and the joys - very strong and authentic - it provides.

The villages of the High Atlas, very dense on their cliffs, often offer wonderful views. Gathered around the collective attic (Igherm) or fortified house (ighermt), their structures have a remarkable architectural unity.

The walls are adobe (mud brick with lime and sometimes straw) side exposed to the elements are reinforced with dry stones. All materials come from the place of construction, where the great harmony of the villages whose colors blend with those of the surrounding landscape.

The facades are decorated with dry stone, of wood siding, joists and carved cornices: they show an artistic taste very safe. The interiors are the richest ornamented walls and ceilings, Trim painted with arabesques naive, charming and colorful.

The people:

The region is the result of an Arab-Berber melting pot which has influenced its crafts, cuisine and architecture. An enlightening example of this architecture is the circular fortified clay storage area in the village of Sidi Moussa. These ancient grain stores characterize the rural life of the surroundings. The inhabitants, shepherds and farmers, launched themselves into honey, nut oil and cheese production. Women's associations and cooperatives grouping together several villages are open to the public. Feel free to step into one of the tighermts, the old tribal leaders' castles. Although the walls are made from adobe or stone, the internal decoration in wood is often skillfully painted with a variety of patterns. And you will understand why the hospitality of the region's inhabitants is so famous.



activities:

you can be in the High Atlas of Azilal beautiful walks (on foot or ski), and discover the scenery and little traffic, climate and incomparable sunshine, but also a population in hospitality, which has preserved its traditions especially in the field of architecture and folklore.

The hike takes place throughout the year. The ideal time is from April to October.

The ski touring - the famous combination (mule-ski) specific to the High Atlas - takes place in early February to late April.

Ait boughemaz

The hikers peaceful, on foot or by mule, roamed the valleys of the Ad Bouguemez, Ait Bouwili and Tassout, high valleys between the mountains of Mgoun south, the east Azourki , the Rat and Inghamar to the west, particularly beautiful: their beautiful landscapes, villages, folklore made ​​them famous.

AIT BOUGHEMAZ

Most athletes will follow the circuits of high mountain hiking Mgoun. This massif contains some of the highest peaks of the Atlas (the Mgoun 4068 m). We meet beautiful forests of pine, juniper and Aleppo oaks. The high valleys are lined with narrow fields, whose colors contrast with the tan or beige bare slopes.

The massif is Mgoun the field of election of sport tourists to whom he provided some interesting discoveries. We practice in the summer, hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, rafting, paragliding, trout fishing, rock climbing, especially in Taghia Gorge, south of Zaouiat Ahansal the Moroccan dolomites which bring together climbers from around the world attracted by the beauty and difficulty of the site.

MGOUN MOUNTAIN

AZOURKI MOUNTAIN

Accommodation is provided in mountain lodges, homestay, hostels or shelters in altitude.

The mountain guides of the campaign Azilal can organize, upon request, at any level of hiking in the mountains of Mgoun.


Demnate:

Demnate,  46 km from Azilal on the road to Marrakech is one of the doors of the High Atlas. Stepped to the side of a rock this town does not lack picturesque. Interesting walls (the Kasbah dates from the time of Glaoui), opulent orchards or olive groves predominate, walnut and fig trees. Souk Sunday.

- A 7 km south of Demnate, the bridge of Imi-n-Ifri is a first-class tourist site. This natural arch of imposing dimensions, launched over a river, is actually a boulder that once formed the lock and the river has cut through and through. Concretions and stalactites.

IMI-N-IFRI DEMNATE.

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