Tafraoute – Climbing Destination

1 – Jbel Taskra: The slope of Tizi N’Takoucht runs along the northeast side of Jbel Taskra, offering a variety of rocks that face north and east and stay cool during the warmer months. Only a few routes are equipped. Do not miss the long routes in Asseldrar and the beautiful escarpments in Tifghelt and Imrir.

The slope is located in the northern part of the Anti-Atlas, about an hour’s drive from Tafraout. Kasbah Tizourgane, near Asseldrar, makes an ideal base camp for climbers wishing to explore these cliffs.

2 – The northern slope of Jbel Lkest: The northern side, comprising the valleys of Samazar and Afantinzar, holds some of the best boulders in the region and remains cool enough to climb from October to the end of April. It is accessible from a base in Tafraoute or Kasbah Tizourgane (Idaougnidif).

The region, thanks to the newly opened road from Tanalt to Idaougnidif, gives access to a superb variety of rocks almost at the edge of the road. There is a wide variety here, from long day trips like on Aylim (The Great Rock), or roadside boulders.

3- The southern slope of Jbel Lkest: The Ameln valley, and its long slope going from Energui in the west to the Tarakatine pass in the east, contains hundreds of climbs. The rocks here are almost all facing south. Many of them are a good choice for periods of cooler weather.

4 – Granite of Tafraoute: The granite boulders of Aguerd Oudad were, for many years, Tafraoute ‘s most famous climbing ground, and since the early 60’s they have remained a well known bouldering destination. Since the rock climbing explosion on Jbel Lkest, granite climbing seems to have gone out of fashion.

While some areas of the granite are crumbly – the oddly shaped boulders just on the outskirts of town actually provide great climbing, and the rocks are a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.