Erfoud lies nestled between the final ridges of the valley, amidst orchards and desert dunes, and is situated 80 kilometers away from the regional capital of Errachidia.
Erfoud
This city was developed in 1917 by the French legion since it was the ideal place to control the oasis of Tifilalt and for administrative purposes. It is a modern city that does not have a Medina. Its street layout is rectangular and distributed around wide streets. This city does not have great tourist attractions, but it can be an excellent base to get to know the Tafilete and the entire region since it has numerous hotels, markets, banks, restaurants, gas stations, and numerous workshops…
Erfoud is also known for its fossils and magnificent views; various scenes from the mummy movie films in this place. This town has a black marble factory (Goniatita Quarries) located about 15 km to the southeast. The marble that I mine here is black and full of fossils. You will also find a small museum of fossils and minerals on the road to Rissani. This city is also known for its dates, they are everywhere, and there are more than 100 varieties. The excellent date festival held here every October is also trendy.
A mountain dominates the city; the Moroccan army currently occupies a Borg Est fort. We will have beautiful panoramic views of the entire valley and the palm grove surrounding the town.
Why Visit Erfoud?
The lovely desert town of Erfoudi is known for its fossils, date palm groves, and beautiful scenery. It is the starting place for trips into the Sahara desert, such as to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes. People also come to the town to see the fossil workshops, where they can see how old sea fossils are turned into beautiful works of art. The Date Festival is held annually in Erfoud to honor one of Morocco’s most important desert foods. It is a must-see in southern Morocco because it has a lot of culture, history, and wild beauty.
Top Attractions in Erfoud
Desert Adventures in the Sahara
This city is a major entry point to the Sahara Desert. Through the Erg Chebbi dunes, people can go on camel treks, 4×4 tours, and quad bike adventures to see how big and beautiful the desert is. It’s a great place to start for people who want a real desert experience, like staying the night in a traditional camp under the stars.
Findings of Fossils
Erfoud’s large number of fossils has made it famous as the “Fossil Capital.” Visitors can watch how fossil workshops turn old marine fossils into art and souvenirs. People can also visit fossil sites all around the area to learn about the past of the area’s unique rock formations.
Festival of Dates and Local Culture
Erfoud has a Date Festival every October that shows off the town’s farming history and many date palm trees. People who attend the event can enjoy traditional dances, music, and food. Visitors to the city can also learn about Berber culture by visiting nearby villages and experiencing the traditions and friendliness of the people there.
Things to Do in Erfoud
Desert tours and camel treks
Take a camel ride or a 4×4 desert tour to see the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is one of the best things to do in Erfoud. Visitors can see how big the Sahara Desert is on these trips, including stays in desert camps at night and sunset views.
Go to Fossil Workshops
The area around Erfoud is famous for having a lot of fossils. You can see marine fossils turned into art or gifts at local fossil workshops. The nearby fossil sites are also great for people who want to learn about the area’s geological past and look at ancient remains.
Look into the Date Groves of palm trees
The date palm groves in Erfoud are famous. You can walk through them or take a tour with a local. You can pick fresh dates from the trees and eat them right away. You can also learn about the traditional ways of harvesting dates and even visit the date farms nearby that process and sell dates all over Morocco.
Go to the Date Festival
If you go to Erfoud in October, don’t miss the Date Festival. You can listen to and dance to traditional music and try different date goods. The event is a great way to learn about the area’s farming history and lively culture.
Check out the nearby villages
The people who live in the nearby Berber towns are very friendly, and you can learn about their ancient ways of life. People feel more connected to the history and culture of the area through these towns.
Where to Stay in Erfoud
Erfoud has many places to stay, from high-end desert resorts to simple guesthouses. Staying at one of the desert camps near the Erg Chebbi dunes is a one-of-a-kind experience. You can ride a camel and look at the stars under the desert sky. If you’d rather be more comfortable, Erfoud’s hotels and eco-lodges have modern services while still having a traditional Moroccan feel. Suppose you want to feel more like a local. In that case, there are cozy, cheap places to stay in the town center called guesthouses and Riads where you can experience Moroccan kindness up close.
Best Time to Visit Erfoud
From October to April, when it’s cooler, is the best time to visit Erfoud. The weather is mild during this time, making it a great time for desert tours, camel rides, and visiting the area. Temperatures often rise above 40°C (104°F) in the summer, making it uncomfortable to do things outside. To fully experience the culture and events of the area, the fall months are best, especially during the Date Festival in October. Winter is also great because the nights are cooler, making it a great time for stargazing and camping in the desert.
How to Get to Erfoud
You can get to Erfoud by car, bus, or tour. From Marrakech, the town is about 500 km away. Driving there takes about 8 hours or 10 hours to take the bus. It takes seven hours to drive from Fes. Errachidia (ERH), which is about 60 km away and has flights from big towns like Casablanca and Marrakesh, is the closest airport for people coming by plane. Many people choose to rent a 4×4 for the trip because it gives them more freedom and lets them see more of the desert scenery nearby. There are also private transport and tour groups that make it easy to get to Erfoud.
Frequently Asked Questions
