Where after Asni?

[Valentinik]

Hi,
looking for a bit of advice please?

Going to Morocco at the end of September to meet up with some friends in Asni. After that don't really have an idea where to go. Thought of the sand dunes at Merzouga but they sound a bit touristy? Would the sand dunes at Mhamid be as good but a little quieter?

Then any tips on a route back north would be most welcome.

Many thanks
Nigel

 

[Tim Cullis]

The world's your oyster. Neither of the Ergs (Chigaga near M'hamid, Chebbi near Merzouga) are viable for much riding unless you're on something light. Chigaga is quieter but the touts at M'hamid are worse.

Imlil is close to Asni which is good for walking or some gentle mountain pistes. From Asni you can travel south over the Tizi n'Test in the High Atlas, one of the world's great mountain rides, see below.

The Anti Atlas around Tafraoute is excellent riding. On the way north visit the gorges of the Dades and Todra, then stop over in the cedar forests and volcanoes of the Middle Atlas around Azrou.

Tim