Ait Mansour (Morocco)

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!