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An update from Evaneos
Errachidia

Errachidia (Morocco)

Practical information about Errachidia

  • Desert
  • Festivals
2 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
1 hour and 30 minutes by road from Merzouga
When to go
Avoid the summer
Minimum stay
A few hours

Reviews of Errachidia

Timothée D. Travel writer
285 travel articles

A modern military garrison town, Errachidia has very limited interest for tourists, and is more of a stopping point on your route between Fes/Meknes and the desert.

My suggestion:
In May Errachidia hosts the Festival of the Desert, with lots of traditional desert music and theatrical performances.
Summary:

A modern town that was established by the French Foreign Legion at the beginning of the 20th century, since Morocco became independent, Errachidia has continued to be a military town, with a large garrison in the town, present because of the proximity to the Algerian frontier. Errachidia also has a large population of Alaouis (the royal family), which could also explain why the town was renamed in 1975 in honour of Rachid, the son of Hassan II.

During my trip to Morocco I simply passed through Errachidia and my advice to everyone else is to do the same. The dusty, concrete centre and interminable suburbs of this town of 80,000 inhabitants don't make it any more welcoming. Quite the contrary!

Desert scenery in Morocco
Latéfa Faïz Travel writer
114 travel articles

A regional capital, Errachidia marks the entrance to theTafilalet Valley.

My suggestion:
For fans of pop music, a Festival of Malhun Songs is organised in Errachidia in May.
Summary:

Like Erfoud, Errachidia is a garrison city formerly built by the French. So you'll find right angled streets there according to a squared plan. Which over time, I must admit, can become quite monotonous in the course of a visit. All the same the city has invested in quite pleasant hotels and an immense theatre which attracts artists from all over the Sahara.

Errachidia is a stop on the Tafilalet route during atrip around Morocco: it's also the region's main tourist attraction. But the city's surroundings are also worth the trip. A dozen kilometres away the famous Blue Source in Meski can be found: this signals the beginning of the Ziz Valley. It's a place often frequented by the region's inhabitants for a swim. Downstream you'll discover a landscape of rolling hills, with authentic mountain villages scattered throughout and beautiful palm groves. Ideal for a bike ride.

A traditional meal in Errachidia