City of Erfoud
Relish in the unbelievable views and rich and checkered history of this quaint and unassuming town deep in the heart of the Sahara desert. Erfoud’s charming desert dotted with sand dunes has been the choice for many Hollywood films. But Erfoud should not just be defined by its desert. In fact, the region has a rich biodiversity with the stunning lush greenery of close-by oases and valuable mineral fossils found on the way to Merzouga.
Get the full experience and truly immerse yourself in the culture and be sure to drop by the town’s traditional market or souq. Here, you will find a wealth of Berber handmade crafts and other fresh locally sourced produce. Let us dive deeper into the nuances that make Erfoud a striking and remarkable spot.
Location:
Erfoud is a small, slow-paced town tucked deep in the heart of southern Morocco in the Tafilalet region. The town is relatively small with a few main districts including Hay Salam, Hay el Bathaa, Hay Jdid, and Hay Ziz.
The town is square in the center of an extensive palm grove that is an absolute delight to stroll in. From there, you will be able to access the Borj or tower, where you can bask in a striking panoramic view of the sprawling pastoral landscapes.
Getting to Erfoud is not that challenging as the roads are clearly labeled and not that difficult to follow. The city is actually the port of entry to the dunes of Chebbi. There are two primary roads leading in and out of town, connecting it to a handful of other cities including Jorf, Tinejad, Tinghir, and even as far as Ouarzazate.
Not much is known about Erfoud’s history as it has always been a tucked away, quiet respite that only started becoming popular recently. The town was built by the French in the 1920s. There is a mix of Arabs and Berbers living there now, although the town was populated primarily by Arabs until the 1990s when tourism started picking up.
Climate & Population:
Erfoud’s climate is generally mild and pleasant all year round. The best times to visit would during May and October. That is the most pleasurable temperature. The warmest months are July and August with maximum temperatures reaching 32°C (89°F). The climate is typically pretty dry at pretty much any given time, so be sure to be prepared for such weather.
Being only 108.1 km² big, Erfoud has a modest population of approximately 47,000. This low population density gives the town its charming, quaint feel.
Must-See Tourist Attractions:
Erfoud has a modest amount of interesting tourist attractions. The Royal Palace is Morocco’s only and only palace in the Sahara Desert. You definitely cannot miss this one. Although you can’t enter, its marvelous illuminated gate at night is an absolute must-see. No visit is complete without really immersing yourself in the culture and day-to-day activities of the locals. So you have to take a visit to Erfoud’s souq and get a real glimpse into an authentic, bustling Moroccan market.
A ksar is an ancient fortified village. Erfoud is home to Maadid, the biggest ksar in south Morocco. You can take a stroll through its tiny winding streets and the neighboring oases.
Another important attraction to visit is the Carrières de fossils also known as the Fossils in the Sahara Desert. Erfoud is infamous for its precious ancient fossils that date back to nearly 500 million years ago when the Sahara fully emerged underwater. On the fringes of Erfoud, you can visit some interesting marble workshops filled with interesting fossil varieties.
There is also the Jewish Cemetery on the Road to Rissani. This is an interesting site to visit in the middle of the desert. You can walk around the ancient graveyard and even take a look around inside the mausoleum.
Once a year in October, Erfoud hosts the Erfoud Date Festival celebrating the bountiful harvest of palm dates. They do this with a spectacular 3 da celebratory festival with music, activities and of course, lots and lots of palm dates.
Of course, you have to check out the impressive Erg Chebbi Dunes, southeast of Erfoud. These exquisite dunes are bordered by a bunch of villages including Merzouga and Hassilabied.
What Makes Erfoud Unique?
Erfoud is unique in its endless beauty and sprawling desert landscapes. Many big Hollywood films have been shot in this area, thanks to the picturesque setting. Some of the famous movies filmed there are Prince of Persia, the Mummy, and March or Die.
Erfoud is unique as a lovely respite on the long journey to Merzouga from Menkes or Fez. It’s a great stop to take a lot at its one-of-a-kind terrains and even lovelier people.
Things to Know Before Traveling:
You can easily get to Erfoud from anywhere in Morocco even by bus. From Marrakesh, there is the only bus that departs early in the morning and arrives in Erfoud 12 hours later. This bus also continues south to Rissani and Merzouga.
Erfoud is a pretty small town, so you will be able to get around on foot just fine. There are a few taxis around town, but you may never really need them. The people of Erfoud are really friendly and hospitable, so don’t be shy to strike up a conversation and ask for a ride whenever you need one.
Laid-back, street cafes line the streets of the small town, filled with local people socializing and enjoying a cup of tea. This is a great opportunity to really get a real insight into the lives and stories of the people who live in this small town. You’ll meet all types of people in these little local cafes, so make sure you’re ready for some socializing.
