Visit Imouzzer Ida Outanane
Located around 60 kilometers north of the city of Agadir in southwest Morocco, the small town of Imouzzer Ida Outanane lies in a fertile valley surrounded by great natural beauty. Primarily the home and administration center of the Ida Outanane Berber tribe, which have remained essentially unaffected by colonialism or tourism, as with many towns in Paradise Valley, Imouzzer Ida Outanane reflects a strong cultural identity as residents maintain age-old traditions.
The village with its white-washed houses is small, with the Thursday market, aimed more at providing for local needs that for tourists, being the highlight of the week. The true beauty of Immouzzer Ida Outanane lies in its surroundings. Visitors can spend hours exploring the gorges, valleys and mountains characterized by the smooth rocks of waterfalls that only cascade down in winter and plants that cling tenaciously to sheer cliffs. While the waterfalls only run in winter, the area has a steady water supply from mountain streams bubbling up from underground. These have been effectively diverted into channels to supply fresh water to the villages in the region, including Imouzzer Ida Outanane.
The region is noted for its argan, almond, palm, juniper and olive production and Imouzzer Ida Outanane overlooks a thriving palm grove with almond, olive and argan trees on its outskirts. Argan nuts are grown exclusively in Morocco and the oil from these nuts is highly prized for cooking and in the cosmetic industry. While argan oil has been an indispensable item in Moroccan households for centuries, both for cooking and as a beauty oil and remedy for a number of skin ailments, the western world has discovered the marvels of argan oil, providing a source of income for argan farmers. Another product the region is renowned for is its honey, with different varieties being produced according to the nectar made available to the bees. These include thyme, orange blossom and even cactus.
The cool forested areas around Imouzzer Ida Outanane provide a refreshing and welcome break from the summer Moroccan heat, while the natural pools in the nearby gorge invite visitors to cool off in its refreshing deep green waters. Nearby villages, such as Tamarout, provide further insight into a way of life far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. Travelers who appreciate the pleasure to be found in exploring regions that are off the beaten track will find a visit to Imouzzer Ida Outanane very rewarding.
