Agadir Atlas Mountains & Wintimdouine Day Trip: A Detailed Review

So, are you considering escaping the beach for a day and seeing what Morocco really offers? Well, maybe an Agadir Atlas Mountains and Wintimdouine day trip could be just the ticket. That is that instead of another tanning session, you opt for towering peaks and perhaps, even more exciting, the hidden oasis of Wintimdouine. That could be a very good trade. It can take you far from the sands. We took this trip, and this is what we discovered.

First Impressions: The Allure of the Atlas

That is that, as the tour began, there was an almost immediate change of scenery, going away from Agadir’s beach vibe into land. Instead of palm trees and the smell of salt in the air, the landscape switched, becoming much drier and, very quickly, more mountainous. You are able to see that the Anti-Atlas Mountains aren’t exactly snow-capped giants, it’s almost more of a rocky range with striking colours, like something right out of an old Western movie.

Too, the way up offered photo stops where you can get scenic snapshots. Your guide is more than likely very knowledgeable and very good at pointing out rock formations that happen to look just like an animal’s face, or talking a bit about the history around here, is that kind of a cool thing for you? You also will be able to hear details about how people live here. Basically, prepare for an engaging morning where scenery, and facts blend together, if that’s what you want.

Berber Hospitality: A Visit to a Local Home

Too it’s almost a given, if you take one of these kinds of tours, that one of the day’s more authentic moments has got to be stopping by a Berber home. It is that what you’ll notice as soon as you walk inside isn’t the decor, but more like the welcome. Instead of a showroom set up for visitors, you have got families who really do invite you in for tea, where the tea is more or less offered out of friendship than obligation. Very heart-warming.

Anyway, sipping on mint tea (that has, you know, quite a lot of sugar in it) whilst sitting in the family’s living area gives you a little look into their lives. In some respects, you might even learn about their traditions, like you might discover about the way they bake bread in a earthen oven or how they use argan oil. Too, that interaction you will experience here with the local people is a super important and real part of why you may choose a tour like this. Just consider that before buying that plane ticket.

Wintimdouine Oasis: A Desert Surprise

Alright, if there is just one reason to consider this excursion, this has got to be it: Wintimdouine Lake. It is almost dreamlike to find water like this so high up. It’s not just about seeing water; there’s a sense of absolute peace here, unlike anywhere else. So very still, it feels really special and protected.

Usually, tourists get the chance to paddle around in a little boat which can provide rather cool snapshots from the centre of the lake, if that appeals. Anyway, there may be some myths, stories involving, like, lake monsters and hidden legends surrounding the lake that your guide will more than likely be able to tell you. You could have fun here by seeing the oasis as, well, much more than just an beauty spot.

The Argan Oil Cooperative: Seeing How It’s Made

Still, before you go, bear this in mind: Morocco is very widely known for argan oil, a beauty product ingredient. First, you may hear the oil referred to as ‘liquid gold’, probably. Now, the day tour generally tends to involve a stop-off at an argan oil cooperative, which may prove pretty educational. But it also might be very commercially oriented.

Anyway, at this cooperative, ladies tend to hand-process argan nuts using techniques handed down through generations. So, if you look around you might notice just how the nuts turn into oil and then turn into items for purchase. As I was saying, it offers a fascinating insight into something Morocco does rather well. Yet be forewarned: there is quite the hard sell involved for these items that might just come across as being pushy to some travellers.

Lunch with a View: Flavors of Morocco

Well, maybe the tour included lunch; the meal served has to be at least considered as important. Clearly, a spot boasting an excellent view usually will be chosen, giving the diners that little something more as you tuck into food. So, is what they tend to provide, typically, tagine or couscous? Very probably yes, it’s probably that sort of a food offering!

You will more than likely notice that the meal offers people the chance just to socialise too, and is almost a break for people. Anyway, eating the food there helps you see, and perhaps also experience and engage, in the heart of Moroccan culture, in that case the food itself. So, don’t forget about enjoying it.