Tigmi in Marrakech - Tagadert

Tagadert location

Tagadert is a tiny hamlet set in the "Haouz" plain between Marrakech and the High Atlas mountains. The hamlet has been occupied since the 17th century by Berbers and sits on top of a small hill overlooking a little stream with natural spring lined with olive trees to the north and spectacular views towards the High Atlas to the south. The views across the undulating hills are breathtaking, especially during the winter and Spring when the air is clear and before the summer heat-haze settles.

Tagadert comprises about 300 dwellings, all made of pise (reinforced mud) and has an average of 6 people in each home. These people speak Tashelhit, one of the many Berber dialects and some of them speak limited French. The homes are built around a central courtyard; some of them have a well and a simple outdoor hammam where members of the family bathe. Electricity has been brought to the village in the past few years. For the time being no phone lines into Tagadert exist but mobile phones (GSM) work well.

Getting to Tagadert - take the southern road out of Marrakech, following the signs to Taroudant, Amizmiz and the Tizn'Test Pass. About 12 Kms out of Marrakech you will come to a fork in the road; take the right turn and continue for another 12 kms which takes you into the Haouz Plain. You will see farms and small dwellings along the route with the High Atlas towering in front of you. On your left you will see the high walls of the white Kasbah of Oumnast where the Jemaa el Fna scene in the film Hideous Kinky with Kate Winslet was recreated. A few hundred yards further on you will take a turn off the main road which continues on the barage of Lala Takerkoust and follow a piste (dirt track) for 2 Kms. This will take you over gullies, small ravines and through 2 other hamlets before reaching Tagadert. Total distance from La Marrakech is 25 Kms and takes about 25 minutes by car.