Zaouiat Ahansal – an unexpected treasure

Yesterday afternoon, as we wound our way through the mountains, we had a vague destination in mind, but no set plans for where to stay. Every night up to this point had been planned through AirBnB, but last night and tonight we left to chance.

And so there we were, stopped at the side of the road with Angela playing in the snow, when a black Toyota Hilux pulls up beside us and the occupant asks us where we are going. When I tell him Zaouiat Ahansal, he asks if we already have reservations. When we said no, he informed us that he runs a guest house, and invited us to come and stay there. A toilet, hot water, supper and breakfast, all for 300 Dh ($42 Cdn). Based on what we’d been paying up to this point, it seemed like a fair deal.

We followed the Hilux for the remaining 45 minutes, turning off the main road to enter the village of Zaouiat Ahansal. What a sight! This village was in a bit of a valley, with buildings built up the steep sides. We wound along the narrow, gravel road for about a kilometer before turning up a steep path that led to the home.

We were greeted by Youness, the young man in the truck, and his father Mohammed. They were charming, warm and welcoming, and showed us around their spacious home. They had several guest rooms, and we selected the one we liked best.

I was unsure initially, but when I was presented with the register, I noted the pages-long list of guests that had stayed here previously, and felt reassured.

Our hosts set about making supper for us, and last night we enjoyed the best tagine we have had since arriving.

Concerned that it would be cold that night, we were given several heavy blankets (there is no heat in the building). Full from a delicious supper, we dug deep under the blankets and fell fast asleep.

It turns out that this town is well known as a starting point for backpackers and climbers, and the reason why was evident the next morning as we woke to enjoy the stunning views of the mountain peaks that towered over the village. I do not believe that we could have found a more stereotypical Moroccan village, or home.

If you are ever in the area, I recommend you consider staying at this home. You won’t meet nicer people!

How to get there:
1. Drive into Zaouiat Ahansal. Follow the only road.
2. At https://goo.gl/maps/zvFKx7dfFTv, turn left and go up the steep hill.
3. At https://goo.gl/maps/8UZqJx6usss, park – you have arrived!

Phone/WhatsApp Youness: 0652810664
Phone Mohammed: 0671646270
(Use French)