If you want to know more about the Berbers, one of the best places to visit is the Atlas Mountains. You can go hiking to find their exotic villages.
In this post we are going to tell you which are the best places to have contact with the Berbers or better said, the Amazigh ethnic group. But first we will explain what they are and what they do in their daily life.
What are the Berbers?
The Berbers are an ethnic group from North Africa. From 35% to 40% of Moroccans, in fact, identify themselves as Berber. Of course, if we talk only about the inhabitants of the mountains, such as the Atlas Mountains, the percentage of Berbers is higher.
Actually, the Berbers were the natives of North Africa since prehistoric times. That is why the vast majority of Moroccans are descendants of Berbers.
Is Berber and Amazigh the same thing?
Yes, both denominations refer to the same ethnic group, although many consider Amazigh to be a more correct way of calling them, since “Berber” comes from the word “barbarian” and “Amazigh” means “free people”.
Where can I find Berbers and what do they do?
Although visiting the mountains or the desert would be a more immersive activity, you can also find them in cities like Fez and Marrakech.
Many of them are engaged in making Berber handicrafts in the medinas, such as silver jewelry, kaftans, carpets, slippers, etc…
Book one of our tours in the imperial cities of Morocco to discover their medinas with a local guide and take home the best traditional souvenirs.
Visit the village of Imlil
Imlil is a village in the High Atlas where most of the inhabitants are Berbers. This village is located more than 1,700 meters above sea level. Although its inhabitants are from a Berber tribe, it is true that they are taught Arabic and French in their schools. Their native language is learned orally, passing from generation to generation.
If you want to visit Imlil, don’t worry, there you will find many restaurants and lodging . You can also climb Jebel Toukal, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and is one of the most coveted peaks for intrepid travelers.
Tinherir, natural and cultural environment
Tinherir is a beautiful Moroccan village that offers everything the traveler needs. In addition to its traditional architecture, visit its palm grove and the Todra and Dades Gorges. If you hike along the Todra and Dades you can find several Berber villages.
In addition, Tinherir can be a good base for the route of the thousand kasbahs. Some of them belonged to noble Berber families and are characterized by adobe and mud walls that offer a unique view.
Ait Ben Hadou
We have already talked about this village in other posts, and is that Ait Ben Hadou is the most beautiful and traditional Berber village you can find, where several series and movies like Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia have been filmed.
The village is a Ksar, a Moroccan fortress and you can walk through its labyrinthine streets, buy souvenirs and visit the mosque.
You can visit Ait Ben Hadou with one of our tours and live a unique experience in the desert. It would be a very complete 6 nights trip from 430€ in which you can also visit the Todra Gorges, Marrakech, the Kasbah of Telouet and many other places that will be worthwhile.
