Draa-Tafilalet
Errachidia
Gateway to the Ziz valley and the Sahara dunes.
Errachidia at a glance
- Region
- Draa-Tafilalet
- Province or prefecture
- Errachidia (province)
- Status
- Regional capital
- Population
- 92,374 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- 1,050 m
- Coordinates
- 31.931, -4.424
- Postal code
- 52000
- Phone area code
- +212 535
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Errachidia (French) · الراشيدية (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- March to May and October to November
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Errachidia
Errachidia is the regional capital of Draa-Tafilalet and the main base for the Ziz valley, Erfoud and the dunes of Merzouga.
History
A French military post called Ksar es-Souk in the early 20th century, the town was renamed after independence.
Things to see in Errachidia
- Ziz valley
- Source Bleue de Meski
- Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga
- Todra Gorge
Climate and best time to visit
Pre-Saharan desert. Very hot summers, cool winters with cold nights, and very little rain. Spring and autumn are the comfortable seasons.
Best time to visit: March to May and October to November. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Errachidia
- By air
- Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH).
- By train
- There is no ONCF station; buses and grand taxis connect via Midelt and Er-Rich.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
Oasis agriculture (dates), services, mining and tourism.
Food and drink
Dates, medfouna (stuffed Berber bread) and tagines.
Festivals and events
The Date Festival in Erfoud is held in autumn; check dates.
Where to stay
Errachidia has a full range of accommodation, from international hotels to guesthouses and, in historic quarters, traditional riads and dars. Staying inside or near the old town makes it easier to explore on foot.