The Tata region, on the borders of the Sahara, is particularly famous for its architectural treasures, ancestral culture, and incomparable craftsmanship. The attractions and experiences are numerous but not alike, from Tissnit to the village of Icht, from the wonders of Akka to the Ait Kine attic, from the Tataouite ceiling to the camel-meat tagine. Two not very well-known attractions are included on the list not far from the town of Tata and are worth a visit: Messalit’s caves and the Agouliz cliffs.
Far from the beaten track, go on an excursion in a lunar-like universe, exploring spectacular natural creations.
The granite caves of Messalit overlook the dry bed of the Oued and are located 7 kilometers north of Tata on the way to Tlat Tagmoute. They date back to the Paleolithic period and currently exist as real rooms in volcanic rock, where stalactites and stalagmites are majestically displayed, forming a natural piece of art created by the slow and constant fall of limestone waters. Some caves appear to have been occupied, as evidenced by the black remnants of soot on the ceilings, while others become wasp nests in the summer.
The place can only be reached on foot from the Tagmoute road, and the landscapes are hard to navigate. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
30 kilometers to the west, a calm village provides access to a magnificent trip to the huge cliffs of Agouliz. You will begin a long walk along the dry river after crossing the village alleys. A journey quickly forgotten since the panorama offers magnificent landscapes that attest to nature’s greatness. Then you’ll come to a little wild palm grove protected by rocky cliffs.
The village is accessible through a well-maintained track, and the hike follows a trail along the canyon’s edge.
Tata is also known for its rock carvings. Several sites are scattered around the region, the best known are in the vicinity of Oum El Alek, Adrar Metgourine, Tadakoust, and Tamanart. In addition to the carved slabs, several sites have tumuli, which are strange pre-Islamic funerary monuments.