Travel in Souss Massa

Introduction

Thanks to its strategic role and its tourist hotspots, the Souss-Massa Region has acquired an adequate transport infrastructure and a service offer to match. It should still be kept in mind that most tourist attractions are located in rural areas, and often in the most remote municipalities. The roads leading there are naturally winding and sometimes difficult to navigate.

Road network between cities and municipalities

The main cities of the Region are linked by national roads:

  • The N1 which runs along the beaches north of Agadir, and passes through the Souss plain to the south towards Tiznit, to continue its route towards the Moroccan Sahara. At the exit of Ait Melloul, the road turns into a Highway, with 4 lanes.
  • The N10 which begins in Inzegane and eastbound to Taroudannt and Taliouine, and continues towards the Drâa-Tafilalet Region to become the famous Route of 1000 Kasbahs.
  • The N12 in the very south of the Region, which connects the Atlantic at Sidi Ifni to the Sahara at Rissani, passing through the Province of Tata.
  • The N8, which was the main road to reach the Region, before it was taken by the A3 highway. This road goes through the legendary Ameskroud pass and through Imi n’Tanout.

In addition to highways and national roads, a network of Provincial and Regional roads serves and connects the 175 urban and rural municipalities. To reach the most remote corners, it is sometimes necessary to have an all-terrain vehicle, as the roads can be impassable during bad weather.

Public transport

As everywhere in Morocco, the grand taxi remains the most widespread and efficient means of public transport to travel between the different municipalities, and in particular those in rural areas.

Coaches serve the Region mainly from other cities in the Kingdom. To travel within the region by coach, you often have to take coaches that stop in Agadir or Inzegane.

This traffic is organized in the 4 bus stations of the Region: Agadir, Inzegane, Taroudannt and Tata; as well as in the thirty grand taxi stations distributed between cities, towns and villages, the most famous and active of which are those of Batoir in Agadir and that of Inzegane.

Regarding transport in urban areas, the main cities have a network of small taxis, which serve the districts and the main attractions. Agadir, Inzegane, Taroudannt, Tiznit and Tata are also equipped with a network of urban buses. Agadir will also soon be equipped with an electric Busway.

Private Transport

Car rental with or without a driver is undoubtedly the most efficient way to get around the region, and sometimes the only way to reach tourist spots located in the hinterland of the Region. The tourist park has more than 1,500 vehicles, ranging from small city cars to powerful all-terrain vehicles.

Several tourist and rental agencies offer their services, for free use or included in tourist services (transfers, guided tours, treks, hikes, etc.). They are positioned in tourist areas and in big cities.

Tips

  • Before traveling in a rented vehicle, check its mechanical condition as well as its papers (gray card, vignette, insurance).
  • Have a paper map. Smartphones discharge, and the journey can go through areas without coverage, especially the internet.
  • Write down on a piece of paper the contact information for a repairman and local authorities and keep with the vehicle papers.
  • Make sure you have a full tank and know the refueling stations along the way.
  • Absolutely avoid picking up hitchhikers, or stopping at the request of others.
  • If you notice a situation that requires intervention, notify the authorities.
  • The taxi space can have a modest appearance, in the form of a simple car park. It is therefore necessary to always check that the place has a Grand Taxi plate and a broker.
  • Payment for the fare in grand taxis is made on boarding, therefore check that the taxi arrives at the desired destination.
  • Arrived at your destination, ask the driver to help with your luggage off the taxi.
  • Absolutely avoid pirate carriers. Approved vehicles bear the emblem of the municipality or province, and mixed transport has an identification number.
  • Sometimes it is better to make a long connection than to take a coach that would break down in the middle of nowhere;
  • In major bus stations, tickets can be purchased at the counters. Avoid intermediaries and above all do not accept negotiation or compromise. Fares are often displayed on the counter window.
  • Check that the ticket is stamped on the back by the transport company.
  • Check the condition of the bus and find out where it came from.
  • Avoid transport by scooters and motorcycles.

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