Col du Kerdous
49km (30 miles) W of Tafraoute; 54km (33 miles) E of Tiznit; 153km (95 miles) SE of Agadir
The journey to Col de Kerdous is just as rewarding as the destination itself. The views from this mountain pass, 1,100m (3,609 ft.) above sea level, are simply spectacular, especially during the late afternoon when the pink Anti-Atlas starts to take on all manner of shades. The winding drive from Tafraoute passes numerous Berber villages, their earthen adobe houses and cultivated terraces sometimes clinging to the mountainsides. Heading toward Tiznit, the col, or mountain pass, signals the rapid descent to the coastal plain.
The Kerdous Hotel (tel. 028/862063; fax 028/600315; 665dh/$83/£42 double, including breakfast) is located right on the pass and is a very comfortable place to stop for a drink or even stay the night. Built from the remains of a former kasbah, it offers 38 rooms, all with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and heating. The restaurant's large kitchen offers a surprisingly varied menu of mostly international dishes for both lunch and dinner. A bar/salon opens up to a cliffside outdoor patio, where you can enjoy your meal along with sweeping views toward the west. A small bar-cafe at the hotel's entrance offers drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and coffee for those stopping just for a look and a photo.
