We were lucky to enjoy a few Tawada hiking trails today. The lead guide and founder of the company, Moha, and his partner Vera offer a variety of hikes in the region, with a focus on sharing Moha’s passion for his Berber culture and their spiritual homeland.
Our hike started about 20 minutes inland from Aourir, crossing a dry riverbed and climbing through a forest of olive and argan trees, toward some houses nestled high in the mountains. We passed shepherds and goats climbing trees. Bees fed on cactus flowers. Moha stopped to pick wild lavender, thyme, and other plants used for cooking and medicinal purposes.
We learned about male and female olive trees, with females bearing the edible fruit. And about the majestic argan tree — one we saw was over 500 years old and still producing nuts twice a year.
We walked through palm groves, with branches sagging under the weight of giant leaves and an abundance of dates. The colors of the dates and palm leaves resembled fireworks bursting in the sky. During our October hike, Moha shot a few down with his slingshot—soft, sweet, sticky dates, fresh in our palms.
We climbed a steep hill and were welcomed by smiling women and children. They invited us into their mountain home to refresh and recharge with mint tea, cookies, homemade bread dipped in roasted argan oil, and honey they produce themselves. (They now sell their honey and oil, so they recommend bringing cash.)
We exchanged a few words while the family joyfully chatted with Moha. One group member summed it up perfectly: “They talk like birds!” Singing, chatting, and communicating through words. The photo above shows their mountaintop home—the family asked not to be photographed themselves.
We left with a deep sense of peace, fully recharged. The energy boost was partly from the sugary mint tea and honey, which lingered long after we departed. But also from the grounding influence of this rooted family. A reminder of the importance of grounded, spiritual souls who invite us to slow down our fast-paced human race.
We passed several points with hundreds of fossils as we walked across what was once the ocean floor—60 million years ago.
And then, just as the heat returned, we reached a point where the valley opened up, revealing a large turquoise freshwater pool. With turtles basking on the rocks, donkeys carrying bunches of dates, and a valley full of palm trees—it was like stumbling into Eden. The water was cold—perfectly refreshing. A body-wide smile from the tingling sensation.
The final part of the hike zigzagged across the riverbed. Moha had us hop across rocks and rest in the shade of palms. A great leg workout—and later we all agreed it was the perfect complement to the upper body strength developed from surfing.
If nature had designed the perfect hike, Moha has found it. And this is only one of his favorite trails. Others await in Taghazout, Imsouane, Paradise Valley, and many hidden gems. Moha’s love for his land, culture, and people is beautiful to see and share. Your senses will thank you for joining.
Thank you, Tawada, for so generously sharing your passion and your homeland.
