South of Guelmim, the road crosses wide desert plains to Tan-Tan, a town that feels very different from the north of Morocco. This is the land of the Hassani-speaking nomad tribes, with their own music, poetry and traditions.
The Moussem of Tan-Tan
The Moussem of Tan-Tan is a large annual gathering of nomad tribes of the Sahara, with camel races, horse displays, music, poetry, crafts and trading. It was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its dates change from year to year, so check before you plan around it.
The coast
About 25 km from town, El Ouatia (Tan-Tan Plage) is a fishing port and beach. The coast between Guelmim and Tan-Tan includes long, empty stretches of the Atlantic.
Two views
For: if you are interested in nomad culture, the Moussem is one of the richest cultural events in Morocco, and the region feels far from mass tourism.
Against: outside the Moussem, there is less to see in Tan-Tan itself, and the distances are long. It works best as part of a longer southern route rather than a destination on its own.
We can add Tan-Tan to a tailor-made southern tour, for example after our Southern Coast and Oases Tour. Tell us your dates and we will check the Moussem calendar for you.
All our tours are private, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, and every route can be adapted to you. Send us your dates on WhatsApp or through the enquiry form.
Written by Hda Abdou, founder of Morocco Cultours.
