Erfoud

Erfoud-Sahara-Morocco - Sunset view from Salam District, Erfoud Morocco

For the similarly named capital of Thuringia see under Erfurt

Erfoud (Arabic: أرفود‎ - Also written Arfoud) is based in southern Morocco, in the Tafilalet-region.

Erfoud is known by the name of "Gate of Sahara Desert" as it is near Erg Chebbi Dunes, and you can actually take direct off-road tracks to the dunes.

Many films were shot in the area, some of the most famous are: Prince of Persia - 2010 - Director Dick Richards; The Mummy - 1999 - Director Stephen Sommers; March or Die - 1977 - Director Dick Richards.

While many Ksars (fortified villages) have existed for centuries, Erfoud was built new by the French around 1920s. Arabs are the majority but as the tourist industry developed, many Berbers started coming to the city around 1990s.

Erfoud is a good place to stay and explore local destinations. Also Erfoud offers quite a good range of businesses, supermarkets, restaurants, mechanics - great for those traveling overland with their own 4x4 or cars, and wish to fill up with goods.

Travel to Erfoud

Erfoud is the port of entry to the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi, driving 13 kilometers asphalt and 26 kilometers desert tracks directly out of town passing the river or via Rissani and Merzouga.

By car

There are 2 main national roads coming in/out of Erfoud. R702 connecting Erfoud to Jorf, Tinejad, Tinghir and further more to Ouarzazate. This road also enters the desert off-road until the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Project is under study to finally complete this road reaching Merzouga village. N13 connects Errachidia to Erfoud, Rissani until Merzouga village further south.

Road distances from Erfoud to other Moroccan destinations:

• Erfoud to Rissani : 19 km
• Erfoud to Merzouga: 55 km
• Erfoud to Errachidia: 80 km
• Erfoud to Ouarzazate: 315 km
• Erfoud to Fez: 440 km
• Erfoud to Marrakech: 510 km
• Erfoud to Tangier: 665 km
• Erfoud to Casablanca: 750 km
• Erfoud to Rabat: 590 kilometers, 8h (driving only)

Travel on a Bus in Erfoud

Buses run to Erfoud from the west (via Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Boumalne, and Tinghir) and north (via Er Rachidia, Meknes, and Fez).

From Marrakesh there is one daily Bus from Supratours company. Departures from Supratours main station at 8:30AM and arrives to Erfoud around 8PM. Ticket costs 175 dirhams. Thit is the same bus that goes on to Rissani and Merzouga in (Erg Chebbi) Dunes.

• Supratous Ticket Office - Supratours Bus in Erfoud | Mohamed 5 Boulevard Mohamed 5 Boulevard just between the City Hall and the non-traffic Rue Allal ben Abdellah Street - Opening Hours: 9AM to 8PM Supratous Ticket Office

• CTM Ticket Office - CTM Bus in Erfoud | Mohamed 5 Boulevard Mohamed 5 Boulevard just between the City Hall and the non-traffic Rue Allal ben Abdellah Street - Opening Hours: 9AM to 8PM CTM Ticket Office

• BUS Ticket Office - Private Buses in Erfoud | Place des FAR In front of the local souq where all the taxis are, just on the junction with Avenue Moulay el Hassan - Opening Hours: 9AM to 8PM Thit is the ticket office for all buses private companies passing in Erfoud. Buses departing for almost all locations important locations in Morocco. Before choosing one of these companies, try Supratours or CTM first. Just for a few dirhams difference you get to your destination safer and faster.

How to get around in Erfoud

Walk in Erfoud

Erfoud is quite small so you walking around town is quite OK. There are 4 taxis working day and night. Hitchhiking one passing scooter or donkey cart will be fairly easy.

Car rental

• Fox Cars - Rent-a-Car Erfoud | Nº1041 Kissariat al Ahbass / Avenue Mohammed 6 - Ouarzazate Cars can be delivered in Erfoud ☎ +212 678-010-570 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 8PM Car and 4X4 rental. On a 1-week rental basis costs 400 dirhams for a Dacia Logan, or 1400 dirhams for a Toyota Land Cruiser 100

• Brayouramecar - Rent-a-Car Erfoud | youssef@ Avenue Mohamed 5, 52200 Erfoud On the street connecting the Post Office to the FAR Plaza (the market square) ☎ +212 535-578-957 +212 535-578-957 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 8PM Different types of cars. 400 dirhams for a small Fiat Panda , or 1200 dirhams for a Volkswagen Touareg 4X4

What to see in Erfoud

Erfoud-Souq-Market-Sahara-Morocco - Erfoud Market on Saturday morning, Morocco

• Royal Palace - Erfoud Royal Palace | Erfoud holds Morocco's only Royal Palace in Sahara Desert. Although you can't go inside, a quick visit to its outside illuminated gate after Sunset makes somehow worth it.

• Erfoud's Souq - Erfoud Market | After FAR Plaza - Thit is an authentic Moroccan market (with a twist of Afghanistan look and ambiance). If you're into markets and shipping, indulge yourself into this magnificent Moroccan souq. Saturday 8AM is best.

• Maadid Ancient Ksar - Maadid Ancient Ksar | Maadid, Route d'Errachidia Out of Erfoud, Errachidia direction - Maadid is supposedly the biggest ksar in south Morocco. A ksar is an ancient fortified village. You can visit Maadid's tiny streets and nearby oases.

• Carrières de fossiles - Fossils in Sahara Desert | Road from Erfoud to Merzouga, passing the river and after the cemetery - Erfoud is known for its precious and unique fossils. 500 million years ago and the Sahara Desert was under water. On the outskirts of Erfoud you can visit impressive fossil filled marble workshops and other type of fossil varieties such as trilobites and ammonites.

• Borj-Est - Borj Est Erfoud | After the river, left of cemetery - Thit is the hill that overlooks Erfoud. The top is occupied by military a strategic building. Thit is the perfect place to enjoy Sunset over Erfoud, watching the river and the town, and surrounded mountains / dunes.

• Yahudi Cemetery - Yahudi Cemetery Erfoud | Route de Rissani Out of Erfoud Rissani direction, just before petrol station before Hotel el Ati - Interesting mix of cultures makes this part of the desert quite interesting. You can visit this ancient Yahudi cemetery's graveyard and inside mausoleum.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Erfoud

Erg Chebbi edit - Erg Chebbi Dunes, Sahara Desert Morocco

• Annual Palm Date Festival - Erfoud Date Festival | Market area and the Place des FAR square - Once a year (October/November) Erfoud celebrates the pick-up of the fresh new palm dates with a 3-day festival with live music, local activities and tons of palm dates.

• Chill out with local men in street cafes - Street cafes Erfoud, Meet local people | Between Avenue Mohamed 5 and Al Madariss Street right after Town Hall (Municipalité) - Try to get to know local men and share a cup of tea and few talks. Try Restaurant Oasis or Chez Rachid just on the junction before the butcher. These street cafes are full of people from police officers to 4X4 drivers to English teachers. Find them out.

• Erg Chebbi Dunes - Sahara Dunes | 35km South East of Erfoud - Just don't miss out these impressive dunes. Erg Chebbi Dunes have several villages on the edge of the sand: Merzouga, Hassilabied, Takoujt and Khamlia.

• Desert 4x4 Tour - 4WD Sahara Exploration | Many companies in Erfoud offer different tours and packages around the region. You can visit Erg Chebbi Dunes and surrounding villages, Rissani's ancient ksars trails, nomads camps, palm groves, etc.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Erfoud

Erfoud Market Morocco - Center Market at FAR's Plaza

• Palm Dates - Palm Dates Erfoud Morocco | Erfoud holds the annual palm dates festival. Thit is supposedly to be Morocco's palm dates capital. Erfoud main market has a few vending stands with tons of tasty and sweet dates. Try Mejoul type, more pricey but wonderful taste and nutritional facts.

• Fossils from Sahara - Fossils Erfoud | Erfoud is well known by its fossils. All around town you'll find plenty of shops selling fossils and fossils products like tables and home accessories.

• Local Handicraft - Sahara Desert Handicraft | Many shops in town sell different types of gifts and traditional handicraft. Turbans, necklaces, Sahara Desert blue gandoras men's dress.

• Olives - Olives Mix | Inside the market in Place des Far Plaza - 12 dirhams/kg, but depends of olive type Errachidia Region has tasty olives mix. Several shops inside the market offer great variety of olives and also good mixes of them all together. Try the spicy ones.

• 2nd hand clothes | Inside the souq on the 2nd hand clothes area - 5-20 dirhams depending on the clothes. Imagine yourself getting expensive clothes as affordable as it can gets. If you're into 2nd-hand clothes, try Erfoud souq with weekly updates on clothes coming from Spain and France. Majority of clothes are in really good shape and some are even new. All major clothes marks and labels.

• Museum Fossils | Ksar Ksir Siffa 31.35028, -4.29000 Route de Rissani ☎ +212-661-42-59-27 - Nice museum where you can also buy things. Ask for visiting the factory.

Halal Restaurants

Restaurant-des-Dunes-Erfoud-Morocco - Restaurant Pizzeria des Dunes in Erfoud, Morocco

• Restaurant Pizzeria des Dunes - Restaurant des Dunes | Avenue Moulay Ismail BP 104 ☎ +212 535-576-793 Opening Hours: 9AM to 10PM Restaurant Pizzeria des Dunes offers different types of menus, from fresh salads, traditional Moroccan dishes and wooden oven Pizzas. The restaurant is divided into several rooms, and open air terraces. Many vegetarian/vegan options.

• Soup Street Vendor - Harira and Bisara soup | Avenue Mohammed 6 In front of Maroc Telecom just passing the post office in the downtown. - Soup 3 dirhams Working everyday from 7AM until around 9AM, this small street trailer offers great traditional Bisara fava soup and Moroccan Harira soup. Egg sandwiches with xtra-virgin-olive-oils/ Olive oil and cumins are also tasty.

• Chez Rachid - Restaurant Erfoud | Mohamed 5 Boulevard Before Town Hall (Municipalité) after Moulay Ahmed's Computer shop and on the other side of Oasis Restaurant ☎ +212 623-437237 Cheap If into some harira soup, omelet, local grilled Meat and French fries, try this place out.

• Snail street vendor - Snails in Erfoud | Rue Allal ben Abdellah Inside Kissaria - Opening Hours: Every evening from 6PM until 9PM Cheap If you are into snails you could try Erfoud snails specialty. Many people in Erfoud will come here to socialize. Snails soup with special herbal mix.

• Fava Beans and Chickpeas street vendor - Quick street Snacks in Erfoud | Rue Allal ben Abdellah Inside Kissaria - Opening Hours: Every evening from 6PM until 9PM Price depends on what you want to eat, but a handful of chickpeas will cost around 3 dirhams. If you want to have a quick Snacks full of protein try the guys selling Fava Beans and Chickpeas on the street. You can mix both and add some salt, cumins and paprika.

• Sahara Mint Tea - Green Tea and Mint leaves - 4 dirhams per cup in non-touristic cafes Erfoud is also called "The Desert Gate", so why not sit down in one of the dozen existing street cafes and taste a glass of Moroccan mint tea.

• Fresh orange juice - Orange Juice in Sahara Desert | Avenue Moulay el Hassan - 8 dirhams in normal street stand, 10-15 dirhams in touristic cafe. Sahara weather often calls for fresh fruits. Try a fresh squeezed orange juice. There a small groceries store just on the right side of the souk entrance door (taxi and bus square - called Place des FAR Plaza), Mr AbdelGhani, you can notice the orange stand outside, also aside the bus ticket office. Many other street cafes also serve orange juice.

• Panaché Milk Shake - Milk Shake Morocco - 10-15 dirhams Panaché is a usual Moroccan milk shake blending milk, sugar, apples, avocado and banana. This can be easily be changed to a non-dairy and no sugar smoothie if asked to do it with orange juice instead of milk. Depending the fruit season peach and strawberries can also be added. Ask for panaché special for an extra taste of dried grapes and almonds.

• Avocado Milk Shake - Milk Shake Erfoud | Most cafes will prepare you a avocado milk shake. Thit is probably one of Moroccans favorite milk shake.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Erfoud

Erfoud - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Erfoud, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Erfoud. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Erfoud and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Erfoud. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Erfoud. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Erfoud: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Erfoud.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Erfoud: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Erfoud, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Erfoud.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Erfoud, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Erfoud, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Erfoud and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Erfoud, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Erfoud, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Erfoud without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Erfoud is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Erfoud.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Erfoud is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Erfoud, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Erfoud Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Erfoud

eHalal Group Erfoud is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Erfoud. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Erfoud.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Erfoud ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Erfoud. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Erfoud, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Erfoud are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Hotel-el-Ati-Erfoud-Morocco - Hotel el Ati in Erfoud, Morocco

• Hotel Chergui - Hotel Chergui | BP 342 Route de Erfoud à Errachidia kilometers 5.5After Ksar Maadid - Errachidia's direction ☎ +212 535-578-504 - Hotel Chergui

• Kasbah Tizimi - Kasbah Tizimi | BP 94 Route de Erfoud à Jorf Way out of Erfoud - Ouarzazate's direction ☎ +212 535-576-179 Kasbah Tizimi

• Hotel Xaluca - Hotel Xaluca | BP 205 Route de Erfoud à Errachidia kilometers 5After Ksar Maadid - Errachidia's direction ☎ +212 535-578-450 - Hotel Xaluca

• Ksar Assalassil - Ksar Assalassil | BP 210 Route de Erfoud à Errachidia kilometers 1 Way out of Erfoud - Errachidia's direction ☎ +212 535-578-227 Ksar Assalassil

• Hotel Salam - Hotel Salam | Route de Erfoud à Rissani Way out of Erfoud - Rissani's direction ☎ +212 535-576-425 - Hotel Salam

• Hotel el Ati - Hotel el Ati Erfoud | BP 188 Route de Erfoud à Rissani Way out of Erfoud - Rissani's direction ☎ +212 535-577-373 - Hotel el Ati

• Hotel Belere - Hotel Belere | Route de Erfoud à Rissani Way out of Erfoud - Rissani's direction ☎ +212 535-578-190 - Hotel Belere

• Hotel Palm’s - Hotel Palm’s | BP 70 Route de Erfoud à Rissani Way out of Erfoud - Rissani's direction ☎ +212 535-576-144 - Hotel Palm’s

• Hotel Tafilalet - Hotel Tafilalet | Avenue Moulay Ismail ☎ +212 535-576-535 - Hotel Tafilalet

• Hotel Chez Gaby - Hotel Chez Gaby Erfoud | BP 63 avenue Moulay Ismail Way out of Erfoud - Ouarzazate's direction ☎ +212 535-578-111 - Hotel Chez Gaby

• Kasbah Hotel Said - Kasbah Hotel Said | kasbah-@ Desert tracks between Erfoud and Derkaoua ☎ +212 535-577-154
• Auberge Derkaoua - Auberge Derkaoua Erfoud | BP 64 Route de Erfoud à Merzouga Desert tracks between Erfoud and Derkaoua ☎ +212 535-577-140

Cope in Erfoud

Sunset-Erfoud-Morocco - Sunset view from the top of Borj-Est Hill, Erfoud Morocco Mohamed 5 Boulevard Erfoud Morocco - Erfoud Market on Saturday morning, Morocco

• ATM machines - Withdraw money in Erfoud | Avenue Moulay Ismail Erfoud Main Avenue have few banks where you can take some money out - Opening Hours: 24/7 Attijariwafa Bank ATM in front of the Post Office; BMCE Bank ATM right before Total Petrol Station;

• Exchange money - Exchange money in Erfoud | Avenue Moulay Ismail Near the Post Office - Opening Hours: 24/7 Banque Populaire near the post office offers 2 possibilities of exchanging money: inside the bank, or, easy/quick automatic machine on the street (accurate exchange - just put the money inside the machine and will automatically give you dirhams.

• Medical Doctor Erfoud - General Medicine, General Ultrasound and Colposcopy | 1 Moukawama Street Crossing of Place des Far Plaza and Erfoud court house ☎ +212 661-355-684 (Doctors direct cell phone), +212 535-576-520 (Clinic land line) Opening Hours: Urgent calls 24/7 call the doctor for something serious and off working hours 200 dirhams for doctor's appointment Dr Fatiha Lemjimer is without a doubt Erfoud best doctor. She has French Doctor University so expect very professional behavior. Ultrasound equipment.

• Post Office - Post Office in Erfoud | Avenue Moulay Ismail On the crossing of Moulay Ismail Avenue and Mohamed 5 Boulevard - Opening Hours: 8AM to 4PM Erfoud Post Office

• Police & Authorities - Police in Erfoud | Police attention in Erfoud should be taken by both "Commissariat Central" for any criminal aspects (Mr. Driss is the officer responsible for Foreign Muslims in town) and "Gendarmerie Royale" for vehicle and road related problems.

• Computer Repair - Computer Repair in Erfoud | Avenue Mohamed 5 On the crossing of Mohamed 5 Boulevard and Rue Al Madariss Street, between motorcycle repair and Restaurant Chez Rachid - Opening Hours: 10AM to 9PM Repair prices depend on the problem, but thit is also the perfect place to get a good 2nd hand Pentium 4 PC for about €150 Nowadays most people travel with their own laptop. Having a problem is common while traveling. If anything gets to your PC, thit is the place to go. Also several hardware available from USB keys to portable hard-drives.

• Internet Cafés - Internet Shops in Erfoud | All around town you'll find few Internet Cafes, just ask around Mohamed 5 Boulevard - Opening Hours: 9AM to midnight 4-5 dirhams per hour If you need to check your email, Erfoud offers quite a few number of places where you can surf the Internet at a fast speed connection. Ask around or search for outside street signs.

• 4G Internet Device - Your own Internet in Erfoud | Mohamed 5 BoulevardAfter the Post Office - Opening Hours: 24/7 Price depends of offers and season. Expect to pay around 400 dirhams for Modem and 1 month of unlimited Internet access. Works better in bigger cities. You can get your own Maroc Telecom 4G USB Modem device from Maroc Telecom

Travel Next

Taxis-Erfoud-Morocco - Grand Taxis in Erfoud, Morocco

By shared taxi

• Grand Taxi to Errachidia - Taxi Erfoud to Errachidia | Place des FARJust in front of Erfoud market you'll notice the big Mercedes taxis. Ask around for Errachidia taxi, will depart when 7 places are full. - Opening Hours: 6AM to 10PM 20 dirhams 1 place, or just buy the 2 front seets for 40 dirhams for maximum comfort. Grand Taxis to Errachidia make the fastest option to get out of Erfoud. 7 people sharing taxi.

Travel on a Bus in Erfoud

To Errachidia, Tinghir, Boumalne Dades, Ouarzazate and Marrakesh there is one daily Bus from Supratours company that pass all these destinations in one trip. Departures from Supratours main station near Erfoud's Kissaria at 9AM and arrives to Ouarzazate around 1PM and to Marrakesh around 8PM. Ticket to Marrakech costs 175 dirhams. Thit is the same bus that comes from Merzouga and Rissani in (Erg Chebbi) Dunes.

• Supratous Ticket Office - Supratours Bus in Erfoud | Mohamed 5 Boulevard Mohamed 5 Boulevard just between the City Hall and the non-traffic Rue Allal ben Abdellah Street in Kissaria - Opening Hours: 9AM to 8PM Supratours Ticket Office

By airplane

• Flight from Errachidia to Casablanca - Airplane Errachidia to Casablanca - Errachidia Airport 70km north of Erfoud, get a grand taxi - Opening Hours: Weekend flights check updates at Royal Air Maroc website 370-1500 dirhams 1hr20min flight from Errachidia to Casablanca.

Other destinations near Erfoud

• Erg Chebbi - Amazing orange colored dunes just 35km away from Erfoud
• Rissani - Desert town with a museum, Alaouite King Mausoleum and impressive center market
• Merzouga - Village on the edge of Erg Chebbi Dunes
• Errachidia - Region's capital with airport and other main government facilities
• Nkob - Village with 45 excellently maintained Kasbahs and surrounded by the Saghrou Mountains and Palm Groves
• Ouarzazate - Called the capital of the south, Ouarzazate makes the transition from oases to Sahara Desert

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