Goats in Argan Trees Aourir Tamri
Witness the surreal spectacle of goats climbing Argan trees in Morocco's Aourir and Tamri regions. A unique natural wonder and cultural encounter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Goats are most active
Goats in Argan Trees Aourir Tamri
Best Time
Goats are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the surreal spectacle of goats climbing Argan trees in Morocco's Aourir and Tamri regions. A unique natural wonder and cultural encounter.
"An unbelievable sight, unseen anywhere else in the world!"
🤝 Tip the Goat Herder
A small tip is appreciated for the photo opportunity and the herder's efforts. Negotiate kindly if buying products.
🍯 Taste Local Honey
Many herders offer homemade honey and biscuits. It's a delicious way to support the local community.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Goats Perched in Argan Trees
Aourir and Tamri regions
Witness the unbelievable sight of goats climbing Argan trees to eat their fruit and leaves. A truly unique natural phenomenon.
Local Argan Oil Producers
Near the goat tree viewing spots
Meet local women who produce Argan oil, a staple of Moroccan cuisine and beauty. Learn about the traditional process.
Scenic Coastal Drive
Route between Agadir and Tamri
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast and rugged landscapes on your journey to see the famous Argan tree goats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respectful Interaction
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Tip the Goat Herder
A small tip is appreciated for the photo opportunity and the herder's efforts. Negotiate kindly if buying products.
🍯 Taste Local Honey
Many herders offer homemade honey and biscuits. It's a delicious way to support the local community.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The herders will often help position goats for the perfect tourist photo. Be ready with your camera!
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
A local guide can enhance your experience, explaining the phenomenon and local culture.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Tip the Goat Herder
A small tip is appreciated for the photo opportunity and the herder's efforts. Negotiate kindly if buying products.
🍯 Taste Local Honey
Many herders offer homemade honey and biscuits. It's a delicious way to support the local community.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The herders will often help position goats for the perfect tourist photo. Be ready with your camera!
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
A local guide can enhance your experience, explaining the phenomenon and local culture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the 'unbelievable sight' of goats climbing Argan trees, calling it a 'must do' and a 'highlight' of their trip. The friendly nature of the local herders, who often invite guests for tea and share their honey, adds a warm cultural dimension. While some note the herders can be persistent in asking for money, most find the experience unique and beautiful.
"Amazing experience, and a must do when in Agadir. We did this as a private trip which gave us plenty of time to see the goats and the locals who look after the goats were very friendly. We managed to see a 10 day old goat when we visited, and even hold her. It was the highlight of our trip, highly recommend for familys."
michael o'hare
"Interesting little place where the shepherd will put some of his goats on the tree for you to get a tourist picture. He asked for quite a bit of money but I negotiated it down to about 400 for two people. He invited us in for tea and a hangout. Ate some of his own honey and biscuits his wife made."
Tan Lin
"Unbelievable sight. Unseen anywhere else in the world..the goat keeper let his goats free and instinctly climbed the Argan tree. Some standing on flimsy branches without breaking. Very beautiful"
Ibrahim Bassiouni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The goats are most famously seen in the Argan trees between Aourir and Tamri, south of Essaouira and north of Agadir. The easiest way is to hire a taxi or join a guided tour from Agadir or Essaouira. Many tours combine this with other coastal sights.
Yes, you can drive yourself along the coastal road (N1). The goats are often visible from the roadside, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. Look for roadside stalls and herders.
The goats are semi-wild and are encouraged by herders to climb trees for food. They are most commonly found in the Argan forests around Aourir and Tamri. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Argan trees with goats in them.
While they can appear in various spots, the area between Aourir and Tamri is renowned. Some herders actively manage their goats for tourist viewing in specific, accessible locations.
The drive from Agadir to the Aourir area typically takes about 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no official tickets required to see the goats. However, goat herders often expect a small tip for allowing you to take photos or for their assistance in positioning the goats.
Prices can vary, but a tip of around 50-100 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) is common for a photo opportunity. It's always good to negotiate politely.
No, the Argan forests are natural landscapes and do not have entrance fees. The interaction is with the local herders.
While you can drive by anytime, the best viewing times are early morning and late afternoon when the goats are most active and seeking shade.
The goats can be seen year-round, but they are more likely to climb trees when the Argan fruit is ripening and accessible, typically from late spring through autumn.
📸 📸 Photography
Be patient and respectful. The herders can help guide the goats into photogenic positions. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography.
Yes, herders often allow visitors to get quite close for photos. Some may even let you hold a young goat, especially if you offer a tip.
Generally, no. However, always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women involved in Argan oil production.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens is great. Even smartphone cameras capture the unique sight well.
A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions in the early morning or late afternoon, but it's not essential for most casual shots.
🍽️ 🍯 Food & Drink
There are small roadside cafes and stalls in Aourir and Tamri offering local Moroccan food. You can also enjoy tea and snacks offered by the goat herders.
Try the fresh Argan oil, local honey, and traditional Moroccan mint tea. Some stalls might offer tagines or grilled fish if you're near the coast.
Yes, many women's cooperatives and individual producers sell authentic Argan oil in the region. It's a great souvenir.
Generally, yes. The tea is usually prepared fresh and is a sign of hospitality. It's a wonderful cultural experience.
Many Moroccan dishes are vegetarian-friendly, such as vegetable tagines and couscous. Ask for vegetarian options at local eateries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Visit in the cooler parts of the day (morning or late afternoon) to keep kids comfortable. Bring snacks and water, as facilities can be basic. Consider a private tour for more flexibility with young children. The interaction with the herders and the unique animal behavior make this a highlight for family trips.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Bring a zoom lens to capture details of the goats and their arboreal acrobatics. Be patient, as the herders often assist in creating the perfect shot. Don't forget to photograph the surrounding Argan trees and the local people involved in this tradition for a more comprehensive visual story.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Day trip advice: Allocate about 1-2 hours for the stop, including travel time from the main road and interaction with the herders. Combine it with visits to nearby beaches like Taghazout or explore the coastal towns. It's a great way to break up a longer drive and experience something truly Moroccan.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Phenomenon of Goats in Argan Trees
This natural phenomenon is not just a tourist attraction; it's an integral part of the local ecosystem and economy. The Argan tree itself is endemic to Morocco and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, prized for its oil. The goats play a role in seed dispersal, though their grazing can also impact tree regeneration. Local herders have learned to coexist with this behavior, often guiding their goats to areas where tourists can easily observe and photograph them.
When visiting, it's important to remember that this is a natural behavior facilitated by local herders. They often encourage the goats to climb for photos and may offer Argan oil or honey for sale. Engaging with them respectfully and understanding their role in this unique interaction enhances the experience.
Interacting with Local Communities
Many of these communities are also involved in the production of Argan oil, a highly sought-after product known for its culinary and cosmetic benefits. You might have the chance to see women at work in local cooperatives, grinding the nuts by hand to extract the precious oil. Purchasing Argan oil or other local crafts directly from the producers is a meaningful way to support their economy and take home an authentic souvenir.
When interacting, remember that politeness and a willingness to engage are key. Learning a few basic Arabic or Berber phrases can go a long way. Be mindful of cultural norms, such as asking permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially women. A small tip for the herders' time and effort is customary and greatly appreciated.
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