Samazar Valley Rock Climbing

This long, narrow and fertile landscape was originally very aptly named “Shangri-La” by climbers, though it is more correctly the Tamza Valley, this being the small village nestled partway along. The road along this green and picturesque valley runs north of and parallel to the Afantinzar area, all the way down to the impressive Waterfall Walls just past Tamdakrt. It then rises up steeply on the “Samazar Hairpins” to reach an open sunny col before dropping down again towards Tanalt and the south western side of Jebel el Kest (and eventually on round to Tafraoute). The road is only a dirt track (at the time of writing) for most of its 15 kilometres and a fairly testing drive in places, despite the annual concreted improvements to small sections. Care should be taken when driving along this track as damage to the underside of your vehicle would involve a very long trek back to base! Most of the cliffs are situated along the south side of this track and while having a reasonable proximity to this dirt road, they are predominantly north facing and have a serious feel to them, being some of the biggest cliffs in the region. However, this also makes them a perfect venue on hotter days to escape the blistering heat and the adventures to be found on the Flatiron and the outstanding Icebox Canyon should not be missed. To the north of the track the crags are less continuous and in general not so easily spotted from the road. They are nevertheless well worth seeking out, not least the ever popular Dragon Buttress with its abundance of varied and first class routes.