Rissani Souk
سوق الريصاني
A traditional market in the Tafilalt oasis where donkey markets, spices, dates and Berber carpets gather, keeping the feel of a desert trading town.
Rissani was the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty and one of the end points of ancient trans-Saharan trade routes. The old market in the town centre is enclosed by arches and mud walls and divided by goods: dates, spices, dried goods, pottery, blacksmiths and carpets. On market days villagers arrive with donkey carts, and the famous donkey car park and livestock trading area are worth seeing. A local speciality is Medfouna, the 'Berber pizza' stuffed with meat. Bargaining is the norm; watch out for pickpockets and aggressive guides. It is about 40 km from Merzouga.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif
- Sijilmasa
- Gara Medouar
- Erfoud Fossil Workshops
- Ksar Maadid
- Khettaras of Jorf
- Dayet Srij Lake
- Erg Chebbi Desert Camps & Camel Trek