Demnate and Imi n'Ifri
A natural bridge, dinosaur footprints and a small town at the foot of the High Atlas
AI-generated illustration
Demnate is a small town at nearly 1,000 metres, at the foot of the High Atlas, about 110 km from Marrakech. It has kept ramparts and a kasbah, a weekly Sunday souk and a pottery tradition, especially in the nearby village of Boughrart. A large Jewish community lived here from the 12th century until the late 1950s. Six kilometres away, Imi n'Ifri is a natural bridge left by the collapse of an old cave, above a gorge where many birds nest. Further on, the villages of Iouaridène and Aït Blal preserve dinosaur footprints. The area is part of the UNESCO-recognised M'Goun Geopark.
- 1 day
- Mar – May, Sep – Nov
- from 280 MAD
- Nature, Culture, Adventure, Road trip
- Geology and heritage enthusiasts, hikers, a stop between Marrakech and the Aït Bouguemez valley
Why go
- The Imi n'Ifri natural bridge and its gorge
- The Iouaridène dinosaur footprints
- An authentic small town, its Sunday souk and its potters
Geology and nature
Imi n'Ifri
About 300 steps lead down into the gorge and under the arch; the path has no railings in places, so avoid it if you suffer from vertigo. No entry fee was reported in 2024.
Iouaridène dinosaur footprints
Theropod and sauropod tracks on rock slabs, on the R302 road towards the Aït Bouguemez valley; a local guide helps you find them.
Things to see
Demnate's ramparts and kasbah
The town's old centre, enclosed by walls.
The potters of Boughrart
A nearby village known for its master potters and red clay.
On the map
Things to do
The Sunday souk
The area's big weekly market, with farm produce and pottery.
Hiking in the nearby valleys
Treks on foot or with mules into the Tessaout and Aït Bouli valleys.
Food
Simple cafés and restaurants in town, serving tagines and grills.
Where to stay
Near Imi n'Ifri
A few guesthouses and gîtes around the natural bridge.
In Marrakech or Azilal
For a simple day trip.
Book a place to stay in Demnate and Imi n'Ifri
Riads, hotels and guesthouses: compare current prices and availability on Booking.com.
Day trips
Via the R302, about 2 h 40 of mountain road to Agouti.
The great falls, to the north-east via Azilal.
Getting around
About 110 km from Marrakech, via the N8 then the R210, quieter and more scenic than the R208. About 133 km from Beni Mellal. Coaches and grand taxis from Marrakech (Bab Doukkala station); for Imi n'Ifri, take a grand taxi from Demnate bus station, or walk for an hour and a half.
Book your transport
- Train
- ONCF VoyagesONCF
- Coach
- CTMSupratours
- Coach station
- Mosafir· coach timetables
- Flight
- Royal Air MarocONDA
- Taxi / car
- inDrive
Budget
- 280 MAD
- 650 MAD
- 1,500 MAD
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar ✓
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep ✓
- Oct ✓
- Nov ✓
- Dec
Spring is the best season; autumn works too. In summer, visit Imi n'Ifri early in the morning.
Combine with
Plans that stop here
Aït Bouguemez Valley and Demnate and Imi n'Ifri in 4 days
From Aït Bouguemez Valley: 4 days to discover Demnate and Imi n'Ifri, with short drives.
- Aït Bouguemez Valley
- Demnate and Imi n'Ifri
Demnate and Imi n'Ifri and Aït Bouguemez Valley in 4 days
From Demnate and Imi n'Ifri: 4 days to discover Aït Bouguemez Valley, with short drives.
- Demnate and Imi n'Ifri
- Aït Bouguemez Valley
Tips
- At Imi n'Ifri, wear shoes with good grip: the path is steep and has no railings in places.
- On Sundays the souk livens up the whole town: arrive early.
- Combine the visit with Ouzoud or the road to Aït Bouguemez.
Where next?