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Elevation: 1,200 ft
GPS: 29.8117, -9.091
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Shared By: Emma Alsford on Oct 22, 2012
Admins: Angelique Brown, TJ Brumme

Description Suggest change

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.

Getting There Suggest change

From the Kasbah Tizourgane drive through Ida Ougnidif, turning right to go up the hairpins and along the Afantinzar Valley road. Turn off by the mosque in the rambling village of Ighir, just beyond the col delineating the end of the Ida Ougnidif Area and continue along the dirt road carefully.

7 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Samazar Valley

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 4
Firesword
Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Firesword Dragon Buttress
 4
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
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