Toulkine offers a direct way to explore the rock art of Amzri. The site is about 3 km southwest of the village and is best known for its painted rock shelters. Archaeological studies also describe tools, pottery and grinding equipment found there. For a stay that includes other destinations, nature, architecture and hiking are part of the wider Al Haouz destination.
Rock Paintings and Excavations near Amzri
Two rock painting shelters lie one above the other near Amzri. One shelter contains numerous ochre-red paintings in seven shallow niches on a rock ledge approximately 12 m above the shelter. A specialist overview describes motifs including rows of dots and parallel lines, curves, zigzags and comb shapes, hand and finger marks, and two positive handprints. Black lines also form geometric figures. This information concerns the site near Amzri, southwest of Toulkine.
A study published in 1985 reports 250 three-sided flint tools from ash layers in the shelter. The points described are about 20 millimetres long on average. The study also mentions two complete pottery vessels and numerous millstones and handstones. The exact function of the three-sided tools remained unclear in the study. These finds add insights into the archaeological study of the site alongside the rock paintings; they do not show that the artefacts are exhibited at the shelter.
An ochre palette was also found in an archaeological layer and dated by thermoluminescence to between about 2420 and 2120 BC. This date applies to the palette. It is not a direct date for the creation of the individual rock paintings. Anyone planning to visit Amzri should check current access and local conditions in advance.
Nature and Culture in the Wider Al Haouz Region
The Toubkal National Park is in Al Haouz Province, within the wider Al Haouz travel destination. Covering 38,000 hectares, it protects natural habitats around the highest mountain in the Atlas. The region’s natural features also include rivers, lakes, waterfalls and extensive meadows. This information describes the region, not the immediate surroundings of the rock shelters.
The Tinmel Mosque is in the municipality of Talat N’Yaaqoub, also in Al Haouz Province. It reflects Almohad civilization. This makes it possible to include another cultural heritage site in the region alongside Amzri’s rock paintings; check current visiting arrangements.
Hiking in the Region
The published route “Hike ascent of Toubkal” is described as a two-day trek to Toubkal. Check its current duration before travelling. Oukaimden offers hiking routes in summer. For both destinations, check the current routes and conditions at each starting point before planning your onward journey from Toulkine.
Discover more destinations: Bou Mkila, Aroumd, El Kelaa Des Srarhna, Oulad Ikhia, Telouet, Zaouiet Bouzarktoune, Ijjoukak, Amizmiz.
Go to the main travel overview: Marrakech.
