Nestled near Erfoud, this small town lies on the edge of the Erg Chebbi, the second largest sand desert in Sahara, providing a unique experience for any tourist who happens to venture out its way.

While it does not rival the culture and history of other Moroccan cities, the smalltown is something to see and any visitor will be amazed at how friendly the locals are in the town on the edge of a desert. 

What To See

When in Rissani, there are several things to do. First of all, there is the Moulay Ali Cherif mausoleum, which features a massive gate is ornamented by a serious of green ceramics and topped with a large dome that leads visitors to the tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. The mausoleum was destroyed in a flood, but rebuilt in 1965.

The Ksar el Fida, which is situated four kilometres to the northeast of Rissani, is one of the most important, and most ancient, Alaouite Ksars in Morocco, dating back to the reign of King Moulay Ismail, who built it to house his son, King Moulay Abdellah. However, the Ksar was reduced to rubble and ruined except for the outside walls, but was rebuilt under the reign of Moulay Adb al Rahman, 800 meters to the southeast of the original site. The site was used as a residential palace for the Khalifa up to 1965, and is now considered n architectural marvel by many who see it.

Of course, with any Morocco town or city, one of the highlights of visiting the town is the marketplace. When a tourist visits a marketplace, they are able to see Morocco and the people out in the open, as they are from day-to-day. It is an excellent way to truly understand the culture of the Moroccan people. 

Tours

Despite its small size, there are plenty of tours to take you through thee city, as well as into the desert for a night under the desert stars.

As with anywhere in Morocco, or the world, it is very important that you make sure you go through a reputable tour operator like Sahara Soul Travel. Always ensure that your tour guides are government certified.

You do not have to worry about harm when you are visiting a Moroccan city, but you do have to worry about getting the runaround and possibly paying more than you had planned when you visit the town. 

Where to Stay

An excellent place to stay in Rissani is the Auberge Sahara, which was built by two Bourchok brothers in the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in an oasis that has been the site of many films including Marrakech Express, Operation Condor and Lion of the Desert.

The highest palm trees in the region and the amazing sand dunes give the area around the hotel an exceptional beauty that cannot be matched. The hotel also features a terrace where patrons can watch the sun rise, or set, while sleeping under the open ski full of stars. The hotel also features basic, double and large suites, consisting of two rooms with air condition.

As well, the hotel provides tents where visitors can sleep under the sky with actual nomads. For food, a decorated restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, coupled with live Berber music every night. A sitting room provides guests the ability to sit and read, or they can choose to camp under the palm trees. If a guest wants to be outside at night, but does not want to camp under palm trees, they can sleep on the terrace and see the moon and stars.

As well, the hotel has just put in a large new swimming pool that will help take away the heat of the day. 

Conclusion

Rissani is a beautiful place to visit, complete with spectacular scenery and wonderful people who will make your stay an excellent one. Whether you choose to camp out under the stars with nomads or journey through the marketplace on a busy afternoon, the choice is yours.

Rissani may not offer as much as the big cities of Morocco, but it has a charm that can only be found in the small towns of the world.

Do not pass it by and visit the town on the edge of the desert, you will be glad that you did.