Amizmiz (أمزميز AMZ-meez) is a small town in Morocco approximately 55 kilometers south of Marrakech. It lies at the foot of the High Atlas mountain range.
Its population consists mainly of Berbers of Chleuh origin who speak the Tashelhiyt dialect. Its weekly souk every Tuesday is well known in the area.
Nearly everyone who goes to Amizmiz gets there via Marrakech. Within Marrakech, you'll need to take a "petit taxi" to the "Bab Er-Rob" taxi station that is just outside of town; make sure you ask them to put the car meter on otherwise you will end up paying more than you should. Once you arrive at the taxi station, start asking for "Amizmiz" (which is pronounced AMZ-meez), and someone will eventually direct you to a grand taxi (an old Mercedes Benz) that is waiting to get filled up, at which point you'll depart; normally two people sit in the front seat and four cram in the back. The normal fare is 15 dirhams per person. For those who are not as eager to sit squished for an hour's ride in the heat, feel free to pay for two places (hence 30 dirhams) and ask for the front passenger area to yourself. You can also find a bus that takes longer (because of more frequent stops) which costs only 10 dirhams. The bus (#L45) can be picked up at the "Sidi Mimoun" bus stop area near Djemaa el Fna (on the road called "Rue Mouahidine").
Once you arrive at Amizmiz, you'll be able to get everywhere by foot. They do have some local taxis now that can take you from the main part of town up to the administrative section of town where the high school is. However, there is little reason for the normal tourist to see that part of Amizmiz.
For those of you who desire a little more adventure, and you are healthy and have good footwear, then you can venture up the mountainous hills or follow the road towards Toulkine. On this road is a forest rangers cabin with a very helpful and hospitable ranger who if asked will show you around the very old traditional style cabin as well as fill you in on the local scenery and geography. He is a Berber so some French or Arabic would come in very handy. Allow 2 to 4 hours for this trek from Amizmiz dependent on your fitness.
The best time and place to do some shopping is at the weekly market (see above). There are a wide variety of handmade items for sale, many made by local Berbers in the villages surrounding Amizmiz.
There are a number of small cafés that also serve food, from sandwiches to small tajines with meat and vegetables. These are generally cheap, filling, and tasty.
For the thirsty traveler, the best bet is to stop by one of the many hanoots (small general stores) spread all around Amizmiz. They will sell bottled water and cold sodas for a few dirhams.
You can also find quite a few cafés in the center of town near the taxis. You'll be able to pick up some hot tea, water, or soda.
There is one hotel in town, a 30-second walk from the taxis in the town center. It has a café on the bottom floor and small neat rooms up above. You can also look into excursions to local villages where you can stay in Berber homes overnight.
As with your arrival to Amizmiz, it is also always the case that you will have to return to Marrakech on your way out of Amizmiz. While there are roads heading east and west out of town, the only regular transportation on them is to local nearby villages. Your quickest bet is getting a taxi back to Marrakech.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division