Like every week, Nomad makes you travel to places to discover in Morocco, known or unknown places. Today, we will dive into the crystal clear water of Anza beach, then take a walk, to see the presence of dinosaurs in the kingdom. Immersion.
Morocco is a land rich in surprises and history. Sometimes, during a walk, you can come across nuggets. This is the case at Anza beach, where in 2014 dinosaur footprints were discovered, and since then this place has been a worldwide attraction for curious people and paleontology enthusiasts. This beach is located between Agadir and Taghazout, two important spots for tourists passing through the kingdom.
“Anza Beach” is the symbol of local mutual aid, since the place would not be what it is today without the hard work of local associations, who work hard to preserve and enhance the site. This is the case of the Moroccan association of orientation and scientific research (Amors), as explained to Yabiladi Moussa Masrour, paleontologist member of this organization. “It’s a great story, since it is one of the rare sites in Morocco, where the population is working to protect the place, especially the young people from local associations”, specifies the scientist.
Nearly 323 dinosaur footprints
This beach is recognized worldwide, since there are “a lot of articles and writings which testify to the scientific value of the site. And for good reason, “Anza Beach” has nearly “323 dinosaur footprints” on a small surface. Moussa Masrour also adds that on the same place, footprints of “Pterosaurs” (flying reptiles) have been discovered. “In 2014, there was a sudden rise in the sea which cleaned the beach, which made it possible to reveal a maximum of footprints on Anza beach”, recalls the member of Amors.
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A sudden rise in the sea cleared the beach, which revealed the maximum number of footprints on Anza beach. / Ph. Moussa Masrour
From then on, the young people of the Anza district rolled up their sleeves, and through the associations, began to develop the site. “They installed a garden, built two panels that tell a bit regarding the history of the region,” says the paleontologist. The work paid off, since in 2016 the association participated in the Lalla Hasna trophy for sustainable beaches and won the first prize.
“This distinction shed light on this beach, and the authorities came to see us to see what might be done to improve the situation of this beach steeped in history.”
Over the years, “Anza Beach” attracts more and more people who walk on the fine sand of the beach, breathe the fresh air and cultivate themselves with the few signs installed by Amors explaining the geological age and also the way of fossilizing dinosaur footprints.
“The first time I visited Anza Beach there was only one cafe, now there are eight. More and more people are coming,” rejoices the scientist. The association is responsible for organizing visits for foreigners, for students and all those who are curious to discover the place. “You just have to check the low tide times to be able to see the footprints,” adds Moussa Masrour with a smile.
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The best time to see dinosaur footprints is during low tide. / Ph. Moussa Masrour
However, some small points disturb the future of the site. “There are landslides, from a place right next to the beach”, regrets the paleontologist. One of the association’s wishes is to “build a protective wall” to allow visitors to pass. “We also need stairs, so that the elderly can go down,” adds Moussa Masrour.
“For a site to be able to receive the crowd, it must be ready. We’re not there yet, but we’re working hard on it.”
“Anza Beach” is now known worldwide, the location is very “interesting”, considering that it is halfway between Agadir and Taghazout. “We want it to be included in the tourist circuit,” concludes the paleontologist, full of hope.
