SOUTH OF MOROCCO – FROM DESERT TO COAST
After Fes, we started a long but exciting journey to the country’s south. We observed the country’s wide range of landscapes as we traveled down the Alpine Middle Atlas, where many buildings are Swiss or Austrian style.
We went through the Ziz Gorge with its steep canyon walls scattered with green palm trees, across the barren and rocky Middle Atlas plateau and saw Barbary Apes on the way.
SAHARA ADVENTURE
We began our exploration of the area after spending our first night in Riad Dar Hassan and taking in the breathtaking sunrise over the sand dunes.
We went to see the Gnaoua people, who were sub-Saharan slaves brought to Rissani in the sixteenth century from Sudan and Senegal, and we listened to their rhythm music and learned about their way of life.
We began our journey into the heart of the desert in the late afternoon on a quick camel ride, stopping to take in the sunset over the sand dunes before arriving at our desert camp for the night. The camels we rode are known as dromedaries and only had one hump.
ON THE WAY TO MARRAKESH
On our way to Marrakesh, we drove through many local villages, before taking a stopover to witness the breathtaking beauty of sheer stone cliffs at Todra Gorge. Later, we continued our journey through the scenic Dades Valley, where we saw the spectacular rock formations known as Monkey Paws.
Our last destination for the day was Skoura Oasis, known as the beautiful Valley of Kasbahs. We stayed at Ksar El Kebbaba, a beautifully restored Kasbah (fortress).
After Skoura we traveled to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most preserved Kasbahs in the Atlas region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah has been the backdrop for many popular historical films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Gladiator.
As soon as we entered the Kasbah, we reminisced about an ancient world that seemed somewhat familiar!
We also got to visit Telouet (second photo gallery), a not-so-famous Kasbah which sometimes is referred to as Moroccan Alhambra. The casbah belonged to a powerful and rich El Glaoui clan who lost their power during Morocco’s fight for independence because of their prior support for the French. The kasbah later fell into disrepair but still serves as a magnificent reminder of what happens when you take the wrong side.
We then headed towards Marrakesh.
MARRAKESH
On our first day in Marrakesh, we made our way inside the ancient Medina that was enclosed by the imperial walls, stopping at the base of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret, one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. We moved on to the Kasbah (fortress), where we took a tour around it to reach the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century historical monument.
Later, we went to the lovely Secret Garden. The complex has roots that go back more than 400 years to the Saadian Dynasty. Midway through the nineteenth century, it was renovated. Islamic art and architecture are beautifully displayed in Le Jardin Secret. We also went to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, another Moroccan work of art from the Saadian era that was built in 1565.
In the afternoon we visited the colorful stores and souks and stopped at Jemaa El Fna Square, the ancient meeting point of the tradesmen in Northwest Africa.
We visited Majorelle and Anima Gardens on our second day in Marrakesh, both of which were breathtaking.
The famous home, built in the 1930s by the French artist Jacques Majorelle, was later acquired by the designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge, who renovated its expansive botanical garden. The villa has become a symbol of the “Ochre City” and both Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge are buried there.
Another enchanted garden, called Anima, was created by Andre Heller and features works of art by Picasso, Rodin, Haring, and others. This lovely oasis, which is surrounded by fragrant flowers and fountains, is only a few kilometers from busy Marrakesh. Such a wonderful surprise!
ESSAOUIRA
The next day we left the stunning Marrakech behind and headed to Essaouira, a picturesque Portuguese coastal town full of charm.
Few people know that this town was featured in the world-famous show ‘Game of Thrones as one of the 3 cities at Slaver’s Bay. The port was also the setting for many scenes of the movie ‘Othello’. The city came to the attention of the tourist industry not too long ago, thus, when it comes to exploring the city, we tried to follow the locals’ lead.
Essaouira has one of the oldest fishing ports in Morocco, Old Mogador, which holds significant value. Founded by the Romans and inhabited by the Portuguese during the 17th century, it is a typical Portuguese harbor, with both Moorish and Portuguese art adding to its beauty. Major attractions include the harbor, medina, ramparts, the 17th-century cannons fetched from Spain, and the local artists’ quarter.
Time to say goodbye to Morocco! We had an incredible trip with our lovely driver Ismail and made some amazing memories along the way.
What an intricate mosaic made up of beautiful riads, kasbahs, palaces, cave houses, Berbers and Arabs, luxurious colors, ancient sites, mountains, gorges and valleys, sand and sea, and most of all ancient and rich history to cherish!