High Atlas & Erg Chebbi
- Our Adventures
- Apr 16, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 12, 2024
travel time: April 2024
After escaping the hectic town of Marrakesh, we drove through the Ounia Valley into the High Atlas. Driving through the Valley, we encountered breathtaking views of small mountain villages blending seamlessly with the natural hues of the landscape.
During a photo stop, an elderly man carrying a baby goat approached us and signaled for a ride to the next town. So we found ourselves with a goat on our backseat, journeying through the Moroccan countryside.
A couple minutes later we reached Kasbah Telouet. Since the earthquake in 2023 it is closed because it suffered significant damage. We parked our car at a nearby Berber-House and a kind local guided us around the kasbah. Though inaccessible inside, the kasbah offered scenic views from the outside.
In the afternoon, we arrived at Ait Ben Haddou which is famous for its appearance in numerous movies. Most hotels are located on one side of the river, providing a picturesque view of the ancient town across the valley. Crossing the river, we explored the labyrinthine streets of the old town.
The following day, we got up early to witness the sunrise. Down at the river, we captured amazing photos as the morning sun illuminated the mud-colored buildings.
On our way to the desert Erg Chebbi, we travelled through the Valley of the Roses, the Dades Valley and the Dades Gorges. We made frequent stops to capture the breathtaking landscape and the winding road.
With a full day devoted to exploring the desert, we embarked on a 4x4 excursion to maximize our experience. Our first destination was an old mine where stones, used for making kajal, were collected. Continuing through stunning terrain we paused at an ancient Berber village to enjoy original music and tea. Alongside the sand dunes, we visited a nomadic family who graciously treated us to tea and Berber Pizza. After numerous picturesque stops, we reached a lush community garden near the town of Hassilabied. Our tour concluded with lunch at Restaurant Chez Ibrahim in town. While it´s often possible to have lunch with nomads, as vegetarians it was easier to have lunch here.
Our tour was arranged through Erg Chebbi Tours (www.ergchebbi-tours.com) and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Hassan, our guide and driver for the day, was exceptional. He provided insightful explanations, patiently answered our questions and graciously accommodated our frequent stops whenever Alex wanted to capture a picture.
wow - wieder mega Bilder und so schö zum lesa!! dani