Middle Atlas & Fes
- Our Adventures
- Apr 25, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 12, 2024
travel time: April 2024
Our destination after leaving the desert was the city of Fes. Given the long driving distance, we decided to split the journey over two days and enjoy the changing landscape of the way.
Just emerging from the desert, our first stop was Rissani, the oldest town in the region known for its bustling market held three times a week. Beside the typical market offerings, livestock such as sheep and goats can be bought. Many sellers come from the rural surrounding area, the parking space was filled with donkeys and some horses.
In the Middle Atlas we stayed at the Auberge Palacio Sidi Hamza, nestled in a small mountain village where tourism is relatively new. The owner´s son led us on an insightful tour, revealing hidden gems. While the town's old library remained closed to the public, we were warmly welcomed into the home of the towns Imam, whose son shared his impressive collection of handwritten books. After a brief stop at the old cemetery, we ventured into the gorge, where towering mountain walls made us feel small.
Fes is well known for its old tanneries, still in use for dyeing leather with natural ingredients. The smell is bearable from a distance, but up close, it can be quite penetrating. Visitors to the tanneries should be prepared to negotiate a small tip with the guards, who often ask for a rather high price.
In the Medina you find the Talaa Kebira, one of the main roads with all the shops. If you are adventurous you can wander around the small streets in the old town and just get lost. One way or another you make your way back to the main road. Beware of the many local people who want to help you for a small tip, sometimes they show you the wrong direction.
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