Into Berber country and the Atlas Mountains

From Marrakech, we drive to Asni, then Telout, till we reach Ait Ben Haddou. From there, it is on to Ourzazate. Then off to Skoura oasis and then Rose Valley (Kalaa M'Gona), staying overnight at Dades Canyon. Next morning, it is on to Tinghir to see the gorge, then Tinjdad, Erfoud, Rissani and to Merzouga for a camel ride into the desert near Erg-Chebbi. The following day, it is back to Merzouga, dune bashing, trips to Khamliya to see the Gnawa people and Laark to see the Tuaregs, then back through Erfoud, Errachidia, to lunch on Berber pizza in Rissani. Then drive through the land of the Barbary apes to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, and on to Fez.

The journey through the desert land, approaching the High Atlas mountains, is as exquisite as one might imagine.


Video: Songs of the Sahara




Video: Songs of the Sahara






Smiles. Smiles galore.

Along the way, we pass through quaint Berber towns.




The village of Touama, near the Tizi Ntichka mountains.


On the left is the oasis of Aït Youl. On the right is the rose valley (Kalaat M'Gouna). While this wasn't rose season, it was quaint exploring the town, which is characterized by the house doors that are all painted green.



Click to continue to Berber cities of Ait Ben Haddou and Ourzazate