KINGDOM OF THE WEST
My trip through Morocco with my friend Yass led us from the High Atlas mountains to the enchanting Ait Benhaddou and the Sahara desert. Guided by Aziz, we explored the Fint Oasis, Roses Valley, and Dadès Gorges, witnessing mesmerizing sunsets. Meeting Berber guide Mustapha in the Sahara, we immersed ourselves in the desert’s silence and encountered diverse wildlife.
Embarking on a journey through Morocco with my mate Yass, the initial plan to conquer Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas mountains was not possible due to unfavorable weather conditions. Adapting to the change, we redirected our course towards the Sahara desert, leading us to the enchanting Ait Benhaddou, a historic fortified village with picturesque kasbahs and winding alleyways that spoke of ancient tales.
At the Fint Oasis, we encountered Aziz, a local guide whose pride in his homeland shone through as he regaled us with stories of the land. After a refreshing tea break, we set out towards the idyllic Roses Valley, passing through the Dadès Gorges for a short hike and a mesmerizing sunset.
On the following day, fueled by a sense of adventure, we ventured southward to the iconic Sahara Desert after a quick lunch break in Zagora, we finally got to meet Mustapha in M’Hamid, a Berber guide with an intimate knowledge of the Chegaga dunes. A scenic drive through the desert unveiled its diverse landscapes, culminating in a profound silence that enveloped our camp, a silence which I have never experienced before.
Immersed in the desert for three days, we roamed the dunes at dawn and dusk to avoid the brutal heat, encountering a diverse and unexpected wildlife, from wild camels and donkeys to an elusive fennec fox and a majestic eagle. The profound calm of the Sahara left an indelible mark, defining our experience with a word: Silence.
The journey back to Marrakesh through contrasting landscapes of arid plains and verdant Atlas Mountains, we paused to meet Hassan, a passionate Berber jeweler with a wealth of knowledge on rocks and fossils, his passion came from his father who taught him everything he knows today.
Our final evening in Jemaa El-Fna square, the main square of Marrakesh loved by tourists and locals pulsating with vibrant energy and alive markets, marking the perfect conclusion to our unforgettable Moroccan adventure.