The next day we got our luggage ready for the trip to Merzouga. This was mainly for the desert tour where you spend one night in the Sahara desert. It was a long journey and we would have one stop over at Todra Gorge where we spent a cold night. Along the way we passed the High Atlas mountains, a breathtaking view!
Taking a break over the High Atlas mountains
Driving through the country, towns and villages was marvellous. It really is an eye opener to see how the locals live in these small towns. And they love their tagines! Sprawled across the streets in any town you can find a number of ovens with tagines in them.
Ovens that back tagines in town
Heading west our next stop would be in Aït Benhaddou for lunch then a visit to the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Kasbah has been featured in many many films over the years and as such you can find little shops with pictures of the past.
Taking a break to snap some pictures. You can see the Kasbah in the center.
When walking towards and in the Kasbah, or anywhere for that matter you will be called to enter many shops. If thats not your thing just say thank you and keep walking along otherwise prepare yourself to be haggled on to.
Lanterns turned into an obsession. Photo Cred: Deepti
View of the Kasbah after making it back down from the top.
Back down we head onwards for about 3 hours to Todra Gorge, our final destination for the day. The terrain was flat with the mountain range towards the east. Both of us were tired after a long journey from Marrakech. The time it takes from Marrakech alone is roughly 6 hours straight, add in multiple stops and you get one long day.
The night at Todra was cold. All we could muster was to have dinner and then hit the sack. Dinner was actually pretty good and very tasty.
Dinner at Todra Gorge
Our cold room
Not sure where we were since we arrived at night, we were in the middle of the High Atlas mountains!
High Atlas Mountains
Woken up by a chilly room with a semi-working heater, we head for breakfast and then set out to see the huge limestone rocks of the Gorge itself before taking off to Merzouga. Rock climbers were scouring to reach the top while vendors were selling trinkets below. This was not a heavy touristy place and that was pleasant to see.
We stop at noon for lunch and of course, the main must dish, chicken tagine! You always get a nice loafy style crusty bread that just soaks up all the juices. Do not let the lemons fool you, they are tender and you can eat it whole!
Tagine de poulet au citron