We set off around 9.00am for Todra Gorge in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains . We went through Quarzazate. Built by the French in the 1920's for the Film industry it is a very modern town which was a little strange after leaving Ait Ben Haddou.....one of the oldest Kasbahs in the country. You can take a tour of the Film Studio but we decided we didn't have time to stop.
We came to a village where washing day was keeping some women busy down by the river.The bridge made a handy clothesline. We bought bottled water at a shop and I was surprised to see the water well was right outside the shop.
It was just desert and very barren until we turned off to Dades Gorge and drove through a series of villages until eventually we came to hills of strange rock formations which were constantly changing and quite fascinating.
We came to a village where washing day was keeping some women busy down by the river.The bridge made a handy clothesline. We bought bottled water at a shop and I was surprised to see the water well was right outside the shop.
It was just desert and very barren until we turned off to Dades Gorge and drove through a series of villages until eventually we came to hills of strange rock formations which were constantly changing and quite fascinating.
Drive to Dades Gorge
We stopped in a small village and had a meal outside overlooking the valley. The owner was keen to take us down to a waterfall.....but we had to get on. We suspected the waterfall may have been quite sparse as there was little water in the riverbeds. We were worried about time so after about 15 kms we turned back.
Todra Gorge
Next turn was to Todra Gorge. It was a slow trip and a very hot day. Being a weekend many locals were also coming to the shallow waters in the gorge to cool off. Their haphazard parking made it difficult to get through and there was no parking, so we carried on through the Gorge to our accommodation.
The Todra Gorge walls tower over you, with their ever changing smooth pink rock popular with rock climbers apparently, and the picturesque glacier stream creates a beautiful landscape. We enjoyed it all the next morning when the crowds had gone.
The Todra Gorge walls tower over you, with their ever changing smooth pink rock popular with rock climbers apparently, and the picturesque glacier stream creates a beautiful landscape. We enjoyed it all the next morning when the crowds had gone.
Auberge au Festival Cave Hotel
We were staying at another of Marita and Ell’s recommendations… Auberge au Festival Cave Hotel .
Auberge au Festival was lovely. Built around 7years ago unlike, most buildings in Morocco, it is of stone....set into the side of the hill 5kms after the main gorge. Looking across from the road it is hard to see as it just blends into the background.
With Berber Tents to sit under, tables and chairs on the terrace, and lovely cottage gardens, this is a very special place to stay. There are spectacular views looking across and down the gorge, which changes colour as the light changes, it was a real treat. You can choose from a cave room or upstairs room. We didn't have time to use it but the swimming pool is tucked in at the end of the building. The decor is beautifully done. Our cave room was very cool…..both aesthetically and temperature wise!
Auberge au Festival was lovely. Built around 7years ago unlike, most buildings in Morocco, it is of stone....set into the side of the hill 5kms after the main gorge. Looking across from the road it is hard to see as it just blends into the background.
With Berber Tents to sit under, tables and chairs on the terrace, and lovely cottage gardens, this is a very special place to stay. There are spectacular views looking across and down the gorge, which changes colour as the light changes, it was a real treat. You can choose from a cave room or upstairs room. We didn't have time to use it but the swimming pool is tucked in at the end of the building. The decor is beautifully done. Our cave room was very cool…..both aesthetically and temperature wise!
A Fabulous Traditional Dinner
We had dinner outside in the fading rays of sun....a truly delicious meal, with the best Moroccan salad yet including potato, egg, tomato, cucumber, capsicum, olives, carrot, cheese. Followed by a tajine ...... again the best yet with small kofta balls, and plenty of veges....aubergine, capsicum, carrot, potato, marrow, olives , onions and topped with cheese.
We watched the sun go down and then had an early night. One group had done a day hike
- one of several in the area. but unfortunately we didn’t have time. We were off to the desert next day.
We watched the sun go down and then had an early night. One group had done a day hike
- one of several in the area. but unfortunately we didn’t have time. We were off to the desert next day.
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