Morocco Journey II

Day 2-3- Camp Oasis

Camp Oasis was the ideal starting point for discovering the Dades Valley. The arid, barren landscapes of the Dades are stunning.  The camp is located next to a river in a Oasis, so when the sun sets, the valley glows with magnificent colors.

While at the camp I was able to learn more about Islam.  There was a little village close by and we could hear the calls to prayer, 5 times a day. While at the camp we found out that an important religious holiday was taking place, the Eid al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice".  The families get together and after prayer, a ram is offered in sacrifice.

Day 4 - Camp Oasis - Boumalne Dades

We left Camp oasis to head to Boumalne Dades, and on the way there we saw a couple of sacrifices next to the road.  We spent the day on the road, had some delicious meal on the road. We got to our hotel and decided to stay in and relax.  The hotel was so nice we didn't mind, we played some cards, ping pong and after a delicious dinner we were off to bed, we were leaving early next morning to visit  Gorge du dades and head to the desert.

Having her last meal

Boumalne Dades

Day 5 - Gorge du Dades - Merzouga Desert.

After a short drive we arrived to Gorge du Dades an extraordinary red rock formation.  This is a  spot that is visited by rock climbers looking for a challenging spot. After some obligatory photos of the Gorge and amazing vistas of the meandering road which lazily climbed steeply off the valley floor we were gone.

Gorge du Dades

Old water wells in the desert

After some more hours of driving we finally made it to the desert.  We got ready for the sand dunes the morning after.

Morocco Journey

Morocco was absolutely amazing.  From the Atlas Mountains, the breathtaking Sahara Desert, to the coastal town of Essaouira.  Every moment of our 12 day trip will forever be ingrained in my mind.

 We drove a total of 1,300 miles.

 DAY 1 - Marrakesh "Red City"

We arrived at the Marrakesh-Menara Airport at night after a short flight from Madrid.  We had a quick talk with Corbin Bernsen while waiting for our bags, pretty cool guy by the way. 

Marrakesh has an old fortified city,  called medina,  and an modern city,  Gueliz.  On our first day we stayed in the medina, at the beautiful Les Jardins de la Koutoubia. 

The hotel was located a couple of blocks away from the largest traditional market in Morocco, the magnificent Koutoubia mosque, and the busy square of Djemaa el Fna.   We went for a stroll after dinner and walking into the square we could see the smoke, and thousand lights. There were acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls that looked like a huge busy open-air restaurant.

DAY 2 - Atlas mountains

We drove out of Marrakesh, up the Atlas Mountains where the road snakes along precipitous cliffs. After a couple of hours on the road and so many curves i started feeling sick, too many turns for my weak stomach, I thought.  

The views from the mountains were incredible.

On our drive we passed by Ourzazate city, were we visited Kasbah of Taourirt, I wish I could say I remember everything about it and could describe it for you,  but I can't.  While Paul enjoyed the tour of the kasbah, I was visiting their bathrooms, yes I admit it, I got the tourist bug.

After 6 hours on the road we arrived to Camp Oasis.  It is located between two palm groves in the valley of Oued Izerki, halfway between the oasis of Skoura and Ouarzazate.

The camp is welcoming, with carpets, low lighting, excellent food and great service.  The experience of the desert with the full comfort of a luxury hotel.