Atlas Mountains

The Atlas mountains in Morocco contain the highest peak in North Africa, Jebel Toubkal mountain at 4,167m.  Spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, at 2,260m crosses over the mountians.  We hiked up into the foothills near Jebel Toubkal and stayed at a guesthouse in Aremd, an awesome place. Fantastic!

The French built highway over the mountains.

Nice day, awesome views.

Lots of hairpin turns.

The sign at the pass.

Simone and Christine, friends from Germany.

Valley view from Aremd.

Morocco, this is what I picture now, a colorful country.

Village of Aremed from the river.

A serene setting and beautiful place.

A morning walk through the village.

Tea time on arrival in Aremd.

Our Lodge in Aremd (Aroumd).

Sleeping quarters, though I slept out under the stars.

Sahara Desert

We were fortunate enough to spend a night in the Sahara desert, in the Erg Chebbi region of Morocco, just miles from Algeria.  It was hot, not surprising and beautiful, a little surprising.

A Kasbah, camel caravan and huge sand dune.

Getting ready for the camel ride.

 

Ready to go...

Desert scenery.

Our camp.

Another camel caravan of tourists.

Time to rest.

Aziz pouring our tea, or "Berber Whiskey"

Watching the sunrise and relaxing on a sand dune.

Volubilis

The Roman ruins of Volubilis city is the best preserved archaeological site in Morocco. One of the Roman Empire's most remote outposts, it housed 20,000 at its peak.  Clear blue skies and hot as a furnance the day we were there but worth it.  Shade was in demand.  An amazing collection of mosaics and awesome vistas in every direction.  Would love to have seen it at its peak.

 

My Moroccan trip

My 3 weeks in Morocco began and ended in Casablanca, the largest city in the country of 33 million. Marrakech is the number one tourist destination, and I can see why, a beautiful city.  Over 95% of Moroccans are Sunni Muslims.  We headed to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, on the train and then onto Meknes.  A stop at the Roman ruins in Volubilis and onto Fes, and its world famous medina.  Then south through Ifrane, Medelt and through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. A camel ride to an oasis for an overnight camping experience.  Back to the mountians, Todre Gorge and Ait Benhaddou.  Cross the High Atlas mountians over Tizi 'n Tichka pass (2260m) to Aremd (Aroumd). Jebel Toubkal mountian is right outside our door.  Next up are the beaches and medina in Essaouira and finally Marrakech and Djemaa el-Fna square.  And the best hotel on the trip.  An amazing time with a wonderful, fun group and awesome guide, Aziz.  Thanks for the memories, a great trip!

Map of Moroccco, route marked in red.

Blue Boat.

Green signs.

Colorful mosaics.

Amazing mosaics.

Ceramic paints.

Blue window in mud wall.

Leather handbags in every color.

Restaurant, Kasbah and gift shop.

Coca-Cola sign painted on store wall.

A pile of purple mattresses.

Entrance to the Maousoleum of Moulay Ismail.

The sign on the side of our mini-bus.

MOROCCO

After dirty, dusty Egypt, I love clean, green Morocco!  A breath of fresh air, literally.  Mountians and deserts, cities and villages, modern and quaint, beaches and snow, a beautiful country full of contrasts.