27th April 2019
Crossing Morocco – Day Two: Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate, and Dades Gorges
On the second day of our tour, we continued deeper into Morocco’s desert landscapes. The drive through the Atlas Mountains was full of dramatic turns and changing scenery. At every curve, the land looked different, sometimes rocky and harsh, other times soft and warm in color. The mountains had this mix of desert tones (brown, red, orange) that looked beautiful in the morning light.
Our main stop of the day was Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” The city is known for being a filming location for many famous movies, and right next to it is Aït Benhaddou, a stunning fortified village made of clay. It’s one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco, and walking through it felt like stepping into a scene from the past. The buildings blend perfectly into the landscape, and from the top you can see the valley stretching far out into the desert.
In the afternoon we made our way to the Dades Gorges, a winding valley with high cliffs and strange rock formations. The road that cuts through the gorge is narrow and steep, but the views are incredible. I was constantly amazed by how varied and raw Morocco’s nature is, from desert plains to green valleys and sharp mountain ridges, all within a few hours of each other.
That day made me realize how much beauty Morocco holds, not just in its cities and culture, but in its wild, open spaces. The mountains and gorges gave a sense of freedom and wonder that’s hard to describe.
Our main stop of the day was Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” The city is known for being a filming location for many famous movies, and right next to it is Aït Benhaddou, a stunning fortified village made of clay. It’s one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco, and walking through it felt like stepping into a scene from the past. The buildings blend perfectly into the landscape, and from the top you can see the valley stretching far out into the desert.
In the afternoon we made our way to the Dades Gorges, a winding valley with high cliffs and strange rock formations. The road that cuts through the gorge is narrow and steep, but the views are incredible. I was constantly amazed by how varied and raw Morocco’s nature is, from desert plains to green valleys and sharp mountain ridges, all within a few hours of each other.
That day made me realize how much beauty Morocco holds, not just in its cities and culture, but in its wild, open spaces. The mountains and gorges gave a sense of freedom and wonder that’s hard to describe.
