To the Sahara & Beyond | An Unforgettable Road Trip
Once upon our Moroccan adventure, we set out on a three-day journey from the bustling heart of Marrakesh to the charming city of Fez.
Before the sun even started to shine its light, we left the lively streets of Marrakesh.
Our journey led us through the majestic Atlas Mountains, all the way to Ouarzazate. Along the way, we made few stops to soak in the breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and explore Berber villages.
Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, lies an architectural gem that stands as a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability —the traditional Berber houses. What sets these houses apart is not just their unique design, but the material from which they are made of: mud.
As I had the privilege of exploring these remarkable structures, I couldn't help but be amazed by the artistry and resourcefulness behind Berber mud houses.
The Berber people (indigenous to North Africa) have lived in harmony with their environment for centuries. They've ingeniously used the earth beneath their feet to construct their homes, creating a sustainable and functional living space.
The technique of building with mud, known as "adobe," involves mixing clay-rich soil with water and sometimes other natural materials like straw to create a versatile building material.
The walls of Berber houses are typically thick and sturdy, providing natural insulation against the region's extreme temperatures. Layers of mud are meticulously applied, each one left to dry before the next is added. This careful layering process ensures the walls' durability and stability. What's more amazing is that these walls can withstand the test of time, remaining resilient for decades.
The mud construction doesn't just lend strength to Berber houses, it also contributes to their remarkable thermal properties. The thick mud walls help regulate the indoor temperature, keeping the interior cool during scorching summers and warm during chilly winters. This natural climate control is an amazing example of the Berber people's profound understanding of their environment and their ability to adapt to its challenges.
Read more Atlas Mountain stories here.
We had been on the road for approximately 4 or almost 5 hours, when we took another stop. When my eyes opened from a glorious nap, it was a breathtaking sight. The landscape had undergone a remarkable transformation as we drew closer to Ouarzazate —A dry, open area that looks like a special place in a desert. The colour of this place was intense, it felt so surreal as I’ve never seen something so naturally vivid under the bright daylight.
I missed my chance to ask about the name of this beautiful place. But words couldn't really describe how amazing it looked. When I stood there, it felt like I was in a dreamy world, a scene that felt like a painting brought to life.
As I gazed upon this unnamed masterpiece, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer unpredictability of travel. The beauty of the world lies not only in the well-known destinations but also in these hidden gems that unveil themselves when we least expect them. Though the name of this place remains a mystery, the memory of its beauty will forever remain in my mind.
It shows that if you're ready to explore new places, you'll find amazing and unexpected things.
A highlight awaited us at the famous Aït Ben Haddou – an incredible Kasbah, its fortified walls standing strong against the currents of time.
With the help of our knowledgeable guide, we learned a lot about this remarkable fortified village before continuing our drive to Ouarzazate.
Read about our Aït Ben Haddou story here.
Have you ever had that "rub your eyes in disbelief" moment? Picture this: you're cruising along, minding your own business, when suddenly, out of nowhere, you spot an otherworldly, blazing light floating in the sky –Yes, it's not an everyday occurrence indeed.
I vividly remember that day when I couldn't wrap my head around what my eyes were feeding me. Was my vision playing tricks on me? Had I just encountered an Unidentified Flying Object? I even questioned my own sanity for a second.
Unable to contain it, I eagerly mentioned it to Karl. He explained that we were looking at the world's largest concentrated solar power plant.
It is located in the heart of Morocco’s desert, they call it Noor Ouarzazate.
Imagine this – Even though the plant was far from where we were driving, its really bright light could still shine through the vast desert area. So, how on Earth does this work? Karl added that it uses mirrors to concentrate the Sun's bright rays onto a towering, super-heated core.
Being the curious cat that I am, searched more about this captivating marvel. Turns out, the fiery tower heats a special liquid to super-high temperatures. This super-hot liquid turns into steam and spins a turbine, which creates electricity, just like in regular power plants. Some versions of this plant can store extra heat to make electricity when the sun isn't shining —amazing!
As I watch it in the moving van, I can't help but hope.. Hope that more sunny countries start using clean, sustainable energy. Because let's face it, The Sun has been giving us hot rays for eons of years, so it's a good idea to use them for something useful.
The adventure didn't stop there! Before we could rest our heads at the hotel, we embarked on a detour to witness the remarkable rock formation known as the Monkey Toes. The sight was as fascinating as it sounds as the sunset reflects its light on this amazing landscape.
With our energy replenished by a scrumptious hotel breakfast the next morning, we set off to the famous zigzag road, nestled within the Dades Gorges. It was like a rollercoaster ride through nature's own design.
The journey carried us to the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, a place where a deep ravine carved its way through vibrant orange limestone, just wide enough for a crystal clear river to squeeze through. Walking beneath the grandeur of the Todra Canyon was a moment that took our breath away, leaving us in sheer admiration.
Read and watch a video filmed at Todra Gorge here.
As we pressed on to Merzouga, the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the land.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we stood on top a towering dune, witnessing a sunset that painted the desert vibrant gold.
Read all about our incredible Sahara Desert experience here.
We drove to the enchanting Ziz Valley, with a quick pause to admire a lovely oasis before continuing our journey through the captivating Middle Atlas Mountains.
We passed in the busy city of Ifrane, known as "Switzerland of Morocco," to enjoy the lush greenery of a cedar forest. Our hopes of encountering Barbary apes nearby Ifrane were crushed by a crowd of people, as everyone were enjoying their public holiday.
Wrapping up our journey, we said our goodbyes to our incredibly awesome and friendly guide. He was very helpful, he showed us many Moroccan wonders. It was such a pleasure to have him us our guide and we absolutely highly recommend him.
Our Sahara desert journey is a very special story we will always treasure.
