Combined circuit · Atlas + Desert · 6 nights / 7 daysHigh Atlas · Erg Chebbi

The Atlas and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Discovering southern Morocco on a 4x4 circuit from Berber mountains to the dunes of the Sahara.

Duration

6 nights / 7 days

Airports

In Ouarzazate · Out Errachidia

Highlights

High Atlas · Boutaghrar · M'Goun · Todra · Erg Chebbi

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Trip description

From the High Atlas to the gates of the Sahara.

Want to disconnect for a few days and live something truly magical?

We propose an escape to the closest dune desert to Europe: the Erg Chebbi, in southern Morocco.

The route begins in the High Atlas range, where a 4x4 with private driver takes us through Imazighen villages frozen in time.

We cross valleys and gorges all the way to the gate of the desert, where the magic of the Sahara wraps every moment of the journey.

Ancestral traditions, markets, desert colours and a night under the stars turn this experience into an unforgettable trip.

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Quick facts

The essentials.

Duration6 nights / 7 days

PlacesOuarzazate · Boumalne Dades · Tinerhir · Erfoud · Erg Chebbi · Merdani · Rissani · Errachidia

AirportsOuarzazate / Errachidia

TypeAtlas + Desert

Experiences4x4 · camels · bivouac · Berber villages · gorges · oases

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

Listen to this journey

Let us tell you the route.

A narration to picture every stage before you set off.

The whole route

Your journey on a single map.

Every stop connected — the full route, day by day, in a single image.

stops7

approximate km318

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City
Desert

Travel notes

Pack your bag

Handwritten notes from those who already did this route — what to pack to enjoy it surprise-free.

Layer up

Clothing for the Atlas & the desert

Dress in layers: a cool High Atlas morning can turn into a hot afternoon on the dunes.
A fleece or jumper for the nights: both the Atlas and the desert cool down after sunset.
Closed, broken-in shoes for walking through kasbahs, gorges and sand.
A large scarf (cheche): it shields you from sun, wind and fine sand.

— Your Xaluca team

Don't forget

Must-have accessories

Sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen: the Sahara sun is no joke.
A cap or wide-brimmed hat for the midday hours.
Lip balm and moisturiser: the air is very dry and your skin will feel it.
A reusable bottle and hand gel for the 4x4 legs.

— Your Xaluca team

Under the stars

Desert nights & travel days

A head torch and a power bank: the bivouac doesn't always have plugs.
A small bag for the night at camp; your big suitcase stays in the 4x4.
Something warm for sleeping: the desert surprises with its cool nights.
Some cash in dirhams for tips, mint tea and small purchases along the way.

— Your Xaluca team

Tap a stage to read the details

Day 01
Arrival in Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades
Day route:Ouarzazate → Dades
Highlights
- 01Unique altitude and landscapeBoumalne Dades sits at 1,612 m in the upper High Atlas: panoramic views over valleys, snowy peaks in winter and scattered Berber villages.
- 02The Dades river valleyFamous for the Gorges du Dadès. The winding road that climbs the gorge is one of the most photographed views in Morocco. 9-10 km from town, the «Monkey Fingers» rock formation adds an otherworldly feel.
- 03Rose tradition and local marketThe valley hosts the Rose Valley fields used for centuries to produce rose water and essential oils. Every Wednesday a weekly market gathers nearby villages selling produce and Berber craft.
The day, in detail
Departure from your home airport toward Casablanca and onward connection with the 23:20 Casablanca – Ouarzazate flight, arriving Ouarzazate at 01:10. Airport pick-up and asphalt transfer (110 km) to Boumalne Dades, at 1,612 m in the High Atlas range. Accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★. 📌 Flight options vary by departure city.

Full itinerary

Day by day, no shortcuts.

Day 01

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Aït Ben Haddou

Morocco's most famous earthen kasbah — a World Heritage site and film location. Cross the riverbed and climb to the granary for the best views.

Tip of the day

The Tizi n'Tichka pass

The High Atlas road is full of bends: bring water and a light snack. The photo stops at the top are well worth it.

For the photo

Golden light over the Dadès

On arrival in Boumalne, the last light of the day turns the whole valley ochre — the best moment for warm photos before dinner.

Day 01

Arrival in Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades

Departure from your home airport toward Casablanca and onward connection with the 23:20 Casablanca – Ouarzazate flight, arriving Ouarzazate at 01:10. Airport pick-up and asphalt transfer (110 km) to Boumalne Dades, at 1,612 m in the High Atlas range. Accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★. 📌 Flight options vary by departure city.

Cultural highlights

Unique altitude and landscape

Boumalne Dades sits at 1,612 m in the upper High Atlas: panoramic views over valleys, snowy peaks in winter and scattered Berber villages.

The Dades river valley

Famous for the Gorges du Dadès. The winding road that climbs the gorge is one of the most photographed views in Morocco. 9-10 km from town, the «Monkey Fingers» rock formation adds an otherworldly feel.

Rose tradition and local market

The valley hosts the Rose Valley fields used for centuries to produce rose water and essential oils. Every Wednesday a weekly market gathers nearby villages selling produce and Berber craft.

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What travellers say about this day

We arrived in Ouarzazate at night and waking up at Hotel Xaluca Dades, with the High Atlas peeking through the window, was the best possible start. The transfer was on time and every detail taken care of.

Marta & Javier

Madrid, Spain

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XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

1 landmark

Trip progress

Day 01 / 07

14%

Place gallery

Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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An oasis of comfort in the Dadès Valley

Set in a privileged environment, this hotel combines traditional architecture, gardens, and magnificent views of the mountains and the valley.

Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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Relax among mountains and palm groves

Enjoy its facilities, spa, pool, and spaces designed for relaxation after a day of exploration.

Hotel Xaluca Dades 4★

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The hospitality of southern Morocco

Experience a unique accommodation surrounded by some of the most impressive landscapes of the Atlas.

Alto Atlas/Depositphotos_53871495_xl-2015.jpg

Day 02

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

A must

Valley of Roses & M'Goun

Paths through walnut trees, adobe houses and rose fields (in bloom in May). The M'Goun massif is the second highest in Morocco.

Tip of the day

Footwear & pace

There will be sections on foot along tracks and trails: comfy shoes and an easy pace. At this altitude, drink water often.

Local culture

Berber hospitality

If you're offered a mint tea, accept it: it's the most genuine welcome in the Atlas villages.

Day 02

Central High Atlas – Boutaghrar – M'Goun

Off-road journey through the Central High Atlas, discovering villages like Boutaghrar and Amskar. Visit caves still inhabited by nomad families. Walk through the M'Goun Gorges and lunch at a traditional Gîte d'Étape. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Dades.

Cultural highlights

The «little Moroccan Tibet»

Boutaghrar, above 2,400 m, preserves a near-intact Berber way of life.

Atlas troglodyte families

Ait Atta nomad families still use natural caves as summer shelters.

The M'Goun Gorges

Nearly 30 km long, Morocco's longest canyon — known as «the river you walk».

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What travellers say about this day

The day through the Central Atlas left us speechless: Berber villages clinging to the mountainside and the M'Goun massif behind. Our driver knew every corner and every story.

Claudia R.

Barcelona, Spain

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Mountain
Berber village
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

5 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 02 / 07

29%

Place gallery

High Atlas range

3 cards

High Atlas range

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The great backbone of Morocco

Behold impressive mountains, deep valleys, and landscapes that constantly change along one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on the continent.

High Atlas range

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Crossing high passes and landscapes

Travel along scenic roads, mountain trails, and small Berber villages hidden among the peaks.

High Atlas range

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The grandeur of the Moroccan mountain

Enjoy spectacular panoramas, wild nature, and the authenticity of local communities.

Alto Atlas/Depositphotos_225285314_xl-2015.jpg

Day 03

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Todra Gorges

Vertical walls up to 300 m where the Todra river carves a spectacular canyon. Walk along the bottom between the cliffs.

Did you know

The 'monkey fingers'

In the Dadès valley, the curious eroded rocks known as 'monkey fingers' are a classic photo stop on the route.

For the photo

Erfoud fossils

Erfoud is famous for its 350-million-year-old marine fossils: you'll see polished black marble full of ammonites.

Day 03

Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud

Drive through the Dades Valley to its famous gorges and panoramic viewpoint. Stop at the geological formations known as the «Monkey Paws». Continue to Tinerhir and the Todra Gorges. Arrival in Erfoud, accommodation at Kasbah Hotel Xaluca.

Cultural highlights

Dades viewpoint

One of the most photographed landscapes in Morocco.

The «Monkey Paws»

Rock formations sculpted by differential erosion over millions of years.

Todra Gorges

Natural canyons with walls up to 160 metres.

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What travellers say about this day

The Dades switchbacks and the vertical walls of the Todra are out of this world. We stopped wherever we liked for photos; we never felt rushed.

Óscar & Nuria

Zaragoza, Spain

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Town
Gorges
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 03 / 07

43%

Place gallery

Tinerhir

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The oasis between mountains and palm groves

Tinerhir

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The oasis between mountains and palm groves

Discover a city surrounded by one of the largest palm groves in southern Morocco and situated at the gates of the Todra Gorges.

Tinerhir

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Explore the heart of the oasis

Stroll among palm trees, visit traditional villages, and discover the daily life of one of the most fertile regions in the south.

The perfect contrast between water and mountain

Tinerhir

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The perfect contrast between water and mountain

Enjoy landscapes where green oases meet the arid Atlas mountains, creating unique settings.

Campamentos/Campamento La Belle Etoile Deluxe - Generales - LeoGerzon-84.jpg

Day 04

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

The trip's highlight

Erg Chebbi dunes

Dunes up to 150 m high. The camel ride at sunset and the night at camp are the heart of the whole trip.

Tip of the day

Pack for the bivouac

Bring a small bag with just the essentials for the night; the big suitcase stays in the 4x4. Don't forget a torch and something warm.

For the photo

A sky full of stars

With no light pollution, the Milky Way looks spectacular. Switch on your phone or camera night mode and enjoy the silence.

Day 04

Full desert – Erg Chebbi & bivouac

A day of Total Desert. We drive one of the historic Dakar Rally tracks, visiting villages and desert nomads. Stop at the Marine Fossil Quarries — 360 million years old — and picnic in an authentic oasis. We continue to the great Erg Chebbi, the «desert of fine-sand dunes», where we swap the 4x4 for camels and ride into the heart of the dunes to witness an unforgettable sunset. We arrive on camelback at the Bivouac de Luxe and sleep in nomad-style jaimas. Dinner and overnight — spectacular under the stars.

Cultural highlights

The historic Dakar Rally tracks

Between Erfoud and the Erg Chebbi several tracks were used by the Dakar Rally during the Moroccan editions (until 2007). Many cross hamadas and dry wadis, making them iconic for 4x4 and adventure motorcycling. They are still used today for off-road training and competitions.

360-million-year-old fossils

The Erfoud and Merzouga marine fossil quarries date from the Devonian (approx. 360-380 million years ago), when the region lay under a shallow tropical sea. Ammonites, trilobites, goniatites and primitive fish all come from here — Morocco is one of the world's largest exporters of authentic Devonian fossils.

Erg Chebbi: dunes over 150 metres

One of the two great ergs of the Moroccan desert, its dunes can reach 150 metres in height, shaped from extremely fine sand carried by Saharan winds. The tallest dune sits near Hassi Labied and is one of the most photographed spots in the desert.

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What travellers say about this day

Riding a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and the night at the camp, under an impossible sky full of stars, was without doubt the night of our lives.

Elena M.

Valencia, Spain

Verified traveller

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Berber village
Geology
Palm grove
Dunes
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

6 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 04 / 07

57%

Place gallery

Dakar Rally tracks

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Dakar Rally tracks

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The legendary routes of the desert

Discover the spectacular landscapes where some of the most mythical stages of the Dakar Rally in Morocco took place for years.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Adventure trails

Explore desert tracks, rocky plains, and routes that traverse some of the wildest landscapes of the Sahara.

Dakar Rally tracks

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Feel the spirit of Dakar

Experience the excitement of visiting historic sites associated with one of the most famous competitions in the world.

Campamentos/Campamento La Belle Etoile - Generales - LeoGerzon-26.jpg

Day 05

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Live it

Sunrise over the dunes

Wake up early to watch the sun rise over Erg Chebbi: the sand shifts from pink to orange in minutes.

Local culture

Gnawa in Khamlia

The village of Khamlia, of sub-Saharan origin, keeps the gnawa music alive: hypnotic rhythms inherited from its ancestors.

Tip of the day

Hydrate & protect

Even in the morning the desert sun is intense: keep a cap, sunglasses and water always within reach.

Day 05

Sunrise in the desert – Khamlia – Merdani

Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit to the abandoned village of Merdani and the M'Fis mines. Stop in Khamlia for Gnawa music and traditional tea. Arrival at Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou with a free afternoon between dunes and hammam.

Cultural highlights

The legend of Erg Chebbi

Berber tradition says the dunes rose as a divine punishment after water was denied to a mother and her children.

Khamlia and Gnawa music

A musical tradition listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Rissani's «donkey parking»

One of southern Morocco's most authentic markets, alive since the 14th century.

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What travellers say about this day

Watching the sun rise over the erg and then hearing Gnawa music in Khamlia was pure emotion. A day that blends nature and culture in equal measure.

Raquel & Hugo

Málaga, Spain

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Dunes
Berber village
Historic site
Living culture
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

5 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 05 / 07

71%

Place gallery

Erg Chebbi

3 cards

Erg Chebbi

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The great sea of dunes of the Sahara

Admire immense golden dunes, hidden oases, and endless landscapes that represent the most spectacular and authentic image of the Moroccan desert.

Erg Chebbi

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Discover the Sahara firsthand

Ride the dunes on a dromedary, practice sandboarding, or explore the surroundings in off-road vehicles to fully experience the Saharan adventure.

Erg Chebbi

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The essence of the desert

Enjoy unforgettable sunsets, nights under the stars, and evenings accompanied by traditional music around a campfire in the heart of the Sahara.

Rissani – Mercados ancestrales – Relax en Erfoud

Day 06

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Don't miss it

Rissani souk

One of the most authentic markets in the south and cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. Spices, dates and plenty of local buzz.

Tip of the day

Market day

The Rissani souk is busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bring cash in dirhams to shop and haggle.

Local flavour

Try the medfouna

The 'Berber pizza' stuffed with meat, almonds and spices, baked under embers. A Rissani specialty you must try.

Day 06

Rissani – Ancestral markets – Relax in Erfoud

Drive to Rissani to visit historic kasbahs and its famous traditional market. Lunch at the Berber Des Dunes pizzeria. Return to Kasbah Hotel Xaluca for free time and wellness services.

Hotel wellness

Heated pool
Hammam
Massages
Optional quads
Private excursions

Cultural highlights

Rissani market

One of the oldest and most authentic souks in southern Morocco.

The donkey «parking»

An area still used by local merchants and nomads.

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What travellers say about this day

The Rissani souk is a whirl of colours and aromas; we tasted freshly picked dates. In the afternoon, the hotel pool was the perfect reward.

Carlos D.

Sevilla, Spain

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Market
XALUCA HOTEL

Day map

Day's landmarks

2 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 06 / 07

86%

Place gallery

Rissani

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Rissani

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The ancient capital of the caravans

Discover a historic city that for centuries was one of the main commercial centers of the Moroccan Sahara.

Immerse yourself in the traditions of the south

Rissani

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Immerse yourself in the traditions of the south

Explore its famous market, discover ancient ksour and get to know the customs that continue to shape local life.

Rissani

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The authenticity of Saharan Morocco

Experience a unique cultural moment in one of the most genuine and traditional places in the country.

Day 07

1 / 10

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Notes of the day

Last stop

Ziz Valley viewpoint

An oasis of thousands of palm trees winding between arid mountains. The panorama from the viewpoint is postcard-perfect.

Tip of the day

The return

Plan your timing to the airport carefully and keep your documents and souvenirs bought along the way to hand.

For the photo

Endless palm grove

The contrast between the green palm grove and the ochre desert gives some of the best photos of the whole trip.

Day 07

Ziz Valley – Errachidia – Return

Transfer to Errachidia airport for the return flight home. Along the way, stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint, home to more than ten million palm trees. Flight departs Errachidia at 07:15 toward Casablanca, arriving at 08:30 to connect with your onward flight.

Cultural highlights

Ziz Valley: one of North Africa's largest palm groves

Stretching from Errachidia to the gates of the Sahara, it hosts one of North Africa's largest palm groves, part of the historic Tafilalet oasis with more than one million date palms. It is one of Morocco's main date-producing regions, especially of the prized Medjool variety.

Errachidia airport: key gateway between Atlas and Sahara

Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) was originally built as a military airport and later adapted for civil flights. Today it is the main air hub linking south-eastern Morocco with Casablanca, allowing connections to international flights without long road transfers.

One of the most scenic roads in southern Morocco

The road between Erg Chebbi/Erfoud and Errachidia offers sweeping views over the great fertile Ziz valley, where traditional hamlets alternate with adobe kasbahs, khettara irrigation channels and agricultural terraces. It is considered one of southern Morocco's most photogenic roads — contrast between the valley's green and the arid mountains.

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What travellers say about this day

The Ziz palm grove is a beautiful farewell. We came home feeling we'd lived a perfectly rounded trip, well organised from start to finish.

Inés & Pablo

Bilbao, Spain

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Palm grove
Viewpoint
Geology
Airport

Day map

Day's landmarks

4 landmarks

Trip progress

Day 07 / 07

100%

Place gallery

Ziz Valley

3 cards

The most spectacular oasis of the Moroccan Sahara

Ziz Valley

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The most spectacular oasis of the Moroccan Sahara

Admire one of the largest palm groves in Morocco, where thousands of palm trees create an impressive green corridor between mountains and desert areas.

Ziz Valley

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Discover life around water

Explore panoramic viewpoints, visit oasis towns, and discover the traditional irrigation systems that have brought life to the region for generations.

Ziz Valley

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The great contrast of Southern Morocco

Enjoy stunning landscapes where lush vegetation emerges amidst arid and mountainous environments.

Postcards from the journey

Handwritten memories

What travellers like you wrote to us after this route.

A postcard from MerzougaThe sea of dunes

Hello from the desert,

We climbed onto a camel just as the sun was sinking over Erg Chebbi and, suddenly, the world fell silent. Tonight we sleep in a tent, under more stars than I've ever seen.

Still with sand in my shoes,

Marta

Xaluca ToursMERZOUGA

Erg Chebbi · Sahara

A postcard from Aït Ben HaddouAdobe kasbahs

Dear family,

Today we wandered the adobe kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and in the afternoon a Berber family invited us in for mint tea. In Khamlia we listened to Gnawa drums until we lost track of time. I've never felt so welcome so far from home.

Shukran for everything,

Lucía

Xaluca ToursOUARZAZATE

Aït Ben Haddou · Ouarzazate

A postcard from the gorgesRock and palms

To anyone longing to escape,

The road between the Todra and Dades gorges was one surprise after another: walls of red rock, hidden palm groves and villages clinging to the mountain. I came looking for desert and I'm leaving with mountains I never expected too.

I'll be back, for sure,

Diego