Morocco: Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou and Ait Youl

It was a drive through the eastern Atlas Mountains to get to Ouarzazate, one of the original caravan towns on the old Silk and Salt route. It was amazing to drive through old Berber towns, such as Taddert, via the more than 6500 foot high Tizi-in-Tichka pass.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stop at Ait Ben Haddou, which has a red earth castle and kasbah. This is where several films have been shot, including Game of Thrones, Prince of Persia and Gladiator, to name just a few. In order to get good pictures, I actually ran through the dry river bed to not delay us – earning the nickname of Camel Lester. Having lunch overlooking this UNESCO World Heritage site was just perfect.

(Ait Ben Haddou)

The road is lined by several kasbah’s, each unique in their features. The contrasting landscapes of roses, date palms and arid mountains was most unique.

(Dades Gorge, Monkey Toes)

There are some amazing rock formations (monkey fingers/toes) along the gorges, with rivers winding through the valleys creating oases in the otherwise arid landscapes, as you can see from the following photos:

(Berber villages, High Atlas Mountains)

(Dades Gorge, Kasbah Didis)

(Kalaat Mgouna)

(Todra Gorge)

(Washing clothing)

(Todra Gorge clothing)

(Todra Gorge Carpet Co-op)