Wandering Through Marrakech and The High Atlas

Part 3 of my Moroccan road trip was an epic journey through the High Atlas Mountains, ending with a visit to the legendary city of Marrakech. It began with a long drive from Ouarzazate on scary mountain roads that we raced down to beat the sunset and reach our rooms for the night. But by the time we found the right mountain pass, the sun had certainly set. In the dark we found our way to the small mountain village of Imlil, and were greeted by a quiet old man who was to guide us up a short hike to The Kasbah du Toubkal. Lucky for us, he brought his donkey to help out with the luggage. Making our way by the moonlight, we were happy to have a brisk hike and breathe the fresh mountain air after so many hours on the road. We arrived at the kasbah before the hiking became tedious, and entered through the gates into the courtyard of a perfectly preserved medieval castle. We were transported back in time, as we were greeted with rose milk and dates, mint tea, and a late night banquet. The kasbah had its own mountain spring water source, a beautiful hamam, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The High Atlas

The Kasbah du Toubkal

Animals of The High Atlas

Hiking in The High Atlas



Magic in The High Atlas

After a couple great days of hiking, we made our way down the snow capped Atlas Mountains on some more of those skinny mountain roads, and about an hour later we were surrounded by the amazing restaurants, beautiful architecture, and so many magic carpets of Marrakech. My favorite place in the city was YSL's Majorelle Gardens and Berber Museum, which had incredible examples of traditional Moroccan clothing and jewelry. The amazing sense of color, and form, and integration of symbology and meaning in the works of Moroccan artists is truly inspiring. I also visited The Bahia Palace and found the hand painted wood paneling hypnotizing and on visiting the Saadian Tombs I was mesmerized by the intricate tilework.

Morocco is certainly a unique, powerful, and mystical place that blew me away and exceeded all of my expectations.

The Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace

Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle

The Saadian Tombs