Our three-day trek to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Dunes was a welcome break from the crushing heat and chaos that is Marrakech. Within an hour of leaving Marrakech, we were in the Atlas mountains, climbing a narrow road that is the only route through the mountains. It connects dozens of isolated Berber villages. We saw many other tour groups traveling the same route, but were happy that our guide made a point of avoiding the most touristy spots.
A small Berber village in the Atlas mountains, viewed from a roadside overlook. The traditional dwelling is a mudbrick hut with a flat roof. The villages are mostly self-sufficient - goats and sheep are raised on the hillsides, and wheat is grown in the valley.
We came up this winding road, lined with souvenir shops selling fossils and minerals harvested from the mountains.
Ait Benhaddou, a 17th-century kasbah that rises above the green foliage of the river valley. Lawrence of Arabia and many other films have used it as a location.
We crossed a sandbag bridge to get to the kasbah.
Women wash rugs and scarves in the river.
We reached an altitude of 6,600 feet and looked out on the valley below.
A small Berber village in the Atlas mountains, viewed from a roadside overlook. The traditional dwelling is a mudbrick hut with a flat roof. The villages are mostly self-sufficient - goats and sheep are raised on the hillsides, and wheat is grown in the valley.
We came up this winding road, lined with souvenir shops selling fossils and minerals harvested from the mountains.
Ait Benhaddou, a 17th-century kasbah that rises above the green foliage of the river valley. Lawrence of Arabia and many other films have used it as a location.
We crossed a sandbag bridge to get to the kasbah.
Women wash rugs and scarves in the river.
We reached an altitude of 6,600 feet and looked out on the valley below.
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