Dates from the River Ziz Gorge in Morocco
No Comments »12th December, 2015; Category: Africa, Exotic Destinations, Holidays, Morocco, Mountains, Plants
River Ziz Gorge Morocco
After travelling through the Atlas Mountains from Midelt we travelled through Errachidia until we came to the River Ziz Gorge. Our tour bus stopped near the edge of the gorge in one spot so that we could get out and wander over to the edge of the gorge to get some good photos.
The River Ziz Gorge is truly spectacular and meanders through this part of Morocco for about 140 kilometres. One of the features of this gorge is the enormous number of date palms. In fact, our guide told us that they number over one million trees. And yes – they have actually been counted! I don’t think I would like that job – you just figure out why!
Soon after stopping our bus a local date seller came along and we bought several boxes of the local produce. For the next few days we enjoyed sharing in this delicious fruit.
Further reading:
River Ziz Gorge Morocco
River Ziz Gorge Morocco
River Ziz Gorge Morocco
River Ziz Gorge Morocco
Errachidia in Morocco
Errachidia in Morocco
A few years ago my wife, daughter and I went on a two week tour of Morocco. (You can read through recent posts here to see some more photos I took during our holiday. Stay tuned because I have many more photos to share in coming days.)
One of the towns we travelled through was Errachidia as featured in today’s photos. This town is in south east Morocco.
Errachidia in Morocco
Errachidia in Morocco
Errachidia in Morocco
Errachidia in Morocco
Atlas Mountains in Morocco
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
One of the many things I learned about Morocco on our tour there several years ago was that it is far from being a country of hot deserts and sand – lots of sand. Sure – we saw plenty of sand on our tour, but I will write more of that in a few days’ time.
Morocco is also a country of great beauty, not just in the stunning architecture, but also in the grandeur of its mountains. Several times we passed through and over the Atlas Mountains which divide the east from the western parts of the nation. These mountains are truly immense and grand, and being the middle of winter when we were there (December) the highest passes were very cold.
While we didn’t actually see it snowing while we were there, we saw plenty of snow on the higher peaks (see photo below). Whenever we emerged from the tour bus to stretch our legs, or grab a coffee or take a few more photos, we would always grab our coats against the bitter mountain air.
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
More scenes of Ifrane in Morocco
Scenes of Ifrane, Morocco
Our brief visit to the town of Ifrane in Morocco was far too short, being less than an hour. This beautiful little town is a mecca for snow skiers in the winter. The tranquil town must come alive when the snow season is in full swing, but when we visited there had been little in the way of snow, hence few people. In the off season this town is kept going by being a university town.
Scenes of Ifrane, Morocco
Scenes of Ifrane, Morocco
Scenes of Ifrane, Morocco
Morning tea in Ifrane, Morocco
Scenes of Ifrane, Morocco
On our brief visit to the town of Ifrane in Morocco we stopped near a restaurant to have a delightful morning tea break. I had enough time to wander around nearby to take a few photos of the beautiful buildings in this delightful town. I would like to have visited after a heavy snow fall, but that was not to be.
Morning tea in Ifrane, Morocco
Morning tea in Ifrane, Morocco