Life in London: My Morocco Diary

Sunday, 11 September 2011

My Morocco Diary - Todra Gorge

Day 7: Drive to Todra Gorge area
This morning I left the southern desert behind and headed once more for the atlas mountains following an ancient route along the southern slopes and reached the town of Tinerhir.

I arrived in the afternoon and had time for an initial exploration of the area, walked in the famous lush palmeries that line the banks of the nearby Todra River. Extending some way along the river’s course, the gardens are a lush oasis of produce, with date palms and olive groves, fruit orchards and almonds. It was really quite beautiful.

Day 8: Walking in the Todra Gorge, Morocco's Grand Canyon
The dramatic ochre-coloured cliffs of the Todra Gorge rise vertically to leave just a narrow pass through which the track and the river struggle for right of way. Remains of snow skirted the edge of the river. In the morning Berber women drive their goats through the narrow gorge to the better grazing land higher up.

The views were stunning. I spent all morning exploring these deep, narrow mountain chasms. I walked to ‘Abdelali’ viewpoint which provided some excellent panaramas across to the Jebel Sahro, the Dades Valley and down into the gorge. The walk took about 5 hours and is a moderate trek when wearing my walking boots. The gorge valley floor following the path of the river has a couple of cafés. The hotels nestled into the rocks in front of the river are happily situated. Their guest mainly comprise of rock climbers and other extreme sports enthusiasts.