Fez to Torra Gorge, Atlas Mountains to Marrakech

Casablanca 5 July 2011 Tuesday morning was a highlight in the life of Hans, Elisme, Stephanus, Mariana, Coen and Shanhaz.

The Hotel where we stayed waiting for our vehicles

We left the hotel 7h30 by taxi, this was one day we couldn’t care what we paid. The driver asked us 70DMH, that’s about R60. Shahnahz knew it was double, but Elisme said let’s go. Half way to the depot where they will release our vehicles, the taxi stopped and the 6 of us was transferred to a Renault with the driver that made 7 of us in one car. {All of a sudden we knew how a taxi feels in SA}

When the gate opened there was the Landy and a blue container, the Manager immediately said the 2 Land Cruisers are still in there.  Hans and Elisme moved on to the Landy as soon as the container was opened and there stands the 2 Cruisers.

The boys were checking and sorting out the vehicles to make sure there is no damage. The 6 weeks at sea took its toll, no battery life was left but that was not a problem. Quickly the Manager organised something and got them started.

Hans and the Manager who arranged our vehicles.

Just here the Safari our “African dream” started, the six of us left on our way to Fez.

The drive was a pleasant one; the boys had no problem adjusting to driving on the right hand side of the road.

We picked up our entire luggage at our hostess’ house. We said our goodbyes to the house keeper. Although we couldn’t understand what she was saying we had become very fond of her.

Arriving at Fez camping site we were full of excitement. We all were anxious to see what was packed. Hans suggested that we check what we need, for take a trip and go shopping to get everything. We don’t know when and where we will be able to stock up again.

Vehicles were packed and sorted ready to leave Thursday morning, as early as possible.

Sorting out the vehicles at Fez camping site. Elisme looks puzzled.

We thought it’s a good idea to invite Fatima and her son Ahmed to dinner at the camp. They never had a camp experience before. We did a candle light dinner under the stars. We all enjoyed the evening, Fatima was on the map to show the boy al the “must see places”. Then it was goodbye. We will always be grateful for the family, looking after us while we were waiting for our vehicles.

Thursday morning we left early, our planned route was through the Atlas Mountains.  This was a very nice sonic route, from forest to very dry areas. We made a stop for by now famous “orange juice” Elisme calls it our vitamin C injection for the day.

We entered the Berber country. Their most unusual tent was now visible in the valleys. They are sheep farmers with thousands of sheep on the hills. Their carpets are world reknown.

We arrived at the beautiful hot spring, a must see. We could not dream there could be so many people. There was no way out of this. The manager assured us the holiday makers will leave at 6 o’clock,

Eyes were following us every step while we were setting up camp.

Elisme had the first Dinner to prepare. She decided on a Risotto and ice cold Mellon for pudding. Mariana ends the meal with a lovely Lemon Verbena and liquorice tea. All of us are now use to a flavoured tea after our meals in this extremely hot country. They say it cools you of.

The whole night was noisy. Somehow we slept through it al. To tired of the heat.

Friday morning we left for The Gorge. First we must get gas. Al our bottles had to be empty on the ship. They don’t have the same fittings as in SA, a new bottle was the only way. Hans and Stephanus bought one together. Price 80 DHM, in SA it would cost round about R380 without gas, this one was filled.

We took the road stop to enjoy our daily orange juice, but no orange juice. Hans surprised us with typical Moroccan sandwiches from this area. . That’s round bread with cheese spread and Polony. Nice and the polony just delivered, very fresh.

 There must be very rich people here; the houses are mansions. It doesn’t look as if there are any people living there. The gorge and the little towns are fascinating. 

The old Kashbash and the new mansions, marrying each other in harmony. Hans never stopped to say how different and charming this area is. The river runs through this Gorge and then suddenly just stops: no water, a dry river bed follows. Holiday makers are all over, next to the road. To stop the road dust they take water from the river and splash it on the road. Then they happily lay down on their picnic blankets, enjoying the outing.

This time we got a beautiful camping site, with spotless bathrooms. An inviting swimming pool, with Palm trees, indigenous to this area.

The locals here especially the women are very visible with a tattoo on their chins.

Stephanus and Hans are suffering, beer is not freely avaible, and when you get it, at a price. As they say no price is too high, for an ICE COLD BEER in the desert.

Mariana was doing our Dinner tonight. Stephanus was braaing the lamb and Mariana did lovely veggies. Pudding was a fruit salad. They really spoilt us.

Elisme dressed up for The Malherbe’s dinner. The table was nicely laid with candles and drinks. They spoilt us rotten.

Tomorrow we leave for Gorge Tora and Dades.

Saturday early coffee and rusks and then up and packed.

Hans and Elisme are packed up easily after the Landy’s “face lift”. It’s a dream, thanks to Albie from Wellington in SA. ”Albie so far everything is working perfectly”

  We try to get internet connection, along our route, but that is not so easy. Sometimes very frustrating. Today was one of them. The only place where you could get connection was at the swimming pool. There was a mail for Mariana from Delmarie, between sun and  a shining screen Mariana was so deligted to see the beautiful foto’s of her mother, enjoying her birthday.

On our way we came to the picturesque Tora gorge, a green valley with small farm lands. The early 16 century Kasbah on hills and modern mansions on the other side.

On top of the valley, looking down. Look at the road ands Torra Gorge below 

The pass out of the valley was scary with sharp bends every 200 m. At the top of the gorge a original building style restuarant with a view down the valley and on the pass, look at the photo.

Our next overnight will be after Ouarzazat.  Shahnaz’ turn to prepare dinner. She made a stop at a butcher, one of the neatest butcheries Elisme has ever seen.

Arriving at  Delfa campsite, behind walls, we found a nice swimming pool, but as Coen said: “We must start getting used to the desert: no grass, just sand.”

Dinner with Shanhaz and Coen was a delicious curry and grapes for pudding, and lemon grass tea to help you sleep.

Tomorrow we go to Marrakesh