Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TODRA GORGE
The spectacular canyons of Todra Gorge, at the end of a lush valley thick with palmeraies and Berber villages, are
one of the highlights of the south. A massive fault in the plateau dividing the High Atlas from Jebel Sarhro, with
a crystal-clear river emerging from it, the gorge rises to 300m at its narrowest point. It's best in the morning,
when the sun penetrates to the bottom of the gorge, turning the rock from rose pink to a deep ochre.
About a 30-minute walk beyond the main gorge is the Petite Gorge. This is the starting point of many pleasant
day hikes, including one starting by the Auberge-Camping Le Festival, 2km after the Petite Gorge. A good ac-
commodation option is
Dar Ayour
( 0524 895271;
www.darayour.com
; Km 13, Gorges du Todra, Tinghir;
rwithout/ with bathroom Dh100/150, r incl breakfast/half board Dh200/350) .
Todra Gorge is near Tinerihr, accessible by bus from Marrakesh (Dh105, five daily) via Ouazazarte.
Grands
taxis
run throughout the day to Todra Gorge (Dh8).
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Merzouga & the Dunes
Morocco's greatest Saharan
erg
(sand sea) is
Erg Chebbi
. It's an impressive, drifting chain
of sand dunes that deserves much more than the sunrise or sunset glimpse many visitors
give it. The largest dunes are near the villages of Merzouga and Hassi Labied. At night,
you only have to walk a little way into the sand, away from the light, to appreciate the im-
mense clarity of the desert sky and the brilliance of its stars.
Some 50km south of Erfoud is
Merzouga
, a tiny village with Téléboutiques, general
stores, a mechanic and, of course, a couple of carpet shops. It also has a reputation for
some of the pushiest touts in Moroccoo.
Most hotels offer
excursions
into the dunes, which can range from Dh80 to Dh200 for a
couple of hours' sunrise or sunset camel trek. Overnight trips usually include a bed in a
Berber tent, dinner and breakfast, and range from Dh300 to Dh650 per person. Outings in
a 4WD are more expensive - up to Dh1200 per day for a car taking up to five passengers.
Sleeping & Eating
Chez Julia
GUESTHOUSE
$
( 0535 573182; s/d/tr/q Dh200/400/600/800)
Pure charm in the heart of Merzouga, Chez Julia of-
fers nine simply furnished rooms in soft, sun-washed colours, with immaculate white-tiled
shared bathrooms. The Moroccan ladies who run the place can cook up a storm of deli-
cious meals.
