One of the most beautiful walks we’ve ever taken was a hike in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. We were treated to three of the loveliest aspects of this area: the cool, clean air; the stunning views; and the gentle hospitality of the Berber natives.
We took one of the moderate-level walks to a region northeast of where we were staying. The destination was the Tizi n’Tamatert pass, and it was roughly a five hour trek. We hired a guide and two mules to make the walk, and each of the mules came with its own minder. Although the girls did most of the riding, Andrew and I took turns too. I actually preferred walking, as the mules walk close to the edge of the path and I hated looking down!
After a long glorious hike, we arrived at the summit and looked for miles in every direction. We had a clear view of two valleys, Ait Mizane and Imane. Although you can’t see it in these pictures, we were amazed that most of the tiny homes we saw in this remote area had a satellite dish.
There was a snack bar at the top where we relaxed and gathered strangth for the walk back down. Apparently, in the Atlas Mountains you can order Pepsi in at least two languages.
We headed down, full of energy now that we had refueled and were descending.
And near the end of our walk, we stopped in the small village of Tamatert to share mint tea at the home of one of the villagers. The simplicity of his home was overwhelmed by the effusiveness of his welcome, and we were honoured to be his guest.
Oh, Morocco! Yet another gorgeous place I'd love to visit! I think I would have been afraid to look down too! 😀
You have been everywhere! LOL I'm so envious. But I'm glad I get to live vicariously through your posts.
You have been everywhere! LOL I'm so envious. But I'm glad I get to live vicariously through your posts.
Oh wow! Morocco is definitely one place I have been itching to get to!
Oh wow, that an amazing experience that sounds like. You have been to some seriously wonderful locations. Morocco is on my to-visit list!
That sounds like an awesome experience. Jealous!
Breathtaking photos, what an amazing snippet of earth!
Beth the scenery is beautiful. How wonderful to be invited into a villagers home. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Bonnie
Beth, oh, how much I envy you (in a really good way!!!) – you traveled to the most wonderful places – I love reading about your fantastic adventures and looking at all the amazing pictures!
You really have been everywhere, Beth!
I've always wanted to go to Morocco. You and your family are so lucky to have gone to so many cool places.
What beautiful views for a hike! I get a little uneasy about looking down from heights too, but knowing that view was at the top would keep me going.
Beautiful photos! You were brave to ride that donkey! 🙂
Gorgeous! I agree that the mules would be scary, but it would be fun to have them along on the trek.