By Paul Bryers

• Day Itinerary: Drive Erg Chebbi, Sahara – Tingher – Todgha Gorges – Dades Valley
• Accommodation: Ksar Sultan Dades

Today’s journey was characterized by diverse landscapes, transitioning seamlessly from desert serenity to mountain majesty as we traveled from the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, Sahara to the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, one of Morocco’s most scenic desert-to-mountain routes.

We departed Merzouga after sunrise over the dunes.

The Tafilalet palm groves are the largest oasis in Morocco, representing a vital agricultural and ecological area, renowned for date palm cultivation, and historically significant as the origin of the Alaouite dynasty (current monarchy). This vast area includes fortified villages like Rissani and Erfoud, which I visited a couple of days ago, and is irrigated by underground waters from the Ziz and Gheris rivers.

Next, we visited the Todgha Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons, or wadi, in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains, near the town of Tinerhir.

Both the Todgha River and the neighboring Dadès River are responsible for carving out these impressive deep cliff-sided canyons, on their final 40 kilometers (25 mi) through the mountains. The height of the canyon walls can vary, but in some places can reach up to 400 meters (1,312 ft) high.

The cliffs are a favorite among rock climbers, who were evident today. I would have joined them, but I’m on a tight schedule.

After Todgha, we continued through winding roads carved into red canyons until reaching the breathtaking Dades Gorge.

The gorge is known for its “monkey fingers” rock formations and panoramic viewpoints. I’m not sure why they are called monkey fingers – monkey finger tips would be a more accurate description.

Then, it was straight to my accommodations – The Ksar Sultan Dades. This hotel is very elegant with great views.

My room was fine.

And so another day ends. One more full day and that’s a wrap.