Traveling from Erfoud to Marrakesh by bus is a long journey. Usually, the trip is split over two days with a stop in Ouarzazate. Even though it was a long bus ride, I didn’t find it boring at all. The journey was surprisingly engaging and filled with beauty. Rather than rushing, we stopped at various places to appreciate Morocco’s beauty, culminating in an amazing stop at Todgha Gorge.
When we arrived in Tinerhir, we stopped at a high point for a stunning view. The lush valley running through the Sahara took my breath away.
After the scenic overlook, we continued to Todgha Gorge. The limestone canyons were created by the Todgha and Dades rivers. Todgha Gorge was close to Tinerhir, which was on our route to Ouarzazate. The road into the canyon is paved, which made the drive easier. We drove to the most majestic part of the canyon and then walked the last half mile.
The massive canyon walls slowly converge as you walk along the clear, rambling stream. The water was ice-cold in late April. It looked clean enough to drink.
The Todgha Gorge had many locals selling their wares. As a tourist, I didn’t mind people trying to make money. However, I wanted to take in the natural beauty of the place. The merchants were a bit aggressive, which was distracting. I always try to be polite and grateful for the experience while being sincere about whether I am interested in buying something. A polite “no” was not always enough. Eventually, I managed to break free of a couple of aggressive merchants. I then took some great photos of the canyon. Despite the other tourists, I captured some of the natural beauty Morocco offers.
As we approached the end of the pavement, I realized that the stream did not continue further up the valley. It was created by a natural spring beneath our feet. The water was seeping from the ground and rock all around the area. A local woman was gathering water with her daughter near the source of the stream. Further up, it was a bit brackish where the water was not moving. Beyond that area, the canyon narrowed further. That area seemed reserved for horseback or hiking. Unfortunately, we did not have time for that.
When spending most of the day riding in a bus, stops like Todgha Gorge are a welcome break. We enjoyed the cool air of the gorge, dipped our toes in the crisp water, and marveled at the sheer limestone walls. There are tours centered on hiking or even climbing the gorge. Many climbing routes are marked out in the gorge. It appears to be a nice place to plan for as a destination as much as it was a welcome change of scenery during our trip through the desert. Whether you just stop for a quick visit or spend a day here, the scenery is breathtaking and worth the trip
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