Morocco, April 2012, pt 2

The ride from Lac Isli towards the Todra Gorge took us over the highest tarmac road we'd encounter. I think the Tizi-Tirherhouzine is the highest in Morocco at 2700m or 8775ft. There are probably some pistes higher than that though. Nevertheless, it was pretty damn spectacular.

Here, we're dropping into the gorge, one of the prime tourist destinations in the country:

Leaving the tour buses behind, we left for Tinerhir and found a cheap hotel. It was clean but basic and cost us around £8 each for bed & breakfast.



We wandered through the souk, absorbing the atmosphere.

The view from our table at breakfast was great.

Then from here we set off across country to Erfoud and the desert. After a hot, dusty ride it was a relief to be checking in here for a couple of nights:

Having enjoyed beers by the pool and a delightful buffet dinner and wine, we were totally refreshed next morning and ready for a ride out into the Sahara and the Erg Chebbi dunes. As we rode out across the wilderness we were followed by a threatening storm:

 



We relaxed in the Auberge du Sud while thunder and lightning bellowed outside and hailstones coated the dunes. When we emerged into the open an hour later, there was water everywhere ... in the desert!



We actually had a pleasant, dry ride back across the sands then visited Rissani and Erfoud before returning to the luxury of our 4 star accommodation. Oh dear, not more beer, wine and glorious Moroccan vittles; the utter tedium of it all!

Next up, the Draa Valley and Zagora.