When we booked an excursion to the Atlas Mountains, we had no idea what was in store. It was the most exhilarating, life threatening and adventurous experience we have ever had. And that is not even an exaggeration. There were moments where we feared for our lives and then there were moments where we were in awe. It was a day that had it all. Would we do it again? I’ll let you know at the end.
The day started early. We were picked up outside our hotel a little after sunrise. As we started driving out of Marrakech, our driver (who spoke perfect English) gave us a nice history lesson on the architecture found in Morocco and more specifically in Marrakech. Our first stop was at a small Berber house for breakfast, and wow what a breakfast it was! We were greeted by a very charming and lovely Berber couple and their little son. They showed us around their humble home and their livestock. They also showcased for us the traditional method of making mint tea, which was interesting. However, without a doubt, the breakfast was what stole the show. Bread. Butter. Honey. Simple but because they were all as fresh as they could be, it was super delicious. You could really taste the quality and freshness. After we finished, we said our goodbyes and then set off again.
There were moments where we feared for our lives.
Our second stop of the day was a short one and a bit touristy to be honest, but enjoyable, nonetheless. We got the opportunity to ride on camels. One of my favourite animals and riding on them for a bit was definitely one for the bucket list. And then we started the real adventure. As we started to drive further up, the roads started to become more difficult. We started to see snow and a lot of it (not something we expected on our trip to Morocco).
Our next and final stop was another Berber house for lunch, but this time one which was right at the top of the Atlas Mountains. And one which required a lot more effort on our behalf. As the roads started getting narrower and narrower it started to become more difficult to ascend the mountain on four wheels. So, this meant that we had to get out of the comfy car and use another means to get up the mountain. Cue… donkeys… what else right? The roads were now so narrow that we had to embark upon donkeys to get us up the mountain. This was fine to begin with as the path was wide enough to fit two donkeys, but as we got higher the path became even narrower. To the extent where just about one donkey had space to climb up. Couple this with the fact that the path had just become very very bad – a lot of potholes, broken edges and let’s not forget the snow!! This was literally my worst nightmare – height and snow – two things I do not enjoy. It did get worse…
As we gingerly climbed up the slippery and rocky mountain on these poor donkeys, there were moments where we thought this would be it. The seemed hesitant and calm at the same time. They had their slippery moments, which didn’t do anything for our confidence. It did get worse though. Believe it or not, the path now became even narrower. And this only meant one thing – the rest of the trek is going to be on foot. It wasn’t a long stretch left, but when considering how high up we were and how narrow the path now was and how rocky the path was and how icy the snow was – it was uncomfortable to say the least. Once we made it to the top, we blew the biggest sigh of relief! Only to then find out we’ll be going down the very route we just came up.
We didn’t want to think about that for now though. We climbed up to the roof of the Berber house and what we saw there made up for (almost) trek up. The view of the snowy mountains and the little Berber villages and homes scattered in the distant view was breath-taking and one that will remain etched in our minds forever. We were also served a wonderful Moroccan lunch and of course some mint tea to sip on after. Then we made the trek back down the mountain and yes it was via the same route. So, we went through the same struggles but probably worse as the donkeys seemed to struggle going down the slippery path with us on them.
Would we do it again? I don’t think so. Do we regret doing it? Nope. This was one of the best travel experiences we’ve had.
Enjoyed reading this, especially the donkey ride! Sounds like a surreal experience! Those mountain views look amazing and the food mmm. 😊