High Atlas Mountains in Morocco: A Preparation Affair (Part I)

Preparing for our trek up the mighty Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, we took a grand taxi from Marrakech to Asni, which has a great ‘souk’ on Saturdays, a type of farmer’s market, where you can buy provisions at a much cheaper cost than in Imlil. Being late to the souk, all that we discovered were the remnants of onionskins and some spongy carrots.

Morocco's South & Ait Benhaddou

Morocco's southern region is one of diverse landscapes that spread from Algeria all the way to the Atlantic coastline. Coming down from the High Atlas Mountains, nothing can prepare you for the semi-arid mountains and wonderful scenery that surround every vista. If you have ample time to explore Morocco's south during the springtime, then you will be enthralled by the absolute majesty of the surrounding snow-topped mountains and serrated cliffs.

Moroccan Leather Goods - Tanneries of Fez

One of the highlights of a recent trip to Morocco was a visit to the infamous tanneries of Fez. If Morocco is famous for its leather goods, it owes its reputation to the young men who - day after day - selflessly work in tanneries like this one, using the same methods today that were used centuries before. It is an experience for the senses (especially the sense of smell) and one that should not be missed!

Reams of cow hide are treated in huge vats of dyes – whose main active ingredient just happens to be pigeon droppings. To say it's a strong smell is an understatement. As fascinating as this process is, this trip is not for the faint of heart or stomach! What's even more impressive, are the young craftsmen who repeatedly hop into these vats of colored dye and guano as they saturate the cow hide before taking out the leather and spreading it out on the flat rooftops nearby.