Photo #21: First Light
When we look back at this photograph we can almost feel the cold, not so much because the temperature was spectacularly low but more because the sweep was so stark. This is Tafraout, Morocco, close to the arid Valle des Armandes (Almond Valley) where we spent a few days exploring and hiking the dusty barren ground in very hot temperatures. Yet as the sun went down, the mercury plummeted at speed, bringing extremely cold nights and the need to use the shepherds blankets left by our bed. This photograph captures beautifully the moment the morning sun creeps down the mountains before brightening the town – our breath would have been visible in the cold air as we stood watching this.
5 Comments
wetanddustyroads
We have a national park here in South Africa with almost the same conditions – extremely hot during the day and very cold during the night … it’s located in a semi-desert area and that’s probably why it’s temperatures are so close to that of Morocco.
Beautiful photo 👍🏻.
Phil & Michaela
It’s terrific hiking country at Tafraout too, and also a bit of a destination for rock climbers
Annie Berger
Yet another new place to look at visiting when we finally return to Morocco! Our Morocco itinerary seems to be getting ever longer. What were your favourite places there? Does one or two stand out as ‘can’t miss’?
Phil & Michaela
Oooh difficult. Well the first thing we’d say is, our best Morocco experiences have come by hiring a car and just stumbling on good places. Driving wild Morocco is a great experience in its own right. Marrakech is of course a “must do”, but is very different from some of the more remote places where the Arab culture is still very strong – the edge of the Sahara, the Anti Atlas mountains…many many great places. Avoid Agadir though – just a tourist resort which could be anywhere in the world. We loved Ouzazarte, Skoura and Tafraout for instance, but we’re sure you’d find other places equally rewarding. We were due to return to Morocco in 2020 until COVID struck, mainly because we really want to visit Fez and Mekhnez and spend time in another desert village.
Annie Berger
Thanks so much for your detailed response as it is hugely helpful when re-planning a Morocco itinerary. We only made it to Tangier on a day trip from Spain and certainly weren’t impressed with that city! Always like to have suggestions from other seasoned travelers so thanks again.