After the Madness of Marrakech I drove south east, along the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass that links Marrakech and Ouarzazate. It was a stunning drive and well worth it with good views of the High Atlas Mountains.
I got to Ouarzazate late and attempted to find a campsite in the dark. I had a picture of a map but could not connect it to google maps on my phone. Made note to self to be more organised as I drove round and round and round in the dark. It wasn’t fun, especially in the city where everyone seemed to have their own right of way rule!
I happened upon another campsite and rolled in. It was empty but OK and the patron insisted to show me round the luxery Berber style rooms that he had for rent. I was fine with my van but he tried his best to get me to name my price for the room.
Reminded me of a double glazing sales pitch….
Very impressive entrance though….called the dar alfourssane
It was hot in the morning and after no sleep I could not get my head into gear (maybe should have taken the room?). I decide to spend a few hours in Ouarzazate and check out the Kasbah Taourirt which was saved by from ruin through use in various films (Gladiator) and is now a Unesco protected site.
I spent the rest of the day trying to decide what to do next, genuinely drive round in circles, get nowhere and be frustratingly indecisive. I think the heat and lack of sleep got to me…..my van temperature read out gave up and just registers HOT
I randomly end up at the campsite that I was trying to get to the night before, called La Palmeraie and after chatting with the owners who were nice, get some ideas of where to go next and potential routes, and finally relax.
It was a very cool place, very eco feel and as well as camping there were small Berber style huts to stay in.
John Alex Clarke 