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The fast ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar brings you
to Ceuta, a Spanish
enclave on the North African Coast. Another continent,
another scene. The scene of thousand-and-one-night. No
cokes, but sweet mint tea. No church bells, but the call
for praying from mosques. From now on the road is shared
with sheep, goats and donkeys.
The archaeological site of
Volubilis in Morocco features the best preserved
excavations in this part of northern Africa dating from
the Roman Empire two thousand years ago.
Rest days are planned in the walled cities of
Fès and
Marrakech. Cities
where you can wander around in medinas with its
labyrinth of narrow alleys, hidden squares and streets
covered with colourful awnings. The smell, taste and
colours of the crowded market clarify you entered
another world.
The busy city life will be far behind when you enter the
Atlas Mountains
with its massive red and orange cliffs, scattered
kasbahs and green date trees. Veiled women and Berbers
riding a donkey look surprised as you pass the peaceful
roads through the mountains. |
The Gorges du Todra may
be even more amazing with its narrow cliffs rising
hundreds of meters on each side of a little river.
Climbing the snakelike roads of the
Tizi-n-Test, a pass
over 2.000 meters (6.560 feet), will be rewarded with
breath-taking views and spectacular down hills.
The scenery changes as you are approaching the desert.
Vegetation disappears in favour of sand and rocks.
Grazing cows are replaced by camels. The accommodation
is different every day. It's a mix of well-equipped
campsites, the roof of kasbahs, scenic bush camps and
basic hotels at the top of a pass. A winding downhill
brings you in Sidi Ifni
on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. A good opportunity
to go for a swim on the rest day before you enter the
Sahara. |
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