Morocco 2017
We are lucky enough to having visited Morocco twice in 2017. We went on an epic road trip in January from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and further on to the sand dunes of Merzouga. Quad biking through the dunes was one of the most memorable and fun things we’ve ever done. Driving through several gorges, such as Gorge du Dades and across the High Atlas Mountains round off this adventure. And in November we were here again during our adventure road trip from Vienna to Nouakchott in Mauritania.
A Moroccan legend says that the Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Merzouga were sent by God as a punishment because a wealthy family refused to accommodate a poor woman with her son. Moroccans believe that the dunes piled up outside Merzouga and buried them underneath to teach them a lesson so that they would never refuse to help a tired traveller ever again. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Driving through the Dades valley is one of the most scenic drives in the world. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER The Ben Youssef Madrasa was an Islamic college in Marrakech. It’s the largest madrasa in all of Morocco. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER A vendor in the streets of Marrakech. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes cover Chefchaouen. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Chefchaouen is an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Camel meat is often available at the local markets and restaurants in Morocco. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER We stopped at a town called Ait Hani during our road trip and our car was immediately surrounded by children wanting a pen or some sweets. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Herbs and spices can be found at every market in Morocco. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Donkeys are very important to the locals in Morocco, whether in a small town or in the centre of Marrakech. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Ait Ben Haddou is famous because of Hollywood productions like Gladiator or Game of Thrones. But the city itself would be wort a visit, even without the star-factor. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER With Zagora and Merzouga you’ll find two great gateways for a true Sahara desert experience. The sand dunes near Merzouga fulfill Morocco’s promise as a dream desert destination. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER The berbers home are the majestic Atlas, the largest mountain range in Africa. Amazing villages are scattered across with burnt-orange rock, occasionally dotted with lush green slopes and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER One of the favourite things to do in Marrakech is to stroll through the ancient medina and the souks that are like a maze hoping to get lost for a while before finding your way home again. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER When trying your luck with the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, be sure to know what you’re doing, or you’ll end up digging. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Chefchaouen is a great place to relax, explore and take day trips to the cool green hills. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Tourism has definitely increased in Chefchaouen, yet the balance between ease and authenticity is just right. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Deep in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, the ancient Berbers live on, defying a harsh environment, and remaining loyal to their traditions and way of life in some of the most hard-to-reach parts of the African continent. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER The beautiful city of Tinghir during sunset. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Ben Youssef Medersa still works its charms on visitors. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Given Moulay Idriss’ picturesque setting, historic core and national importance, it’s a mystery why more tourists don’t visit. The good news is that its lack of popularity means you can often have the place all to yourself. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Marrakech is a vibrant city. And also a colourful one. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Women carrying an enormous bundle of hay in the High Atlas Mountains. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER The dunes of Erg Chebbi reach a height of up to 150 meters in places and altogether it spans an area of 50 kilometers from north to south and up to 5–10 kilometers from east to west. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER As Austrians, we had to visit ANIMA, one of the most imaginative gardens in the world, designed by André Heller. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER Atlas Studios is a film studio located near Ouarzazate. Measured by acres, it’s the world’s largest film studio. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER The mountain passes across the High Atlas Mountains were not only adventurous, but the landscape was simply breathtaking. © ULLI MAIER & NISA MAIER
