Rissani. This small town on the edge of the Sahara literally marks the end of the tarred road and starts tracks into the desert. This was once a major stopping point on the trans-Saharan caravan routes. It still today has one of the most famous souks in Morocco – some would say the best in all of Morocco. Stalls are piled high with dates, vegetables, spices or jewelry, daggers, carpets, pottery and fine leathers. One can also get their protein/meats butchered or on the hoof!
Entering the Souks of Rissani
Need help for your thinning hair?
Want your meet butchered- –
Or alive?
Some of the old still exists – no matter the sex, one stands to pee (or whatever).
The Sahara desert, much like that in the southwest, was once underwater. Therefore much of the rock in the surrounding area contains fossils from that time resulting in another of Erfoud’s current industries. The rock, or marble, is cut, polished and made into beautiful pieces from ornaments to tables. Workshops are open to observe the process – and, of course, purchase. The work is beautiful and prices unbelievable compared to US prices. Come here to Sahara Stone if you want to redo your home with fantastic pieces😄
The beginning of the creation of artisan products from fossilized stone – cutting the slabs.
Stunning table! Thank goodness we have no room or this would be on its way to AZ!
As Rissani was once the capital of the area and an important trade center, it also housed many Ksour. A visit to one built for the elder brother of Sultan Moulay Hassan provides one with the ability to experience a village within walls that once housed hundreds. Today, the gate is still impressive. But, inside it appears a bit dilapidated although it still houses about 150 families.
The gate belies what’s inside.
One families entrance.
From one extreme to another – a mere couple of miles away is the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the father of the founder of an early Moroccan dynasty. Beautifully carved doors open to a peaceful courtyard which lead to the burial chamber.
Entrance to the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.
Main hall of the mosque at the mausoleum.
And now – as said before, one leaves the world behind and enters the desert! Somewhere out there our driver for the Sahara found a place to have lunch of Berber pizza (which was delicious) and entertain us with music!
Our lunch stop en route to a musical interlude.
Don’t remember seeing one of these at the Moroccan exhibit at MIM.
If you come this way – find this place. Excellent music!
These guys were great.
Now – our lives were in Hassan’s hands! Hoped he knew how to get where we were supposed to end up, as the travel was across the sand. NO roads. Relax and enjoy the trip – including a stop at the “home” of some nomads, who provided tea! A most welcoming people no matter what they have.
Driving across the desert.
Rush hour!
Thank goodness! Something that looks like a road.
Dining and sleeping area of a nomad family.
Oven tent.
Kitchen.
Their livestock.
Our midday tea under the camel skin covering.
Our hostess.
One slight diversion to see rocks containing those fossils that might later become a table –
The prevalence of these rocks with the fossils was amazing.
Remember the Las Vegas hotel in Erfoud? Well, same owners are building this behemoth close to the dunes🫣😢
New hotel construction near our desert camp in Merzouga.
Finally, out of the sand pops up Auberge du Sud. But, for us this is only a mirage. As this is the hotel and we are staying at the tent camp. So – the welcome tea and a brief respite by the pool until time for transportation to the camp and the pleasure of the sunset over the dunes!
Reception area for the desert camp.
Welcome tea and snacks.
Relax by the pool with sand dunes just beyond.
And now – transportation to the tent camp.
Locals call these sand snakes. They are a variety of salamander that burrows in the sand.
Waiting for sunset.
Perhaps a moon rise instead?!?
The colors of the sand changed minute by minute! Beautiful.
Embracing the sunset🙂
There it is.
Our accommodations for the night.
This was soooo much fun!!
And then – Morning light.
The magnificent dining area for dinner and breakfast.
Time to say good-bye to camels in the desert.
This magical time was over and paved roads were in front of us. But, these beautiful images will remain in the mind forever!
E & G – Experienced a lifetime of thoughts and images and the reality was awesome!
Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour 