On to One of the Historic Capital Cities – Fes « Elizabeth & Gary's Magic Bus Tour

If one wants to fulfill their dream of the camel ride in the desert and stay at a tent camp, then one also needs to be prepared for the comings and goings. As, it is a full days drive in both directions – unless there is the means to fly to and fro. These travelers endured the full days drive;-)

The advantage to the drive is the ability to see the varied terrain of Morocco – and it is varied! Beginning the morning with nothing but sand as far as the eye could see, it was not long at all before we were in the Middle Atlas and viewing the Ziz Valley. Wadi (River) Ziz springs in the heart of the High Atlas and runs east carving a gorge that irrigates the Tafilalt then disappears into the Saharan sands. This beautiful gorge, or valley, covered with palm trees and crops is the largest valley in North Africa! Now it is green as far as the eye can see.

Beautiful, long valley.

Filled with palms, crops and ksour.

A little further on, one passes thru the small town of Midelt. There is little here of note other than its use as a jumping off point for tours to access other areas. That is until apple season. Midelt is a huge producer of apples and, therefore, has a BIG apple festival every year. You might guess something like this passing through town —

Do you prefer red – –

– – or green apples???

This route to Fes takes one up and across the Atlas Mts through more varied terrain. Including a cedar forrest – with monkeys. It is at this point that one just relaxes and enjoys the scenery.

Just loved these hay wagons. Made us laugh every time one went by;-)

Lions were prevalent in the Atlas Mts (now extinct here) and are in the Royal Coat of Arms – so they are everywhere!

If you have food – look out – – –

– – these little guys will climb anywhere to get it!

Another surprise – Ifrane!! Suddenly this Swiss village appears and one literally feels as though they have been transported to another country;-). Ifrane was established in 1929 and is now the King’s summer residence, due to the cool temperatures. It is also the home to an international university established by Hassan II in 1995 and a ski area in the winter!

Swiss chalets in Morocco???

A great place to enjoy the very different views and a little hot chocolate and espresso.

One more stint in the car and Fes comes into sight. The obligatory welcome – only this time a bit western with the sparkling wine – and an evening’s enjoyment of settling in for a few days.