Gorgeous Gorges: How Todra Gorge completely changed the way I see Morocco, and how I got married off to a Berber family…
THE MOROCCO DIARIES, PART 5 of 10: TODRA GORGE & BOUMALNE DADES
Before I had embarked on my virgin trip to Morocco my perception of the country was that of a barren land. But after being unexpectedly rained on in the Sahara Desert the night before, I now knew to not judge a book by its dusty cover. A visit to Todra Gorge – the Grand Canyon of the Sahara – would challenge everything I thought I knew about this beguilling country.
TODRA GORGE
Morocco existed in my imagination as a sun-scorched land. The numerous dried up wells and abandoned kasbahs I passed on my drive through the High Atlas Mountains fueled that impression. Yet, almost every rocky corner would yield a green patch – the life source of which seemed to be a mystery.
In Todra Gorge, at least, there was no shortage of water to be found. Located in the eastern part of the Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge (also spelled Todgha Gorge) was birthed by the Todra River and the Dades River. The rivers carved out what is called the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. Todra Gorge is a literal breath of fresh air: a constant cool breeze skims over icy-cold streams and rivers that gush through terracotta-pink corridors of rock. The limestone walls of Todra Gorge reach up to 400 metres, providing a cool shade uncharacteristic to Morocco I was told that during wetter times of the year, the canyon floor is flooded with strong torrents; but in this dry season, hikers and rock climbers come to explore and conquer its unusual landscape.
Todra Gorge is not as remote as it once was, but it is still somewhat off the beaten track. The nearest town, Tinghir, is tiny and decidedly untouristy. How wonderful to have explored, albeit briefly, Todra Gorge while it is still a little-known treasure.
Morocco existed in my imagination as a sun-scorched land. The numerous dried up wells and abandoned kasbahs I passed on my drive through the High Atlas Mountains fueled that impression. Yet, almost every rocky corner would yield a green patch – the life source of which seemed to be a mystery.
In Todra Gorge, at least, there was no shortage of water to be found. Located in the eastern part of the Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge (also spelled Todgha Gorge) was birthed by the Todra River and the Dades River. The rivers carved out what is called the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. Todra Gorge is a literal breath of fresh air: a constant cool breeze skims over icy-cold streams and rivers that gush through terracotta-pink corridors of rock. The limestone walls of Todra Gorge reach up to 400 metres, providing a cool shade uncharacteristic to Morocco I was told that during wetter times of the year, the canyon floor is flooded with strong torrents; but in this dry season, hikers and rock climbers come to explore and conquer its unusual landscape.
Todra Gorge is not as remote as it once was, but it is still somewhat off the beaten track. The nearest town, Tinghir, is tiny and decidedly untouristy. How wonderful to have explored, albeit briefly, Todra Gorge while it is still a little-known treasure.
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| EVEN AGAINST THE PINK AND RED ROCKS… |
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| …THE CLEAR WATER APPEARED ICE-BLUE IN PARTS. |
