22nd day, may 7th 2023

Alnif – Gorges du Dadès

After so many praises, I might sound a bit incredulous, but the hospitality I’ve received since arriving in Morocco is simply fantastic. Last night, being the only guest at the lodge, I asked for a simple meal. I sat down at the table and was first served a beautiful Moroccan salad: tomatoes, onions, olives, fresh herbs, and a few lemon slices, accompanied by a flatbread. It was perfect to start the evening, just enough before going to bed. But that wasn’t all! Shortly after, a hearty dish arrived: couscous, vegetables in a tagine, chicken skewers, and fries, followed by a plate of orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon. A true feast!

This morning, after a hearty breakfast, I left Camping Kasbah Météorites heading for Alnif, where I refuelled and withdrew some cash.

Among the must-see stops for motorcyclists in Morocco, the Dadès Gorges are high on the list. So that was today’s destination. To get there, I followed the N10 through Tinghir, a notably clean and modern town. At Boumalne Dadès, I turned onto the RR704 to enter the gorges. At first, the valley is wide and lush, dotted with many plantations. The further you go, the narrower it becomes, and the word “gorge” truly takes on meaning. The narrow road winds along steep cliffs. The view is breathtaking, sometimes vertiginous, better not to look down! It’s a stunning landscape, and I understand why this place is in every travel guide (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4tbxkRNezHqi5DLr5).

I’m spending the night at Camp Hôtel Berbère De La Montagne (https://berbere-montagne.com/), located on the banks of the Dadès River. The campsite offers impeccable facilities and, I repeat, staff whose warmth and kindness are rare. Swiss hotel industry could certainly take a page from their customer service!

I settled in and enjoyed a small meal on the hotel terrace. At over 1800 meters altitude, the temperature is mild at 28°C, a real pleasure.

Today, I covered 163 km in 3 hours and 10 minutes.