Morocco > The mountain hike

The local guide Mohammed arrives shortly after eight for a day hike. After breakfast, we set off on foot from the little hotel toward the mountains. Not everyone joins the walk; the others head straight to the lunch spot. They walk along with the donkey carrying the lunch.

Morocco - Our guide Mohammed

The hike begins with a steep climb along zigzagging paths. Mohammed occasionally explains the surroundings, but mostly talks about plants and animal tracks. From the ridge, we have a beautiful view of Amtoudi, the hotel, and the Agadir. From the mountain, the Agadir seems very small and low. Yesterday, it looked quite different. Today the weather is perfect. It is essential to apply sunscreen and keep your head covered against the sun. We walk across the high plateau along narrow paths. From the top, the view is wide and expansive, especially in this clear weather. Around midday, we descend into a steep gorge. We climb down over stones and rocks, reaching the riverbed. Here we meet the fellow travelers who have walked partway from the lunch spot. By the water pool, lunch is already laid out. Leo immediately takes the chance to dive into the water. Loes follows him, though unintentionally—she slips while paddling and slides into the water. On both sides, high mountain ridges rise steeply, some adorned with striking stalactite formations.

Morocco - The descent in the gorge

After lunch, there is plenty of time to simply enjoy the sun on the rocks. Once the sun disappears behind the cliffs, we continue climbing down through the gorge, walking through the palm garden and the oasis village of Aglouy. From here we have a view of another Agadir perched on the rocks. Back in Amtoudi, we order a drink at a simple restaurant/inn. By now the weather has turned threatening, and as we sit in the courtyard, it starts to drizzle. We briefly take shelter inside the restaurant. By the time we walk the final stretch to our hotel, it is dry again. In the evening, we have couscous for dinner (by request). It’s a nice change from tagine. Later in the evening, we are treated to a local dance and singing performance. A small group performs several Berber songs. Our guide participates again, along with the donkey attendants from earlier, the inn owner, and our driver. The performance is informal. Naturally, we are invited to join in the dancing. All in all, it’s amusing, but it goes on for quite a while. Since the performance takes place right by the exit, there’s no way to leave early. Around eleven o’clock, we go to bed.