We left Merzouga and the Sahara Desert we drove to the Todra Gorges that are a series of gorges or canyons in the High Atlas Mountains. The scenery was spectacular and was very reminiscent of Zion National Park in Arizona.

We continued on finally stopping at the city of Ouarzazate where we spent the night in another gorgeous hotel.

After breakfast we checked out of our hotel and visited Ait Benhaddou, a historic ighrem or ksar along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. The community areas of the ksar include a mosque, a public square, grain threshing areas outside the ramparts, a fortification and a loft at the top of the village, two cemeteries (Muslim and Jewish) and the Sanctuary of the Saint Sidi Ali. For me the most exciting part was part of the Game of Thrones was filmed there.

Leaving the site of The Game of Thrones we began the long drive to Marrakesh over the High Atlas Mountains. The road was originally built by the French in the 1920s and has not been changed since then. The switch backs were terrifying and I can’t imagine driving a car, let alone a bus. The scenery was spectacular.

Of course, on the way we had to sing the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song “On The Road To Marrakesh.”