May 3rd – Cross Middle Atlas Mountains, Drive to Erfoud
Crossing the Mid Atlas Mountains
Today is a full day on the bus as we drive into and over the Middle Atlas Mountains.
The red poppies are in bloom
Starting our drive through the Mid Atlas Mountains
Our morning stop to use the facilities and stretch our legs is in Ifrane, a Moroccan ski resort. The last lions of Morocco were found in this area but are now all gone except for a few in zoos. The town has adopted the lion as their symbol.
“The Lion of Atlas, called als Berber Lion was the largest and the most ferocious of all subspecies of lion, males weigh more than 300 kg and females more than 200 kg. It is the second largest feline that exist, surpassed only by the Siberian tiger. Main characteristic of males was the black mane, which covers much of their body.
The last Berber Lion in freedom was killed in 1922 in Morocco, in the Atlas Mountains. In many Zoos around the world there are scattered descendants of the Atlas Lion.” ~ Moroccos.com
The symbol of the town of Ifrane is the lion.
As we climb higher we are treated to beautiful panoramic views of the valley below. The roads are very good here in Morocco, as is much of the infrastructure.
Our scenery has included numerous olive groves, cedar trees. The almond trees are in bloom. They also grow figs, cherries, and apples in this area, as well as dates.
Scenic overlook of the valley below
Then a delightful stop to take pictures of the Barbary Macaque monkeys. We had our first experience with this type of monkey when we visited Gibraltar in 2007, but found out that they had originated here.
Very gently accepting a peanut from my hand
Midmorning, we cross the 6,000-foot pass and continue west toward the great Sahara.
Still green, but few trees as we climb higher into the mountains
Numerous herds of sheep can be spotted grazing on the scrub. Some herds have a few goats or the occasional cow mixed in.
Sheep and goats are a common sight, along with their attendant
Even the soil is colorful
A river flows into the lake below
Next, we stop for lunch in the village of Midelt. Here we see another style of architecture with a variety of brick and adobe construction.
Then as we approach Erfoud, we enjoy views of the remarkable Ziz Gorges and vast valleys. Date palms are in abundance in the valley oasis, in fact over 1 million trees have been planted and they expect to plant 600,000 more. The king of the dates is the medjool which is our favorite as well. Some years ago a tree disease almost wiped out the medjools in Morocco and a few trees were shipped to California where they thrived and have since helped lead to the repopulation of their crops.
Over 1 million date palms inhabit this area
And here are just some more miscellaneous shots taken throughout the day of our views from the bus. You can click on any picture for a full size slide show.
Early evening we arrive in Erfoud where our accommodations are in a Kasbah.
Being greeted and welcomed at the Kasbah
Our room:
And around the property:
Overnight: Kasbah Xaluca Maadid, Erfoud
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful that the medjool date was saved. We often make a date shake as a nutritious and healthy snack at home using this variety. If you want to try making one, here is what I do. Put six to eight dates (remove seed) in a blender. Add a dozen ice cubes, one small very ripe banana, a teaspoon of peanut butter, a couple drops of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. Blend until the consistency you prefer and enjoy.
A Note From Abroad 
Looks like a really interesting trip and place to visit. Thanks for sharing. Do you have any how old that lion sculpture is? Is it old or on the newer side?
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I finally had a chance to get an answer for you. It was done in 1930 by a French artist.
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Well, thank you for looking it up. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble. Sometimes it is hard to tell if those things are old or not. So, its old by our standards but new by European or African standards. Thanks much. Cheers.
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I don’t want to sound pedantic, but nobody really knows exactly when or who did the sculpture, but the date is definitely around 1930. The most recent scholarship I found pointed to a Moroccan art teacher in Rabat who modeled it after the “Court of Lions” at the Alhambra in Grenada, though the most romantic tale is that it was carved by an Italian P.O.W.
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Thank you for adding your insights! I like the romantic P.O.W. version 😃
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So do I!
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How wonderful! I’m heading to Morocco at the end of the month with my husband for our anniversary. Your pictures have me so excited to be there already! What a scenic drive!
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Meagan, Morocco is so much “more” than I had anticipated – warm, colorful, and kind people. I hope you will also have an amazing journey.
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Again great photos, very nice trip all around.
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Thank you Larry.
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Fascinating! You’re staying in the same Casbah where we stayed. We tried to leave the next day but it had rained so hard the river water was higher than the bridge so we had to turn around and go back. Good news, because we got to stay there 2 nights instead of just one. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Love, Karen
Sent from Karen’s iPad
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Loving every minute of it!
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Your room looks really nice and comfortable! And the whole place looks stunning! Have fun! Best, Nataly
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Thanks Nataly!
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This is a fascinating trip you are taking us on! I have a banana smoothie for breakfast often and I will try your version. Happy travels!
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Great, hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think.
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Your photos have really softened my view of Morocco, and am loving your accommodations in Kasbah, so full of culture! Thanks for sharing, You are really give me the experience of traveling there with you and Tim. Then I turn around and am still in front of my computer…. well darn! Wishing you lovely travels. Looking forward to tomorrow. JanO
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Jan, time to get packing 😃
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Awesome to see photos of my old home town!!! Such a strange little village in the middle of Morocco!
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I’m not sure if you are referring to Ifran or Erfoud as your old home town, but guessing Ifran. I hope our pictures did the area justice!
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Yep! Ifrane. I taught at Al Akhawayn University there 🙂
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