The Tourist Gaze

The journey from Merzouga to Marrakesh follows a relatively straightforward route, albeit with a few notable interruptions. We make a brief stopover in Kalaat M’Gouna for lunch of traditional Moroccan dishes before continuing our drive. Along the way, we take a couple of pit stops, one at a roadside restaurant and another at a hotel with a picturesque pool in the middle of a courtyard. Despite these breaks, the majority of the day is spent inside the car as we traverse the captivating landscapes of central Morocco.

Central Morocco is characterized by the majestic Atlas Mountains, a geographical feature that lends an enchanting backdrop to the desert panoramas we pass by. Palm oases dot the landscape, welcome respites from the seemingly endless stretches of sand. The region is also home to numerous Amazigh villages, where the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Berber people thrives. Although we are tempted to make stops to linger a bit more in the kasbahs and traditional homes perched on the mountainsides, our tight schedule and the nine-hour journey to Marrakesh compel us to simply breeze through.

Some of central Morocco’s attractions lie within reach for a day trip from Marrakesh, but my limited budget and timeline prompt me to reserve them for a future visit. In the meantime, I content myself with the handful of decent shots I managed to capture from the moving van. These offer a glimpse of the scenery that begs for future visits.

As we near Marrakesh, the idea of the city’s vibrant colors and bustling souks evokes an entirely different experience from the desert landscapes we leave behind. Though tired from the long drive, I’m invigorated by the thought of immersing myself in the atmosphere of the city. We’re set to arrive in time for dinner, so my first task after checking in the hostel is to indulge in the culinary delights waiting in Marrakesh’s labyrinthine streets.