The Road to Ouzoud: A Journey Through Time

The sun had barely risen when I found myself leaving the bustling streets of Marrakech, a city that never sleeps, much like the urban landscapes I often explore. The road to Ouzoud was a tapestry of contrasts, weaving through the heart of Morocco’s countryside. As the cityscape faded into the rearview mirror, I was greeted by the sight of traditional Moroccan towns and rural villages, each whispering stories of a time long past.

The journey was a reminder of the forgotten corners I often seek out in my travels. The red cliffs and olive groves that lined the road were reminiscent of the decaying remnants of Soviet-era cities, where nature slowly reclaims what man has built. Here, in the Atlas Mountains, the landscape was alive, vibrant, yet holding secrets of its own.

The drive was long, but the anticipation of what lay ahead kept me company. The Ouzoud Falls, the highest in North Africa, awaited—a natural wonder that promised to reveal the unseen Morocco.

Cascades d’Ouzoud: Nature’s Hidden Symphony

Arriving at the Ouzoud Falls was like stepping into a hidden symphony, where the music of cascading water played against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The falls, standing at 110 meters, were a sight to behold, their frothy waters crashing into the depths below with a force that echoed through the valley.

I wandered along the trails that wound around the falls, each step revealing a new perspective, a new story. The air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the warm sun that bathed the landscape. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where the past and present danced in harmony.

The surrounding countryside was a canvas of red cliffs, olive groves, and tamarisk trees, much like the forgotten urban landscapes I often explore. Here, nature was the architect, crafting a masterpiece that spoke of resilience and beauty. The apes and doves that called this place home added to the symphony, their presence a reminder of the delicate balance between man and nature.

A Taste of Morocco: Dining with a View

As the day wore on, I found myself drawn to one of the many restaurants that dotted the landscape, their terraces offering a view of the falls that was nothing short of breathtaking. The meal was a celebration of Moroccan flavors, each bite a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Sitting there, overlooking the falls, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought me here. It was a journey that had taken me through the unseen Morocco, a land of contrasts and hidden gems. Much like the urban decay I often explore, the Ouzoud Falls were a reminder of the beauty that lies in the forgotten, the overlooked.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the landscape, I knew that this was a place I would carry with me, a memory etched in the tapestry of my travels. The road back to Marrakech was a journey back to reality, but the echoes of the falls lingered, a haunting melody that would stay with me long after I had left.