Fes and Djebel Tazzeka National Park

On the farm, a couple from French Switzerland stayed with us (they have been traveling in Morocco since December 2022) and we received a good tip from them on where we can stay in the middle of Fes. 

We drive 150 km in 2 1/2 hours on partially very bad roads, through beautiful hilly landscapes, very simple villages, overtaking various donkey and mule carts that still fetch water from the well, and often look out of the window in amazement.

 The closer we get to Fes, the more garbage becomes visible on the roadside, in some places the strong wind has spread the garbage over huge areas. 

We arrive in Fes around noon at just under 30 degrees Celsius and go directly to our parking spot, right next to a very nice park. We set off on foot to the famous old town and are 'absorbed' by the many small alleyways - absolutely exciting to just walk around there without a real plan. 

At some point, we need a break from the heat and the crowds and sit down with some food from the market in the beautiful park near our car. However, we still want to see the famous leather tanneries and decide not to give up the good parking spot and take a taxi to the other end of the old town. 

A good decision, as our one-eyed taxi driver Abdullah quickly and safely drives us through the crazy afternoon traffic. 

In the dyeing and tanning district, it smells strongly of chemicals and we spontaneously take a mini-tour directly to the different basins - of course, paying a small fee like everything here. 

Shortly before sunset, it becomes unusually hectic in the old town, all shops close and people rush home to eat. 

Due to Ramadan, it is also not so easy to find an open restaurant, but we are lucky and secure the last place in a very small and tasty restaurant. 

Afterwards, we go to the cabin and the quiet night is then - probably because it's Saturday night - not so quiet, but Mia sleeps like a log despite the noise, and we do too with earplugs 🤣.

On Sunday morning, we are woken up by bird chirping and take one last drive around and through the still sleepy city. 

Fes was really worth seeing, but now we are in the mood for nature and peace and have read about the underestimated Djebel Tazzeka National Park in the travel guide, beautifully located in the Middle Atlas and hardly touristy. 

It takes us about 2 1/2 hours to cover the 120 km and we find ourselves in a very beautiful landscape that reminds us of Sardinia, and find a completely secluded sleeping spot at 1,600 m with a great panorama and absolute peace - of course not before we have discovered a great playground for Mia in the hardly visited national park with her favorite play equipment, the Flying Fox. 

The Easter Bunny has somehow made it to this lonely area as well, and Mia finds her - of course pink - chocolate bunny and beloved Smarties in the botany... the Easter Bunny simply has logistics completely under control 😘.