This is a fabulous day trip from Marrakech deep into the heart of the birthplace of the Almohad dynasty. Leaving the red city, you drive up towards the foothills of the High atlas mountains through market towns and villages to reach Ouirgane in the red valley of Azzaden. Here the Nfiss River flows into a dammed lake and continues down to fill another lake below with a hydroelectric station.

From Ouirgane in its own National Park, we take the riverside road as it winds up deep into the region of Ijoukak where the descendants of the Almohad dynasty live and work the land. Adobe and stone Berber villages are at every turn with fruit trees and fertile fields of crops at their feet. This is rural Morocco at its best in spring when almond blossom fills the valleys. Much is unchanged for centuries. In the village of Ijoukak, pottery is made from the rich red clay and you may be able to stop and visit one of the pottery workshops.

Further up into this ancient landscape we take the road to Tinmel. This 12th century brick built Mosque has stood the test of time well, it is being restored and a roof added so that it may once again be used for prayer. Tinmal Mosque is one of only two mosques in Morocco that can be visited inside by non-Muslims. It still has some of the original features and is quite beautiful in its design. You will be given a guided tour with an explanation about the mosque and its history.