Landscapes in Africa

The viewpoint for this waterfall is included in the entrance to the Seven Coloured Earth. It's actually a very dramatic waterfall that plunges 95 m down a vertical cliff covered in jungle.

Gorge Viewpoint is a viewpoint with a fantastic 180 degrees panoramic view over some of Black River Gorges National Park. On clear days, the view will stretch all the way to the coast. To the far right of the viewing area, a waterfall drops off the mountain wall and into the dense jungle below.

The southern coast of Mauritius is mainly rocky cliffs, but there are beaches here and there. Gris Gris is a small crescent shaped beach enclosed by black boulders and cliffs on the sides. The view along the coastline from the top of the cliff is just splendid - even on cloudy days. There are a few restaurants and snack stands near the parking lot.

This characteristic mountain rock right on the shore is one of Mauritius' two UNESCO World Heritage sites. According to legend, escaping slaves from the sugar plantation hid on top of the mountain. Unaware of the abolishment of slavery, they jumped to their death when soldiers came to tell them the good news. It is possible to hike almost to the top where amazing views await. The hike is little bit technical (ropes and some scrambling), so local guides will offer their service.

The small village of Aoukerda has been connected with a splendid road, which twists and winds its way through this beautiful gorge. At some point the gorge opens up into what can only be described as a mini Grand Canyon. Right after you can see "Hell's Window", a hole in the cliff formation high up. You have to return the same way you come, which isn't any less spectacular.

Another amazing road trip in Morocco is the drive through Dades Gorge. The rust-red gorge has a dramatic landscape. On one side is snowcapped mountains, while the other is dotted with Berber villages and old crumbling kasbahs. At the bottom flows the river, which gives life to palm groves and olive orchards. The gorge starts just north of the town of Boumalne du Dades. A sealed road runs all the way to Msemrir (63 km from Boumalne) and with a 4WD it's possible to do a loop through Todra Gorge, else with a 2WD you have to return the same way. However, the most exhilarating section is the one from 26 km, where the road climb through several hairpin bends with spectacular views down the gorge. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe stopping spots along the road, but not all sections have crash barriers. There is an equal amazing road trip through neighbouring Todra Gorge, which is just 53 km further down the N10.

The sand dunes of Erg Chebbi are the tallest and most well-known in Morocco. They span an area 22 km long and 5 km wide, and rise up to 150 m. However, they are not the biggest by area, for that title goes to the only other sand dunes in Morocco, Erg Chigaga near M'hamid, which cover a bigger area, but only rise to 50 m.
Erg Chebbi (and for that matter Erg Chigaga too) is the iconic picture of the Sahara, as a stunning sea of orange sand dunes. However, technically none of them are in the Sahara.
The small town Merzouga is located literally at the foot of the dunes of Erg Chebbi and is the action center for any sand activity you can think of. Though there are auberge in town, many choose to stay under the stars in a desert camp.

Gara Medouar is a horseshoe-shaped mountain, which rises vertically 50 m above the desert floor. Though the shape resemble of an extinct volcano, it's not. The off-road trail runs straight in the middle and goes all the way to the top, passing an old defensive wall. The wall dates back to the times, when the mountain was used as a slave trading post for the Portuguese.
Fossils can be found in the limestone slabs at the top.
Such a unique and spectacular natural phenomenon has of course featured in several movies, like "The mummy" and "James Bond, Spectre", and promo videos for KTM, Yamaha and Land Rover.
Today, Gara Medouar is popular with off-road motorcycle riders and overlanders in 4x4.

Paradise Valley is a beautiful oasis valley with many natural rock pools and small waterfalls. The brave can cliff dive into the natural pools, when there is enough water (during winter months). Other areas have cafes in the shallow water, where you can cool off with refreshment. You have to hike in from the mountain road, where visitors have to park where there is space. Wear sturdy footwear, as it can get very slippery.
The road from Agadir is spectacular with sections lined with palm trees, while other sections offer magnificent views over the valley and the Atlas mountains.

In the flat desert with the Atlas mountains as backdrop lies Skoura, an immense oasis with a deep history. It’s a huge labyrinth of palm groves, fruit trees (almond, walnut, fig, olive, apricot, and more) and vegetable gardens. There several villages within the oasis along with many old kasbahs (fortified mud houses), some falling apart while others have been neatly restored. For centuries Skoura was an important stop on the north-south trading route linking Sahara with the Mediterranean. Today, the oasis makes a fine stop for anyone coming from Marrakech and going east. It’s totally fine to explore the oasis on your own, either on foot, bicycled or car, but it will be easier to find the interesting areas and kasbahs with a guide. Some guides like to point out that the oasis is UNESCO protected, but that is not the case.