#Atlas Mountains fossil

[uk-fossils]

Orthoceras Fossil Orthocone Phragmacone | Silurian Morocco Atlas Mountains | Genuine Specimen with COA

Explore the ancient seas with this authentic Orthoceras fossil orthocone phragmacone, originating from the Silurian period and discovered in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This carefully chosen fossil features the internal chambered section of the cephalopod shell known as the phragmacone, providing a stunning and educational glimpse into life over 400 million years ago.

Fossil Type: Orthocone Cephalopod (Phragmacone section)

Genus: Orthoceras

Geological Period: Silurian (~443 to 419 million years ago)

Location: Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (See photo for full sizing details)

Specimen: Actual item shown in the photo is what you will receive

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological and Paleontological Information

Orthoceras is a genus of extinct nautiloid cephalopods, part of the Order Orthocerida, known for their long, straight, chambered shells. These marine invertebrates thrived during the Paleozoic Era, especially in the Silurian seas that covered parts of what is now North Africa.

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Cephalopoda

Order: Orthocerida

Family: Orthoceratidae

Superfamily: Orthocerataceae

Geological Stage: Likely Wenlock or Ludlow stages of the Silurian (precise correlation not specified)

Depositional Environment: Marine shelf environment with calm, low-energy sedimentation; fossils are typically preserved in black limestone and shale

Morphological Features: Phragmacone represents the chambered part of the orthocone used for buoyancy regulation; internal chambers separated by septa and penetrated by a siphuncle

Notable: Silurian orthocones from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains are renowned for their excellent preservation and are among the most widely collected Paleozoic fossils

Biozone: No specific biozone assignment possible without stratigraphic context

Identifier: Orthoceras was formally described in the 18th century and remains one of the best-known fossil cephalopods

Why This Fossil is Special

This polished phragmacone section beautifully highlights the internal architecture of Orthoceras, offering insight into the life habits of early cephalopods. These fossils are excellent teaching aids, collector pieces, or display items due to their intricate structure and geological significance.

Why Buy From Us?

100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity

You receive exactly the specimen shown in the photos

Carefully curated for quality and scientific value

Ideal for collectors, educators, and lovers of natural history

Own a real piece of prehistoric marine life — this Orthoceras phragmacone fossil from the Silurian seas of Morocco is a tangible relic of Earth’s ancient biodiversity and evolutionary legacy.

[mineralsrocksandfossiltalks]

Monday Musings: The Central Pangean Mountains

The mountains we know today have not always existed. In fact, several mountains have come and gone over the millenia. Some of our mountains are remnants of these ancient ranges. One such ancient mountain range was the Central Pangean Mountains.

These mountains formed when Gondwana collided with Euramerica during the Carboniferous Period 340 million years ago. They were a northeast-southwest trending mountain range. There were several different orogenic events (mountain-building) that built this range until it reached its maximum height in the early Permian Period.

The mountains sat near the equator meaning the climate was tropical. Climate models suggest that the mountains were responsible for the large peat bogs that now form the vast coal deposits from Carboniferous rocks. The mountains formed an area of intense precipitation with no dry season allowing for intense growth.

By the early Jurassic most of the mountains had been reduced to little more than hills. Remnants of this massive mountain range still exist though. The Atlas Mountains in northern Africa,

The Caledonian Mountains in Scotland and Scandinavia,

and the Appalachian Mountains of North America are some of those remnants.

Tune in tomorrow for some mountainous trivia. Fossilize you later!

[dinodorks]

[ Photo by Driss Ourhache. ]

"New research on fossil footprints preserved high in the Atlas Mountains suggests that dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes lived together during the Middle to Late Jurassic around 168 to 160 million years ago. However, skeletal fossils from this period are extremely rare, and are known from just four species including the unusual Spicomellus afer. The discovery of three new tracksites suggests that there could be many more dinosaurs yet to be discovered in Morocco, and North Africa more widely, opening a new window into a time when dinosaurs were at their peak. Ahmed Oussou, a PhD student and the study’s lead author, says, ‘So far, fieldwork undertaken in this region has not yet yielded any bones, making it difficult to link the tracks to any given species of dinosaur.’ ‘While the quantity of tracks in the area does not necessarily mean that the region is rich in body fossils, I hope that further excavations will allow me and my colleagues to find some bones in the coming years.’ The findings of the study, which was co-authored by Natural History Museum researcher Dr Susannah Maidment, were published in the journal Royal Society Open Science."

Read more: "Discovery of Moroccan fossil footprints points to unknown dinosaur diversity" by James Ashworth.

[eartharchives]

Prehistoric Pompeii: "Truly astounding" fossil discovery in remote Moroccan mountains sheds new light on extinct animals

Scientists have discovered the most pristine trilobite fossils ever found in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.

https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/pompeii-trilobites

[sideblogforstuff3000]

I hesitate to say that Music from Saharan Cellphones is good but I will say that the day I spent exploring the Sahara on google earth while listening to it and looking up the geological features I found was the best day in recent memory. The Atlas Mountains are made of stolen sediment from Appalachia (collision of continents), and there are so many oases in the Eastern Sahara because of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer (fossil water, never disturbed), and the cataracts in the Nile are because the Nubian Shield is slowly swelling and uplifting the land (the cataracts are where the Nile crosses the boundary of the Shield), and the Eye of the Sahara is an eroded dome that conspiracy theorists consider to be Atlantis.

also Mdou Moctar kicks ass.

[straycatwandering]

So I apparently have a lot of feelings about how ATLA canon slept on earthbending

I've been mulling a lot recently over how different earth is from the other elements on the show, and how the show largely boils that difference down to 'earth is stationary so you have to force it to move'.

Which, yeah, but I increasingly want to see more in-depth exploration of:

the sheer numbers of different things that can constitute earth,

the way the different types of earth and rock would affect how it would respond to being bent, and hence

the likelihood that earthbenders would tend to have a noticeable home field advantage when bending the earth that they've grown up around/learnt to bend with compared with non-local earth,

the need to take into account things like seams, strata, faults, etc

Can they interact with oil? fossils?

I've read a couple of fics that explore earthbending in more detail (it's one of the things Vathara's Embers does a bit, albeit limited to an 'earth kingdom rocks vs igneous rocks' dichotomy)

I think this also has meaning for earthbending and neutral jin: sure you have to watch and wait, but any time you're breaking off a piece of rock you probably have to take the time to feel where cracks and fissures run, if it's loadbearing etc. It seems like something you'd have to do very, very slowly a lot before you could even think about doing it fast, because you're doing a lot of different things at once. That's gonna have quite an impact on the kind of person who becomes a successful earthbender.

Most of all, I'm fascinated by the fact that they're bending, and likely have a spiritual connection to, something that has billions of years of history behind it. Like, are earth benders aware that they're picking up something that spent millions of years accumulating at the bottom of the sea floor? That they're throwing a mountain boulder that was ground up and left behind in a valley by a long gone glacier? What does it mean for earth spirits? you could have some really cool earth spirits.

IDK where I'm going with this, but you could fit so much lore in this baby. Also, any geology nerds who explore this stuff in fic? send me links/recs, ok?

[creativemaniacshenanigans]

Cankylo

A Fusion of: Cacnea (Pokemon), Ankylo (Fossil Fighters), & Ankylomon (Digimon)

Element: Normal, Grass, Poison, Ground, Dark, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Fighting, Fire, Water, Electric, Psychic, Free, and Vaccine

Capabilities: Sand Veil, Water Absorb, Swap+, Body Hammer, Ankylo Combo, Toxic Spear, Harden, Aqua Cannon, Auto Counter, Megaton Press, Tail Hammer, Armor Stampede, and Rhythmical Knock

Resident to: Ground, Water, Grass, and Electric

Immune to: Water (With the use of Water Absorb)

Related to: Carrot Cankylo, Bluebell Cankylo, Cherry Cankylo, Dragonfly Cankylo, Mint Cankylo, Proud Lotus Cankylo, Moon Glow Cankylo, Coffee Cankylo, Toadstool Cankylo, Atlas Cankylo, Albino Cankylo, Melanistic Cankylo, Proud Cankylo, Null Cankylo, Jungle Cankylo, Rainforest Cankylo, Vivid Cankylo, Wetland Cankylo, Woodland Cankylo, 2001 Cankylo, 2001 A Cankylo, 2001 B Cankylo, 2001 C Cankylo, 2001 D Cankylo, 2001 E Cankylo, and Bumonea

Natural Diet: They're Herbivores

Natural Habitat: Deserts, Mountains, Valleys, Electric Biomes, Poison Biomes, Fire Biomes, Bug Biomes, Water Biomes, Towers, Nearing Gardens, Grasslands, Forests, Jungles, Swamps, Rocky Caverns, Gemstone Caverns, Abandoned Castles, Snowy Areas, and those that are related to Canada and U.S.A.

[minoacat]

Land formations dotting the landscape that don't quite feel glacial that you then use to predict the spread of flesh emerging from the pole. Crystals that change color within minutes as the impurities in the air leech into their very structure, and you're breathing the same air. a long, slow volcanic eruption in iceland building a city and no one knows who it's for. every watch built on electrified quartz starts telling the wrong time, and when you leave them alone you realize they're all trying to sync up and you can calculate when. A rich oil deposit is being pumped, but the ground is wrong for it, and all the evidence points to it being *far* too old. The world blinks, and Atlas Mountains and the Burgess Shale are empty, just bare stone, no sign of marine fossils in sight, and the fish become strange, and live in places far from the rivers and colds and upwellings where nutrients should be most plentiful, but somehow they thrive

Geological horror. You find a geode and crack it open and the crystal lining its walls is human blood that can't be genetically matched to anyone. You find a human skeleton but every one of the bones is made from rock, a rock that you know can't be whittled into those shapes. You find layers of clay and loam that sport ancient fossils at the top and the still-rotting corpses of modern animals at the bottom.

[moroccoambiencetours]

DISCOVER MOROCCO FROM MARRAKECH:

At Morocco Ambience Tours, we’ve carefully curated a variety of unforgettable journeys starting from the vibrant city of Marrakesh — whether you're seeking desert magic, cultural immersion, or mountain adventures.

• Trekking in the High Atlas – Imlil and Beyond:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../5-day-trekking.../

• Sahara Journey from Marrakesh to the Magnificent Desertscape:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../7-day-sahara.../

• Sahara, Atlas & Valleys Adventure:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../8-day-morocco.../

• Marrakesh to Tangier: Rabat, Fes & Chefchaouen:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../8-day-marvel.../

• Stargazing & Galaxies Tour:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../8-day-stargazing.../

• Moroccan Architecture from Marrakesh to Fes:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../8-day-morocco.../

• Desert Discovery: Ait Benhaddou & Tamnougalt:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../9-day-desert.../

• Photographic Journey to the Sahara:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../10-day-photographic.../

• Soulful Oasis – Yoga & Serenity:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../10-day-soulful.../

• Moroccan Markets & Trade Routes:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../10-day-morocco.../

• Heritage, Markets & Desert Magic:

• Trekking to Merzouga via Dades & Ait Bougemmaz:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../13-day-trek.../

• Marrakesh to Fes via Merzouga:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../13-day-marrakesh-to.../

• Desert & Mountains – Saffron & Traditions:

1- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../14-day-desert.../

• Marrakesh, Imlil, Taroudant & Essaouira Discovery:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../14-day-morocco.../

• Grand Tour to Chegaga, Tafraout, Taroudant & Imlil

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../15-day-grand-tour.../

• Valleys of Southeastern Morocco

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../15-day-journey.../

• Botanical Expedition – Healing & Aromatic Plants:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../21-day-botanical.../

• Geology Tour – Atlas Mountains, Sahara & Fossils:

- https://moroccoambiencetours.com/.../21-day-geology-tour.../

#moroccoambiencetours#Marrakeshtours#exploremorocco#moroccodeserttours#travelmorocco#AuthenticJourneys#morocco#travel#travelphotography#sahara#holiday#adventure#tourism#tourguide#mountains#Atlas#amazigh

[ferozblog]

From Fes to Merzouga: A Desert Adventure You Can’t Miss

A journey from Fes to Merzouga is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Morocco. This adventure takes you from the historic heart of Fes through breathtaking landscapes, including the Middle Atlas Mountains, lush valleys, and the vast Sahara Desert. The final destination, Merzouga, is home to the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, where golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see.

Whether you are looking for an authentic cultural experience, a thrilling desert adventure, or a peaceful retreat under the starry sky, this trip has it all. Here is a complete guide to help you plan your Fes to Merzouga desert tour, covering the best routes, must-see attractions, and essential travel tips.

1. The Journey from Fes to Merzouga

The distance from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles), and the drive takes about 8-9 hours. While it may seem long, the journey is filled with incredible sights, making the drive a scenic adventure rather than just a transfer.

Best Ways to Travel:

Private Tour – The best option for a comfortable and personalized experience, including guided stops at key locations.

Self-Drive – Ideal for those who enjoy road trips and want to explore at their own pace.

Shared Minibus or Bus – A budget-friendly option, but with fewer sightseeing opportunities.

Recommended Route:

Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga

Each stop along the way offers unique cultural and natural experiences, making the journey just as exciting as the destination.

2. Scenic Stops Along the Way

1. Ifrane – The Switzerland of Morocco

Located just 1.5 hours from Fes, Ifrane is a picturesque mountain town known for its European-style architecture, clean streets, and lush greenery. Plan an exciting Marrakech trip filled with history, culture, and adventure, from the vibrant medina to the nearby desert. It is often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its alpine-like appearance.

Things to See in Ifrane:

The stone lion sculpture, a popular landmark.

The charming alpine-style houses and parks.

The Michlifen Ski Resort (winter months).

2. Azrou – The Cedar Forest and Wild Monkeys

A short drive from Ifrane, Azrou is famous for its Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaque monkeys. This is a great place to take a break, enjoy nature, and interact with the playful primates.

Things to Do in Azrou:

Walk through the Cedar Forest and admire its giant trees.

Spot and feed the wild monkeys.

Visit a Berber cooperative to learn about local crafts and traditions.

3. Midelt – Gateway to the High Atlas Mountains

Midelt is a small town located between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains. It is a great spot to stop for lunch while enjoying views of the surrounding peaks.

Things to See in Midelt:

The stunning Moulouya River Valley.

The Berrem Caves, home to unique rock formations.

Traditional Berber markets selling handmade goods.

4. Ziz Valley – A Lush Oasis in the Desert

As you continue south, the landscape transitions from mountains to palm-filled valleys. The Ziz Valley is famous for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs, making it a great photo stop.

Things to See in Ziz Valley:

The Ziz River, which nourishes the valley’s palm trees.

Traditional Berber villages and kasbahs.

Spectacular viewpoints along the Ziz Gorges.

5. Erfoud – The Gateway to the Sahara

Erfoud is a small desert town known for its fossils, date palm groves, and local markets. It is the last major stop before reaching Merzouga.

Things to Do in Erfoud:

Visit a fossil museum to see ancient marine fossils.

Explore a local souk and try the famous Erfoud dates.

Stop by a traditional pottery workshop.

3. Arriving in Merzouga – The Edge of the Sahara

After a long but rewarding journey, you will finally arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most famous sand dunes. These massive dunes reach heights of 150 meters (500 feet) and create a surreal, golden landscape. Follow a well-planned Fes desert tour 3-day itinerary that takes you through stunning landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and the vast Sahara.

Top Activities in Merzouga:

1. Camel Trekking at Sunset

One of the most iconic experiences in Merzouga is riding a camel through the dunes at sunset. As the sun sets, the golden sand glows in vibrant shades of orange and red, creating a breathtaking view.

What to Expect:

Ride a camel for 45 minutes to 1 hour through the dunes.

Stop at a high dune to watch the sunset.

Take stunning photos of the changing desert colors.

2. Overnight Stay in a Luxury Desert Camp

Spending a night in a desert camp is a must for a complete Sahara experience. You can choose between a traditional Berber camp or a luxury desert camp with modern amenities.

Camp Experience Includes:

Traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars.

Live Berber music around a campfire.

Comfortable tents with private bathrooms (luxury camps).

Incredible stargazing in the clear desert sky.

3. Sandboarding and Quad Biking

For adventure seekers, sandboarding and quad biking are exciting ways to explore the dunes.

Sandboarding:

Rent a sandboard and slide down the dunes.

Best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon when the sand is cooler.

Quad Biking:

Drive an ATV through the desert, covering more ground than on foot or camel.

Explore hidden oases and remote dunes.

4. Visit the Nomadic Villages

A visit to Nomadic Berber families allows you to experience the authentic desert lifestyle.

What You’ll Experience:

Learn about Berber traditions and hospitality.

Enjoy freshly brewed mint tea.

Discover handmade carpets, jewelry, and crafts.

4. Best Time to Visit Merzouga

The best time to travel from Fes to Merzouga is:

Spring (March to May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming desert flora.

Autumn (September to November) – Ideal weather for camel trekking.

Winter (December to February) – Cool days and chilly nights, great for stargazing.

Summer (June to August) – Extremely hot, but mornings and evenings are cooler.

5. Essential Travel Tips for Your Fes to Merzouga Trip

Pack light but include warm clothing for chilly desert nights.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring dunes and villages.

Stay hydrated and carry extra water, especially in summer.

Book your desert camp in advance, especially during peak season.

Respect local customs when visiting Berber villages.

Final Thoughts

A trip from Fes to Merzouga is more than just a journey—it is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable desert moments. Whether you are exploring ancient towns, meeting Berber nomads, or watching the sunrise over the dunes, this experience will leave you with lasting memories of Morocco’s magic.

Make sure to plan ahead, choose the right tour, and embrace every moment of this extraordinary desert adventure.

[moroccopackagetour]

Morocco Travel Itinerary

Book this 3 days tour from marrakech to fes via the Sahara desert. This helps you explore mesmerizing places such as Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate city, and Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah. Visit the impressive Dades and Todra Gorges and the beautiful Merzouga desert and Berber villages. From there you can go as deep into the desert on camel rides as you like, marveling at the sunset and sunrise. You’ll also visit the traditional market in Rissani and Erfoud, a town famous for fossils. Go to Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, and walk in cedar woods to see Barbary macaques. 

[uk-fossils]

Orthoceras Fossil Orthocone Phragmacone | Silurian Morocco Atlas Mountains | Genuine Specimen with COA

Explore the ancient seas with this authentic Orthoceras fossil orthocone phragmacone, originating from the Silurian period and discovered in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. This carefully chosen fossil features the internal chambered section of the cephalopod shell known as the phragmacone, providing a stunning and educational glimpse into life over 400 million years ago.

Fossil Type: Orthocone Cephalopod (Phragmacone section)

Genus: Orthoceras

Geological Period: Silurian (~443 to 419 million years ago)

Location: Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (See photo for full sizing details)

Specimen: Actual item shown in the photo is what you will receive

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological and Paleontological Information

Orthoceras is a genus of extinct nautiloid cephalopods, part of the Order Orthocerida, known for their long, straight, chambered shells. These marine invertebrates thrived during the Paleozoic Era, especially in the Silurian seas that covered parts of what is now North Africa.

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Cephalopoda

Order: Orthocerida

Family: Orthoceratidae

Superfamily: Orthocerataceae

Geological Stage: Likely Wenlock or Ludlow stages of the Silurian (precise correlation not specified)

Depositional Environment: Marine shelf environment with calm, low-energy sedimentation; fossils are typically preserved in black limestone and shale

Morphological Features: Phragmacone represents the chambered part of the orthocone used for buoyancy regulation; internal chambers separated by septa and penetrated by a siphuncle

Notable: Silurian orthocones from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains are renowned for their excellent preservation and are among the most widely collected Paleozoic fossils

Biozone: No specific biozone assignment possible without stratigraphic context

Identifier: Orthoceras was formally described in the 18th century and remains one of the best-known fossil cephalopods

Why This Fossil is Special

This polished phragmacone section beautifully highlights the internal architecture of Orthoceras, offering insight into the life habits of early cephalopods. These fossils are excellent teaching aids, collector pieces, or display items due to their intricate structure and geological significance.

Why Buy From Us?

100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity

You receive exactly the specimen shown in the photos

Carefully curated for quality and scientific value

Ideal for collectors, educators, and lovers of natural history

Own a real piece of prehistoric marine life — this Orthoceras phragmacone fossil from the Silurian seas of Morocco is a tangible relic of Earth’s ancient biodiversity and evolutionary legacy.

[amineherofromzero]

A 15-Day Fossils and Minerals Collecting Tour from Marrakech

If you're passionate about minerals collecting, don't miss the opportunity to join an exceptional tour from Marrakech . Atlas Geo Tours offers a 15-days Fossils and Minerals Collecting Middle Boutchrafine Tour from Marrakech. This tour is designed for both novice and experienced mineral collectors, providing an in-depth exploration of Morocco's rich geological landscape.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where you'll meet your tour guide for a briefing session. You'll have some free time to explore Marrakech before departing the next day through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Tizi n'Tichka pass for stunning views and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, before spending the night in Ouarzazate.

From Ouarzazate, you'll drive through the Valley of Roses and the Dades Gorge, where you will have your first mineral collecting session in the Dades Valley. You'll learn about the geological formations and types of minerals found in the region, then spend the night in Boumalne Dades. The journey continues with a visit to the Todra Gorge, where you'll have another collecting session in the Todra Valley and discover fossils and rare minerals with the guidance of your expert, followed by an overnight stay in Tinghir.

Next, you'll explore the road of 1000 Kasbahs and have a collecting session in the Jorf area, learning about the history of fossil discoveries in the region before staying overnight in Erfoud. From Erfoud, you'll head to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, experiencing a camel ride into the desert and collecting desert roses and other unique minerals, ending the day with an overnight stay in a desert camp.

In Rissani, you'll visit local fossil workshops and collect minerals in the Erfoud area, learning techniques of fossil preparation before an overnight stay. The tour continues to Alnif, a small town known for its fossil-rich sites, where you'll spend the day collecting trilobites and other ancient fossils, enjoying a traditional Berber lunch before spending the night in Alnif.

You'll then explore the stunning desert landscapes en route to Zagora, with a mineral collecting session in the Zagora area and an overnight stay. Continuing to Mhamid, you'll visit the Draa Valley and collect minerals in the Jebel Bani area, enjoying a desert excursion before staying overnight.

Driving through arid landscapes, you'll reach Tata, where you'll collect minerals and visit local artisan workshops before an overnight stay. The journey then takes you to Tafraoute in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, where you'll collect rare minerals and learn about the geological history of the region before an overnight stay.

From Tafraoute, you'll drive to Tiznit, known for its silver jewelry, where you'll have a mineral collecting session and visit local markets and artisans before spending the night. You'll then drive along the Atlantic coast to Agadir, collecting minerals on the coastal cliffs and beaches, with free time to explore Agadir before staying overnight.

Finally, you'll return to Marrakech, where you'll have free time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing, culminating in a farewell dinner and overnight stay. This comprehensive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Morocco's diverse geology, collect unique minerals and fossils, and experience the rich culture and landscapes of the region.

For more details, visit their official page here. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a beginner, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Morocco's mineral treasures.

[tracygrenier-blog]

NYTimes: A Trilobite Pompeii Preserves Exquisite Fossils in Volcanic Ash

A Trilobite Pompeii Preserves Exquisite Fossils in Volcanic Ash https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/27/science/trilobites-fossils-volcanic-ash-pompeii.html?smid=nytcore-android-share

[chocolatedetectivehottub]

marrakech to fes desert tour,

marrakech to fes desert tour,

Morocco, a land where ancient traditions blend with stunning landscapes, beckons adventurers from around the globe. Among its many treasures, the journey from Marrakech to Fes through the desert stands out as an unforgettable experience. This route not only traverses breathtaking terrain but also unveils the rich cultural tapestry that defines this North African gem.

Marrakech: Gateway to the Desert The adventure begins in Marrakech, a city renowned for its bustling souks, vibrant colors, and historic medina. Visitors are immediately captivated by the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and aromas that fill the air. From the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square to the serene Majorelle Garden, Marrakech offers a glimpse into Morocco's past and present.

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains Leaving Marrakech behind, travelers embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains. The journey winds through dramatic passes and valleys dotted with traditional Berber villages. Each turn reveals a new panorama, from snow-capped peaks to terraced hillsides adorned with olive groves and almond trees.

Ait Ben Haddou: A Glimpse into Morocco's Past A highlight along the route is Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels frozen in time. This ancient ksar, or fortified village, with its earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, has served as a backdrop for numerous films and is a testament to Morocco's architectural heritage. Exploring its narrow alleys and climbing to its hilltop vantage point offers a profound sense of history and culture.

Erg Chebbi: The Sahara's Dunes Continuing eastward, the landscape transforms into the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. Erg Chebbi, near the town of Merzouga, is famous for its towering sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here, travelers have the opportunity to experience the magic of the desert firsthand—riding camels into the dunes, witnessing a spectacular sunset, and spending the night in traditional Berber tents under a blanket of stars.

Erfoud and the Ziz Valley As the journey progresses towards Fes, travelers pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil finds and the unique red architecture typical of the region. The route then leads through the picturesque Ziz Valley, where palm groves contrast against the rocky desert backdrop. This lush oasis is a stark reminder of Morocco's ability to surprise and delight at every turn.

[webdono]

5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: A Captivating Adventure

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ouarzazate My 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga began after breakfast, as we set off towards Ouarzazate via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The journey through the High Atlas mountains was breathtaking, offering remarkable views of Berber villages. The highlight of the day was visiting the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a delightful lunch by the Kasbah, we continued to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa." Here, I had the chance to explore film studios where movies like "Gladiator" and "The Sahara" were filmed. We spent the night in a charming riad, complete with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Boutghrar – Dades Valley After breakfast in the riad, we ventured into the Dades and Rose Valleys. Our first stop was Skoura, where I wandered through the Birds Valley and visited the Ameridil Kasbah. We then traveled to Kalaa M’gouna, famous for its rose fields and rose products. The journey continued through the road of a thousand Kasbahs, providing ample opportunities for beautiful photographs. We visited Boutghrar, meeting Berber families living in caves. After a traditional Berber lunch, we arrived at the Dades Gorge, marveling at the "Monkey Toes" rock formation and the Ait Yul Kasbah. We spent the night in a traditional Berber guesthouse, enjoying dinner and breakfast.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Today, after breakfast, we drove towards Tinrghir and the Todra Valley, admiring the panoramic views of old Berber villages. At the Todra Gorge, I walked under the towering 300-meter cliffs, popular with rock climbers. After lunch, we reached Merzouga, where my camel awaited. Welcomed with mint tea and a desert scarf, I embarked on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. That night, I slept under the stars in a traditional Berber nomad tent, an unforgettable experience on this tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Draa Valley We woke before dawn to witness the stunning sunrise. After returning to the hostel for breakfast and a shower, we visited the market in Rissani, a bustling hub for desert nomads. Next, we explored the fossilized marble factory in Erfoud before heading towards the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Arriving at the Todra Gorges, I was amazed by the vertical walls formed by the Todra River. After lunch and a tranquil walk through the gorges, we continued to the Dades Valley, spending the night in a guesthouse nestled in the Dades Gorges, with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 5: Draa Valley – Marrakech Our final day started with breakfast and a visit to the cinema studios in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa. We then explored the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for numerous movies like "Indiana Jones" and "Lawrence of Arabia." After a leisurely stroll through this historic site, we continued through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. A lunch stop in the Atlas Mountains provided a perfect end to our journey. The 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga concluded with a drop-off at my riad or the airport in Marrakech, leaving me with cherished memories of an incredible adventure.