the dramatic scenery of the rocky universe that flanks the entire length of the Dades valley consists of deep gorges, casbahs perched on mountain tops and craggy precipices where once the fearsome Atlas lion roamed, a feline that became extinct in 1905. The area is certainly more calm and peaceful today as can be seen by the large population of small mouflon sheep, but is, however, still difficult to travel through given the extreme ruggedness of the few pathways. But the views that the Dades Gorge offers fully justify the discomfort of the journey. It has taken thousands of years of erosion to form the rock and to produce its present colour. Moreover, the vertical walls of the gorge provoke admiration and wonder while even the colour of the rocks amazes, ranging from red to lilac.