Tafilet : the narrative of a journey of exploration in the Atlas mountains and the oases of the north-west Sahara

The narrative follows a determined explorer who finally seizes a chance in the winter of 1893 to cross Morocco’s formidable Atlas range. Backed by the Sultan’s reluctant permission, he sets out from bustling Marrakech, aware that the roads beyond the mountains are scarcely more than tracks in a wilderness. The opening pages convey both the logistical hurdles and the political delicacy of traveling through a land still mastering its own internal communications.

Along the way the reader is treated to vivid, full‑page illustrations that capture bustling souks, stone‑built ksars, and the daily rhythms of Berber families at remote oases. Detailed sketches of market stalls, a Jewish banker’s office, and the Sultan’s palace bring the culture to life, while the author’s keen eye records the stark contrast between fertile valleys and the arid steppe beyond. These rich visual and textual portraits make the early leg of the journey feel like a living travel diary.

The account balances scientific observation with personal reflection, noting the geology of the passes and the subtle variations in climate as the caravan climbs higher. He also records conversations with tribal leaders, whose stories reveal a world largely untouched by European influence. Listeners will find in these early chapters a vivid portrait of a region on the edge of modernity, inviting imagination and curiosity.