We did a comprehensive review and came up with three brand new action-packed itineraries: one in the mountains, one in the desert, and another along the Atlantic coast. At the end of February 2024, I was off to Morocco to test them out!
Now I have been to Morocco before, so I had a relatively good slice of knowledge about the country, but this was going to be a jam-packed mission. I had eight days to test four new itineraries, which was a little daunting, but I knew it was going to be worth it!
On Sunday morning, I flew from Gatwick on the first British Airways flight of the day (6.50 am), arriving at Marrakech airport at lunchtime. I had a couple of hours to recuperate, so …
Firstly, let me give you a brief introduction to Morocco itself. The country has several different regions: the Mediterranean north, the Atlas Mountains, the desert region and the Atlantic coast. I would be visiting three of these. Morocco is a monarchy and once had a large empire. Now there are many modern cities, as well as traditional villages, and currently, there is work being undertaken to improve the country’s infrastructure as Morocco will be hosting the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The first part of my trip was in Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains. We felt The Marrakech Water Museum might be a suitable addition to the maze-like souks, palaces and thriving Djemma el Fna square on our existing itinerary, so I was there to check it out. It’s a great family-friendly museum which showcases the history of water management in Morocco. There are plenty of interactive displays, large models and concise descriptions to keep both adults and children interested and entertained. Well worth a visit; I was suitably impressed!
Then it was off into the Mountains to see another new addition to the portfolio, the Terres D’Amanar adventure park. This is a large site offering zip lining, high ropes courses and many more fun family-orientated activities. Similar to “Go Ape” in the UK, the park’s activities are very well set up, expertly attended and have varying levels of difficulty to cater to all age groups. On our Atlas Mountain Adventure, teenagers and parents can take on a zip line course which includes Africa’s longest zip line section and a high bridge across the valley!
Next, I ventured into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, hiking from Imlil to Aremd to get a better understanding of the terrain that families will experience on the Atlas Mountain Adventure. The paths are well-marked and the terrain is easy enough for adults to walk and children to trek on mules. The hikes are led by experienced mountain guides who know the area like the back of their hands and the scenery is stunning, with Mount Toubkal dominating the skyline. I stayed in one of the village Gites (similar to a B&B), families would stay at on the Atlas Mountain Adventure, and I can say the Gites are superb. My stay was very comfortable and the food plentiful! And who doesn’t want to watch the sun set behind North Africa’s highest mountain?
After the villages, it was time to head into the desert. We crossed the High Atlas Mountains on Morocco’s highest road via the Tizi n Tchika pass, a journey travelled on the Kasbahs & Coast trip, then went down into Ait Ben Haddou, an old ruined town. This picturesque site has been a filming location for several movies and TV shows. Whilst walking around the ruins, my guide showed me an art technique I’d not seen before… drawing with “invisible ink,” then using a flame to bring out the colours and the areas where you can take some great photographs. Just so you all know, it’s a 52-day ride in a camel caravan from Ait Ben Haddou to Timbuktu!
Also in this area is the Atlas Film Studios, which you can visit on the Morocco’s Desert & Gorges trip. This is a great place for a guided tour of the sets and props from so many different films. Your guide might have been an extra in one of the films and shows. Mine, to my great delight, was a warrior from the ‘Unsullied’ army in Game of Thrones. If you plan to do the Morocco’s Desert & Gorges trip I would recommend prior viewing of Gladiator, Asterix & Obelix, Aladdin, and The Mummy, to name but a few, as they were all filmed in the area!
We continued our journey to the desert - on our Desert & Gorges trip we spread this out over four days, but we did it in one long drive. I passed through the beautiful Mgouna Valley (Valley of Roses) where, if you visited at the end of May, you would be able to see the Rose Harvest Festival. Todgha Gorge is a beautiful short gorge where you can walk off your lunch, or if you want to stay longer, do some climbing, hikes or cycling. Then I passed something that was a complete surprise… the old Khetaras. These are dried-up, ancient, underground irrigation systems which add a nice little surprise and twist to anyone’s journey.
Then finally, I made it to the Sahara Desert and the great dunes of Erg Chebbi. I arrived in time for a stunning sunset and stayed in a wonderful desert camp where I enjoyed a pleasant, relaxing evening. When the breeze blows, you can hear the Saharan sand dunes sing! The following morning, I rode out of the dunes on a camel to start my journey to the Atlantic Coast.
The last few days of my Moroccan mission were spent on the Atlantic Coast checking out our Atlantic Adventure trip. Our first port of call was Agadir where the Atlantic Adventure ends with a night in a beachfront resort for some rest and relaxation. After a busy activity-filled week, you will have the chance to enjoy the Corniche in the evening and walk around the marina.
Then it was off along the coastal road to Essaouira, passing Argan forest plains, wide sandy beaches and rocky coves with crashing waves.
Essaouira is a very cool city, with a massive medina full of restaurants, cafes and shops that are well worth enjoying in the evening. During the day, while on the Atlantic Adventure trip, there’s surfing to do.
The surf school we use is a very trendy and professional set-up with ‘surfer dude’ staff and a variety of board lengths to suit all styles. It’s equipped with lockers and showers, and is located directly on the beach; a brilliant spot for learners. However, the instructors can take you to other beaches nearby if necessary for the best conditions. Having surfed Essaouira before, I was gutted I didn’t have the time to catch some waves as they were rolling in nicely on the day I was there!
Then it was time to go home!
My tiring but incredible trip around Morocco left me with the impression that these trips are just right. They offer enough variety to suit all manner of families and their interests. There are great places to stay, there’s wonderful food and, of course, expert guides who will really make the country come alive with their knowledge and enthusiasm. Morocco is safe and very much ready to welcome our families, so….
Find out more about our holidays to Morocco, or you can speak to our friendly team today.
