Discover Morocco
Article by Thom Sanders
What do you think of when someone says the word ‘Morocco’? The piercing heat of the Sahara, the enchanting souks and bazaars of Marrakesh, the ornate and brightly coloured decorations and embellishments that drip off every wall and ceiling in indigo blue and red and terracotta? Or even the crashing waves of the Atlantic coast and that classic film inspired by ‘Casablanca’.
When I think of Morocco these days, all of those things spring to mind – but mostly clearly I think of family adventure holidays. More clearly still, I see mountains of unending red rock, friendly Berber villages and lots and lots of cups of tea.
Last summer our family decided to do something different. Normally big fans of walking and camping, we have previously always stayed close to home in the UK and northern France. This time, we wanted something more exotic that wasn’t too long a flight away.
Morocco holidays gave us the answer. Only a three hour flight from Gatwick and as cheap as any UK train (the low cost carriers all fully service flights from UK – Morocco), the Atlas Mountains just a 2 hour drive away from Marrakesh offer incredible walks, amazing camping and wonderful food. The High Atlas promise a tranquil escape from the heat and madness of Marrakesh. It all sounded heavenly.
So we packed our bags and off we went on our family adventure holidays.
To make the most of all Morocco has to offer, we joined a group tour, so we could join organised city tours of Marrakesh and escape the pressures of haggling at the souks. We were lucky to have a fantastic local guide, who was worth his weight in gold, we soon discovered, when we set out into the mountains.
Unlike in France, Morocco does not have the same red and white trail markings for walks. Paths are usually for goat herders and local families, where signs are not necessary and any markings we did pass often seemed to point in several different directions! Our guide however knew all the best routes and showed us paths to incredible Islamic shrines (which we sadly were unable to enter).
We walked for hours through surprisingly diverse landscapes – we crossed verdant orchards and valleys, passed dry riverbeds and climbed up slippery scree to see neighbouring villages and magnificent views.
In the evening, we would stuff ourselves silly with the most amazing food. Aromatic, earthy tagines, harissa soups, fresh salads, breads and succulent slices of melon and orange. Not to mention all the wonderful herbal teas.
This is what I think of when I think of Morocco holidays.
About the Author
This article was written by Thom Sanders on behalf of the Adventure Company. They offer fantastic Morocco holidays, as well as other great Family Adventure holidays.
Related Morocco Holidays Articles
Article by Zahir Shah
Planning a holiday to Morocco? If so, why not take a think in advance about what Morocco attractions you’ll want to visit. If you are up for an eclectic mélange of culture and relaxation, Morocco is the destination for you. This multicultural destination has been staunchly independent throughout its history yet remained open to ideas, creating a heady mix of cultures, religions and languages with ancient roots and a strikingly modern outlook. Hog on the Morocco tour packages in advance to make the most of it.
Marrakech & Nightlife
•Visit Marrakech to experience a mix of both ancient and modern traditions and Morocco attractions. Wander the narrow passages of the old Medina or explore the vibrant new Gueliz district with its fabulous restaurants and boutiques.
•Travelling with children? Marrakech has plenty of sights that will keep youngsters in awe. Stop by the Djemaa el-Fna to watch snake charmers and other street performers.
•By night the city of Marrakech is mesmerizing. Watch as the main square transforms into an al-fresco restaurant with many food stalls and plenty of mouth-watering dishes.
•You can party on until the early hours in Marrakech too. There are numerous great nightclubs and bars.
Agadir & Beaches •There are many different things to do in Morocco and a stay in Agadir is an excellent option for those who want a relaxing break somewhere exotic. Take in the landscapes of the beautiful Agadir coastline as you soak up the sun in style.
•Do you love water sports? Whether you want a relaxing afternoon boat trip or a more vigorous water skiing experience, Agadir is a great place for fun on the waves.
Atlas Mountains
•For a unique holiday stay, why not check out the Atlas Mountains? Here you’ll find breath taking scenery, tranquil village retreats and thermal spas.
Sahara Desert Tours•Take a Jeep across the sands on a Sahara Desert Tour. It’s not often you’ll see such beautiful golden landscapes and natural wonders.•Camel treks within the desert lands are also a popular choice with the most adventurous Morocco visitors. Feel the desert winds against your skin and climb the dunes on camel back.Witness the dazzling, shape-shifting dunes of the Sahara at Merzouga, where the next stop across the sands is the legendary Timbuktu. Marvel at the non-stop drama in the Djemaa el-Fna, the UNESCO-listed public square in the medina of Marrakech where you can see henna-painters, potion-sellers, snake-charmers and acrobats by day. By night you will see storytellers, Gnaoua musicians, cross-dressing belly dancers and the world’s biggest alfresco restaurant here.
Book a luxury holiday package to Morocco today and keep your costs to a minimum. Spend your vacation in luxury style and accommodation you can afford.
About the Author
Zahir Shah is a prolific Mumbai-based freelance writer who writes on numerous topics including travel hotspots, luxury holiday destinations, luxury tour packages, international honeymoon packages, to name a few.
