MARRAKECH, ESSAOUIRA
We were resisting the call of Africa for a few years but when Ryanair launched direct flights from London to Marrakech, we knew it is the right time to hit the road again and finally explore also the Black continent…
We knew we were going to Africa but we did not expect such hot weather in mid of March. Without any basis of tan on our skin, the African sun immediately burned us, and while we were recovering it was too late to look for some sunscreen. The modern terminal of Marrakech airport will impress and also surprise you. As soon as we went out of the terminal we met with our driver, an employee of Riad – the guest house where we were staying. A short trip by car and you find yourself in the heart of Marrakech – the Jemaa El Fna square.
On this huge square, you can find orange juice sellers, traders with leather, dancers, snake charmers, magicians, clairvoyants, wizards, musicians, and tattoo makers but just absolutely everything that you can imagine… It’s an amazing place with a pulsating atmosphere throughout the day. But the best show starts certainly after dark. Shining vendors can be seen from afar and the mix of various smells, tastes, music, singing, and dancing keeps down with the coming of a new day. It’s really a must to see it and therefore our every day started and ended right here.
The next day we went into town early in the morning and all day long we just strolled through the old streets and were discovering Marrakech. We started in the city center and across the small park full of date palms we got to the dominant of the square which is the Koutoubia Mosque. It’s 70 meters high minaret from which the locals are convening regularly to pray. We continued down to Medina which is one large marketplace. It’s got everything nicely divided by the craft – carving, a blacksmith, a shoe-making workshop, and stands with all kinds of spices that are very popular with Moroccans.
One of our other stops was the beautiful botanic garden Majorelle Garden with a huge collection of cacti that was once owned by the French designer Yves Saint-Laurent. On the way back to our riad we stopped for dinner and call it a day on the terrace overlooking the city with a beer before bed.
Today we had planned to go into the hills finally and therefore we agreed to meet our chauffeur after breakfast. Marrakech is surrounded by the Atlas Mountains and that was the place we were heading to. On the way to the mountains, we stopped at a local vegetable market. We bought a few things to eat, and after that, the girls went for a ride on a donkey. Our driver made an interesting program and one of the stops was also riding on camels owned by one of his friends. The camel ride in hilly terrain was great because the surrounding countryside was really beautiful. About a half-hour walk on the camels went alongside the dried-up canyon and everyone enjoyed it a lot.
Afterward, we moved to a nearby pottery workshop where we stumbled on some great pieces. The man working there was skilled and it was a pleasure to look at things coming from his hands. The pottery was a huge house in which the whole generation performed this craft. The house is surrounded by high-quality clay and that makes the material to be immediate to hand. The girls couldn’t resist and bought a few vases and jewelry boxes. We then continued steeply upward direction of Atlas. Since we wanted to avoid the main tourist route, our driver took us slightly higher to a place that tourists don’t know. Good idea because we were completely alone there. This is also one of the reasons why I like to be accompanied by the locals.
After passing the wooden bridge we started our hike to one of the peaks of the Atlas. Along the way, we stopped at a small snack, stocked up on water, and continued. We had a young guide who knew all sorts of shortcuts. It took us about an hour to reach the summit. The view from the top was amazing and therefore we stayed for a while. There were a few parts where we could still see snow. It was a bit surprising in this hot weather. After a short break, we started to descend into the valley.
On the way back we still had enough time to visit also the other side of the city. We looked around the city walls which Marrakech is surrounded by. Walking along the main street Avenue Mohammed VI we came back to the city center.
On our last day, we ended up exploring the nearby town of Essaouira. Sleepy seaside town situated on the Atlantic coast is an oasis of peace. With its narrow blue-white streets you will immediately fall in love with it. Nobody here is in a hurry, everyone just sits around plays games, and loudly debates. Besides in each of the narrow streets, you will find at least one shop with hand-woven rugs. In the air, you can smell the grilled fish mixed up with water pipes and aromatic teas.
If you are one of those people who like spicy foods, you are in the right place. As a result, coriander and chili are part of every meal but sometimes even there, where you certainly would not expect them. Pizza is one of them. We tried one and for us, it was too spicy.
From there we moved to the port where we went for a walk around the coast. We couldn’t resist and dipped our feet in the waves of the Atlantic. At the entrance to the port is a small market. Here you can try all sorts of goodies whose fishermen have brought freshly caught from the sea. This was the most western point of the country we could reach. After spending the whole day in Essaouira we returned to Marrakech where our short trip to Morocco ended.
Finally, I have to admit, our first contact with Africa ended up better than we expected. I must say that we were pleasantly surprised with Morocco. Above all, the gateway between Europe and Africa has so far been successful in preserving his character to this day.
Marrakech belongs among the most beautiful African cities. Its monuments, gardens, restaurants, and Jemaa El Fna square captivates every visitor. Furthermore, not only the city itself but also the trips to nearby towns and mountains have a lot to offer.
If you want to start exploring Africa, Morocco is an ideal place…
Tip 1: When you come to Jemaa El Fna try their fantastic orange juice besides, they also have delicious snails.
Tip 2: Go for a day trip to the Atlas mountains and stop by the local market where you can buy delicious fruits and vegetables.
Tip 3: The best place to relax in Marrakech is the botanic garden Majorelle Garden full of a huge collection of cacti.
Tip 4: If you like beach walks head to Essaouira where you can enjoy a walk on the Atlantic coast.
Total costs: 5 nights (Flight + Accommodation): £250.00
(Prices as of March 2009)
Thank you very much for reading this article. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas please write them in the comment box below.
2 THOUGHTS ON “MOROCCO”
Andrew Jones DECEMBER 4, 2016 AT 3:53 AM
Hi, I just came from there and loved it. It’s a great city with so much to offer. We also went for a hike to Atlas same as you did. Best food I ever had. Next year we are going back. Thanks
Marian DECEMBER 28, 2016 AT 4:35 PM
Hi Andrew, you are right, it’s a great city and the food is amazing. Try to visit some other cities when you go back because Morocco has so much to offer. Take care!
