Active Morocco

Sights and sounds of Marrakesh

With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco. Near one thousand-year-old red walls surround the historic medina, with monumental gates leading through to a warren of winding alleys. Awaken your senses with a tour of Djemaa el Fna, a magical place full of market stalls and entertainers. During the day it’s a bustling marketplace and as evening approaches the entertainment changes with Chleuh dancing-boys, story-tellers and magicians entertaining the crowds.

Where you could stay

Marrakesh
La Villa des Orangers

Marrakesh
La Mamounia

Marrakesh
Le Farnatchi

Make it mine

Old city adventure
Ochre city walking tour Meet your guide and travel back in time as you explore the old city of Marrakesh, called the Medina. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the souks and stop at remarkable monuments. Step into legends from an ancient past, taking time to linger in the Bahia Palace, the mesmerizing Dar el Bacha, the Secret Garden, and the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret will always help you to find the right direction.

Fashion connection
Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum Step into the Majorelle Gardens, a haven of peace, then visit the Yves Saint Laurent Fashion Museum and the Berber Museum. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé first visited Marrakech in 1966, quickly falling in love with the city; its vibrant colours and intricate decor a constant source of inspiration.

Kayak adventure
Lalla Takerkoust lac Take a two-hour buggy ride to the Lalla Takerkoust lac. After a delicious lunch and an instruction session and safety briefing, you will hit the waters for some exciting kayaking through the lac.

Desert adventure in Agafay

An early morning hot air balloon flight a short way outside of Marrakesh is the perfect way to prepare for the next leg our your journey. Back on solid ground, you’ll be whisked off to explore the rocky, lunar-like landscapes of the Agafay Desert where adventure is the order of the day. This region is great for starry skies and cultural experiences too. Sip on a glass of delicious Moroccan mint tea as the sun dips below the horizon.

Where you could stay

Agafay Desert
Inara Camp
Inara Camp is set up in the magical setting of the stony desert of Agafay.

Cool off in Essaouira

Essaouira is a laid-back port town cooled by the vents alizés trade winds gently blowing in from the ocean on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Once known as Mogador, the town took its current name from the 18th century medina – ‘souira’ meaning small fortress – with crenelated walls enclosing a handful of palmed-lined avenues and connecting atmospheric alleys. Sandy beaches extend for miles out from either side of the town, swept by near perfect breezes.

Where you could stay

Essaouira
Villa Maroc

Essaouira
Heure Bleue Palais

Make it mine

On foot
Essaouira walking tour Enjoy a relaxed walk with your private guide in the charming whitewashed medina. You’ll go from the lively port, around the historic battlements and across narrow streets as you learn about this charming city’s history and culture. If you are a fan of the famous series Game of Thrones, your might recognise some shooting sites.

Wine and dine
Val d’Argan organic vineyard walk On your way to Essaouira you’ll stop to visit the Val d’Argan organic vineyards, where some of the best Moroccan biodynamic wines are produced. Take a short walk around the property and a settle down for wine tasting paired with lunch.

Argan experience
Argan tree excursion Go for an energising hike through argan trees between fields of barley and walls of limestone. You’ll get to see a temple of a Marabout and Saadian remains dating back to the 16th century. Then visit a women’s argan oil extraction cooperative. After lunch, take a horse ride along the seashore.

In the mountains

Roads follow green valleys dotted with mud-built Berber villages, up through forest and over winding passes then down to wadis and old caravan trading posts on the edge of the Sahara. It is a haven for hikers of all levels from spring through to autumn. The Atlas Mountains are a rugged chain that span North Africa from the Atlantic coast through Algeria and Tunisia, an imposing barrier between the fertile Mediterranean coast from the vast Sahara Desert.

Where you could stay

High Atlas Mountains
Kasbah Bab Ourika

High Atlas Mountains
Kasbah Tamadot

Guided hike

Female Hiker walking up a mountain pass with backpack on her back on a single footpath up a mountain with a valley and a clear blue sky behind Atlas Mountain Toubkal Morocco There are some fabulous walks from your kasbah which can be tailor-made to suit your interests and you may find yourself walking through fields of olives, plums and the vegetable gardens of local villages, following rivers through valleys or embarking on more challenging mountain trails. Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch with stunning views of Toukbal, the highest peak in North Africa.