During my trip to Marrakech, we wanted to do something different, something we’d never done before, have an adventure and see beyond the city walls. So began my Moroccan adventure, let’s get into it!
We found a tour that seemed perfect, included everything we wanted all for a great price and even better reviews, look at God! We booked it the day before because you know we like tempting fate and lucky for us it was still available!
The day was here! Dressed in comfortable clothes and trainers, we set out with the driver sent to pick us up. On the way, we picked up a couple on their honeymoon from America. The guy was Nigerian (not that he ever said though, his wife let it slip later repeating that it’s his father who was Nigerian, not him).
We started our drive out of the city, leaving the manic streets of the Medina behind and trading them for quiet serene country roads. As we drove my friend pointed out the similarities between these roads and the express ways (motorways) in Lagos. I was immediately transported back to my mum’s Honda Legend in Nigeria. The boot packed with all my belongings as she took me back to boarding school on the Lagos- Ibadan expressway.
Let’s ride some camels!
As the car slowed down, we saw the camels on the road side and we knew we had reached our first stop. They dressed us in royal blue kaftans while our heads were wrapped Berber style right before we mounted our camels.
Mounting a camel is scary! It’s amazing how high up you are on them. The camels first swing you forward as they get up and guyyssss I thought I was going to fall right off! Once we got going it was more comfortable and an amazing experience (minus the smell, Wooah they stink!).
Time to make some oil
Off our camels now, we went to our second stop for a traditional Moroccan breakfast at an Argan oil Co-operative. The fastest speaking woman I’ve ever met took us on a tour. We watched the women grind the Argan nut into paste then oil. The amount of effort that actually goes into making this oil is immense! Our guide talked us through the different products it can be made into which were also on sale. The view just outside the co-op was amazing!!
Off we went again on the road to view a traditional Berber village from the road! On the way we drove through Asni, a small town where the Berber market takes place on Saturday.
One more stop before the hike, Richard Branson’s hotel location sat on a hill with the most beautiful backdrop. I conquered my fear of heights to climb this stone for a picture but my heart was beating HARD!
Pictures taken and legs stretched; we set of on one of the most scenic drives I think I’ve ever been on. Every time I slept and opened my eyes the view was beautiful. From hills to caverns to lakes, I looked on in awe.
Hike time! We met our awesome hike guide Mohammed and this guy was amazing! He was from Imlil and works as a hiking/mountaineering guide to the Atlas Mountain. Mohammed was super knowledgeable and had some amazing stories to tell us.
Before the hike, we needed to EAT! At this point I was already starving so I wouldn’t wait. We ate at a Berber family guesthouse and this was, without a doubt, the BEST meal I had in Marrakech! The tagine was so well seasoned with all the super fresh vegetables and spices. I honestly could eat that over and over again.
Walking through the village felt like taking a step back in time. Men and women on donkeys, goats running around, men climbing trees to shake walnuts off. It was eye opening!
Put your hiking boots on
Now I was full and ready to face this hike head on. We walked for about 2/3 hours making our way to the largest and highest village in Imlil Valley. Our journey took us past waterfalls, rivers, gardens with wall nut trees and breathtakingly beautiful vistas. I knew I was unfit but this hike showed me just how much! I thought I was going to die, even Mohammed kept asking if I was still alive haha.
At the end, we headed back to our van and Mohammed gave us souvenirs to remember our trip. The girls got bracelets and the guys got little chachkis. I slept almost all the way back into the Medina, my elation masking my hunger and exhaustion. It was a day well spent and an experience to be cherished for a while.
I would FULLY recommend doing a day trip if you can during your time in Morocco. It offers such a different point of view from the city that I think provides a much more immersive experience and a great Moroccan adventure.
If anyone wants the link to the tour we took, just send me an email on the contact page or DM me on Instagram and I’ll send it through!
Until next time,
