Marrakech, High Atlas and Agafay Dessert with Intrepid

Morocco with Intrepid Travel in Ramadan.

From the moment we landed at the modern and efficient Marrakech airport to the time we left, we were shown such warm and friendly hospitality by our lovely Intrepid Guide Ibrahim. The arrival in Marrakech is easy to navigate and super efficient, and to be honest, completely the opposite of what I was expecting. As we came through, we were greeted by a wonderful smile and a welcome board with our name on it. We were helped to our modern air-conditioned bus and set off for Marrakesh to have our welcome lunch at the amazing Amal https://www.amalnonprofit.org/solutions/the-restaurant (one of Intrepid‘s charity partners).

Amal is a non-profit restaurant which has been set up to help disadvantaged women gain a skill that they can use and better their circumstances and life. We were treated to a delicious 3 course lunch of traditional Moroccan delights. As you walk through the entrance of the restaurant, you are greeted by a lovely garden feel setting in the middle of bustling Marrakech. We were introduced to one of the leaders, who explained the great work the charity is doing.

After lunch, we took a short drive to just outside the Medina, where we were met by our local guide. He gave us a brief history of the Koutoubia Mosque and an insight into Moroccan history before heading into the Medina. Passing by a long line of mule-drawn carts offering tours and transport. The square of the Medina was relatively empty at the time we walked through, with just a handful of street entertainers. We headed for the old town and the labyrinth of the alleys and cobbled streets. The marketplace is divided into sections, each specialising in different goods, such as textiles, spices, jewellery, leather goods, pottery, and carpets. It’s a sensory overload of colours, scents, and sounds. We were led down some tiny alleys past some of the most beautiful doors whilst being told about the history. Taking us to show us where the locals take their food to be cooked in the underground clay ovens called Tandirs. This is a traditional cooking method still being used and is especially popular for preparing mechoui. We were treated to some incredible olives from one of the market vendors. Passing through the street,t we were led to The Secret Garden. After wandering the maze-like streets of the medina and experiencing serious sensory overload, you enter a calm, green oasis. Tucked behind the chaos of the souks and unassuming from the outside, this beautifully restored 19th-century palace garden feels like stepping into another world. As soon as you pass through the entrance, the noise fades and you’re surrounded by birdsong, the scent of orange blossoms, and the soft sound of water trickling through ancient irrigation channels. The garden is split into two areas—one an exotic collection of rare plants from around the world, the other a traditional Islamic garden designed to reflect the idea of paradise. Both are stunning, but it’s the combination of peaceful paths, shaded alcoves, and intricate Moroccan tilework that makes this place truly magical. Climb the tower for one of the best panoramic views over the medina— there are a couple of cafes to grab a mint tea and just soak in the calm. Heading back out into the bustle of the souks, we neared the end of our tour. We approached the Central Medina square, where it was buzzing with life as vendors were beginning to set up to prepare for the evening. Lots of pop-up restaurants are setting up for the evening, traditional food, and street entertainment are in full flow, with buskers, henna body art snake charmers. We were treated to a refreshing, freshly squeezed fruit juice whilst absorbing the chaos around us. Heading back to the bus we were taking to our accommodation for the night.

We were dropped off on a street where we were met by some porters to take our luggage down the narrow lanes (the bus could not get down). Walking past the rubble and evidence of the earthquake that happened 18 months prior, and arrived at an unassuming door and were led into the stunning modern but traditional Riad 48 and spa set in the Kasbah area of Marrakech. We were met by smiling, friendly faces and shown to our rooms. The rooms were spacious, offering traditional Moroccan style with all the modern amenities of the stunning bathroom with double shower and sinks. After a short time to relax and refresh, we met for drinks in the central meeting area, a beautiful open-air lounge area in the heart of the Riad. The hotel also has a lovely rooftop terrace with views over the city, where you can relax in the jacuzzi hot tub. We were taken out for our evening meal to La Maison Arabe, a beautiful boutique hotel in the Medina, with traditional Moroccan architecture. We were led to our table in the beautifully set restaurant surrounding the tranquil swimming pool with live and subtle music playing, and were treated to some delicious Tagine dishes.

Day 2, were had breakfast at Riad 48 - it just kept coming - from sweet breads, pancakes, yoghurts and fruits - and endless coffee. We headed to meet the Intrepid team in Marrakech and saw how they operate - it was good to know that clients will always have someone on the ground to help. Taking an hour trip heading towards the Atlas Mountains, we stopped in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere for a fantastic cooking class in Tahnaout. Our chef met us as we arrived with a refreshing Moroccan tea and explained what we would be doing for the next 2 hours. We were shown how to cook traditional Berber Tagines and prepare couscous. We then enjoyed and consumed. Heading closer to the Atlas Mountains, we stopped at the fabulous non-profit organisation Education for All - a dedicated school set up to empower girls from the remote communities in the High Atlas, enabling them to have access to secondary education. It offers a safe and supportive boarding house near school, so the girls can study until they are 18 years old. The girls are so happy, and it was so enlightening. Heading on into the Atlas and to our accommodation for the next 2 nights, Kasbah Africa. Set in the hills surrounded by lush forest, a traditional Kasbah. This comfortable traditional lodge is welcoming, and the accommodation is basic yet luxurious, in individual rooms all facing into the valley. There is an infinity pool set in the gardens. Lots of different areas for sitting and relaxing, and enjoying the tranquil setting. The food again was incredible.

Day 3, we were met by a local guide in the morning and headed for a hike through the mountain, taking in some of the local villages. Some are still rebuilding their houses after the earthquake. The guide educated us on the history and gave us an insight into the Berber culture in stunning landscapes. We were treated to lunch at a local residence in Ourigane and had a demonstration of how to make traditional Moroccan tea. Day 4 - Atlas to Agafay, approx 2 hours - After breakfast, we left the tranquillity of the Atlas and headed to the Agafay desert. Driving through the mountains and taking in the surroundings, passing through numerous busy communities and farmlands. Arriving at the stunning, luxurious Yes We Camp, we were wowed by the setting and how beautiful it was. We were welcomed with tea and nibbles and then shown to our rooms. A luxurious tent with air conditioning and an ensuite shower room. Lunch was an endless feast of BBQ meats and salads, utterly delicious. After lunch, we had a few hours to relax and enjoy the pool before we were taken on a sunset camel ride. The camels were healthy and were only ever taken out for 1 ride a day, and were left to graze and relax for the rest of the day. The camel tour was a lovely experience in the desert, enabling us to see the vastness of the area. In the evening, the restaurant comes alive, the food is amazing, and whilst you are eating, you are treated to a display of various traditional dances..

Day 5 - Early start heading back to the airport. Again, the airport was smooth and straightforward, ensuring you have a printout of your boarding pass. A fabulous few days and a fantastic introduction to a wonderful country. So much more to see and next on my list is the Sahara, Essaouira and Fez, but so so so much more !!! Intrepid is fantastic and also great to see how they operate first hand, and I will continue to recommend them as a fabulous small group tour company offering a wide choice in standards and tours, with authentic local experiences. Ramadan - so despite it being Ramadan, we never felt that we were unable to eat or drink, we were asked to be respectful and not eat and drink in the streets, but that said, in the Medina, there was a constant supply and in no way a problem. Dress code in Morocco - out of respect to the local cultures it is advisable to cover shoulders and not to wear clothing that is too revealing, this does not mean you have to be clad from head to foot - just be respectful no super short shorts/ dresses and don‘t walk around in swim wear. Once you are in the comfort of your hotel and pool area, of course, this is perfectly acceptable.