One of the best parts of being a professional travel expert is the chance to explore incredible destinations and bringing back insider knowledge for my clients.
This wasn’t just any trip - it was an exclusive educational with Not In The Guidebooks, and I was thrilled to reconnect with a fabulous group of agents (and Minty Highway’s Danny!) that I hadn’t seen in a while.
Flying into Marrakech from Manchester on a busy Saturday night, I made my way by private transfer to the Angsana Riad Dar Zaouia, nestled in the heart of Marrakech, to meet the group before our adventure began the following morning.
After breakfast, I had a couple of hours to meander through the souks, the medina and the main square, just as the stall holders were setting up for the day. One thing immediately apparent is that Marrakech is an assault on all your senses in one hit!
Back at the Riad, our travelling home for the next few days arrived, ready to whisk us away on our whirlwind tour. It was here I met our fantastic hosts from Not In The Guidebooks, including Tracy, who, funnily enough, lives just down the road from me in the UK. Alongside them were our awesome Moroccan ground hosts and expert guides, Hamza and Said.
Our itinerary was a perfect blend of Morocco’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and legendary hospitality. Here’s how it all unfolded...
Day 1: Lights, kasbahs, action!
After soaking up the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, we set off towards Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, leaving the city’s lively energy behind as the High Atlas Mountains unfolded before us.
Along the way, we enjoyed a scenic drive, stopping for plenty of photo opportunities before a delicious lunch on the terrace of the Restaurant Palais de Tichka - one of the first of many Moroccan tagines!
Ait Ben Haddou, a 17th-century ksar (fortified village), is as impressive in real life as it looks on screen. It’s been the backdrop for countless movies and series, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones.
The fortified structures are made of mud, straw and wood, giving the village beautiful, earthen tones with many buildings decorated with motifs, etched into the walls.
With the day-trippers gone, we had the place almost to ourselves - a rare treat! Climbing up through the narrow alleyways to the old granary, despite its earthquake-damaged state, rewarded us with views to die for.
Our overnight stay was at Kasbah Titrit, a stunning guesthouse in the tranquil Ounila Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and steeped in Berber culture. With just eight suites, it felt wonderfully exclusive - a perfect blend of nature and history.
Day 2: Desert dreams and dramatic dunes (and Camilla!)
This was the day I’d been waiting for: heading deep into the Sahara Desert to the Erg Chebbi dunes. But first, we made a pit stop at the spectacular Todra Gorge, where the towering limestone cliffs and sparkling waters took my breath away. It’s no wonder this spot is a favourite for photographers and adventurers alike, and is an ideal spot to break the journey between Marrakech and the desert for an overnight or longer stay.
By late afternoon, we arrived in Merzouga, where after a quick pic stop at the beautiful oasis, jeeps whisked us to meet our camel caravan. My camel, Camilla (who I quickly renamed after a few “sassy” moments), led the way across the golden dunes as the sun set in spectacular fashion. Camilla may have been a diva, but her antics added to the adventure, making the ride even more memorable!
Our home for the night, Madu Luxury Camp, was the cherry on top - nestled in the dunes and offering all the comforts of a boutique hotel.
After a beautiful dinner under the stars, we enjoyed lively Berber music by the campfire. It was one of those pinch-me moments that I’ll never forget. I even enrolled myself into the Berber band, taking the helm on the bongo drums and adding a bit of (questionable) rhythm to the night!
I set my alarm for sunrise - this was an opportunity not to be missed. The rising sun briefly changes the colour intensity of the sand dunes to provide several soft pink and golden shade variations. It was so worth the bleary eyes to witness it above the dunes!
Day 3: “Hollywood” and Tin Joseph
Exhilarated by the desert experience, we did a site inspection at Madu’s superb sister property at the desert entrance (a fantastic option for a slightly longer desert experience), before setting off for Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its connection to film and TV productions. With its sun-drenched landscapes and centuries-old kasbahs, it’s easy to see why this city is a favourite among filmmakers.
Along the way, we paused in Rissani for a taste of Gnaoua music and enjoyed lunch overlooking the lush palm groves in Nkob.
Our final stay was at the charming, quirky Tin Joseph guesthouse, where my dinner choice included a traditional chicken pastilla - best described as a delicious mix of sweet and savoury, like a “chicken Bakewell tart”!
A lovely pre-dinner private concert on the roof terrace and musical accompaniment to our meal were the perfect way to end the day. The warmth and individuality of this guesthouse was really appreciated.
Day 4: Return to Marrakech and au revoir
Leaving early after breakfast, our journey back to Marrakech took us through the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass, with one last chance to soak up the stunning mountain views.
The view from the top was amazing, as we could see the road we were about to embark on as it twisted and turned back on itself with its tight hairpin bends.
After a quick bite and some last-minute shopping in the medina, it was time to say goodbye to Morocco, but I left with a head full of ideas and a heart full of memories.
From the bustling medinas to the quiet beauty of the desert, Morocco is a treasure trove of experiences. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply in need of an adventure, this an escape like no other destination.
Exploring accommodations and learning about local offerings gave me fantastic ideas for tailoring trips to every traveller's taste.
Feeling inspired? Get in touch and let me help you plan your own tailor-made Moroccan memories.
