Marrakech highlights, what to see

 

                                                        Morocco trip with Travis 2025

Morocco Trip with Travis 2025

This year’s annual trip with the Travman is to Morocco. This is my second visit (first was over 20 years ago), while it’s Travis’ first, so it’s a bit of an adventure for both of us.

So far, Morocco hasn’t disappointed—although we did manage our usual “arrival experience”…

The hotel website said it was 0.7 miles from the airport. With no airport WiFi and relying on that information, we decided to walk it at around 7pm.

Ninety minutes later, we arrived.

🧭 Traveller Tip #1:

Check your mobile provider before travelling. Many countries outside Europe/USA fall into expensive roaming zones.

🧭 Traveller Tip #2:

Download offline maps before arrival—WiFi is not guaranteed.

🏙️ First Day – Exploring Marrakech

The first proper day was planned as a flexible exploration day before our Atlas Mountains excursion. We left the hotel at 8:30am and walked toward the old city, about 2.5km away.

Marrakech is split into two main areas:

• New town (where we are staying)
• Old town (Medina) with souks and major landmarks

The two are separated by an impressive wall with 12 gates. The Medina itself covers around 19 square kilometres, so it’s far from small.

🕌 Main Mosque Area

After about a 45-minute walk along Avenue Mohammed V, we reached the main mosque area.

It’s impressive, but honestly not on the level of Istanbul’s major mosques—but few places are.

🧭 Getting Lost in the Medina

From here, we made our way toward the souks… or more accurately, we entered “let’s get lost mode”.

We followed Avenue Houmman and ended up in the Mellah district, a historic area of the Medina with its own character and atmosphere.

Interesting fact: Morocco still has a monarchy. The King retains significant political authority, quite different from constitutional systems like the UK

🛍️ The Souks – Controlled Chaos

A souk is essentially a market—but that doesn’t quite capture it.

It’s organised chaos on another level, especially for anyone used to Europe or the US. Compared to places like Borough Market in London, Marrakech is far more intense and less structured.

That said, Morocco is relatively relaxed compared to some parts of North Africa—just don’t linger too long or engage too deeply with vendors unless you intend to buy.

🎬 Indiana Jones moment

At times it genuinely feels like:

                                           Indiana Jones and the Temple of Shopping

🏔️ Day 2 – Atlas Mountains & Five Valleys

Day 2 was an early start—pickup at 07:50, returning around 5pm.

A long but excellent day.

I always think it’s important to leave the tourist areas and see the real country. I’ve done similar trips in Jordan, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, Austria, France, and others, and it’s always worth it.

🌄 Atlas Mountains Experience

Today’s trip was into the Atlas Mountains and surrounding valleys.

The scenery was stunning, but what made it special was the interaction with local Berber families.

We shared breakfast with one family:

• Fresh bread
• Berber “Nutella” (almond/argan paste)
• Honey
• Mint tea

🍽️ Lunch with a Berber Family

Lunch was even more memorable—shared with another Berber family overlooking the mountains.

We had:

• Chicken tagine
• Couscous
• Homemade bread

Everything was fresh, organic, and incredible.

🏔️ Atlas Fact

The highest mountain in Morocco (and North Africa) is Mount Toubkal (4167m).

For comparison, the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, is only 1345m

🌵 Valleys & Landscape

The dry riverbeds are striking—many of them remain dry until around February.

The contrast between mountains, valleys, and desert-like terrain makes the landscape constantly change.

🌙 End of Day

A fitting end to a long and rewarding day—watching the moon rise over the mountains.

She never disappoints.

✈️ Final Thought

A mix of chaos, culture, scenery, and incredible hospitality.

Until next time ✌😊