A Journey Through Morocco’s Magic

Our Africa Specialist, Madri, chronicled her whirlwind adventure in Morocco with vivid descriptions and a selection of breathtaking photography — from sweeping clips of mountainous scenery, alluring hotel pools, unforgettable camel expeditions, and countless desert delights.

“Morocco is a study in contrasts… from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to the high Atlas mountains, it’s constantly changing”, Madri reflects. “I started my journey in Marrakech and travelled via the Tizin’Tishka pass over the Atlas mountains all the way to the desert Oasis in Merzouga, and then back via Zagora to Marrakech”.

“Merzouga is magical, only 20 miles from the Algerian border, a quiet place under the stars in the dunes The Desert Oasis Camp is truly a sanctuary, with the luxurious tents spread out under the desert sun.”

“We started our day with a sunrise camel ride, and it’s amazing how quickly the sun rises over the mountain borders of Algeria. At night you are regaled with Berber music and dancing around the camp-fire Travelling from Merzouga to Zagora, via some pretty harsh landscapes, is a study in colour”.

“The mountains change constantly, the colours changing from black to grey and then various hues of red. The Draa Valley oasis is simply astounding, a truly magical find in this harsh climate It reaches as far as the eye can see, a green belt that runs for miles and miles, dotted with Berber villages and amazing pottery. The backdrop of the mountains against the green of the palm trees is truly magical It’s a truly humbling experience Morocco is an amazing place”.

“Life in the villages in the high Atlas mountains is harsh, but these amazing, courageous people make it work with some clever ideas. The farmers offer dates, apples, and various nuts, as well as honey in hives in the mountains. Olives and Argan oil are also in abundance The people are kind and friendly, and offer their wares always with a smile on their faces. Giving back to the people of Morocco by purchasing goods offered and helping the community, which felt amazing”.

“The dates specifically are incredibly sweet, the olives salty and delicious and the honey has an incredible home-grown taste. The walnuts were super crunchy and fresh, and the resilience of the people of the Atlas Mountains shines through. Life here is hard, but people work hard and are proud of their artistic skills and wares. The Berber omelette served in a tagine is mouth-watering, and the pastilles offered are sweet and savoury all at once. Heavy French influences make for delicious food.”

“We are told it’s only a 52-day camel ride through the desert to Timbuktu, a joke which seems to carry through. The after-effects of the earthquake are seen in the countryside, but Morocco is rebuilding at an amazing rate. The resilience of these people astound me. It is a truly humbling experience”.

If you’re interested in a Moroccan excursion, visit our destination page to peruse our itineraries or contact us directly to weave your own curated adventure – enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk / +44 117 313 7070!