Moroccan Adventures
Natalie and her family travelled to Morocco in July and joined a small group tour with Intrepid.
After a long (delayed) flight from Paris, it was quite an overwhelming arrival at Casablanca airport where thousands of people were waiting outside the airport to collect family members returning from Mecca. We were relieved when we saw our driver holding up our name to take us directly to our hotel!
We chose to be part of a small group tour with intrepid – and therefore holidayed with another family that we didn’t know before the trip. The accommodation was fabulous. Intrepid are a responsible travel company and we stayed in incredible kasbahs and small hotels owned by local families.
Any special memories from your trip?
Every day was an adventure in Morocco, and having a guide meant we went to all the great places. Sleeping under the starts in the Sahara desert 20kms from the Algerian border will stay in my memory forever.
As will exploring the old city in Fes, the bazaar in Marrakech, hiking in Midelt, meeting children in a local Berrem village, as well as meeting women in local co-ops - two in particular we loved; a rug co-operative where all the rugs were made by women in their homes and another a restaurant where we had a delicious afternoon tea complete with home-made biscuits.
There were two stand out meals. One was on our first day where we stopped at a roadside restaurant and had the most delicious tagine feast, and the other was lunch in the home of a local family in Midelt
Any hiccups along the way?
The most challenging part of the trip was the heat. We went in the peak of summer and it reached 47 degrees. However, my family took it in their stride as Morocco was such a wonderful culture trip for us and we enjoyed every day despite the heat.
Any unique cultural experiences?
Seeing everyday rural life was definitely a highlight, as was visiting the ancient tannery in Fes that still operates today. The camel ride in the Sahara desert, and sleeping under the stars. Staying in Ait Zineb and seeing where scenes from Hollywood Blockbusters including Indiana Jones, Gladiator and Game of Thrones have been filmed.
What's one thing you wish you'd known before starting the trip?
That you shouldn’t be afraid of group travel!
We travelled with another family. The teenagers all got along really well and the parents were great company.
What was the best piece of travel advice you received?
Enjoy every minute, you may never experience this country again.
How has this trip changed your perspective?
It's made us more adventurous as a family, and following this trip our 16 year old daughter travelled with school to the UK and Nepal.
If you could revisit any one place you've been to during this trip, which would it be and why?
Marrakesh. We needed more time to explore this vibrant city
Where's your next adventure going to be?
We're looking forward to a Vietnam holiday next, and a European White Christmas on on our list!
