MOROCCO: MARRAKESH & THE ATLANTIC COAST

Day 1 – 4: Marrakesh

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Your Moroccan adventure begins in Marrakesh, a kaleidoscope of colours, cultures, and ancient artistry. From its labyrinthic souks, home to crumbling shop fronts selling Arabian goods, to the frenzied central square, Djemaa el Fna, Marrakesh never fails to amaze and excite in equal measure. Children will be exhilarated by their surroundings; watch snakes dance to the music of the charmer’s pipes, get a henna tattoo at the Marrakesh Art Café or simply sit and relax with a freshly squeezed orange juice or refreshing mint tea and watch the world go by.

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Give your kids a scavenger hunt sheet or a handful of dirham and let them lead, as you explore the atmospheric souks. You’ll weave past stalls decked with spices, fruits and sweets to access tiny shops where local Moroccan handicrafts spill into narrow crowded streets. When the crowds get too much, take a wander around El Badi Palace or visit Le Jardin Majorelle, in the grounds of the former home of designer Yves Saint Laurent. A great place for your Tribe to take a breather, the garden is famous for its cacti, as well as colourful local flora and fauna, including a huge goldfish pond. Spend your evenings sipping sweet mint tea, watching the city at night from a quiet balcony, after filling up on a home cooked tagine.

 

 

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Day 4: High Atlas Mountains

 

Leave behind the crumbling souks and bustling squares of Marrakesh, and head for the snow-capped mountains, olive groves and terraced valleys of the High Atlas. The trekking here is spectacular and, with the option to go by foot or by mule, the whole family can enjoy wandering past waterfalls and through tiny mountain villages, sampling fresh fruits from small orchards and walnut groves as you savour the scale and beauty of your surroundings.

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After a day’s trekking (specifically tailored to suit your Tribe), you’ll head back to Marrakesh for the night before embarking on the final part of your adventure.

 

 

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Day 5 – 7: Essaouira

 

The last stop on your Moroccan adventure is the bustling, yet laid-back coastal town of Essaouira (essa-weera). White wash colonial buildings line the streets and lazily wind to the atmospheric fortified medina. A long stretch of golden beach and the bright blue fishing boats cluttering the lively port, help create one of North Africa's most attractive towns.

This former pirate hideaway retains a quintessential Moroccan charm and has a host of activities on offer for the kids to enjoy. The beach and shallow waters provide the perfect natural playground, and when the alizee (coastal winds) blow, kite boarding, wind surfing and wind karting are all on offer. Traverse the golden sands on camel or horseback, or if a little more speed is required, quad bikes are yet another option. Cooking classes, pastry-making demonstrations and hamman treatments are also readily available.

The town is a constant hive of activity and rife for exploring. Play hide and seek amongst the mounds of spices and fruits in the central medina. Stride along the old Portuguese ramparts and enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic. Mingle with the local fishermen at the harbour market, where the days catch is cooked up into tasty delights and watch spectacular sunsets across the Atlantic as you enjoy some of Morocco’s best local cuisine.