MOROCCO: SOUKS, MOUNTAINS & 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 labyrinthine 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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Your first four days will be spent just outside Marrakesh, in an eco-villa surrounded by three and a half acres of beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect first stop to let your Tribe unwind and relax with a fabulous swimming pool to compliment the spacious villas and gardens. The host family and their friendly team provide hours of child-friendly entertainment, including Moroccan cooking classes and mocktail making sessions, while a playground (rare in Marrakech), and Doris and Norman, the two resident donkeys, add to the excitement. With Marrakesh just fifteen minutes down the road, your Tribe can relax, enjoy the sunshine and surroundings, and head into the city whenever you like.

 

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Day 4 – 5: Tahannaout and Ourika Valley

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Leave behind the crumbling souks and bustling squares of Marrakesh, and head for the majestic snow-capped mountains, olive groves and terraced valleys of the High Atlas. Your first stop is the Berber village of Tahannaout, where a sustainable community project awaits. Surrounded by the forests of the Toubkal National Park and the stunning Ourika Valley, you’ll stay in either a permanent tent or an eco-lodge, both furnished in the traditional Berber style. It’s all about nature and the outdoors here, and kids can dive straight into tree-top activity course, complete with zip-lines, rope bridges and climbing nets. Other activities include rock climbing, archery and horse-riding, while local craft shops and a junior play area will keep younger adventurers equally enthralled.

 

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Day 5 – 7: Imlil and High Atlas Mountains

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A sustainably run hilltop Kasbah, just outside the small town of Imlil, will be your base for the next two nights.  Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Mount Toubkal, trekking opportunities here are spectacular and, with the option to go by foot or by mule, the whole family can partake. We’ll tailor the treks to suit your Tribe from short and sweet for those with younger kids, to a possible two-day trek to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal. Whatever the length, you’ll be strolling past waterfalls and through tiny Berber villages, sampling fresh fruits from small orchards and walnut groves as you savour the scale and beauty of your surroundings.

 

 

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Day 7 - 9: Marrakesh Riad 

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Head back to Marrakesh and this time dive straight into the Medina where your Tribe will stay in a traditional Riad, nestled in the narrow streets off the central square - Djemaa el Fna. Spend the next few days exploring this wonderfully exotic city from crumbling souks to steaming hammams and boutique galleries to fire eating entertainers.

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Head to Djemaa el Fna just after midday, when the stalls are setting up and the chaos has not quite begun. 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 the 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. Your evenings will be spent sipping sweet mint tea, watching the city at night from a quiet balcony, after filling up on some traditional Moroccan home-cooking.

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Day 9 - 10: Berber Beach Camp

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Head west to the unspoilt Atlantic coast where miles of white sandy beach is broken by a solitary Berber campsite. Your Tribe will experience a night of traditional hospitality with freshly caught fish and delicious couscous served around a cosy campfire. Spend the evening star gazing at the night sky and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this unique location.

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You’ll have the following day to enjoy an array of activities on offer; from swimming, surfing and horse-back rides along the beach, to a lagoon safari or sea fishing trip. Or simply let the kids partake in some shell-art on the beach, while you enjoy a quiet read on a bed of cushions on the sand.

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Day 10 - 14: Essaouira

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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 offer another option. Cooking classes, pastry-making demonstrations and hamman treatments are also readily available and a great fun for the whole family to enjoy.

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.