Magical cities, snow-capped mountains, endless dunes, millennial palm trees all provide a setting for true oriental mysticism. From the heights of the Atlas Mountains of over 2000m, dunes that can be over 200m high and then all the way down to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. To dilute the mystery, the “Blue People” live here, namely the Berbers. History, culture, adventure all come together in this fascinating country.
MOROCCO
Marrakech
Marrakech appears as an enchanted and magical city, framed by the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the pink old city walls and the thousand-year-old palm trees. Magnificent and exuberant, it radiates brilliance and mystery, in the carpet dealer in an explosion of multicolored wool, during the festivals in the contagious and rhythmic music, in the dancers ’emotional dance, in the incessant murmur from the merchants and among the jugglers’ forthright courage.
Atlas Mountains
The magnificent views and beautiful scenery of the Atlas Mountains impress even the most travel-savvy and are a Mecca for hikers. Travel through the mountains over Morocco’s highest pass at 2,260 masl and on through beautiful villages such as the mountain village of Ait Ben Haddou known from films such as Lawrence of Arabia.
Sahara
The Sahara is not just sand, although the dunes in some areas can be over two hundred meters high. The desert is also impressive rock formations, green oases and nomadic peoples. The Sahara is the country’s most isolated and quiet place, populated by the “blue people”, the Berbers.
Riad
Riad means garden and these oriental homes are built around a patio with a rippling fountain in the middle. All rooms face the courtyard and an enclosed balcony leads to the guest rooms on the second floor. The architecture is oriental with arches and mosaics as traditional elements. The riads are located as small oases in the partly both poor and worn medieval city center. Moroccan everyday life continues right outside the door.
MOROCCO
La Pause
Nestled among the hills of Agafay, 30 kilometers from Marrakech, in the ancient Désert Marrakchi lies “La Pause”. A small oasis in a dramatic landscape overlooking the magnificent surrounding wilderness. The Agafay Valley is a barren, dry and red moon-like desert where “La Pause” is a green oasis by the river bank in astonishing contrast to the surrounding arid landscape. The idea for the hotel came when the Frenchman Frédéric Alaime on horseback arrived in the area in 2003 and felt that he would like to build a home here. He rented the land from a local olive grower and hired workers from the local village to build his dream – a rustic eco-resort.
MOROCCO
According to countryaah, Morocco is located in the northwestern corner of Africa, with coasts facing the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The seas meet on the Strait of Gibraltar, here it is only 14 kilometers above sea level to Europe. On the surface, the country is about as big as Sweden. To the south is Western Sahara, which Morocco annexed in the 1970s. Morocco is short for MO by abbreviationfinder.
Climate
It is generally hot and dry in Morocco, but the climate varies in the mountainous country. Here are both snow-capped mountain peaks and scorching desert heat.
Visa
No. Nordic citizens can stay in Morocco for 3 months without a visa. The traveler may need to show sufficient funds for the stay.
Currency
Moroccan dirham MAD
100MAD = 85.74SEK
Language
Arabic and Berber are official languages and French is spoken in most parts of the country.
Vaccinations
Mandatory – No compulsory vaccinations are required for entry.
Recommended – Mosquito pins, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara
Magical cities, snow-capped mountains, endless dunes, millennial palm trees all provide a setting for true oriental mysticism. From the heights of the Atlas Mountains of over 2000m, dunes that can be over 200m high and then all the way down to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. To dilute the mystery, the “Blue People” live here, namely the Berbers. History, culture, adventure all come together in this fascinating country.
Marrakech – 7 days
Day 1 Arrival Marrakech
Departure with scheduled flights from Sweden. Upon arrival in Morocco, you will be met by your driver for further transport to your riad located in Marrakech’s old Medina. Riad Saba is a former oriental home, today a luxury guesthouse with only five guest rooms. Once you have installed yourself, a welcome dinner will be served at the riad.
Search for hotels in Riad Saba
Day 2 Marrakech
Marrakech has a lot to offer in terms of historical sites, bustling city life and medieval crafts. With the help of the guide, you will go deep into the craft quarter and the bazaar. Here the craftsmen work with ancient techniques in their small sheds. Marrakech has several interesting sights such as the medieval Koranic school and palace that houses museums and exhibitions. The afternoon free for your own activities or maybe a cold beer on the riad’s roof terrace…
Accommodation: Riad Saba (breakfast, lunch)
Day 3 Free day in Marrakech
You can easily spend several days in Marrakech. There are lots of other activities in Marrakech and the staff at the riad are happy to advise you on pools, exhibitions, activities and restaurants etc.
Accommodation: Riad Saba (breakfast)
Day 4 – 5 Berber farms
Experience a desert-like area at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Here – in the middle of nowhere – a French couple has carefully renovated an old Berber farm. There is no electricity here but all the more charm. The afternoon can be spent on the activities offered here; crossgolf, walking, riding a mule, dromedary or horse, or a few lazy hours in the hammock under the olive trees. Your supper is served in a large Berber tent in the glow of hundreds of lanterns that light up the African night.
Accommodation: La Pause (breakfast, lunch, dinner.)
Day 6 High Atlas Mountains
After breakfast you will be picked up to go up in the beautiful Atlas Mountains valley. After check-in at the charming mountain hotel, lunch is served in the garden or by the fireplace, depending on the weather and season. Free afternoon to enjoy the hotel’s pool and garden. (There is the possibility of horseback riding in the mountains or a few hours of hiking.)
Accommodation: Oliveraie de Marigha (Breakfast, lunch, dinner) Travel about 1 hour
Day 7 Hiking in the High Atlas / return trip
After breakfast you set off on a real hike with your English-speaking guide. He is an inexhaustible source of knowledge about life among Berbers and local plants. You walk on paths between Berber villages and their farms. It is possible to rent a mule if you want carrying assistance or a ride for a while. (Mula booked before departure from Marrakech). After lunch you will be picked up for transfer back to the airport in Marrakech for check-in and return to Sweden.
Accommodation: Riad Saba (breakfast, lunch)
