Immeuble 201, Apt. numero 10, Bloc E Najd Mabrouka, Marrakesh, Morocco 40160 Phone: +212 669 54 16 99 Email:Contact@Moroccoquest.com
Recently classified by UNESCO as part of World Heritage, often referred to as the Jewel of the Atlantic, Essaouira is well worth a visit.
Meet at your riad at 8 am, comfortably travel through Berber villages and an argan tree forest, stopping to photograph uniquely adapted black goats that perch in argan trees to feast on its fruit. There will be a visit to a local Berber women cooperative producing pure argan oil for consumption and cosmetics uses.
Another option includes touring a local winery at Ounara.
Upon arrival at Essaouira, you will be guided through the enchanting labyrinth of narrow streets in the medina and explore Souk Jdid known for its seafood, spice and collectibles. Depending on your interest, there are seaside ramparts and gates as well as Portuguese and Spanish architectural historical features to be discovered. Another unique feature is the opportunity to observe the Morocco’s best marquetry craftsmen at work.
At the seaside, you can stroll the Sqala promenade and explore the historic port with its traditional moroccan blue wooden vessels. You can choose and sample freshly grilled fish or enjoy fresh seafood at a local seaside restaurant. There will be time to enjoy Essaouira’s famous beach and the mild climate.
Return to Marrakech riad will be in late afternoon with many beautiful photos and new memories.
Essaouira
This day trip will take you across the High Atlas Mountains to the famous Kasbah Telouet and Kasbah Ait BenHaddou.
Meeting at your riad at 8 am we will travel south, passing Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains, where you can observe terrace farming with almond, fig, pomegranate and olive groves. We will cross Tizi nTichka, elev 2260 m, the highest road pass in Africa.
We will then leave the main route and follow easterly on the ancient caravan route from Timbuktu all the way to Sudan, arriving at Kasbah Telouet. This famous ancient fortified castle features well preserved exquisite engraved stuccowork, zellij tilework as well as a spectacular setting perfect for photos. Next we will travel south in the Onila Valley, crossing picturesque rivers with dwelling Berber caves dug into the river cliffs. We will also pass numerous inhabitated kasbahs.
After one hour on backroads, we will arrive at Kasbah Ait BenHaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and tour this remarkable and preserved architectural wonder. You may recognize this Kasbah as the backdrop in the television series Game of Thrones and films including Gladiator.
We will enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant, and return to Marrakech with many spectacular photos and amazing memories about the real Morocco.
Kasbahs
One of the most spectacular Moroccan sights, the Cascades d’Ouzoud are a short two and a half hours drive from Marrakech.
Meet at your riad and travel in comfort into the Morocco not many people see! Travel east through rural countryside, passing through numerous Berber villages and olive groves. You will have the opportunity to visit a working olive oil press and sample pure Moroccan olive oil.
Upon reaching the Cascades d’Ouzoud from the top, you will witness the beauty of the waters crashing from the top of reddish cliffs into a canyon 100m below. With your guide, walk down along the cascades, relax admiring the spectacular beauty, picnic or lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Be sure to check out the wild macaque living in the fig trees along the path. There will be opportunity to bathe in the natural pools.
Return to Marrakech later in the day with plenty of breathtaking photos and beautiful new memories.
Ouzoud Waterfall
The trip offers a pleasant tour of the lower foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
Meet at your riad and travel southeast, enjoying olive groves for about an hour to the village to Tnine Ourika, known as the gate of the Ourika valley. The largest souk in the entire valley takes place weekly in this village. There will be opportunity to explore the area on foot, along the river Ourika, with numerous cafes, shops and houses clinging to the hillside. Upon reaching the village of Timalizine you will travel by SUV up the Ourika valley to the stunningly beautiful village of Setti Fatma.
After a delicious Moroccan lunch, you will have the opportunity to explore the village and visit seven local waterfalls, where from the vantage top point there is a superb view and many photo opportunities.
Return to Marrakech in late afternoon with wonderful photos and memories.
Ourika Valley
