Essaouira, the "white city"
Originally built on a rocky peninsula and overlooking the Atlantic, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s must-see destinations. With a whitewashed medina enclosed by huge pink sandstone ramparts which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with a rich Portuguese and Andalusian heritage, Essaouira holds great appeal. From a long white sandy beach and dunes to a bustling fishing port with excellent seafood and colourful wooden fishing boats, Essaouira has always been a favourite retreat of hippies, sailors, artists and musicians.
Essaouira is a delightful destination for a day trip. Explore the atmospheric alleyways of the ancient medina, and the old ochre ramparts which now provide protection from the wind-assisted waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
09.00 Depart Marrakech. Coffee/tea stop en route
11.30 Arrival in Essaouira. Meet local guide for orientation tour of Essaouira’s medina
13.00 Free time for seafood lunch, beach relaxation or exploring the medina and ramparts
17.00 Depart Essaouira back to Marrakech
Journey to Cascades d'Ouzoud
Travelling exclusively by private vehicle with an English and French-speaking guide you’ll pass fields of olive trees on a scenic drive towards the Cascades d’Ouzoud. En route pause at the natural bridge of Imi Nifrid to enjoy mint tea and beautiful views. There is lots of opportunity for taking photos, plus a visit to a traditional watermill, before enjoying a tasty Berber lunch near the waterfalls surrounded by lime, pomegranate and oak trees.
09.00 Depart Marrakech on the Damnate road
13.00 Lunch at Cascades d’Ouzoud
16.30 Depart on drive back to Marrakech
19.00 Arrive back in Marrakech
Jebel Toubkal and Imlil
We travel from the walls of Marrakech, the ‘Red City’ up into the high valleys of the High Atlas Mountains and Toubkal National Park. En route to the Atlas you’ll pass through the busy little town of Asni which is a buzz of activity as local Berbers ply to sell their produce and goods. The final stretch of the journey to Imlil twists and turns up through the fertile Mizzane Valley.
Once in Imlil you’ll meet-up with our local guide and discuss your itinerary for the day. We recommend a lovely walk (or mule ride) from Imlil to the village of Aremd (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes walking each way, in two different routes). Alternatively you can continue to Aremd by 4×4 (15 minutes drive) and walk back to Imlil, or drive both ways.
09.00 Depart Marrakech on the Tizi n’Test road with brief stop in Asni
10.45 Arrival in Imlil. Rendezvous with local guide. Walk/ride mule or drive to Aremd
13.00 Lunch in typical Berber house, then return to Imlil
16.30 Depart Imlil back to Marrakech
18.00 Arrival back in Marrakech
Prices and info:
+212607858607
+212667079804
orodeldesertomarocco@gmail.com+212667079804
orodeldeserto@yahoo.com
