For a Half Day:
Ourika Valley: Set within grassy terraces, the mud-built riverside hamlet of Setti Fatma is situated 40 miles (60km) southeast of Marrakech. The village lies at the very end of the winding Ourika where seven waterfalls plunge through the craggy rocks above it. The first of the falls is an easy walk, but the higher falls are harder work and sturdy shoes and a good head for heights will be required, although there are plenty of guides willing to offer help. Chose a Monday or a Thursday, and you might coincide with the local Berber Markets.
Imlil: The road to Imlil hugs the side of a broad fertile valley. The road comes to a halt at Imlil at the foot of the Jebel Toubkal, which at 4167 metres, is North Africa's highest peak. Guides can be arranged for trekking into this spectacular region, with or without a donkey. Or just climb up the twisting paths for 15 minutes to the Kasbah du Toubkal for lunch with spectacular views (pictured below)
For a Whole Day:
Essaouira: Located 180km (112 miles) west of Marrakech, this pictureque coastal resort offers a welcome escape from the summer heat and bustle of the city. Once known as Mogador, this trading and fishing port was largely rebuilt in the 18th century and modelled on St-Malo in France. With its sandy beach and blue-and-white-painted houses, it has a long association with artists, who are a clearly visible part of life in Essaouira today. A series of forts built along the seafront, and a blend of Portuguese, French and Berber military architecture, lend a powerful mystique to the town. Orson Welles shot part of his film Othello (1952) on the ramparts.
For the more adventurous:
Riad Porte Royale can also arrange excursions further afield. Leave Marrakech and drive over the dizzying Tizi-n-Tichka, the loftiest pass of the High Atlas, and zigzag down to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara.
City tours: Mohammed, the Riad manager, can arrange for a guide if you would like to tour the city under the guidance of a knowlegable, English speaking guide.
Tours of the Atlas: Mohammed will be happy to arrange 1-3 day excursions into the Atlas mountains and to the Sahara beyond.
Ourika Valley: Set within grassy terraces, the mud-built riverside hamlet of Setti Fatma is situated 40 miles (60km) southeast of Marrakech. The village lies at the very end of the winding Ourika where seven waterfalls plunge through the craggy rocks above it. The first of the falls is an easy walk, but the higher falls are harder work and sturdy shoes and a good head for heights will be required, although there are plenty of guides willing to offer help. Chose a Monday or a Thursday, and you might coincide with the local Berber Markets.
Imlil: The road to Imlil hugs the side of a broad fertile valley. The road comes to a halt at Imlil at the foot of the Jebel Toubkal, which at 4167 metres, is North Africa's highest peak. Guides can be arranged for trekking into this spectacular region, with or without a donkey. Or just climb up the twisting paths for 15 minutes to the Kasbah du Toubkal for lunch with spectacular views (pictured below)
For a Whole Day:
Essaouira: Located 180km (112 miles) west of Marrakech, this pictureque coastal resort offers a welcome escape from the summer heat and bustle of the city. Once known as Mogador, this trading and fishing port was largely rebuilt in the 18th century and modelled on St-Malo in France. With its sandy beach and blue-and-white-painted houses, it has a long association with artists, who are a clearly visible part of life in Essaouira today. A series of forts built along the seafront, and a blend of Portuguese, French and Berber military architecture, lend a powerful mystique to the town. Orson Welles shot part of his film Othello (1952) on the ramparts.
For the more adventurous:
Riad Porte Royale can also arrange excursions further afield. Leave Marrakech and drive over the dizzying Tizi-n-Tichka, the loftiest pass of the High Atlas, and zigzag down to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara.
City tours: Mohammed, the Riad manager, can arrange for a guide if you would like to tour the city under the guidance of a knowlegable, English speaking guide.
Tours of the Atlas: Mohammed will be happy to arrange 1-3 day excursions into the Atlas mountains and to the Sahara beyond.
