A TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS

 2nd Sept 2026

I write this a long time after the event (idleness and other distractions) and so, despite my diary, much detail has escaped me. 

Some 'en-route' transport awaiting us.

I had arranged a 'group' day tour to the Atlas mountains, about 50 miles south of Marrakesh, with a US based company called Viator. It cost £13, all included, and seemed a good deal..almost too good! However, much to my surprise, they e-mailed me with a pick-up point outside a large pharmacy on Jemaa el Fna Square for 8.30am. A mini-bus duly arrived, on time, and there were, eventually, twelve of us tourists on board, plus a guide, Omar, and driver, Hassan. 

Of my 11 fellow passengers, there was a majority of Poles (family of 3, a couple of young girls and a Polish lady from London), a family of 3 Italians, an Asian/American guy based in Luxembourg and a rather dotty old woman from Sheffield. They were pleasant company,

Our first stop was in the middle of a flat barren area about 20 miles south of the city. There were about 15 camels (and some with calves) lying outside a large tent waiting for us (see photo at top). 

Left: We were kitted out in 'local' dress (I kept my cap on of course, initially). We mounted the camels as they were lying down. They were then given a kick in the right place and stood up which was a somewhat alarming experience and one had to hold on tight! As far as I can remember no-one fell off.

Right: Happily mounted we moved off in line. The camels were tied nose to tail and we proceeded to do a lap of the area for about 20 minutes. Quite long enough to get the feel for it.

Below: The camel ride. I think I am lying 4th.

Left: After this little ride we were seated in the tent and given a long description by Omar (on the right) of local customs and traditions including the Berber tea pouring ceremony. I remember little of it. Much green tea was drunk.

We set off heading south towards the mountains. From now on my geography and recording of the names villages we passed gets a bit vague, although we were following the line of a large river, possibly the Tensift. We stopped at a local small house (obviously geared for tourists) where we were given more tea and some bread, honey and other sauces. 

Below: The ladies looking after us proceeded to play some music.

This house was in the foothills of the mountains and this area specialised in harvesting olives and argan (hadn't heard of that before but it is a plum sized fruit from a large tree exclusively found in Morocco) from which they make a variety of potions and cosmetics. They had many of such on display for sale here (right). Omar waxed lyrical about their benefits.

Left: An argan tree.

Right: ......and it's fruit.

Left: The house itself was typical of the area and constructed out of a kind of earth and hay wattle. We were told that they are hardy and waterproof...and it rains a lot here in the winter months!

Right: On into the mountains....

I think we passed by the villages of Asni and Mazik, but there are so many little villages scattered around the mountains I could never be sure which was which. 

At some point we passed along the river which led into a lake. There were many people swimming in the river and having picnics alongside (no photos from the minibus). I think the lake (left) is either the Isli, or Tislit. 

Below: There is a story about these lakes and I was shown a website which explained. Click on to enlarge.

We then stopped near the village of Imlil for lunch. This involved de-bussing and a very steep 15 minute climb up a narrow track (left), and steps, to a small house at the top. I believe it belonged to a relative of Omar (our guide). His family lives in this area. The mule shown here is a common pack animal used in these parts. They are everywhere, very sure-footed, and carry heavy loads up these little tracks.

Right: At lunch. Omar holding forth again. A delicious mix of salads and apple tart for pud. No beer, just water.

Left: After lunch there was a hike (not too steep going) around the local mosque, one of many in the area, where Omar proceeded to give us another long detailed talk on the Mosques and the Muslim religion and historic tribes and nationalities in Morocco. I'm afraid it went a bit over my head.

Onwards again. We were basically circling the village of Imlil. This place is the start point for the trek/climb to the summit of Mount Toubkal (right) which is, at 14,000ft, the highest point of the Atlas mountains. It takes about 2 days to get up there. Not sure about accommodation on the way up!

I was told that there were still some patches of snow up on top, but I didn't notice them.

We ended our hike at this waterfall (left) which is a popular tourist destination. There were quite a lot of people hanging about here and soft drinks and snacks were on sale. I drank some very refreshing apple juice.

So that, at about 4.30pm, was the end of the tour. A walk down to the minibus (avoiding many laden mules along the way) which was parked near the village and off we set back to Marrakesh. After a refuelling stop and dropping off some passengers at various hotels I arrived back at Jemaa el Fna Square at 6.30pm. It had been a most enjoyable and educational trip. Much credit to Omar for his excellent and amusing guiding and to Hassan for impeccable driving along some tricky mountain roads. Well worth the £13!

I had a recuperative beer at the Mabrouka Bar (my oasis in this town) and a casual evening in and around the place. A day well spent,

More to follow about other sights around Marrakesh....eventually. 

MOSEY AROUND MARRAKESH

31st Aug 2026

The flag of the Kingdom of Morocco

This was a 'spur of the moment' trip undertaken at short notice as I had found a relatively good value 'package' (with Trailfinders) for a 5 day visit to Marrakesh including an organised group day tour of the nearby Atlas mountains. I duly set off from the 'charming' London Gatwick Airport care of EasyJet.

Left: Wandering around the departure area I came across this large receptacle. It was to collect donations for several 'charities' and contained a lot of money generously donated. I wonder who is responsible for emptying it? I can't help being a bit cynical in thinking that whoever does this might be tempted to pocket some of it!

Anyway, it was a packed EasyJet flight which departed at 3.30pm and arrived at Marrakesh Menara airport (RAK) at about 7.30pm (time zone in Morocco is same as UK). It was a quick and painless walk through immigration/customs. After changing some currency into Moroccan Dirham (at a rip-off exchange rate) and buying an e-Sim for my phone I set about looking for the driver who, I had been assured, would meet me at 'arrivals' and take me to my hotel. To my great relief (and pleasant surprise) he was there waiting holding a card with my name on it! He was a charming man, Rashid, who insisted on carrying my cabin bag to the car for me and we drove the 20 minutes or so into the walled city. My hotel, Riad Les Bougainvilliers, was in an alleyway in a pedestrian area of the 'Medina' (the oldest part of the city) so I had to be dropped off at the bottom of a small street and was given comprehensive directions as to how to find the hotel. 

Thankfully my iPhone e-Sim was working so I could use the 'maps' facility for navigation. It was a 15 minute stroll through the maze of small streets (as per the photo) and eventually down a dark innocuous looking little alleyway where a totally unmarked sturdy wooden door proved to be the hotel entrance. I knocked and was let in and shown to my room. It was by no means a 'luxury' hotel, but the room was comfortable and spacious with a good bathroom. The aircon worked, thankfully. Facilities were basic; a good breakfast was included on a roof-top terrace but there was no other catering provided and no bar!...and no coffee/tea facilities in the room. Not even a complimentary bottle of water. On the plus side the staff (normally only one on duty, 24hrs, at reception) were incredibly helpful when I needed advice. 

By now it was about 9.30pm and I went out to find somewhere to eat. I walked the short distance to the very large central Square, Place Jemaa El Fnaa. There were many restaurants and cafés around and the place was humming with noisy activity. Left: I chose the rooftop at this place, the Tajin Darna. As I soon discovered, there are very few establishments in this city which serve alcohol! I was dying for a cool refreshing beer, but had to make do with a soda and lemon, and a beef tagine. I did later find a couple of bars which sold alcohol and was told (being a country with Muslim rules) that it is very difficult to get a licence to do so. Surprising considering that there were many 'western' tourists in evidence. Good for one's health I suppose.

The following photos were taken at random times during my short stay but may give you some idea of the place.

Right: Taken from the rooftop restaurant of the Tajin Darna on my first evening  The place seems to come alive at night. There was a myriad of stalls selling vegetables and other things and lots of 'entertainment' in the Square. Very noisy with all sorts 'touts' selling things, and pyrotechnics. I counted a row of 25 elaborately decorated and well stocked stalls all selling the same kind of veg, foodstuff and other goods. I can't think how they all make a living. I have no idea when they close, but really only start up late afternoon.

Below: There were several of these musical/dance groups performing. It all added to the deafening racket! I took this video and soon discovered that they expect you to give a 'tip' for doing so!

Below: A basic map of the Medina. Click on to enlarge. My hotel and Place Jemaa El Fnaa marked.

Left: Street scenes. They are 'pedestrianised', but there are some commercial vehicles allowed passage, as well as scooters and motorbikes which career down the streets and you just have to 'be aware'. Nobody seems to get upset, they just get out of the way. 

Right: Plus various horses, mules and donkeys pulling carts. 

Left: A typical street. There are row upon row of small shops and cafés. Food, tattoo artists, hairdressers, ceramics, leather goods and just about anything else you can think of. I even found an upstairs bar which sole alcohol!

I noticed many tourists amongst the pedestrians. Obviously a popular place.










Below: A long row of the well stocked vegetable stalls. Few customers it seemed.

Right: This colourfully attired old chap attracted a few admirers.

Left: Me included! ......and a small tip for the privilege of a photo.

Right: My new best friend. 

Left: An interesting pile of rubbish and discarded corpses.

Right: I found a very decent hotel rooftop restaurant, the Mabrouka, which sold alcohol. A rare facility. All types of wine and fine whiskies were on offer here. I settled for a pint of beer. I took this photo over the city. It is very 'low rise'. I subsequently discovered that there is a law which prohibits buildings to be constructed 'higher than a palm tree'! 

The exception to this rule are the Mosque minarets. This one (left) is the highest, at 77 metres, at the large Koutoubia Mosque. It is on the west side of Place Jemaa El Fnaa. Tourists cannot enter. Entry is restricted to Muslims for prayer.

This 'intro' will do for now. I am late in writing this up as my 'old' travelling laptop which I took with me failed to work and so doing this from home on return and distracted by all else. To be continued, eventually......

In the meanwhile.......

PS. 'Marrakech' is the French spelling. 'Marrakesh' in English. French is the second language here to Arabic and English is widely spoken. This country was a French colony or 'protectorate' from 1912 until independence in 1956. You live and learn!