If you’re researching options for an exotic honeymoon destination with a range of exciting and very affordable outdoor activities to choose from you need look no further than Morocco. A comfortable three-hour flight from northern Europe, Marrakech, the southern tourist capital at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, has it all - and a splendid winter climate to boot. And while the historic city itself offers more than enough choice for a thoroughly rewarding holiday it also scores highly for the number of exciting excursions that can be enjoyed using Marrakech as a base: the unspoilt Atlantic beaches of historic Essaouira two hours to the west and, due south, the magnificent High Atlas and, beyond, the vast silent emptiness of the Sahara Desert with its stunning sea of awe-inspiring dunes.
The following listing of our top ten activities gives a good idea of the options available – and it doesn’t even include the numerous festivals of all kinds that take place in and around Marrakech every year.
Hot Air Ballooning in Marrakech
Take to the skies for a private early morning flight from La Palmeraie to marvel at the unforgettable panoramic views of Marrakech and the mountains of the High Atlas beyond. A Berber breakfast is included.
Intimate spa session with hammam followed by gentle massage
Treat yourselves to a spa session beginning with an invigorating hammam bath and vigorous rubdown (‘gommage’) followed by some gentle pampering in the form of one or more relaxing massage treatments
A tour of Marrakech in horse-drawn caleche or electric rickshaw
A romantic ride at a gentle pace around Marrakech and its leafy Hivernage and Palmeraie districts is a delightful way to see the city. Half-day trips taking in, among other landmarks, the city walls, parts of the medina and its Kasbah, the Majorelle Gardens and other optional attractions, are very popular with families and young couples alike.
Sundown experience and romantic meal for two in a desert camp
One doesn’t need to drive all the way to the Sahara to experience a sensational desert sunset and starry night sky. Just 30 kms from Marrakech (round trip transfers laid on) is the Agafay Desert where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal beneath the stars.
Try your hand at preparing traditional Moroccan cuisine
An activity perfectly suited to just two, cookery lessons are designed to reveal some of the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. It’s all about learning while having fun. Demonstrations and instruction are given, with an interpreter on hand, if needed.
Chauffeur-driven excursion to the coast at Essaouira
An interesting two hour drive west from Marrakech brings one to the ancient fortified port of Essaouira and its vast beaches of fine sand. Chill out here and enjoy a seafood meal or take a thrilling quad bike trip through the dunes.
An exciting quad bike experience
Enjoy a thrilling off-road adventure on a quad bike or buggy while exploring the contrasting terrains of the Marrakech Palmeraie or Agafay Desert comprising palm groves, dry riverbeds and rocky desert.
A trek for two in the Atlas Mountains
About an hour from Marrakech, explore, with or without a guide, some of the magnificent green valleys nestling at the foot of Mont Toubkal, at 4165m the highest point not only of Morocco but of North Africa.
Excursion to the Ouzoud waterfalls in the High Atlas National Park
These splendid falls, which plunge over 300 ft in a series of major and minor drops, are one of the most remarkable natural attractions of the Moroccan Atlas, the lushness of the setting contrasting with the red sandstone desert of the surrounding country.
Three-day excursion to the Sahara with personal driver
This is the best way to experience the wonderful scenery of southern Morocco, the High Atlas, with its lofty peaks and Berber villages, the ancient kasbahs of the fertile Draa valley, dominated by its vast plantations of date palms, and the stunning beauty of Sahara dunes. You are in the safe hands of an experienced driver/guide whose local knowledge ensures that you see the best of what this splendid region has to offer.