A three hour visit in the company of a bilingual, qualified guide
This short, guided tour is scheduled, essentially, as an introduction to a selection of the principal monuments and attractions of Marrakech. Visits can include: the Saadian Tombs of the Kasbah, the landmark Koutoubia Mosque with its 12th century minaret, the iconic central square, Place Jemaa el Fna, the Ben Youssef Medersa, the 14th century Koranic school, the 19th century Bahia Palace, the Tiskiwin Museum with its collection of rural arts and crafts, the ancient ruins of the Badi Palace, the Marrakech Museum and the Museum of Photography. Above all, an introductory tour of the souks is de rigueur.
City tour by horse-drawn carriage
An agreeably relaxing and romantic way to see Marrakech, its new town, ancient medina and even the leafy Palmeraie, on the north side of town, is from a horse-drawn carriage (calèche). The itinerary, which can usually be tailor-made to take in any particular landmarks you may wish to see, takes around 2½ hours, each carriage accommodating up to 4 people. The coachman will collect you from, and return you to, Les Borjs de la Kasbah or drop you off elsewhere, if you prefer. Regular health checks are carried out on all carriage horses by SPANA, the British charity for working animals.
Henna tattoo session
Organic henna is employed for these artistic tattoos, each applied in keeping with traditional designs, the paste being mixed by the artist herself to control the quality and texture of its composition. During each (completely painless!) tattoo session Moroccan mint tea or coffee will be offered to you in keeping with local custom. To ensure the longest lasting tattoo one is advised not to wash one’s hands for at least an hour or two afterwards.
Half day dromedary ride
Leave the hustle and bustle of Marrakech behind and take a gentle, half day dromedary ride through the beautiful Palmeraie district of Marrakech. According to legend the extensive oasis of La Palmeraie was once the site of a military camp where, during al fresco meals, discarded stones from dates brought from the oases of the Sahara found their way into holes in the ground left by soldiers’ lances; this is said to be how the Palmeraie came into being. Mounted on your dromedary your gentle trek will navigate the Palmeraie via luxury villas, the golf course and small Berber communities. Before returning to town you’ll be invited to take a mint tea at home with a Berber family.
Three-hour Quad or Buggy ride
Take to a quad bike or buggy and enjoy visiting the leafy palm groves of the Palmeraie district of Marrakech or exploring the Agafay desert, some 30 kms from the city, on an exhilarating trip taking in wildly contrasting landscapes comprising dry riverbeds, mountainous terrain and rocky desert. Along the way you’ll come across traditional Berber villages where tea and pancakes will be offered in the house of a local inhabitant.
They may both have four wheels but quads and buggies behave quite differently. The quad has similar controls to a two-wheeler (i.e. with handlebars and trigger accelerator), a central motor and ‘saddle’ to accommodate a passenger at the back. Each rider is required to wear a helmet. The buggy, being lower to the ground, resembles a go-kart with steering wheel, pedal accelerator, seat and rear engine. Each vehicle is fitted with a roll-over cage and seat belts are mandatory. There is often a place for a passenger next to the driver.
Hot air balloon flight
This is your chance to experience the breath-taking spectacle of sunrise over the red desert and the majestic sight of the mountain peaks of the High Atlas (snow-capped between December and April). Marvel, too, at the ever-expanding urban landscape of Marrakech and its lush oases contrasting with its rural surroundings of cereal plains and olive and orange plantations. Following the flight you’ll be served a Berber breakfast under canvas in the Marrakech district of La Palmeraie.
The outing includes return transportation by 4WD vehicle to the take-off site where a welcome tea awaits you. Each flight takes between 40 and 60 min depending on weather conditions.
The Saffron Plantation
Some 30 minutes from Marrakech, this small saffron farm is located near the village of Ourika, nestling at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. In the little museum, you can learn about the history and cultivation techniques of this highly-prized peppery spice, produced from the pistils of crocus flowers, harvested in autumn, and its role in Moroccan cuisine. One can buy saffron-based products in the shop and enjoy a walk in the grounds.
Jardin Anima
This splendid 2-hectare botanical garden, designed by the celebrated Austrian artist, André Heller, makes for a delightful and unusual visit in the Ourika Valley, 27 kms from Marrakech. This magical place, opened in 2016, boasts a dazzling assortment of colourful plants, not least thousands of roses, as well as lush palm trees. There is also a small museum with an exhibition of photographs.