HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

YOUR WORDS

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

ANGELA BECKWITH

Exodus Customer

From golden dunes in the Sahara Desert to the animated square of Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech and ancient tanneries in Fez, Morocco is as vibrant as the locals who live there. Join Exodus customer, Angela Beckwith, as she reminisces on her adventure…

Heading to Morocco back in September, avid traveller, Angela, was quick to comment, “It was the best time of year to visit. The weather was excellent, without being uncomfortably hot, even in the Sahara. The sites we visited, including Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Volubilis near Meknes, and Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, were not overly busy either, which gave us time to take in the sites without feeling rushed”.

When it came to stand-out moments from the trip, Angela revealed that, “Riding camels in the Sahara and camping under the stars was a dream come true. We were lucky to have clear skies for stargazing – the Milky Way was incredibly bright.” Angela was also impressed by the walking tour of Fez which offered a fascinating insight into different trades customary to Morocco. “We explored endless souks, stopping to watch fabric being dyed with natural indigo; metalworkers producing pots by hand, and weavers creating rugs on traditional looms. We were also treated to a bird’s eye view of the tanneries’ colourful dyeing vats and learnt about the process of creating leather products.”

Her expert local guide, Fouad “was absolutely outstanding. He went out of his way to arrange added little extras including a henna session at the lodge in the High Atlas; live local music demonstrations on the edge of the desert and taking us to specific shops that opened early so the group could pick up last-minute souvenirs. He was incredibly organised and never once lost his smile and humour.”

“We were unable to enjoy the evening hammam in Tigzha due to Covid restrictions, but Fouad managed to arrange a private hammam for the group in Essaouira. This was an amazing experience – I would highly recommend it!”

As a solo traveller, Angela couldn’t stress enough that she appreciated the benefit that came with travelling in a small group and the access to remote places that would not have been readily available if she was travelling by herself. She ended the interview with a smile and said, “Travelling with a small group of likeminded people also provided an instant group of friends. I have come away from many a trip, meeting travellers who became lifelong friends.”

Highlights of Morocco EXODUS.CO.UK/TRIP/AMH