Gary Nunn from our team went to explore Morocco, a country that serves as a gateway to Africa which is steeped in ancient cultures and exotic mystics. With its striking architecture, a strong identity, and unique way of life, it’s a place that has long fascinated many a traveller. From the maze-like Medina at Marrakech to the peaks of the High Atlas, this is his journey through the captivating North African country…
Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech
Wide-eyed and with a firm handshake, Mustapha, my driver for the next few days, greeted me with a warm welcome. We loaded up and I was transported from the cool, modern airport into Morocco’s heat and atmospheric bustle.
I instantly realised why this country is known for being a travel photographer’s dream, the scenery is made up of a myriad of warm colours from orange to deep rust and the striking buildings, often made from delicate mosaics, made an eye-catching backdrop.
Dodging a few people, scooters and a random neglected looking donkey, we arrived at the hotel. Nestled in between the series of local shops stood Hotel Villa des Orangers, a truly stunning and elegant five-star boutique chateau which was to be my home for the next few days.
Just five steps from the city’s imposing rhythm, La Villa Des Oranges was a peaceful and cool oasis which felt far removed from all the craziness going on just outside its walls.
Offering many treatments within the on-site spa, the hotel served as both a base for visiting the city and a place to completely relax. With just 25 guest rooms (all with an individual design), it was also an elegant and intimate boutique experience.
Firstly, I explored the popular Majorelle Museum which was named after the French artist Jacques Majorelle. It housed a private collection of Yves Saint Laurent’s history, and with the famous fashion designer’s striking vision and a glimpse into his fast-paced life, it was an honour to attend this private tour.
Coming from a fashion photography background I stood back and took a lot of time to gaze at and admire his work!
Next, I explored the Majorelle Gardens, a two-and-a-half-acre botanical and artist’s landscape garden, which was one of Marrakech’s most cherished attractions.
Designed by Jacques Majorelle, it was an immaculately presented and tranquil place where every detail of the garden was immaculately and carefully thought out.
I ended the day at my hotel, sampling some of Morocco’s legendary cuisine. Infused with a heady mix of potent local spices, the lentil and tomato Tagine didn’t disappoint!
I dined on my private terrace as the North African sun slowly descended, accompanied by a faint hum of Marrakech life that stood just beyond the hotel walls.
Day 2 – A journey to the Atlas Mountains
Waking at sunrise, I started (with a driver) a 200km journey, which took us from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, crossing vast alpine plains encircled by jagged peaks and passing through ancient Berber villages lost in time.
Our end destination was the Atlas Mountains. North Africa’s greatest mountain range, the area is home to some of Morocco’s most extraordinary and beautiful landscapes.
I couldn’t help but keep asking Mustapha to stop the truck to allow me to properly view the almost otherworldly landscapes so I could stand, take it all in and listen to the absolute silence.
One after another, the valleys merged into the landscapes crisscrossed with windy roads. I wasn’t usually keen on old rickety roads, but when they’re located 4000m above sea level, it was quite an exhilarating experience!
We also stopped in Ait-Benhaddou, a group of ancient earthen buildings surrounded by high walls nestled against the High Atlas Mountains, which has now become A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a location for many famous films, including the Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator.
On our journey back, we were caught in a sandstorm. Powerful tornado-like winds whipped up a gritty blizzard, which quickly descended again.
Day 3 – A Hammam, a cooking lesson at the medina at night
My last day was spent in Marrakech and my first activity of the day was to experience a traditional Hammam.
There were two types of ways to experience a Hammam, the first was with a group of people normally naked and the other was in the privacy of a treatment room. Being British I opted for the latter.
The Hammam started with a traditional mint Moroccan tea, then proceeded to a full-body exfoliation, moisturiser, and finally, a full-body massage. I left the spa feeling like a very relaxed snake that had just shed its skin—not a bad way to start the day!
My next was Lotus Chef, which was located close to Jamaa El Fna Square. It was an increasingly popular and classy cooking school set in a beautiful Riad which guided me how to produce both beautiful looking and tasty traditional Moroccan food.
With its golden passageways and gorgeous terraces, it was definitely a very attractive location to learn all about traditional Moroccan cuisine.
At dusk, I gather my belongings and headed towards the famous souks. Absorbing the rhythmic chaos, I could easily see why Marrakech has entranced so many of its many visitors.
The street food stalls bellowed fragrant smoke from their grills, the heady maze of stalls, the trance-like sound of drums and song, and a strong sense of a tight-knit community made the medina at night a hypnotic and beguiling experience.
Looking for a location to sit and film a time-lapse of the square, I found Café de France, a famous viewpoint of the market and this is where I ordered my final tagine of the trip.
With the camera clicking as I watched the sun rest beneath the city, I ate, knowing that one day I would return. This extraordinary country truly had me under its spell!
