Jenny’s Blog: Marrakech to the Sahara - My magical Moroccan escape

Every May - give or take a pandemic - I return to Marrakech. What started as a reunion with friends from my Paris days has become a treasured tradition: sun, souks and a year's worth of catching up over tagines and wine. By now, we know the medina like locals - well, almost - and even a few stallholders recognise us!

Over the years, we've enjoyed the occasional day trip into the Atlas Mountains and even taken a cookery class to master a few Moroccan dishes. One year, I was even taught how to wear traditional Berber headwear, complete with all its intricate folds and flair!

A different kind of Morocco

At the end of last year, an opportunity arose to join a small group tour with a few industry colleagues - organised by Minty Highway and Not In The Guidebooks - that promised a chance to experience something completely different. Berber villages, starry Saharan nights, and yes... camels!

Discovering a riad

We started with a stay at the beautiful Angsana Heritage Riad - my first time staying in a traditional Moroccan riad, tucked behind unassuming walls and bursting with character inside.

It's just a short stroll from the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, but funnily enough, coming at the square from a completely new direction left me totally disoriented - which is saying something, considering how many times I've been!

That's part of the magic of Marrakech, though. No matter how often you visit, it always has something new to surprise you.

Into the desert

The next day, our small group set off with our amazing local guides, Hamza and Saeed. Our first stop was Ait Ben Haddou near Ouarzazate - a breathtaking kasbah and fortified village of sun-dried mudbrick homes that feels frozen in time.

Once a stop along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favourite backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Strolling its narrow alleys and climbing to the hilltop granary offers sweeping views of the valley below. While most families have moved across the river, a few still live within its ancient walls.

Whether you're drawn by history, cinema or simply the magic of Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou is an absolute must-see.

After a night at Riad Ksar Ighnda, we journeyed on to Todra Gorge, where 300-metre cliffs tower above you. That evening, we reached the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi - cue the camels!

The camel experience

I'll be honest - riding into the sunset on camelback felt like something out of a dream - until reality set in with every sway and bump. Arriving at our luxury desert camp 40 minutes later wasn't just a welcome sight, it was pure relief. If you've ever ridden a camel, you'll know exactly what I mean!

But what followed was genuinely magical. We dined by firelight, listened to traditional music, danced and stargazed beneath the clearest sky I've ever seen. Waking up to sunrise over the dunes was an unforgettable experience.

The journey back

After a bumpy 4x4 ride through the sand, we returned via the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass, stopping for live Gnaoua music and a bit of impromptu dancing. Our final night and dinner at quirky Tin Joseph in Ouarzazate was a lively blend of food, music and Moroccan warmth.

What made it special

What made this trip so memorable? The people. Our wonderful guides, Hamza and Saeed, didn't just lead us - they welcomed us into their world. I left with more than memories; I came away with a deeper connection to Morocco and an understanding of why it keeps calling me back.

Your Moroccan adventure

My 5-night/ 6-day private Morocco tour starts from £1,245pp and includes:

• Return flights

• Riads, kasbahs and a luxury desert camp

• 2 nights in Marrakech B&B including 3-hour tour with a private guide

• 1 night in Ait Ben Haddou and 1 night in Ouarzazate with breakfast and dinner

• 1 unforgettable night in the Sahara with breakfast and dinner

• Private minibus with English-speaking driver-guide

• Ethical camel trek or 4x4 alternative

If you'd like to experience something similar, let's plan your Moroccan adventure - from kasbahs to camels and everything in between.

Jenny x