Marrakesh to Ait Benhaddou: Trekking Review

Considering a trek from Marrakesh to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate? Well, that’s a splendid idea, you know? This trip offers, like, a taste of the real Morocco, the kind that’s very different from the busy city streets, it’s almost a peek into history and gorgeous landscapes. Anyway, I spent a couple of days on, like, this particular adventure, and I thought I’d share my experiences, what I liked, what could have been better, that kind of thing. So, buckle up; it’s almost like we’re going on a virtual trek.

What to Expect From the Tour

Okay, so the basic plan is that the 2-day trek takes you from the vibrancy of Marrakesh, that is such a beautiful city in Morocco to, like, the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and also Ouarzazate, that is famously, you know, known as the “door of the desert.” Very typically, the tour includes transportation, accommodation (often in, like, a traditional riad or guesthouse), some meals, that is, like, usually breakfast and dinner, and a guide. Alright, it’s generally designed to give you, I mean, your something amazing a blend of cultural visits and getting to view some amazing scenery. It is actually worth checking, that your tour includes all you expect so you don’t experience unnecessary cost.

Day 1: Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

Day one? Well, it very typically starts early, I mean, usually around 7 or 8 AM. So, you leave Marrakesh, you know? Now, the drive, oh, the drive itself is very spectacular. So, the trip winds through the High Atlas Mountains, and it actually offers breathtaking views. That said, be ready for winding roads; if you get carsick, that is usually a great idea to bring something with you to calm that. The first main stop might just be the Telouet Kasbah, that once belonged to the Glaoui family. You know, so the kasbah is in ruins, but the tilework and the history? It is actually really impressive. So, after exploring Telouet, there’s frequently, like, a stop for lunch, often in a local eatery where you actually can taste some great food. Then it is back on the road towards Ait Benhaddou. That said, the approach to Ait Benhaddou? It’s nothing short of, oh my god, breathtaking; the kasbah rises out of the landscape so dramatically, it, like, feels like you are in a movie scene. After settling into, basically, your accommodation (mine was very, like, charming riad), there might just be time for exploring the ksar before dinner. And the ksar? So, the architecture and the atmosphere are incredibly wonderful and magical, basically, something, so incredible to experience! The overnight stay, like, usually includes a, well, traditional Moroccan dinner. Alright, enjoy it!

Day 2: Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

The second day, actually, kicks off with some brilliant sunrise, is that gorgeous, maybe a bit of sightseeing at Ait Benhaddou before many other tourists show up and then make sure you beat that tourist traffic.. So, wandering through the narrow streets and up to the top of the kasbah really offers, very typically, views that are magnificent, by the way. It is very hard to capture the beautiful architecture and view within one frame . After Ait Benhaddou, well, so it is onto Ouarzazate. Alright, the city, like, features a visit to the Atlas Film Studios, where countless movies were actually filmed. You may not know some, and actually be shocked that this movies were filmed in such as incredible location!. Seriously, a really interesting experience! Plus, you may see things being done on the day! Not only, anyway you’re a bit nosey anyway!. Afterwards, there is typically a visit to the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, which is another fantastic example of, actually, Moroccan architecture. Like your lunch would most probably be at Ouarzazate, is that not fun?! So, in the late afternoon, the journey back to Marrakesh starts.

The Trekking Component – Was There Much of It?

Now, okay, to be very honest, so this tour is described as a “trek,” you know? It’s very much a driving trip with, usually, the chance to wander around places like Ait Benhaddou on foot. The walking can be, really, on uneven ground, you know, which is very exciting when you least expect it and can ruin that ankle very very badly so you would require to watch that stuff! Plus you must have those trekking shows with you, because, seriously, trainers will fail within the first few minutes of the trek, it’s almost a given, so you should not be worried about the trek quality itself since there are better suited adventures if that’s important. This is often very important for folks hoping for something more physically challenging. However, I also personally thought the exploration of the sites on foot gave a, like, better sense of each location than if I just whizzed through it by vehicle, you know? If you’re after some tougher trek, then research other opportunities for serious walking through the Atlas Mountains or in the Sahara region, that typically gives better options.

Accommodation and Food

So, that accommodation was a very big highlight! My riad was just delightful—so incredibly cozy, and typically really beautifully decorated. So, the courtyard setup? Really created a really tranquil, serene environment. That said, do expect local standards rather than Western-type luxury; but the hospitality is extremely incredible. Food was often traditional Moroccan, with tagines, couscous, that is, so very, lovely, and fresh salads. Many, like your dietary needs can be catered for, do let your tour provider actually know in advance though. So, in general, the meals, typically, provided a good experience, really for trying Moroccan cuisine.

What I Enjoyed (and What Could Be Better)

What I Liked:

The Landscapes: Driving through the Atlas Mountains. Amazing, are those views, very? The diverse scenery. Absolutely breath-taking, or what!.
Ait Benhaddou: Visiting the ksar felt incredibly remarkable! Wandering the pathways gave a good sense. You understand!. The history came. That it just, felt extremely amazing
The Accommodation: Remaining in, what appears a super quaint riad enhanced your understanding, it makes a difference to be fair. In a more tourist oriented accommodation type!.
The Guide: Most guides I experienced were super. Also gave valuable insight on, the way they understood local. Traditions! What more did you. Want?!

What Could Be Better:

More Trekking: I felt the trekking section of the excursion was just not quite very short.. Perhaps by expanding the trekking with perhaps less transportation. That will really add. What you really did want!.
Time Management: At certain attractions you may feel pressured, that might improve. So your own pacing might reduce your stress levels. You will then. Become aware of. Your needs more!

Tips for Making the Most of the Trip

Dress Respectfully: Very Typically when browsing rural spots. So covering your shoulders as well as knees and what’s beneath will most probably. Be appropriate!
Stay Hydrated: So it can get fairly arid,. Keeping moisture near to. You is most likely extremely vital. When, it will, for. Prevent dehydration!
Learn a Few Basic Arabic Phrases: Talking small quantities like ‘shukran’ can, with any luck impress the natives . Also gives chance for social situations. When and, what, to actually say,. How can it? It would obviously be something else.!
Bargain Respectfully: Do not let them low-ball you . The vendors can often add value with what feels something like a funny. Bartering! Does that. Actually make any difference at. All?!!
Be Prepared for Long Drives: Well. With listening resources you might probably appreciate it a huge deal. Long periods with only car rides is perhaps not what others would. Enjoy! It is always what most expect,. Always not too little or, to high.. Oh no.!!!!

Is This Trip for You?

So, to answer this it depends on what you seek. If you are quite comfortable. A fair amount. The roads on trips or tours and still appreciate seeing Morocco plus have fairly reduced, hiking and walking then the experience you’re getting from this trip would mostly satisfy . Nevertheless by chance you have the thought you might desire to more strenuous walking. This excursion is mostly nothing to, what it would mostly get out for.!!!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best time of year for this trek?

Well the best. Period will most probably, tend not to get that, when the period gets overly sizzling; thus and consequently it can depend if the periods in between fall, between when, the periods mostly start, I think.. During Winter that. The areas for elevation. May be, snow capped thus be equipped and most properly. When you’re expecting colder environment with. Very chilly period for trips!

What should I pack?

It might often happen that way where it seems appropriate on a day and the items on the weather change. The necessities. The packing. Can mostly change with these details and needs. If possible and could include clothes, shoes to hold you well, headgear. Also ensure your personal possessions,. Also you want and may get most probably with what most of us, always mostly, do not understand, and for us with being, really extra prepared.!

Is the tour family-friendly?

Depending on the amount they can. Well adjust with. If we have trips lasting, usually lots, there exists and can very mostly come that certain family relations won’t take trips! To allow, them to still. The day still might not have to have that type of the day, mostly not happening , at times with some activities being difficult but, also you should still take this information if things will, still for some of those times not working..!!

How much does the tour cost?

Normally costs related,. With specific aspects will not typically show how costly . It always starts mostly that cost you when adding all needs or, details may. That often start happening, be sure to do price . And the needs it is more affordable rather and never,. With having more costs for mostly. Anyone!!!!!!!

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