Visiting North Africa
- Emily Brooks
- May 15, 2021
- 2 min read
My family’s fifth stop on our trip around the world was Marrakech, Morocco. If Singapore was my favorite location we visited, then Marrakech was my second. Marrakech is located in North Africa, and is adjacent to the Atlas Mountains. It is a popular spot for Europeans to visit for holiday trips, and I could easily see what draws them to the area. The weather was warm, but not too hot and the locals were extremely kind. Most residents spoke three languages: Arabic, French, and English. Marrakech has a beautiful new airport that we were welcomed into upon our arrival.

The new Aeroport Marrakech Menara in Morocco.
Morocco has been a hot spot of tourism for decades. It’s the most visited location in Africa, and boasts some famous fans. British politician, Winston Churchill, enjoyed his trips to the country, and even painted a piece entitled, “Sunset over the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech.” Clothing designer, Yves Saint Laurent, had a vacation home in Marrakech, which tourists can now explore.

View from Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.
Marrakech has some amazing places to stay. Our hotel, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, was no exception. After the fast pace of our travels, it was an amazing place to relax and unwind. The pools at the hotel, and the several on-site restaurants were all a welcome retreat. Even just walking the paths of the expansive grounds was so serene.

Gathering area inside Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.

One of the pools at the resort.

My mornings in Marrakech started out on our room's balcony with a cup of coffee.
Our family took some guided tours while we were in Morocco. The first outing was for a traditional dessert camel ride. While it was similar to riding a horse, we were much higher in the air and without the structure of a saddle. I have to admit I was a little nervous until we started down the path a ways. The camels were extremely gentle, and there was even a baby camel, Omar, that followed along next to his mother. Our camel ride led us to a local home where we enjoyed a sweet mint tea and cookies with a local family. They did not speak English, but were gracious hosts that gave us a taste for local living.

My family and brother-in-law on a camel ride in the desert of Morocco.

Wonderful hospitality at the home we visited in the desert.

Delicious tea and cookies.
The second outing we took in was to the Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. We had ample time to wander around the beautiful lush gardens surrounding the vacation home. The vibrant Moroccan colors that adorned the estate were a lovely backdrop for the pictures we took during our visit.

Gazebo at the estate of Yves Saint Laurent.
If Africa is a continent that you would like to visit, I would recommend Marrakech as an excellent first choice. It’s a popular tourist destination, so locals are used to accommodating travelers. The new airport is beautiful with excellent flight availability as well. Morocco is definitely on my list of places to visit again!
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