Bus Family, Glamping & Camels - Day Five in Marrakesh
Yet again, we found ourselves awake at what felt like the crack of dawn, ready for another day of adventure. After breakfast at the hostel, we climbed back aboard our trusty minibus and reunited with what had become our little bus family - the Italians, Julia, the two Abduls, and us!
Naturally, the daily bus selfie was now compulsory and with everyone safely onboard, we set off for another day exploring Morocco.
Our first stop was the stunning Todra Gorge.
If there was ever a place designed specifically for Instagram, this was it. Towering rock walls rose dramatically on either side of us while a small stream wound its way through the gorge below. Everywhere you looked there was another photo opportunity and I don't think anybody managed to walk more than ten feet without stopping for another picture. There were even wild goats clambering effortlessly across the rocks, and some humans trying to emulate them further round the gorge too (of course, they had harnesses!).
We met our guide for the day, who within about five minutes had gone from being "the guide" to becoming an honorary member of the group. Funny, friendly and armed with an endless supply of local knowledge, he quickly became part of the gang and before long, Debbie and Karen had been unofficially "married" off to him - a running joke that continued throughout the day.
From the gorge, we headed into the beautiful Tinghir Oasis. The contrast was incredible. Surrounded by dramatic rocky landscapes, this lush green oasis felt almost hidden away from the rest of the world. We wandered through palm groves, explored the area and learned about how local people live and work the land. Naturally, there was also a considerable amount of modelling taking place.
At one point, Karen became so engrossed in what she was doing that she very nearly wandered off and joined an entirely different tour group. We almost lost her, but thankfully, she was eventually reclaimed.
One of the most fascinating parts of the day came when we were invited into a local Berber family home. We sat together drinking (more!) Moroccan tea while learning about daily life, traditions and culture. We watched how beautiful handmade carpets are created and gained a real appreciation for the time, skill and patience involved.
Some of the traditions we learned about were incredibly interesting, while others – particularly discussions around animal sacrifice – were quite sobering and emotional to hear about.
We also met some local children who were more than happy to pose for photographs and chat with us.
Back on the bus, we made what might have been one of the group's most appreciated discoveries of the entire holiday - a shop selling alcohol. The excitement was disproportionate.
A few "supplies" were quickly purchased for later and the journey continued.
We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting another stop where we had the chance to dress in traditional Moroccan clothing. This proved to be far more entertaining than expected and soon everyone was trying on different outfits, wrapping scarves, striking dramatic poses and organising group photos. More souvenirs purchased and then came the part many of us had been looking forward to most - the desert.
As the landscape changed and the golden dunes began to appear in the distance, the excitement on the bus was impossible to miss. To reach our glamping camp in the middle of the desert, we would be travelling the traditional way - by camel.
Far taller than they look and significantly less comfortable than imagined, the camel ride was awesome! My trusty steed in particular was determined to become an independent traveller and at various points throughout the journey, decided it would be much more fun to untether itself and wander off in its own direction. Thankfully the guides were always nearby to retrieve it and reconnect it to the group.
Despite the questionable comfort levels, the camel ride was unforgettable. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the dunes and the views seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. It felt like stepping into another world.
After the camels we jumped into the back of some waiting jeeps and had a crazily bumpy ride across the dunes to the desert camp.
On arrival, we were welcomed with yet more Moroccan tea before being shown to our accommodation for the night. It was weird seeing a little glamping village in the middle of the desert - all lined with pretty night lights.
After settling in, we spent some time relaxing before doing our own desert photoshoot with our newly acquired scarves and jewels.
Then we gathered in the restaurant for card games and conversation. As evening fell, we enjoyed dinner together before gathering around the campfire beneath the stars.
There was music, dancing and a tonne of laughter and in that vast expanse of desert it felt amazing to know that we were here with this wonderful group of ladies who had genuinely all become friends.
Eventually, completely exhausted after another incredible day, we headed off to bed. Tomorrow there was even more adventures to come. This holiday wasn't finished with us yet!
Comments