May 10, 2022

Morocco: Day 4 - back to Marrakech

Morocco Day 1: Marrakech
Morocco Day 2: Imlil to Toubkal basecamp
Morocco Day 3: Mount Toubkal


After the whirlwind 48hrs of climbing and descending Mount Toubkal, the 4,167m highest peak in north Africa, I was dropped back in Marrakech by our tour guide.

I headed back to Riad Secret de Zoraida, where I'd left my main bag on the Friday before journeying to Imlil.

I was greeted like a long-lost friend by Abdul (speciality sweet tea in hand).

I had a whole day and evening in Marrakech before my flight home the next day, and because I'd already done a fair bit of walking on day one, I decided to take it easy.

I washed some of my sweaty hiking gear in an alfresco shower on the rooftop, before taking a slow walk into the Medina to get some lunch.



I found a rooftop bar with great views over the city and ordered falafel and a juice.



The rest of the afternoon was spent mooching around the souk, and I also paid a visit to the royal palace and its atmospheric internal courtyard gardens.




By this stage I was flagging, so headed back to the riad for - yes - more sweet tea, and a lie-down on the rooftop sun loungers.

In the evening I took a walk back into the Medina, through the chaotic backstreet lanes where motorbikes zip past you at lightening speed, and to the main Jemaa el-Fnaa square.



I did a bit of market browsing, people-watching and snake-charmer avoiding, before finding a great little restaurant where I had a couple of lovely vegetarian dishes.


After a good night's sleep, I had a final Moroccan breakfast at the riad before jumping in a cab to the airport.

It was a great four-day getaway. 

Two days in Marrakech, with its unique sights, smells and sounds. 

Two days in the mountains, where once again I remembered how much I love adventure and challenging myself.

Everest next...?