Family trip from Marrakech to the desert (page 1 of 10)

We went to Morocco in April with our children and grandchildren. We landed in Marrakech around 9 AM and took a bus to our small hotel in the Guéliz district. This was to avoid dealing with taxi drivers who might give our young travelers a very negative impression of Marrakech... The bus drops us off very close to the Hôtel Toulousain, which has always given us the warmest welcome for over 25 years. We settle into our rooms and head to the medina to have lunch first and then wander through the streets of the old city, introducing it to our little group.



Young and old alike are amazed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the work done by the various artisans.



The souks also impress first-time visitors, both with their size and the sheer amount of goods on offer. For those visiting for the first time, it’s a real maze. Colorful chameleons everywhere... Will they survive for long in their cages under the scorching sun? Another surprise for the kids: the lollipop vendor in Jemaa El Fna Square, with giant lollipops that really whet their appetites...



By late afternoon, little legs are tired, and horse-drawn carriages are a welcome way to get back to the hotel.

Hi there,

We're off again and it's awesome. Looking forward to the rest of the story. I'd love to know the price of the horse-drawn carriage ride to your hotel, if you remember. It's always good to have price references.. See you!

If I remember correctly, we had to pay as much as 120 MAD to get from the square to the hotel—120 MAD for the horse-drawn carriage.

I should’ve proofread... It’s around 120 MAD...

After a good night's sleep and a great breakfast, we head back to wander the streets of the medina. Since the madrasa is still closed for renovations, we visit the Bahia Palace instead. It's absolutely stunning.







Then we grab some grilled meats at Oscar Progrès, stopping by the tinsmiths' square. The storks perch on the ramparts, but the photos don’t do them justice. We enjoy the street scene from the terrace of the Grand Café and walk back via Harti Park—it’s quieter and nicer for the kids. A little shopping in Guéliz, and the day ends peacefully with dinner at Winoo in their new setting...

The next morning, we pick up the two Logan cars we’d booked to head south. The sun is still shining in Marrakech, but as the kilometers pass, the sky darkens, and soon it’s snowing heavily. We climb toward Tichka Pass in the snow. We’d planned to stop in Telouet, but the weather talks us out of it.

Once we crossed the pass, the sky gradually cleared up. We stopped at Igherm n'ougdal to visit the collective granary. We’ve driven past this granary for years without stopping, but this time we really wanted to show the kids an *agadir*. These granaries are fortifications that were used to store food supplies, as well as marriage certificates and property deeds during raids. This one has about 80 compartments, and some are still in use. It was recently restored and is in great condition.







After this visit, which was as educational as it was enjoyable, we went to have tea at Sofiane’s place—he had accompanied us to the granary—before continuing our journey to Ouarzazate and then Skoura. The closer we got to Skoura, the more the kids were amazed to see the ground completely white. We’d just had snow! So, snow or salt?



In Skoura, we were happy to return to Kasbah La Palmeraie and Mohamed and Ghislane’s whole family. The kids were thrilled to find playmates. And after the welcome tea, the terrace chairs were calling our names.

I’m happy to be back on the road with you in Morocco. See you soon!

hi there come on, I'm taking the horse-drawn carriage! !😏 I always discover new things, especially when bringing the grandkids along... francia

Oh yes, traveling with kids makes for a whole different trip. It’s completely different... and it’s amazing.

The very next morning, as soon as we’re up, we watch the bread being baked in the garden oven. And right after, we get to taste it. Breakfast is homemade crepes and homemade bread. Everyone’s loving it, of course...

Then we’re ready to go *sooking*—it’s Monday, the liveliest day in Skoura.







It’s a feast for the eyes... Afterward, we head back to enjoy the quiet of the guesthouse, either on the terrace or in the garden. There’s plenty of space. In the evening, Mohamed takes us to his friend the potter’s place. Along the way, he explains how water is shared, the different sources of supply, the pollination of date palms—male flower clusters are tied to female ones... We cross three wadis and a good part of the palm grove before reaching the potter’s workshop. But it’s a wonderful discovery.



After the master potter’s demonstration, it’s the kids’ turn to sit at the wheel. Not so easy... but Mohamed (the potter) is patient and a great teacher. Everyone makes their little creation—a vase, a tagine, a "photophone"... Amazing! Really amazing!

I hope you stopped by the Skoura Women’s Association. They make pastries every day—it’s really lovely. A true hive of activity and hard work.

Whenever we could, we’d buy our afternoon snack from the women in the association. We’d asked Mohamed where it was... When we had time, we’d walk there through the palm grove, and when we were short on time, we’d drive there on our way back from an excursion. A visit the kids wouldn’t have missed for the world! Everything was delicious! And a single price: 1 MAD each. Plus big smiles and so much kindness.

The next morning, after breakfast, I really want to show my little crew the almond tree valley. I’ve been talking about it for so long! They won’t be disappointed. We’re so lucky! It snowed on the peaks. The mountains are stunning!





Along the road, we meet a nomad tending his flock who’s thrilled to introduce us to the newest member of his herd... An adorable kid goat just a few hours old. It’s the star of the moment. All the photographers are snapping away...



We take a walk through the valley. In the villages, young women are busy doing laundry, and older women are cracking almonds they’ll sell to a wholesaler.







At lunchtime, we stop at a little café-grocery, and they serve us an amazing Berber omelette. From the terrace where we’re sitting, we can watch scarlet bee-eaters flying from tree to tree in the garden. On our way back down to Skoura, we stop to buy honey from a small producer in Toundoute—a charming man who also sells all the equipment beekeepers need.



We don’t get back too late, so we’ll have time to buy snacks from the women at the association.

Alright, off we go again for a trip to Morocco—with pleasure! I’d love to do what you did: introduce my kids and grandkids (they’re already teens, 16 and 14...) to it... so, snow or salt? 😉

It was all about salt... salt is very present in this region.

There’s no age limit to enjoying Morocco. Thank goodness!!!!!

The next day, we start with a long walk through the palm grove—on foot for the adults, and on donkeyback for the little ones... We’re surprised to see how fast those little creatures move! The pace is brisk... but the kids are all smiles.

In the afternoon, we visit the grand Kasbah of Amridhil... It’s been restored very simply. The wooden locks amaze more than a few of us. The kitchen is fascinating too. And what about the rooms, with their earthen partitions that separated each person’s sleeping space according to their size?

And in the evening, to celebrate the youngest one’s birthday, we ordered a special menu: cucumber and orange soup, *pastilla* with *beldi* chicken, fruit salad, and of course, a cream cake... followed by a musical evening with Mohamed... the potter... he can do it all...



We hit the road again the next day, but we know we’ll be back through Marrakech on our way home.

We left Skoura for Tinghir. The palm grove there is also worth a visit. We dropped our bags at Ahmed’s place, the Todra Panorama hostel. The welcome was really friendly, and the view of the palm grove is stunning. We took the little path down into the palm grove. It’s charming. It’s peaceful.





Before the end of the day, we made a quick stop at the Todra Gorge. The lighting there is gorgeous, but it’s crowded!



In the evening, we enjoyed the comfort of the cozy dining room and the delicious meal served by Ahmed, especially the tasty harira. The next day, after a massive breakfast—just like always at Ahmed’s—we set off toward Merzouga. We chose to go via Alnif and came across our first camels.

Thanks for sharing this new trip with us. It’s always such a pleasure. Have a great evening.