My favourite trip this year (so far..)
Marrakesh, Morocco
So, if you’d asked me at the start of the year what my ultimate adventure would be, I probably wouldn’t have said Marrakesh. But when I got there, it didn’t take long for me to realise I was in the middle of one of the most thrilling trips of my life.
Marrakesh is chaotic in the best way possible: vibrant, loud, and full of heart-stopping moments. From the minute I stepped off the plane, I could feel the energy coursing through the city, and let me tell you, I was ready for whatever adventure it had in store.
Desert Quad Bikes: Fast, Wild, and Unforgiving
First off, let’s talk about the desert. If you’ve never zoomed across endless sand dunes on a quad bike, I highly recommend you add it to your bucket list… immediately. I mean, this wasn’t a casual ride. This was a full-on adrenaline rush. I was bouncing over uneven dunes, the wind smacking my face, trying to keep my quad upright and my heart from jumping out of my chest. There’s something about racing across a desert with nothing but sand in every direction that makes you feel completely alive. I definitely came back with more sand in my shoes than I’d care to admit, but it was worth it.
Camel Ride: A Slow Start, But a Real Adventure
Then came the camel ride. I thought I knew what to expect. Camel rides are slow, right? Well, until you actually get on one. Turns out, camels aren’t the graceful, patient creatures I imagined. When they stand up, it’s like riding a rollercoaster without the rails. You get that initial lurch, followed by the awkward rocking back and forth like you're in a hammock, but with way less comfort. But once I got used to it, the ride across the desert was amazing. The view from the back of a camel is… interesting. Think “majestic” meets “my knees feel like they might explode.” But at least I looked cool in the photos, right?
Hot Air Balloon: Sunrise From 1,000 Feet
Okay, this was the one I’d been looking forward to the most. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. Our adventure started early—a pre-dawn pickup and a bumpy ride out into the desert. By the time we arrived, the sky was just beginning to lighten, and we were treated to a warm cup of coffee and some sweet Moroccan biscuits to fuel us up for the ride ahead. The air was cool and crisp, and the atmosphere was somehow both calming and exhilarating at the same time.
As we climbed into the hot air balloon, the real magic began. We slowly ascended into the sky as the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, casting everything in that beautiful golden glow. Floating over the desert with the sun coming up was honestly one of those “wow” moments. The views were breathtaking, and there’s something incredibly peaceful about being up that high with nothing but the vast desert stretching out below you. For a moment, it felt like the entire world had paused just for me. And then came the landing.
Now, if you’ve ever seen a hot air balloon land, you know it’s not exactly a graceful process. The balloon’s descent was fast—way faster than I imagined. There was a moment of “Wait, this might not be as smooth as I thought.” As the basket touched down, we all braced ourselves, and we landed with a little more enthusiasm than expected. I think we all held our breath for a second, but thankfully, we weren’t flipping end over end into the sand. Still, let’s just say it wasn’t the most graceful of landings. One minute, we’re soaring over the desert, and the next, we’re trying to recover from a very abrupt stop.
Traditional Moroccan Breakfast in the Desert: A Perfect Ending
Once we touched down, we were treated to an amazing breakfast in the heart of the desert. Picture this: a traditional Moroccan breakfast, fresh bread, creamy yogurt, honey, olives, and plenty of mint tea, spread out in the middle of the sand, with the sun fully risen and casting a warm glow over everything. It was the kind of breakfast you could only dream about, and I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to start the day.
I’ve never been one to turn down a good meal, but when you’re sitting in the desert with nothing but sand and sky around you, it’s almost impossible not to feel like you’re having one of the best meals of your life. The combination of adventure, serenity, and incredible food made the experience unforgettable.
Dinner in the Desert: Starry Nights and Wild Vibes
But the best part of the trip (aside from the endless adrenaline) might just be the night we spent in the desert. Picture this: an open fire, traditional Moroccan dishes being served, and the stars overhead. After a hearty meal, we found ourselves dancing under the desert sky. You can’t beat that kind of vibe, the music, the energy, the new friends made and just being surrounded by such raw beauty. The desert, after all, isn’t just about adventure, it’s also about soaking in the wild, untamed energy of the place.
The Souks: A Treasure Hunt You’ll Never Forget
And let’s not forget the souks. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover. It’s like a treasure hunt, you’re haggling for everything from spices to intricate jewellery, all while weaving through narrow alleys where every turn feels like you’re about to step into another world. I can’t even count how many times I found myself just… wandering through the maze, completely mesmerized by the energy and the beauty of it all. And yes, I probably bought way too many bracelets but who’s counting?
Where to Stay: A Slice of Authenticity
Now, if you're wondering where to stay, there’s a little secret I have to share, if you love authenticity and a bit of charm, Riads are the way to go. We stayed in two amazing ones, and honestly, it made the whole trip even more special.
Riad One: Palais de Princesse
If you're after something more classic, Palais de Princesse Riad is a great choice. It’s got this beautiful traditional Moroccan design with intricate details, plus the feeling of being tucked away from the chaos of the city. The vibe was calm, serene, and felt like we had our own little Moroccan sanctuary.
Riad Two: Riad BE
Now, if you want to experience true Moroccan luxury with a modern twist, Riad BE is an absolute dream. Seriously, it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed. The architecture was jaw-dropping, with lush greenery, tranquil courtyards, and stunning tilework that’s totally Instagram-worthy. Plus, if you’re a cat lover (like me), this place is heaven. Cats were lounging around the riad, adding that extra touch of homey coziness. Honestly, every morning I’d wake up, grab a cup of tea, and hang out with my new feline friends. If you love cats, this is the ultimate place to stay.
Whether you're a cat lover or not, both riads offered a slice of authentic Moroccan charm with a level of comfort I hadn’t quite expected. They were the perfect home base for exploring everything Marrakesh had to offer.
The Total Cost: A Steal
Now, you’re probably wondering what a trip like this costs, right? £350. Yes, £350 for the entire trip, including four nights in these beautiful riads, all activities (quad biking, camel rides, hot air balloon ride, and more), meals, and transportation. If you’re wondering if it’s worth it, Yes, it’s worth every penny.
Marrakesh is one of those places that offers unbelievable value, adventure, and beauty. If you’re looking for a trip that combines thrill, relaxation, and cultural immersion, this city ticks every box.
Why Marrakesh is a Must-Do for Any Thrill Seeker
If you’re looking for a place that combines adventure with culture, history, and moments of pure awe, Marrakesh is a must. Whether it’s zooming across the desert on a quad, floating above it in a hot air balloon, or enjoying a magical night in the desert under the stars, it’s a destination that never stops surprising you.
For thrill-seekers like me, it’s the perfect mix of excitement, culture, and, of course, that sense of wow that comes with being somewhere completely different. Marrakesh grabbed me from the moment I arrived and hasn’t let go since.Tips for the Thrill-Seeker Visiting Marrakesh:
Go off-road: Quad biking across the desert is everything. You’ll be covered in dust, but you won’t care.
Brace yourself for camel “grace.” They’re not as chill as they look. But it’s still one hell of a ride.
Book the hot air balloon ride. The sunrise views are mind-blowing and totally worth getting up before dawn for.
The souks are a maze. But if you can survive navigating them without getting lost (or buying out every shop), you’re doing great.
Go big on experiences. This is the place to try everything, get out of your comfort zone and make those memories!