In part one of our road trip through Morocco, we visited the nomads. Now it’s time to move on from the Atlas Mountains to Skoura, where we explored the film city of Aït-Ben-Haddou and later had quite a snowy adventure on our road trip through Morocco.
After the impressive day of meeting the nomads, we drove back to Skoura. We had a short drive to Aït-Ben-Haddou planned for the evening, where I had a wonderful surprise in store for my travel companions! These unique experiences can also be arranged by me as a travel counsellor to make your trip unforgettable, original, authentic, and filled with countless wow moments!
World-Famous Film Setting: Aït-Ben-Haddou
Alright, Aït-Ben-Haddou! This is a ksar built into a hill. A ksar is a fortified city made entirely of wood and clay in this case. Aït-Ben-Haddou might look familiar to you because it’s often used as a film backdrop. Famous movies and series like Game of Thrones and Gladiator were filmed here. Walking or driving around it gives you a magical feeling. As part of my surprise, made possible by Morocco Trip Link, we arrived on horseback through the riverbed surrounding the kasbah at sunset.
If you’re thinking, “That sounds adventurous and like a fantastic travel experience,” you know where to find me.
Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, but thanks to Morocco Trip Link, it turned into a special evening with candles in an illuminated cave inside the ancient kasbah. We enjoyed our tajine and couscous, and our host Mohamed had prepared some typical Moroccan gifts for us, including rose oil, which is a must-have when you’re so close to the Rose Valley (Ouarzazate)! It was a night to remember, an unforgettable experience.
A Winter Roadtrip
Our return to Marrakesh was approaching, except we had one last short mountain drive to make. We had two route options: the slightly longer but more scenic route or the shorter, more direct one. Naturally, we chose option 1.
As the saying goes, it was easier said than done. After a while, it started snowing, and we couldn’t continue on our chosen path. The situation on the scenic route became too dangerous for us (no winter tires or snow chains, and the snowfall was unexpected and steady).
After we turned back towards Ait and tried to continue on the more traveled route to Marrakesh, we were astonished by the amount of snow falling from the sky. It didn’t look like it was going to stop anytime soon. Not long after, we encountered a closed barrier, and the police informed us that nobody could proceed. That’s when my travel agent skills were put to the test.
We spent 2 unplanned nights in the town of Agouim at Hotel Atlas (quite fitting), where they took exceptionally good care of us. After being snowed in for two days, we received the good news that we could leave, but it would be via Agadir, not the direct route to Marrakesh—aaaarghhhhhh! A total of 9 hours of driving instead of 2.5 hours!! YIKES. Our adventure bucket was overflowing by then, but we held our heads high, and at 11:00 PM, we arrived at Marrakesh airport to return our rental car, clean and all… phew…
Despite the last few challenging days, I can confidently say I’d go to Morocco four more times!
If you want to enjoy the diverse Moroccan landscape, Moroccan hospitality, experience unique adventures, and feel truly alive, then please contact me, and I’ll be happy to create a trip for you (ps, a more relaxing wellness vacation in places like Fez or Meknes is, of course, also an option)!
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- 03/09/2023