When I say "let's go to Marrakesh," I'm inviting you to experience what quickly became one of my most memorable travel adventures. As the plane descended toward Marrakesh, my heart raced with excitement - this wasn't just my first time in Morocco, but my first time setting foot on the African continent!
I was invited by a Danish clothing brand along with my friend Hali and a group of other travelers for what would be three incredible days exploring this vibrant city. Even though we faced a small challenge right from the start (our bags decided to stay behind in Poland during our layover!), nothing could dampen our spirits for the adventure ahead.
Travel Tip: When flying with connections, always pack essentials in your cabin bag, especially cameras and basic toiletries. Our bags didn't make it from Poland, but thankfully I had my camera with me!
Day 1: Desert Adventures and Culinary Discoveries
Dirt Bike Adventures in the Desert
Our first morning began with what would be one of the highlights of our trip - an exhilarating dirt bike adventure through the desert landscapes surrounding Marrakesh. With nothing but my borrowed bandana and a pair of red flip-flops (remember those luggage issues?), I climbed onto the back of our ATV as Hali took the driver's seat.
The feeling of racing across the desert terrain, wind in my hair and dust swirling around us, was absolutely incredible. While I wish I could have taken the controls myself, even being a passenger offered an unforgettable perspective of Morocco's stunning landscapes.
Moroccan Cuisine: A Feast for the Senses
After our desert adventure, we arrived at our lunch spot - a beautiful location that I wish I could show you pictures of (I was too busy enjoying the moment to capture it!). The food in Marrakesh truly deserves its own spotlight. Every meal introduced flavors I'd never experienced before - delicious combinations of spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking methods.
Food Note: Moroccan cuisine offers an exciting mix of flavors that might be completely new to you. Be open to trying everything - you won't regret it!
The Luggage Saga Continues
Back at the hotel, we made countless calls to the airport about our missing luggage. Just when we were ready to accept that we'd be shopping for new clothes tomorrow, we received a somewhat confusing text message. Despite the uncertainty, we rushed to the airport and, to our great relief, finally reunited with our suitcases!
Day 2: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon and Market Explorations
Hot air balloon ride near Marrakech
Early Morning Wake-Up Call
Have you ever woken up at 5:30 AM while on vacation and thought it was worth it? That's exactly what happened on our second day. Despite going to bed late after dinner (around 12:30 AM), I dragged myself out of bed for what would become one of the most magical experiences of the trip.
Let's Go to Marrakesh's Skies: Hot Air Balloon Adventure
The journey to the hot air balloon launch site was an adventure in itself. As we drove through the early morning darkness, the sky began to transform with the most incredible sunrise colors painting the horizon. Ironically, by the time we reached the hot air balloon, we had already witnessed the spectacular sunrise from the road!
I'll be honest - I was a bit nervous about the hot air balloon ride. Before leaving for the trip, we had to sign waivers acknowledging the potential dangers, and there wasn't exactly an abundance of safety features. You're essentially floating in a basket beneath a giant balloon, after all!
But once we were airborne, any fears melted away as we drifted peacefully above the Moroccan landscape. The views were absolutely breathtaking - seeing the terrain below, with mountains in the distance and the morning light casting long shadows across the land.
Experience Tip: If you're planning a hot air balloon ride in Marrakesh, ask to leave earlier than recommended if you want to catch the actual sunrise from the balloon. We missed it because we weren't early enough!
After landing (which was an adventure in itself!), we were welcomed into a traditional tent for a delightful breakfast. We enjoyed various types of bread, sweet mint tea, and were even gifted traditional hats as souvenirs.
Exploring Marrakesh's Markets
With some free time in our schedule, a small group of us decided to venture into the city to explore the markets and boutiques near our hotel. The streets of Marrakesh are lined with sellers offering everything from beautiful jewelry and ceramics to textiles and spices.
Walking through these streets is a sensory overload in the best possible way - the colors, sounds, and scents create an atmosphere that's distinctly Moroccan. While I felt a bit overwhelmed by it all and didn't purchase anything during this first exploration, it gave me a taste of what I wanted to return to later.
Day 3: Shopping, Souvenirs, and Sweet Goodbyes
Last-Minute City Adventures
Our final day arrived too quickly, and I couldn't help feeling sad that our Marrakesh adventure was coming to an end. With most of our group saying their goodbyes, Hali and I had a few precious hours to return to the city for a more relaxed exploration.
This time, I had a mission: find a special jewelry box I'd spotted the day before. These wooden boxes with shell inlay designs had caught my eye, reminding me of one I'd owned as a child. I wanted to purchase one as a birthday gift for my friend Matilda and perhaps another for myself as a memento of this trip.
Coffee and Cocoa: A Sweet Break
During our shopping expedition, we stopped at a local café for a unique drink - what seemed to be a combination of coffee and hot chocolate, topped with what tasted like Nesquik. It was the perfect energy boost as we continued our search for the perfect jewelry box.
Café Tip: Don't skip trying the local coffee shops in Marrakesh. The beverages often come with unexpected twists that might become your new favorite!
Treasure Found: The Perfect Souvenir
After visiting several shops (each with different sizes and designs, making the choice quite difficult), I finally found the perfect jewelry box for Matilda. The rectangular wooden box with beautiful shell inlay would make both a functional gift and a decorative piece for her home. I even added two silver bangles to place inside, making the gift more special.
And yes, I couldn't resist buying a matching box for myself - a perfect souvenir that would remind me of this incredible journey every time I looked at it.
Airport Treats: Moroccan Sweets
Our final act before leaving Marrakesh was purchasing some traditional Moroccan pastries for the journey home. We bought a variety, including ones with pistachio (our favorite), sesame seeds, and dates. The sugary, caramel-flavored treats were the perfect ending to our Moroccan adventure.
Reflecting on Marrakesh: A City Like No Other
As we boarded our plane home, I couldn't help but reflect on how different Marrakesh was from anywhere else I'd ever visited. The vibrant colors, the warm hospitality, the incredible food, and the blend of traditional and modern elements create a city that truly captures your heart.
Though our trip was brief, the memories of racing across the desert, floating above the landscape in a hot air balloon, wandering through the busy markets, and finding treasures to bring home will stay with me forever.
Marrakesh isn't just a destination - it's an experience that engages all your senses and leaves you wanting more. While I'm grateful for the opportunity to visit with the Danish clothing brand that hosted us, I'm already dreaming of returning for a longer stay to discover more of what this magical city has to offer.
Final Thought: Marrakesh deserves more than just three days. If you're planning a trip, try to allow yourself more time to fully immerse in all the wonders this city has to offer.
Have You Been to Marrakesh?
Have you experienced the magic of Marrakesh? Or are you planning a trip there soon? I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you might have about this incredible city. Drop a comment below and let's chat about all things Morocco!