Marrakech is a city of contrasts. Everything here is so tightly woven and contradictory that tourists, once here, get used to the turbulent life of the city for a long time. It successfully combines mountains and deserts, waterfalls and rivers, mud-brick buildings of Berber villages. European trends have not bypassed this conservative country, mixing here with the local flavor and giving the world such a pearl as Marrakech.
Takerkust Lake
To get acquainted with this object, it is better to allocate a whole day, because there really is something to do here. Especially those tourists who like to relax in the desert or want to get acquainted with the sands for the first time will enjoy the trip. There is a lake in the Agafai desert, which is much closer to the Sahara, but this desert is in no way inferior to the venerable attraction.
Initially, the lake is an artificial reservoir. It was built by the French, who colonized these lands, in the 1920s. The purpose of the lake is to provide Marrakech with electricity and water. Now there are no bulky industrial facilities here, and the lake has become a tourist attraction where you can fish and even catch trophy-sized black bass. It is better to surf the water expanses on a jet ski or kayaks. Around the lake on the sprawling sands, a popular entertainment is quad biking or taking a horse. Not only entertainment, but also wellness infrastructure works for tourists. Nearby there are massage services, a spa, yoga.
Getting to the lake is very simple – the journey will take only forty-five minutes, after which you will be on the spot. It is difficult to get lost here, because you need to follow the main road without turning off. The lake is located southwest of Marrakech. There are amazing views from it, so be sure to bring a video camera or a camera with you – such pictures should be stored in the family archive. Magnificent panoramas in the mountains of the great Atlas will not leave anyone indifferent.
To visit the lake, you can not only plan an independent trip, but also use the services of a guide. Many excursions are designed so that visitors will be shown four valleys, you can also visit Berber villages and get acquainted with the local flavor, learn more about the culture and traditions of the people living there.
Imlil
Imlil is a destination, as if specially created for those who like to travel to the mountains. It is located in the valley of the Atlas Mountains, and this point is considered one of the best for climbing Mount Tubkal. The popular tourist route has been tested by visitors for many years and it is about him that they leave the most enthusiastic comments while vacationing in Marrakech.
Tubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa, so it will be conquered only by the most avid climbers. For those who do not want to go to the mountains, there are other activities at the foot of the mountain. There is a Berber village nearby, where you can wander and meet friendly locals, taste the cuisine, buy souvenirs. In the village, everything is miles and well maintained, most of the rooms are small adobe houses. Here women wash clothes in the river, because its water is crystal clear, but to be honest, we note that there are not so many water resources here and the river remains the only source of life-giving moisture for many. Shops with souvenirs and crafts are open for visitors until late in the evening. At the top of the Kasbah, you can drink fragrant tea while watching the sunset. Imlil is a great place to relax and unwind after the bustling and bustling Marrakech.
Getting to Imlil is not difficult. The town is located south of Marrakech, so you can take a train and be in the right place in two hours. Right there, tourists also catch double luck – they can admire Takerkust Lake, located in the same direction. Explore the sights or wander around the neighborhood and you will get an unforgettable experience from visiting Imlil.
Ouarzazate
The city of Ouarzazate is located in the center of the country, but this did not affect its tourist popularity in any way, although more people saw it than visited it. How can this be – you ask? And all thanks to the cinema, because the highest–grossing Hollywood films are “Gladiator”, “Game of Thrones” and “Lawrence of Arabia”. This is an old Berber city with a unique architecture, which is why it interested film directors, and it will surprise tourists even more.
Ouarzazate is located in an interesting place, which makes it even more popular – at the junction of the desert and mountains. And the color of the architecture, consonant with the shade of bright red sand, creates gorgeous shots in the photos. Wander around the city or ride a camel to appreciate the local flavor and take pictures.
It will take you almost four hours to get to Ouarzazate. It is noteworthy that tourists do not get bored on the road. The Atlas Mountains are so fascinating that the road will seem fast, and visitors will not be able to take their eyes off the majestic mountain ranges going in the distance. From Marrakech there is a highway to the southeast that will take you to the right place. Returning from there, stop by the Berber village of Ait Benhaddu on the way back.
In order not to plan a trip yourself, you can completely rely on experienced guides. Go on a guided tour and you won’t regret it. Tourists will make several stops in Ouarzazate and will also be brought to a Berber village. It is very easy to learn about the life of the local population – here many processes take place right on the street, and friendly locals will offer to give you tea, try local cuisine. You will not leave here without an authentic local souvenir made by the villagers’ own hands. No innovations – only ethnics!