Marrakech

Review: The White Camel Agafay by Aanarav Sareen

As part of our Sidecar Tour of Marrakech, our guides recommended that we escape the frenzied energy of the city and book a half day camp in the tranquil desert. Excited by the prospect of a relaxing oasis in the scorching heat, we eagerly called to reserve our spot at The White Camel Agafay, after considering several other options.

After arranging for a taxi through one of the recommended companies, we embarked on an hour-long journey towards the camp, navigating through bumpy and unfinished roads. But as we arrived and checked in, any discomfort from the ride was quickly forgotten with a refreshing welcome drink in hand and the temptation of an infinity pool just steps away. Our requests for specific drinks were met with difficulty, as the camp seemed to be more focused on providing a party atmosphere for groups of bachelorettes.

As the sun began to set over the horizon, we took a dip in the pool before indulging in a delicious meal. At only $45 per person, this experience was an incredible deal and served as the perfect finale to our first trip to Morocco.

Looking back, my only regret is not booking The White Camel Agafay for a full day. The thought of being completely disconnected from civilization and fully immersing ourselves in the serene natural surroundings is something I wish we had experienced during our time there.

Sidecar Tour: Marrakech by Aanarav Sareen

Morocco is a vibrant country. The colors, the food, the spices and the smells add so much depth and character at every turn. However, after spending a week across three cities - we wanted to do something different at our last stop in Marrakech. After a bit of looking around, my wife found a sidecar tour in Marrakech.

As we signed up for the Marrakech Insiders tour, we couldn't help but feel a bit taken aback by the high cost - almost $600 for three of us, and that included our toddler. It seemed like a lot to spend for just a few hours of exploring the city.However, it ended up being one of our best experiences during our entire stay in Morocco.

It was clear that the guides were passionate about showing us around the city and its nearby surroundings.

Our tour started in the morning, right after breakfast. We met at a café, not too far away from our hotel where we met our guides. They were both incredibly friendly and immediately made us feel comfortable as we strapped on our helmets and began our journey.

As we rode through the bustling streets of Marrakech, we were able to see a different side of the city. The old buildings, narrow alleys and traditional markets gave us a glimpse into the local way of life. It was refreshing to see beyond the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions and immerse ourselves in the everyday life of locals.

Another highlight of the tour was riding through lush gardens outside of the city walls. It was peaceful and serene, a stark contrast from the chaos of Marrakech's medina.

The best part was that the guides were honest and only did this for fun. They treated us to coffee and snacks, even going out of their way to get orange juice for our young child. Despite our attempts to pay, they kindly refused and marched on, showing their true passion for sharing their city with others.

My only regret was doing this on the last day of our trip rather than prioritizing this unique activity at the very beginning of our trip.