Magical Morocco Travel Diaries: Sand & Snow!

I can’t believe we’re already 5 days into our Morocco travel. We spent the past four days in Marrakech and on the road to Aït Benhaddou. Marrakech, the city, was almost exactly how I had imagined it would be. My experience in it was was better though. Aït Benhaddou, on the other hand, I didn’t consider so much. But like I mentioned in this post, I loved this place.

I loved the hotel we stayed at. Loved moongazing with Mark and our cat which we christened ‘Anka’, waking up early to watch the sunrise, having breakfast and mint tea next to a fire and loved exploring the Ksar Aït Benhaddou.

Day 5: Kasbah Aït Benhaddou & The Drive to Todgha Gorges

Ait Ben Haddou 2

We began day 5 with a short drive from our hotel to this UNESCO world heritage site. Apart from the very traditional Moroccan architecture and the stunning views we were welcomed to after a short hike, I loved this place because it gave me a chance to rekindle a dream of mine.

As you may or may not know, sometime in 2016, I travelled to India to begin a career in the Bollywood industry. That didn’t quite take off so, I was hoping to draw inspiration from this place for a future career in the Hollywood industry. (Aït Benhaddou has featured in many Hollywood movies, including the Gladiator and the Game of Thrones). I think the visit paid off and the result is the short movie below.

Magical Morocco (does that look like a heart to you?): Produced and Directed by Mark H. Starring: Multiple Award-Winning Actress, Amarachi.

Anyway, after spending a few hours at the Kasbah, we made our way down to continue our drive to our next stop. We saw this young man on our way out and asked to take a photo with him. If we attempted to do the same in Marrakech, chances are that we would have been charged for it.

Aït Benhaddou Morocco

We ended our drive for the day in Todgha Gorges and checked into our accommodation for the night. This place was a bit rustic but very comfortable. The owners were amazing and dinner was probably the best we had our entire stay in Morocco.

Tagine_morocco
Hey look! It’s Tajine on the menu again!

It was also a short walk to the gorges, which certainly made our lives easier the next morning.

Day 6: Todgha Gorges & The Drive to Merzouga

Todras Gorges

We started the day with a hike up the gorge. It was beautiful to explore but the cold was brutal! I could feel my hands and face grow numb. Mark gave me his scarf to wrap around them and that made the hike bearable. We spent some time here, watched rock climbers around the area for a bit before heading back to our hotel to pack up our stuff and continue our drive.

Todra Gorges

We arrived at Merzouga after a 3-hour drive and met with Omar, a camel trekking tour operator we found online. While planning our desert experience, Mark (and I – OK, I didn’t really do anything) searched for options we could go with. One name kept popping up on a lot of reviews. Omar. We found him, contacted him and arranged our tour for the next few days.

Merzouga

Omar was just as the reviews had said he’d be. He was calm, professional and very helpful throughout the duration of the tour. He met us at a gas station just as we got into town and led us to our hotel where he briefed us about the activities for the next day. We had a ride in a 4×4 scheduled, a tour of the dunes and an oasis, tea with a Berber Nomad, a lunch stop and a camel trek into the desert later that evening.

Day 7: Into the Sahara

Morocco Sahara desert nomad

After breakfast the next day, we met up with him again and Mohammed, the driver he’d assigned to us for the tour of the dunes. We set out for the drive through the village, did a bit of dune bashing here and there but it wasn’t very long until I began to feel sick. Mohammed stopped the car to give me time to feel better. But you know how the famous saying goes – ‘When life gives you motion sickness, get out of the car, change into a white dress and take awesome pictures!’

Sahara Desert
Sahara Desert Merzouga

We returned to the hotel after lunch, got some rest, then went out again for the trek. It took somewhere around 30-45 minutes to get to the first stop. We all got down to watch the sunset here. Then arrived at our camp in another 10 minutes or so. I’m not sure what I was expecting but since this wasn’t advertised as a ‘Luxury Tour’, I was surprised to find our tents fitted with an actual bed and an indoor bath and toilet.

Later that evening, we had dinner at a neighboring camp. Then we all gathered around a bonfire to listen to Berber drumming and music to cap the night. The next morning, we rose early to watch the sunrise over the dunes before having breakfast and heading back to the hotel.

Sahara Desert Maroc
Sahara Desert Morocco

Omar was there to welcome us and he got us a room to freshen up before we hit the road again. This time to Midelt.

Day 8 & 9: Snowy Days in Midelt, Blocked Roads and More Mint Tea!

Midelt

As we drove into the city, we could see that it had snowed at some point. There was still some left on the ground. Up until this trip, I had never seen it snow before, so you can imagine how excited I was. Mark pulled up the car, giving me a chance to touch and feel it. This was definitely a trip highlight! We arrived at our accommodation by late afternoon. The riad was beautiful and the reception and dining area made me feel like I was on the set of Beauty & The Beast.

The next morning, we woke up to a blizzard! I was conflicted between being excited that I was witnessing it snow for the first time or being worried that the roads would get blocked and we wouldn’t be able to get to Fes. We had to return our rental car on this day. We set out of the hotel anyway and followed the tracks a few cars who had gone before had left up behind to a point where we could no longer see them. Then this guy showed up and saved us!

Snow truck Midelt

We continued our trip and got to another point where the roads were closed. While waiting, the staff around the area invited everyone into a small building to get warmed up beside a fire and to an endless serving of mint tea. Men and women were required to sit in different rooms. I think this was the best of Moroccan hospitality that we experienced during our stay. The way they worked to keep everyone comfortable, you’d have thought that we were paying for the service.

Eventually, the truck came back after an hour. They opened the roads and we were back on the way to Fes!

midelt2
Photo Credit: Mark H

Other articles in this Morocco travel series;

The Beginning…

Marrakech

Here’s Looking at You, Kid!

17 comments

  1. Amazing article, Thanks for sharing your desert experiences in the Sand dunes and snow.

  2. Your pictures looks amazing! We are glad you had an excellent trip in Morocco.

  3. Sand & snow! Amazing! Love, love, love!!! And you’re now a cat person? Interesting!

  4. I have been laughing like crazy since the first article .

    Love eet.

  5. Girlll!! These pictures! + Give me give me all the mint tea (my second fave kind of tea) I’m curious, do you think you’ll start drinking mint tea back home now, or it was a special experience you’ll keep for Morocco? I love the way you traveled through the country. If I could, I would do this in a heartbeat.

    1. Now, I’m curious to know what your favorite kind of tea is. I think I’ll start drinking tea in general. Maybe green tea, then mint tea on special occasions, lol

  6. Oh Amarachi…Morocco is calling me!!!! Lol!
    The snow def was the highlight! I was so shocked when I saw it on your IG page.
    Beautiful! I do hope I experience it when I visit Morocco *smiles*

    1. You need to answer that call! It’s such a beautiful country. Re the snow: There’s always a trade off. Snow means cold weather for the most part. So, no summer dresses and all of that. Are you sure you don’t want those lying-by-the-pool-bikini-photos?

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰
_____________________

If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢

📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here
📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン)
📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats.

For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. 

Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day!

#lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
Clear views of Mount Fuji, a beautiful lake and swans... what more could I possibly ask for? 🥰 _____________________ If you visit the area, here are some places you'll find the swans + a perfect view of Mount Fuji 🏔🦢 📌 Hirano Beach 白鳥浜: There's an elderly gentleman who comes to feed the swans from around 8:30am to 4pm, so you're likely to see flocks of swans here 📌 In front of Koyu Club Hotel (コーユー倶楽部山中湖畔サロン) 📌 A little further down the road from the last location is a dock where you can also rent swan boats. For clear views of Mount Fuji, winter, spring and autumn have the most days with clear visibility. You can always look up the weather forecast to see what the day's going to be like before you visit. Early mornings and evenings give you the best chance of seeing the gorgeous mountain without any cloud coverings 🤍 On this particular day, Mount Fuji was clearly visible throughout the day! #lakeyamanaka #fujifivelakes #swanlake #japan
2 days ago
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This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍

To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it!

-------‐‐‐--‐

Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages.

The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture.

#travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
This town was a beautiful surprise in Japan 😍 To get here, we travelled from Kyoto to Nagoya and from there to Nakatsugawa. From Nakatsugawa Station, we had to take another bus to Magome-Juku but the commute was so worth it! -------‐‐‐--‐ Magome forms part of the Nakasendo Trail, a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period in Japan. It traverses the mountainous heart of Japan, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and traditional villages. The trail is known for its 69 post towns where people would rest along the way. Today, parts of the Nakasendo are well-preserved, allowing hikers to experience a mix of nature and history as they walk through charming old towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still amidst the preserved traditional architecture. #travelinspiration #japantrip #magome #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
3 days ago
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Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
Black Crow Castle, standing strong since the 1500s — a true Japanese gem!
4 days ago
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Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?😭😂

Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl 🦉, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel!

Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍵, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? 😉 #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGN👑

I only hike for love ❤️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are!

+1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel!
_____________________________

Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below!

#travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
Travel Amarachi is VERY different from Home Amarachi! Am I living a fake life?😭😂 Because,my ideal day will start at 10 or 11am and end at 2am. I'm a night owl 🦉, not an early bird 🐦 - a complete opposite of who I become when I travel! Tea or Coffee? No, thanks! I'll take a glass of orange juice please! 🍹 But "Travel-Amarachi" will take that matcha 🍵, with the beautiful cafe to matcha! See what I did there? 😉 #thefunniestgirlinNigeria #MFGN👑 I only hike for love ❤️ and my Love can faint if he goes on a trip that doesn't include any bit of hiking. So here we are! +1: I am also a big home buddy. If you catch me outside, I must really love you! But Travel-Amarachi can't stay put in the hotel! _____________________________ Over to you! What are some ways travel-you differs from home-you? Let me know in the comment section below! #travelinspiration #japantrip #travelwithapentojapan #travelwithapen
5 days ago
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An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍

#japantrip2025🇯🇵🌸⛩️
An absolutely wonderful time in the most stunning country! 😍😍 #japantrip2025🇯🇵🌸⛩️
5 days ago
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5/9
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June.

If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can:

🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🤯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌

You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays.

Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! 😀 

Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr
Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter

Send this post to your manager immediately! 🚀
Public holidays should be your best friend if you work full time and love to travel. Eid and Easter fall between the months of March and June. If you plan out your vacation time properly, you can: 🌸: get 24 vacation days ✈️ by taking only 12 days off! 🤯. Perfect for your Asian odyssey or West African road trip from Nigeria to Cote D'Ivoire 🚌 You can also split this time, taking shorter breaks in addition to the public holidays. Take 12 days off from March 31 to April 21 to get 24 vacation days (including weekend and public holidays)! 😀 Mar 31 - Apr 01: Likely Eid Al Fitr Apr 18 - Apr 21: Easter Send this post to your manager immediately! 🚀
1 month ago
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Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan!

Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below!

Happy Travels!
Your Japan trip planning doesn't have to be so overwhelming! Here's a guide to help spread out the timeline for a stress-free holiday to Japan! Let me know if you found this helpful in the comment section below! Happy Travels!
1 month ago
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7/9
This lodge is the perfect place to start or end your trip to Namibia. It was certainly a highlight of ours! 💙

📍Voigtland Guesthouse 🇳🇦 Would you stay here?
This lodge is the perfect place to start or end your trip to Namibia. It was certainly a highlight of ours! 💙 📍Voigtland Guesthouse 🇳🇦 Would you stay here?
2 months ago
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8/9
Dreaming of visiting Hong Kong? 🇭🇰 If so, you're in luck because the visa application is one of the easiest (and cheapest) out there for Nigerian passport holders.⁣
⁣
💬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 "𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤" for a step-by-step guide, and I'll share all the details with you via DM! 🛫📨⁣
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠?: I first learned how easy the application process was via @travelletters_ ⁣
⁣
Then I found out that I could save 💸💸💸 if I rerouted my flights to East Asia through HK. Plus, this is a new destination for me anyway, so win-win! 🏆⁣
⁣
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲: Visit the Gov.HK - comment "Hong Kong" and I'll share this directly to your DM 📩⁣
⁣
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 4-6 weeks. So apply early!⁣
⁣
𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬: Ordinary visa $230 HKD, which = ~$30 USD. For a transit visa, it's only $120 HKD⁣
⁣
Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
Dreaming of visiting Hong Kong? 🇭🇰 If so, you're in luck because the visa application is one of the easiest (and cheapest) out there for Nigerian passport holders.⁣ ⁣ 💬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 "𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤" for a step-by-step guide, and I'll share all the details with you via DM! 🛫📨⁣ ⁣ 𝗪𝐡𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠?: I first learned how easy the application process was via @travelletters_ ⁣ ⁣ Then I found out that I could save 💸💸💸 if I rerouted my flights to East Asia through HK. Plus, this is a new destination for me anyway, so win-win! 🏆⁣ ⁣ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲: Visit the Gov.HK - comment "Hong Kong" and I'll share this directly to your DM 📩⁣ ⁣ 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 4-6 weeks. So apply early!⁣ ⁣ 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐬: Ordinary visa $230 HKD, which = ~$30 USD. For a transit visa, it's only $120 HKD⁣ ⁣ Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below!
2 months ago
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9/9
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