Travel Group

1st June saw seventeen excited travellers leave a sleeping Henbury bound for an early morning flight to Marrakech. They were all part of Henbury Travel Group's latest adventure, this time to North Africa.
Morocco is probably the closest country to the UK where the culture is so vastly different that you know you've arrived somewhere exotic as soon as you get outside the airport.
As our Riad (that’s a traditional Moroccan house, if you don’t know) was in the heart of the Medina, our bags had to be taken in by donkey and cart, through the manic streets of the souqs. The Riad had a very welcome pool, and also a rooftop Jacuzzi, so the exploring had to wait while we recovered after our journey.
Marrakech is as exotic as it sounds and the Djemma El Fna square is a sight to behold, especially at night. The constant bargaining for goods and the excessive tipping culture can be a bit tiring but it's a fun experience.
Two days later it was off to the coastal city of Essaouira, known as the ‘windy city’ and therefore perfect for wind surfing, kite boarding etc. We soaked up the sun on the rooftop of our hotel and watched the fishermen bring in their catch. A walled city with battlements there was much to explore, by foot, cycle or camel.
Our third port of call took us into the Atlas Mountains and an amazing Kasbah at the foot of Jebel Toubkal second in height only to Kilimanjaro.
This time our luggage was taken up by mule. It was fascinating learning about the way of life of the local Berber people and being able to trek around their highland villages.
The British Ambassador to Morocco visited Imlil while we were there, and we thought the flags were out for us.
With good company, food, accommodation and places of interest everyone came home happy with great memories.
We may organise a similar trip sometime including the chance to climb Jebel Toubkal which you can do with a normal level of fitness. Contact Paul if you would like details of this or any future trip:

paulthompson29@activemail.co.uk Tel: 0117 940 9956 or 07840 986169.