Marrakesh

When arriving by low cost airlines there has been a traditional arrival - a gate miles from the terminal, the site of a few obscure under funded national airlines and adverts for Tesco or IKEA

It's very different landing in Marrakech. Straight away your senses know you are in Africa - the air is dryer, stars seem brighter and your nose is overcome with new aromas.

Marrakech is a place of extremes - wonderful calm Riads hidden from the chaos of the souks that surrounds them, and high end restaurants only yards from ancient tanning workshops.

The old town of Marrakech is found behind the city walls called the Medina, very set apart from the more European and modern parts you find outside the gates of the city.

In the centre of the Marrakech you find the square or Djemaa el Fna, which is actually more of an L shape. Its surrounded by the souks and is where you will find most of the tourist restaurants, but as the sun goes down it becomes this amazing hotbed of dancers, food stalls, story tellers, snake charmers and even dentists.

The "Square" - Marrakech

There are two hotels we recommend in Marrakech, Riad Charai in the North of the Medina and Jnane Tamsna in the Palmeraie, 20 minutes drive outside of town.