Desk news: Morocco, the gateway to Africa, is a country of stunning diversity. There are rugged mountain ranges, undulating deserts, old civilisations, desolate beaches, and kind people. Morocco’s towns are some of the most intriguing on the African continent. Its epic landscapes cover this chunk of North Africa like the gorgeously patterned carpets you’ll yearn for in the marketplaces. contrast

Marrakech’s magical local life rocks the kasbahs, and following in the footsteps of old traders in Fez with Casablanca, which combines a more modern perspective with its legacy, Opportunities to escape the cities abound, with the vast Saharan desert enticing travellers and Atlantic coastal resorts providing the ideal setting for kitesurfing lovers.

Marrakech, formerly one of the country’s royal capitals, is commonly referred to as the “Red City” because of its sandstone architecture. Marrakech was recognised as a “hippie mecca” in the 1960s, drawing superstars such as The Beatles, Yves Saint Laurent, and the Rolling Stones. With its gorgeous ancient architecture and courtyards of orange, palm, apricot, and olive trees, Marrakech is still one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions today.

The Medina lies at the centre of Marrakesh, a maze of ancient walls and small alleyways crowded with historical landmarks, museums, appealing food booths, colourful souks, or markets. The central plaza, Djemand El-Fna, is the Medina’s focal point, bustling with snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, storytellers, magicians, and booths selling carpets, leather, ceramics, hookahs, and spices.