Moroccan MEMORIES

From bustling Marrakech to the tranquil Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers something for everyone

- Juanita Field

Travelling to Morocco has always been a dream of mine. For years I've admired the shots of style icon Talitha Getty lounging around her rooftop in the city of Marrakech in the 1960s and designer Yves Saint Laurent holidaying and making a home there in the 1970s. Then, finally, I was given the chance to travel to the North African country with Intrepid Travel.

Arriving in the thriving city of Marrakech, we checked into Riad & Spa Bahia Salam, one of the many charming riads (traditional houses) in the city's old town or historical centre, known as the medina. My room - one of the many spreading out from the central courtyard features rich, earthy colours and vibrant Moroccan tiles.

Gathering after breakfast on the rooftop overlooking the old town, we are introduced to our local guide, Brahim, who tells us about the journey ahead. We will be travelling through the Atlas Mountains - a mountain range that separates the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

From the moment our journey begins, Brahim is guiding us on the local knowledge, customs and history associated with the Atlas Mountains. Stretching over 2500 kilometres through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, the Atlas are rich in natural resources such as copper, silver and marble. During winter, the snow-capped mountains attract people from all over Europe and Africa for skiing. Then, during summer, the government works hard to harness the melting snow for water supplies, a desperate commodity in the desert regions.