DAVID ISABIRYE: Marrakech, a must visit tourism destination in Morocco with wonder Atlas Mountains, odd desert safaris

Overview:

I visited the High Atlas snowcapped mountains in North Africa stretching a mind blowing 2500KM (1600 miles) across three countries; Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Back in my primary school days at the mighty St Agnes Primary School in Entebbe Municipality, the Social Studies (SST) subject was my favourite and it explains in bold for my Distinction one score during the final Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

One topic that caught my attention was the unique geographical features in my own Entebbe homestead, Uganda, East Africa, Africa and the world at large.

Besides the gigantic Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh water body, I also got the opportunity to see physically see the Great East African Rift Valley, the Kazinga Channel, Zambezi falls, Canadian Prairies, the Rwenzori, Elgon and Kilimanjaro ranges, among other world’s unique physical features.

David Isabirye with snow Atlas Mountains in the background | Credit: David Isabirye

One unique feature I dearly yearned for were the High Atlas snowcapped mountains in North Africa stretching a mind blowing 2500KM (1600 miles) across three countries; Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Reading of the Giant Mount Toubkal (4,167m) located on the Atlas ranges in Morocco made me imagine about the Berber people in such confines amid the cedar forests and arid canyons.

Camel riding in Agafay desert overlooking the Atlas Mountains | Credit: John Batanudde

AFCON 2025 in Morocco presented the worth opportunity to visit the Atlas Mountains in the tourism city of Marrakech, in the foothills of the marvel snow-white ranges.

When you have reached Marrakech for the first time, the super cold breeze from the ice-cold ranges hits your body to officially usher into the city famous for its rich cultural experiences, traditional villages and rich biodiversity.

Camel riding in Agafay desert | Credit: John Batanudde

During one of the off days at AFCON 2025, the Kawowo Sports media family booked for a tour expedition to Marrakech through the Oufan Tours Company.

This was my second time to visit Marrakech having gone there days earlier for the Cote D’Ivoire versus Burkina Faso clash at the round of 16 duel.

Marrakech Train station | Credit: John Batanudde

The Oufan Tours company coaster picked us from the main train station in Marrakech and drove us to the Agafay Desert, 30 KM from the city center.

Here, the landscape is unique composed of the sand, rock and stony plains which intercede with the imposing snow mountain range.

Camel ride through the Agafay Desert in Marrakech city | Credit: John Batanudde

There are Horse and camel rides as Agafay Desert Quad biking session, the beautiful sun set views and the dinner show.

A young boy, Yassine is our guide for the enticing Camel ride which we picked and thereafter the interesting Agafay Desert Quad.

A pose with the young Camel Guide, Yassine who is 16-years-old | Credit: John Batanudde

Along the quad journey, we witness the beautiful sun setting down the Snow capped ranges, a wonder life experience as nature is appreciated to the brim.

Then comes the dinner part where we are served with unique Moroccoan dishes spiced with chicken as we are entertained by the Morocco traditional dance troop.

Moments after dinner, lights are switched off to allow Taufik the fire man perfect his Fire performance that thrills many.

Quad Biking in Agafay Desert, Marrakech city | Credit: John Batanudde

After a great 30 minutes performance, Taufik then bids farewell with a magnificent fire-wax show as we return to the coaster back for the night’s rest and finally return to Rabat city.

The whole tourism experience makes me appreciate Marrakech but I am told, that was just a tip of an iceberg.

More is offered with skiing on the ice, visits to the ancient Medinas, Bustling souks (markets), historic palaces (like Bahia Palace), Serene Gardens (Jardin Majorelle), and the sensory explosion of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, among others.

Kawowo Sports members in Agafay Desert, Marrakech city | Credit: John Batanudde

Marrakech is a city known as the “Red City” for its clay buildings and cultural richness, attracting millions with luxury stays, traditional crafts, Moroccan cuisine, and adventure, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.

I cannot wait to book another time of expedition in Marrakech and other Morocco cities.

Desert Quad Biking in Agafay Desert, Marrakech city | Credit: John Batanudde

Tourism is a raw deal for Marrackech and Morocco in general, fetching a total income of over $12.6 billion in revenues per year.

2025 alone recorded the highest ever number of tourists in Morocco at over 19.8 million visitors (Data by Morocco Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy).

The increment has been driven by upraising arrivals (over 17 million in 2024), great social amenities as hotels, lodges, swift transport system (trains, cars and air), prevailing peace and security as well as other strategic investments.

Train station in Marrakech city | Credit: John Batanudde

This has made it a key source of foreign currency, employment, and economic growth.

Therefore, the Morocco tourism sector contributes significantly to the GDP and balance of payments, supported by improved infrastructure like the high-speed train and diverse offerings from coastal beaches to historic cities, attracting global visitors.