Things to do

Sports and Activities

Golf: Morocco is a golfing paradise. Few other countries can match the wonderful weather, fastidiously manicured greens and range of courses to choose from. Marrakech alone has three superb golf courses. Even better is the fact that green fees are about £20 and caddies can be hired from as little as £5. Our top tip is to stay in the South Medina and then you can be on the Royal Golf Course in as little as 10 minutes drive yet still be staying in the hub of things. The new opening for late 2008 is the Mogador Golf course in Essaouira.

Horse-riding: There are several well-kept riding schools around Marrakech and Essaouira. Most are happy to accommodate either a one-off lesson or a day trip on horseback into the mountains or desert.

Windsurfing: Essaouira is the surf capital of northern Africa and thanks to the prevailing Atlantic winds it is a year-round destination. For the best surf head just south of Essaouira to Sidi Kaouki or go 25 kms north to Moulay. Check out Ocean Vagabond on Essaouira's beach for more details, courses and equipment rental.

Kite surfing: The consistent wind and large open beaches make Essaouira a great place to Kiteboard and there are good schools along the beach. Call Fleewinter's resident kitesurfer bore for up-to-the minute advice on the best timing.

Cookery: Marrakech offers one of the best cookery schools available at La Maison Arabe. Here you learn the skills involved in producing the finest Moroccan cuisine including tagines. Other courses can be arranged in the medina or even in your riad

Skiing: In winter, those in the know head to Oukaïmeden, just 75 kms from Marrakech where there are over 20kms of pistes for all abilities. Snow and weather conditions are generally best in January and February.

Quad Biking: This is a great way to get around once the road runs out. The favourite places are along the dunes in Essaouira and in the Sahara Desert around Merzouga.

Camel Trekking: Whilst you will be offered plenty of opportunities to hop on a camel around Marrakech, our advice is to save this for the Desert (need to book in advance) or Essaouira where you can trek for miles along the beaches.

Cycling: Cycling is probably the most popular mode of transport in Morocco and no reason why visitors can't have a go. There is good mountain biking in the coastal area south of Essaouira. The more adventurous might like to read a recent client's account where he and his friends took their bikes and did a grand tour of the area around Marrakech and even into the atlas Mountains. Marrakech Bike Tour

We are happy to supply more details on any of the above.