A Slow Morning and a Strong Breakfast

Today was our official rest day from the rally — a welcome break after many hours and about 4.400 kilometers in the car. The slower pace felt good. We allowed ourselves an extra moment to wake up gently and then enjoyed a very generous breakfast at the hotel. Despite Ramadan, the staff served everything with great hospitality, giving us the perfect start into a day of exploring Marrakesh.

Into the Heart of Marrakesh

Compared to Rabat, Marrakesh is noticeably more touristic, louder, and more hectic. The energy is different — intense, colorful, a little chaotic, and full of life. Vendors here call out more actively, and the streets are busier in every sense. With that in mind, we stepped into the flow and made our way toward our first stop of the day.

Visiting the Koutoubia Mosque (From the Outside)

Our walk first led us to the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakesh. Non‑Muslims seem not allowed to enter, but even from the outside, its size and symmetry are impressive. The minaret rises high above the city, and the gardens around it form a peaceful frame for the building.

The Bahia Palace

From the mosque, we continued on foot to the Bahia Palace, one of Marrakesh’s most popular attractions. It was very crowded (as always) — large tour groups everywhere — and parts of the palace are currently under restoration due to an earthquake in 2023, so some sections were closed off. Still, the rooms and the courtyards we were able to explore offered a wonderful glimpse of the craftsmanship and architecture. The marble courtyard, in particular, left a strong impression.

Across the Medina to Ben Youssef

Next, we made our way through the Medina toward the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, the old Koranic school. The walk itself was already an adventure: narrow lanes, merchants selling everything imaginable, donkeys pulling carts, mopeds weaving through impossible gaps, and the occasional tuk‑tuk squeezing through. It looks chaotic — but somehow it works.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa was one of the highlights of the day. Countless small student rooms, detailed carvings, inner courtyards, and a large marble courtyard with a fountain give the building a calm but impressive atmosphere. Mr. B‑Bear, of course, joined us again and insisted on a few photos.

A Failed Coffee Stop and the Road to Jemaa el‑Fnaa

After so much walking, we tried to take a break in a café. Unfortunately, after about 20 minutes without service, we decided to move on. No hard feelings — just part of the flow of the city. From there, we continued toward Marrakesh’s most famous spot: Jemaa el‑Fnaa.

Jemaa el‑Fnaa — The Living Heart of the City

Originally a medieval marketplace (and historically even a place for public executions), Jemaa el‑Fnaa is today a vibrant, loud and fascinating gathering place. Storytellers, snake charmers, street performers, salesmen, and more. Unfortunatly apes and snakes are displayed and it’s basicly animal cruelty — a sad reminder of the darker sides of tourism.

Here you can find everything: olives, spices, leather goods, clothes, souvenirs, food stalls and rooftop terraces. We had a light lunch on one of the rooftop restaurants, enjoying the shade and the view over the square.

Through the Park and Back to the Hotel

On our way back, we walked once more past the Koutoubia Mosque and through the spacious park beside it. By the end of the afternoon, we had walked around 10 kilometers — enough impressions for one day.

We also witnessed the call to prayer and how people gathered on the square in long rows for the midday prayer. It was a powerful moment to observe such a peaceful and communal scene in the middle of the city’s usual chaos.

Preparing for Tomorrow

Back at the hotel, we wrapped up the day and looked at tomorrow’s route. We plan to cross the High Atlas Mountains, reaching altitudes of around 4.100 meters. The pass height for the planned route will be approximately 2.200 meters. The pass appears to be open — other teams have already confirmed it.

After the mountains, the landscape will slowly shift toward the desert regions of Morocco.

The next three days will be demanding – fewer highways, more remote roads, and a gradual transition from mountains to desert.

For today, our feet have done enough — and tomorrow the journey continues.