Marvellous Marrakech

This summer my ambition of visiting Africa finally became reality, but taking a trip to the continent known for its red earth doesn't have to cost the earth, or put you in the red, if you choose wisely.

Since it was my first time I decided to start from the top and travelling to Marrakech is not only a short trip from the UK but also relatively cheap.

Despite not being the capital of Morocco, Marrakech is certainly full of promise for travellers who, like me, were looking to experience something completely different to the average European break.

The first thing to hit me as I stepped off the plane was the heat, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees I knew I was in a different continent.

Heading to the Old Town or 'Medina' was my first aim and walking round the terracotta coloured old city walls to the entrance to the town confirmed my aspirations of the beauty and history I was about to discover.

Avoiding the traffic, the city seems to run at about 200mph, I made my way towards the main square, known as the Djemma El Fna, which is the biggest in Africa. Turning into the square I was greeted with the hospitality and energy that Morocco offers its visitors, though still slightly weary of where my wallet and camera were I headed through the square.

By this time I was parched by the heat emitting from the clear blue sky and I didn't need to look far to quench my thirst as at least 20 carts selling freshly squeezed orange juice bartered for my custom. They need not have bothered as I would have been happy to pay the 30 pence charge to any of the lively proprietors.

As I made my way towards the back of the square I was greeted with the legendary challenge that quiver even the strongest of shoppers. If Oxford Street on Christmas Eve seems like bedlam it is nothing compared to the 'souks' that wind through the Medina.

A labyrinth of stalls selling everything from live tortoises to leather handbags is an opportunity not to be missed and the best way to get involved is surely to follow my lead, and dive straight in. Immersing myself in the markets I headed wherever my feet would lead, that really is the only way, and after passing shops draped in home made rugs and a number of dens resembling Aladdin's cave, I emerged into an oasis of calm in somewhere inside the maze.

Again in need of refreshment I took a seat in the shade of a small café next to the Museum of Marrakech, sipping on some mint tea before I headed back into the markets. Making my way out I decided to purchase some spices from one of the vendors, slightly more reputable than a tortoise I thought.

By this time evening was upon me and as I returned to the square a dramatic change was about to unfold, the square had transformed into a pit of snake charmers, steam, music, chanting, and delicious smells. Once again I dived right in and soaked myself in the manic atmosphere that is Marrakech.