A British woman has impressed travel enthusiasts by completing an unforgettable day trip to Africa and returning to her office job the next morning. Meg Ella, who shared her experience in the popular Facebook group Extreme Day Trips, described the 24-hour whirlwind journey that saw her leave London Stansted on a 6am flight, arrive in Marrakech by 9.30am, explore the city, go quad biking in the Agafay Desert, and fly home the same night.
She wrote on Facebook group ‘Extreme Day Trips’: “Went for breakfast in a rooftop cafe overlooking Jema el-Fnaa, then explored the souks. Organised a quad biking trip in the Agafay desert, which was incredible… back to the airport for a flight at 8.30pm! Took 1 day annual leave, was back in work at 9am the next day, mostly just to say ‘I went to Africa yesterday.’ 100% worth it.”
Extreme daytripping has been increasingly gaining popularity as people attempt to see as many sights as they can without having to take annual leave, or splurge on an expensive hotel.
However, cross-continent trips such as Ella’s are still rather rare.
Marrakech, often called the “Red City” for its distinct terracotta-colored buildings, is a feast for the senses, and a dream destination for adventurous travellers.
Even a short visit offers a rich mix of culture, cuisine, and landscape.
At the heart of the city lies Jemaa el-Fnaa, the bustling central square where musicians, snake charmers, food stalls, and merchants create a constantly shifting spectacle.
From there, visitors can wander into the souks, a maze of narrow alleys filled with handwoven rugs, lanterns, spices, and leather goods, a paradise for bargain hunters and culture seekers alike.
For those craving nature, the Agafay Desert just outside the city provides a stark and stunning contrast.
Though rocky rather than sandy like the Sahara, it offers thrilling experiences like quad biking, camel rides, and traditional Berber hospitality, which Meg experienced during a scenic stop for mint tea and bread.
Despite her quick visit, Meg managed to soak in the essence of Marrakech, from its historic medina and lively streets to its nearby desert adventures, all in a single day.