Camping Manzil La Tortue Marrakesh
One of our surprise finds travelling across Morocco has to be Camping Manzil La Tortue near Marrakesh. It’s one of those places where one night just wasn’t enough and we made the rare decision to stay for two.
Heading to Marrakesh across the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass from the desert brings us to the outskirts of the city.
As usual, we haven’t a place to stay so begin our search on the approach. After failing to locate the first site on the motorhome App, we set about looking for another. This happens to be Camping Manzil La Tortue about 9km from Marrakesh itself.
A dirt track approach
To begin with we’re unsure if we’re in the right place. This dirt track approach looks the least likely place for a campsite. Has the Sat Nav sent us down a wrong road or are the co-ordinates wrong?
The road is bumpy and narrow, we’re between buildings which may be homes, but we can’t tell for certain.
Up ahead is more of the same, with no real indication of the Campsite location in sight. However, there are clues, we notice a Park4Night sign with an arrow, so know the campsite has to be here somewhere.
Following a local
Just then, as we’re used to in Morocco, a local chap appears at our wing mirror on a moped. He’s beckoning us to follow him, but as usual, we’re unsure quite what to do.
Our instincts tell us to follow this time, and they prove right. Bouncing along this pot-hole track finally merges into a parking area of Camping Manzil La Tortue. It’s a dead end with just the campsite and what looks like a luxury boutique hotel within the grounds. This looks fab, we can’t wait to take a look.
First we tip the local and thank him for showing us the way, before heading for the reception sign in a low rise building.
A taste of true luxury – Camping Manzil La Tortue Marrakesh
In the welcoming reception the friendly manager checks us in. Thankfully, there’s plenty of places available on the small motorhome parking area at the back of the main parking lot.
The places are marked pitches, separated by trees, leafy palms and an abundance of greenery. We park up in a designated space and make ourselves at home.
Just beside our pitch is a gravel path between shrubs. It leads to the most beautiful arch walkway which is blooming with colourful floral blossoms, cascading along its entirety.
A further path leads to Yurt type camping tents, scattered amongst neatly kept gardens in a freestyle way to add a feeling of relaxation.
There’s an obvious taste of true luxury to this place, and we’ve only just begun to explore.
Pools and tortoise – Camping Manzil La Tortue Marrakesh
We’re excited to find what’s round the next corner, Camping Manzil La Tortue has so many beautiful nooks and crannies amongst adorable gardens.
Following a path beside washing lines and a several hot water sinks brings us to a lovely little amenity building.
Inside are hot showers, clean toilets and a lovely sink area. It’s a mellow, modern, calming space, which follows the theme on offer here.
Then comes a bubbling spa pool where guests are sipping on cocktails under a canopy of palms.
It turns out several tortoise, from which the campsite takes its name, are relaxing in their own pool with a bright pink replica Flamingo standing over.
It’s such a neat and relaxing place, we love it already!
A huge swimming pool
The main attraction has to be a massive swimming pool, built a few steps above a tortoise pond.
Along its length are deep cushion sun-loungers, grass and seating areas. Guests are relaxing around the pool, sipping drinks under the April sunshine.
At the far end of the pool is a bar area and beautifully laid out restaurant. Cocktails cost 130 MAD (about £13) and sun loungers have to be reserved before using, but it’s the type of surroundings where you just have to go with the flow.
We can’t wait to get on one of those comfy sunbeds, after being on the road several weeks. This is the first place where there’s opportunity to just chill and we’re going to take it.
A freezing pool
After booking a sunbed and choosing a sunny spot, we’re amongst other hotel guests enjoying the chance to do nothing.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a swim, so take the plunge. The only downsize – it’s freezing cold water! Hopefully they’ll introduce a heating system at some point as this takes our breath away.
Drying out under the warm sunshine, we’re soon warming up again. Watching the world go by, enjoying the birdsong and reflecting on the drives we’ve done across Morocco so far.
It’s been a real adventure and this perfect little campsite has been a brilliant find for us to have a little piece of comfort again.
Fairy lights and stars
As day turns to night, the fairy lights and stars appear under the dark sky. The grounds are dreamy lit up at night and walking the gardens is utterly wonderful.
By now we have neighbours, a few motorhomes of various nationalities where we exchange broken English on places we’ve been.
It’s good to have some company, yet the camping area is quiet and a far cry from the madness of Marrakesh just a 30 minute or so drive away.
The reception can arrange a taxi into the centre of Marrakesh, but we decide we’ll drive instead.
First though, we stay the extra night here at this campsite hideaway, enjoying its gorgeous facilities.
It’s been a while since we’ve done any washing, so we take to the outdoor sinks and undertake a mass clothes washing exercise! The washing lines come in useful to dry the clothes in no time at all.
With chores complete and relaxation taken care of, we’re ready to set off on the road again. As Marrakesh calls, we settle the 200 MAD bill for the camping and continue into the bumpy tracks of the surrounding roads leading from this little piece of luxury.
It’s been such a great little find and wonderful camping area, it’s difficult to say goodbye.
Camping Manzil La Tortue in Marrakesh
Our stay was April 2024 at which time, payment was cash only and extra for the pool area about 50 MAD and reservation necessary, but we did this at the pool bar. We don’t have any animals, so unsure on acceptance of pets!
