Day 6: Morocco – 14 Days Private Land Tour

Paul Bryers

Day Itinerary: Drive from El Jadida to Casablanca
Accommodation: Kenzi Basma Hotel, Casablanca
Driver/Guide: Said
Meals: Riad Soleil d’Orient, El Jadida and Kenzi Basma Hotel, Casablanca

Drive El Jadida to Casablanca:
Our drive from El Jadida to Casablanca was quite eventful, as we encountered a sandstorm that worsened as we approached our destination. Despite the clouds of sand and dust, the blue sky was still visible. Unfortunately, my contact lenses were not comfortable in these conditions.

Casablanca was not what I had expected. The last 20 miles of our approach along the coast seemed to be a vast construction site for new 3-4 story identical apartments, rivaling even Fort Lauderdale in terms of growth.

Guide/Driver: Said was, as usual, a very careful driver keeping his eyes ahead. He was even patient with a wee cat as it slowly crossed the road.

Hassan II Mosque:
However, my first stop in Casablanca was a very pleasant surprise – the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.

It was truly astounding. I was lucky to gain entry – in fact I was the last person in before they stopped entry for imminent prayers, so I had the place largely to myself.

As the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 14th largest in the world, it is an impressive structure.

The mosque is situated on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, allowing worshippers to pray over the sea.

Completed in 1993, the mosque was designed by Michel Pinseau under the guidance of King Hassan II and built by skilled Moroccan artisans from across the kingdom.

The mosque can accommodate a maximum of 105,000 worshippers, with 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the outside grounds.

Its minaret, standing at 210 meters (689 ft), is the world’s second tallest. The minaret is topped by a laser that directs its light towards Mecca. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to see this tonight, as my bedroom window faces the minaret.

The outer walls of the mosque are made of intricately crafted marble, and the roof is retractable.

Many ornate doors lead into the prayer hall. They seem to be made of titanium.

Inside, the Mosque is breathtaking.

Notable architectural features include the striking columns, horseshoe arches, and intricate muqarnas adorning the ceilings. The dome, arches, and walls create a grand ambiance within the mosque. The state-of-the-art sound system is discreetly concealed.