Focus on Marrakesh: Four AFCON teams enjoy scenic 'Red City'

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 DECEMBER 21, 2025 TO JANUARY 18, 2026 
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📍 MARRAKESH

Casablanca is done. Rabat is also done. We now shift our focus to Marrakesh; the third of the six 2025 Africa Cup of Nations host cities in Morocco.

If you intend to travel to Morocco with an itinerary that includes a visit to Marrakesh, also known as the Red City, I would highly recommend that you consider using a train. While Rabat is a beautiful city on its own, the trip from Rabat to Marrakesh by train is breathtaking. The journey will give you an opportunity to take in all of the beautiful along the route.

In part three of our Team Base Camp series, our focus takes us to Marrakesh, a city that is widely considered as Morocco’s most iconic and popular cultural hub for tourists.

The Grande Stadium of Marrakesh is the main stadium in this city. With a capacity of 45,240 seats, it combines modernity and versatility. It offers world-class facilities for football and athletics. It will host six group-stage matches, one Round of 16 match, and one quarter-final.

Outside of football, the thousands of football fans that will visit the city to follow the four teams based in the city (the Africa Cup of Nations defending champions Ivory Coast, Angola, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) will be spoilt for choice.

This visually rich destination is famous for its historic Medina, colorful souks and stunning Islamic architecture. This city allows you plenty of opportunities of accessing the Atlas Mountain and desert. I have been fortunate to visit Marrakesh on four different occasions. I fell in love with this city because of its bustling streets, the iconic main square, the Jemaa el-Fnaa market and imposing monuments.

Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh bustles with life. There is always something going on. It is known as the Red City because of its ochre-colored buildings.

The hotel/team base camps here were designed to offer the four teams an ambiance worthy of kings. 

TEAM HOTELS AND BASES 

 GROUP B 

🇿🇦 SOUTH AFRICA - Four Seasons Resort

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have been accommodated in some of the finest hotels. And therefore, five-star hotels are routine. But the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is not just a five-star. It’s a resort.

A five-star hotel is a base, while a resort is a destination in itself, designed for total relaxation and recreation with extensive grounds. Perfectly situated between the city’s ancient medina and the cosmopolitan neighborhoods of the Ville Nouvelle, Four Seasons Resort Marrakesh offers the Bafana Bafana a refreshing experience. The cheapest room goes for $500 (sh1.8m).

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🇦🇴 ANGOLA - Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh

This is a luxurious five-star resort, known for its stunning Atlas Mountain views. Located on a vast estate just outside Marrakesh, it offers peace away from the city buzz. Angola’s stars will enjoy the chance to play a round of golf at the 18-hole championship golf course attached to this resort. The cheapest room goes for $650 (sh2.3m).

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🇿🇼 ZIMBABWE - Sofitel Marrakesh

This looks like a palace. This five-star hotel accommodates Zimbabwe, whose players are fortunate to spend time at a stable within the hotel that is home to a number of horses. Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Sofitel Marrakech offers an unforgettable experience, combining exceptional comfort and unparalleled hospitality. The cheapest room goes for $190 (sh670,000).

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 GROUP F 

🇨🇮 IVORY COAST - Park Hyatt Marrakesh

Located a few miles from Marrakech-Menara Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as the Bahia Palace. It has breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountain. Home of the Africa Cup of Nations defending champions. It offers tranquil gardens and a quite environment that should help The Elephants defend their title. It blends modern designs with Moroccan architecture. The cheapest accommodation goes for $650 (sh2.3m).

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