We embarked on a mesmerizing adventure in Morocco last February, and let me tell you, this country exceeded all our expectations! Our seven-day journey was nothing short of magical, and I am thrilled to share all the exciting details with you. A huge shoutout to Positively Morocco Tours for being our guiding light throughout the trip, making every moment truly unforgettable.
We wanted to do a little bit of everything while we were in Morocco, which meant a lot of driving. We wanted to see the cities and market life and also wanted to make it out to the desert. We have no regrets- but just wanted to warn you that it is A LOT of driving. The best part of this trip was that Positively Morocco Tours- a family owned business- sends you with a private driver and guide for your whole time in the country. We became good friends with our guide and he felt like our brother by the end of the trip. He drove us all around Morocco, which allowed us to enjoy and relax. There were times where he was stopped on the road for documentation, had to go a different way due to washed out roads, navigate Marrakech and Fes traffic, and we were so grateful to have him as an expert.
Travel advice- Morocco operates business through What's App
and cash payments. This may feel strange to you,
but I assure you that it is completely normal!
MARRAKECH
We started our adventure in Marrakech, and it is truly an adventure. The streets are small, the smells pungent, and the colors vibrant. We went on a city tour with a local guide, which I highly recommend! It was great hearing about life in the city from someone who has lived there their whole life.
Places to go in Marrakech:
Saadian Tombs- historic royal necropolis where a lot of the monarchy has been buried.
Ben Youssef Medersa- one of the most beautiful universities in the world and known for its incredible architecture.
Jemaa el-Fnaa- the main square of Marrakech. Come here during the day with your tour guide, and also come back at night when the market takes on a whole new look and vibe. Don't forget to peruse the medina for all your shopping needs... and to hold a snake.
Koutobia Mosque- Constructed during the 12th century, it is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and was sadly closed while we were there!
Bahia Palace- Built in the 19th century, it is a stunning monument to Moroccan architecture and a testament to the country's rich cultural history.
Jardin Majorelle- A garden designed by the French artist, Majorelle but was bought in the 19th century by fashion designer, Yves Saint-Laurent.
HEADING OUT TO THE DESERT
This is going to take a lot of time and it may feel ridiculous- but hear me out. You HAVE to get to the desert. It is one of our favorite places on this earth. Our tour guide was great in breaking up the drive into smaller parts with rest stops, one overnight stop and lots of places to see.
Atlas Mountains- You will drive up and over this mountain range that is dotted with Berber villages. You'll also pass through Col du Tichka the highest point in the Atlas Mountains.
Aït Benhaddou- Truly a great spot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ksar that was established in 757 and is famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones.
Atlas Studios- Our guide skeptically suggested this stop and we ended up loving it! It blew our minds how many films they make and how many sets they keep up. They're most famous for “Gladiator”, “Prince of Persia” and “Game of Thrones.” We had so much fun running around all the sets.
Khettaras- The khettara system is an ingenious technique that has been used for centuries to manage successfully the problem of water scarcity. We got to see them from the top and walk through the tunnels underground!
Todra Gorge- A natural oasis created by the River Todra carving its way through limestone for many centuries. The gorge looks almost prehistoric with canyon walls that reach over 400 metres in height. We felt like we were in Zions National Park in Southern Utah, USA.
SAHARA DESERT
You have to make it our here. HAVE TO. I am telling you! It is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the world. Our daugher was obsessed with rolling the fine sand. She played and played in the dunes for hours. Ask your guide to let you ride camels out to your desert camp at sunset- your life will never be the same.
We stayed in the desert for two nights and each day had different activities... here are some examples of things you can do.
Berber nomad camp- For centuries, they have herded and traded livestock, and today, many Berber tribes maintain their nomadic lifestyle within the Moroccan desert.
Visit our tour guide's family- It is very customary for people to share their family with you. Muslims are very hospitable and generous. As a westerner this can be a little shocking to be invited into someone's home, but I promise you that intentions are good and it was so warm and lovely. They cooked for us and even drew henna tatoos for us. It was such a special treat.
See an oasis- Our guide told us all about using the water source to grow crops that they need and even had us try a couple vegetables.
Spend time at your camp- The desert camps have a great vibe and you can sit and relax, grab a board and sand board down the dunes, or join in on a song circle after dinner.
Travel Advice- Other activities could be four wheeling on the dunes, convoy on the dunes, or spa day.
FES
After a lovely time out in the desert, it was time for one REALLY long road trip day back over to the northwestern side of the country. We ended our trip in Fes and it was incredible. We had a tour guide the following day to show us all around the city. Again, it was so helpful to have a local walking us around.
With our tour guide we saw...
Fes medina- You could seriously get lost in the medina. The 1200-year old walled medina of Fez, with its 9454 cobbled alleyways and 300 mosques, is both the world's largest living medieval Islamic city and its largest pedestrian zone.
Chouara Tannery- It is one of the city’s most iconic sights (and smells). Operating since at least the 16th century, it's striking to see the hard physical labour that goes into the butter-soft, elegant leather goods sold in the surrounding workshops. Try to get here in the morning when the pits are awash with coloured dye. Don't worry- they give you some mint leaves to put close to your nose!
Dar al-Makhzen- The Royal Palace of the King of Morocco. Obvs you can't go in, but you can see the doors and they are stunning!
Moroccan Tile Cooperative- This is one tourist trap that I was completely ok with. Sure, everyone brings their clients here but it was so fascinating to see the artisans making, painting and arranging the tile mosaics. Such a work of art!
FOOD AND WATER
It is advised to not drink the water and to be concious of where you eat food. Most accomodations and tour guides will give out bottled water because they know that their water may upset tourist stomachs. Also, I have found that taking a guide's recommendations for food is the best way to go as they will direct you to places that they know will be good for tourists. Our guide also told us that if it comes from a food stand- don't eat it. Some of our favorite dishes in Morocco were chicken tagine, berber pizza and pastilla. Yummy!
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