Experiencing Morocco: Culture, Desert, and Adventure!
(February 2025)
Introduction
Morocco is a country that captivates the senses, where the vibrant energy of ancient cities meets the tranquility of sweeping desert dunes. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the breathtaking expanse of the Sahara Desert, my recent journey through this North African treasure was filled with unforgettable moments. The colors, the scents, the sounds—Morocco offers an adventure like no other, blending history, culture, and natural beauty into one captivating experience.
In this blog, I’ll be sharing my personal experiences as well as some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your own Moroccan adventure. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended journey, I hope these insights inspire you to explore this beautiful and diverse country. Let’s dive into the magic of Morocco, from the sights to the sounds, to the smells, to the friendly people, Morocco is an amazing vacation destination! 🇲🇦 ✨
7-Day Itinerary: The Highlights of Morocco
There is so much to see and do in Morocco. Unfortunately we only had 7 days there to enjoy the wonders of the Moroccan lifestyle. We travelled there at the end of February during Ramadan. We started by flying into Marrakech and staying for 2 nights. Next we rented a car and drove to Aït Benhaddou and stayed overnight in Ouarzazate. After that we travelled to Merzouga to spend 2 magical nights in the desert. Next, we headed to the Dades Valley, staying in Tangier to explore the magnificent canyons. Finally, we returned to Marrakesh to fly back home the next day.
Marrakech: The Heartbeat of Morocco
If I could describe Marrakech with one word, it would be “chaos.” From the moment we got our car, I was on high alert, constantly looking out for other cars cutting into your lane, motorbikes zigzagging between cars, and pedestrians everywhere. Although it was much different from what I was used to back home, I quickly got used to it and even enjoyed how it forced me to constantly pay attention to everything happening around me.
We stayed in Airbnbs throughout our trip, which was a great option for affordability, as we spent an average of $60 CAD per night. Another great option is to stay in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Riads offer a tranquil atmosphere, beautifully designed interiors, and often personal service, as many are smaller and family-run.
Our favorite experience in Marrakech was visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It’s a sensory overload of street performers, food stalls, and merchants selling everything from spices to traditional textiles. The sounds of drumming, the scent of sizzling meats, the snake charmers, and the colorful displays of fresh fruit create an atmosphere that’s both chaotic and enchanting. Just beyond the square are seemingly endless alleyways (called souks) with vendors selling everything from clothing and spices to souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, and more. At most of the souks, prices are not labeled, so you’ll need to use your negotiation skills. (If prices are labeled, don’t negotiate, as they’re set.) Most of the time, merchants will ask prices that are about 3-4 times higher than what you should pay. 💡 My best tip for negotiating at the souks is to think about what you would pay for the item at home, then convert it into dirhams (subtracting a little, as things are cheaper there), and use that as your fair price. For example, if you want to buy a bracelet you think is worth about $15 CAD (100 dirhams), they will probably start by asking for 350 Dirhams, but you should aim to bring the price down to 100 dirhams or less, as that’s closer to what you’d actually pay for it.
Outside the chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the souks, Marrakech is home to stunning palaces and gardens. Some notable ones to visit are The Bahia Palace, with its ornate courtyards and stunning tilework, and Jardin Majorelle, which offers a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its towering minaret, dominates the skyline, and the Saadian Tombs provide a glimpse into Morocco’s royal past. All of these places require an entrance fee, ranging from 50 to 100 dirhams, and are within walking distance of the main square.
Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou: Morocco’s Film Oasis
The next stop on our trip took us to Aït Benhaddou, about a 3-hour drive from Marrakech. The drive itself was gorgeous, passing through various landscapes, including stunning rock formations, small towns, and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. We didn’t have the time to explore the Atlas Mountains, but it’s definitely something I would recommend if you have the chance. If you’re a fan of movies and shows like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, you can step onto their set at Aït Benhaddou (20 Dirham entrance fee). Here, you can walk through the narrow streets where some of your favorite movie characters once stood and learn about the history and construction of this ancient fortified village.
From Aït Benhaddou, we took a 40-minute drive to Ouarzazate to spend the night. I was so surprised when I arrived at how different it was from the chaos of Marrakech. Ouarzazate is a peaceful, quiet, and clean town, perfect for a relaxing overnight stop. Some highlights of our visit there include Atlas Studios, where you can tour expansive studio sets featuring life-size replicas of ancient Egyptian temples, desert fortresses, and more. For movie buffs, it’s a chance to walk through the same sets that appeared in some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. Another cool place to visit is the Taourirt Kasbah (20 MAD entrance fee), a historic fortress where you can explore its maze of rooms, wander through the inner courtyards, and climb to the upper levels for panoramic views of the town and surrounding desert.
After a relaxing night, we drove to an amazing hiking area called Monkey Fingers Canyon Loop. AllTrails Link. The canyon is named for its unique rock formations, which resemble fingers or elongated towers, creating a stunning visual landscape. You can complete the entire loop, which takes about 3 hours, or just walk through the canyon section, which takes about an hour and a half. Some parts of the canyon can get very narrow due to fallen rocks, and in certain sections, you even need to get on your stomach and army crawl to get through! But we found that it made the experience even more fun. 💡 A tip I’d suggest is to use the AllTrails app, as at one point, you need to ascend to the second level of the canyon, and it’s not immediately obvious. Without the app leading the way, we would have been stuck there for much longer! :/
Merzouga: Gateway to the Sahara
Continuing on, we embarked on the long drive out to the desert. This was definitely a HIGHLIGHT of our trip and a spot not to be missed! Where else in the world can you find endless sandy dunes like the Sahara Desert? We spent our first night in a riad with some very friendly hosts. The next night, we booked a desert camel trekking tour, which you can find on many sites like GetYourGuide, Booking.com, and Airbnb. We chose a one-night tour, as that was all we wanted, but longer tours are available if you prefer to stay longer.
The tour started in the afternoon, so we took some time to explore the dunes on our own first, which is highly recommended. We drove just outside of Merzouga to Hotel Cafe Du Sud (on maps), where you can easily park your car and walk straight into the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll immediately feel like a kid running up and down the dunes while capturing some breathtaking photos. 💡 Tip: If you’re wandering in the dunes, like we did, always stay in view of the building to avoid losing your sense of direction—it’s easy to get lost, and it would be difficult to find your way out.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch and headed to our camel trekking tour. Our guides picked us up and loaded us onto camels, where we rode through the sandy desert, admiring the stunning views. 💡 Tip: Bring a head and face covering for when the wind blows the sand around. You can buy one anywhere for around 30 MAD, or our tour company offered us one to borrow. After about 30 minutes, we arrived at our campsite, where they welcomed us with tea and snacks. One of the guides then took us to try sandboarding, which was another fun experience. We were then shown to our tent for some downtime before dinner. Dinner consisted of traditional Berber (the native people of the area) food, followed by songs and dancing. The tents did get cooler at night, but they were equipped with two thick blankets, which kept us warm throughout the night.
The next morning, we were woken up before sunrise for breakfast and a camel ride back while the sun was rising. This whole experience was definitely worth it (we paid 65 CAD) and something I will never forget. Afterward, we took one last walk through the dunes before hitting the road to our next destination.
Dades Valley: A Majestic Natural Wonder in the Heart of Morocco
As we were flying out of Marrakech airport, we stayed a night in Tinghir to break up the drive. The region’s most striking feature is its dramatic rock formations, towering over 300 meters high, where the cliffs rise sharply and twist into bizarre shapes. You can drive through these incredible rock formations for hours, marveling at their beauty. We parked at Todra Gorge, where you’ll find many people rock climbing the towering canyon and wondering how they managed to get up so high.
There’s also a lovely hike you can take through the valley to capture some great photos. We walked for a couple of hours before backtracking, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can complete the entire loop around the canyon.
Typical Moroccan Foods
Tagine – This is a very popular dish that refers to anything cooked in a clay pot, usually slow-cooked chicken, beef, or vegetables, with delicious herbs and spices added. We had this almost every day. Even for breakfast, they cooked eggs in different styles using the clay pots.
Couscous – A popular dish originating from the Berber people of Morocco. The grains were smaller than I was used to, but they had a very comforting, homey taste.
Mint Tea – Almost everywhere we went, we were welcomed with mint tea. I’m personally not a fan of mint-flavored things, especially tea, as I think that flavor belongs in toothpaste and gum. But this mint tea is definitely an exception! It’s made with fresh mint leaves and real blocks of sugar, and tastes almost like a Mojito.
Soups – As an appetizer, we were often served soup for dinner. The most famous Moroccan soup is Harira, a hearty and flavorful dish, often enjoyed during Ramadan to break the fast, but eaten year-round. It is typically made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and optional meat.
Moroccan Salad – This delicious salad is another popular appetizer. It’s made from finely chopped tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, red onion, fresh herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s simple but very fresh and tasty.
Pastilla – A savory meat pie with a poultry or seafood filling. It has a sweet pastry crust, with a sweetness to it thanks to sugar, cinnamon, and almonds. I tried this dish once and personally didn’t enjoy it. It was very sweet, like a cinnamon bun, but with the filling of a meat pie. I wasn’t a fan of the contrasting flavors.
Chebakia – A dessert made from a honey-dipped, fried sesame cookie in the shape of a flower. It’s sticky and sweet, and can be found all over Marrakesh in the market stalls.
Crepes – There are many different shapes and styles of crepes served here. I enjoyed the thin, pan-fried ones served at breakfast, where you can dip them in honey, nut butter, jams, cheeses, or oil.
Alcohol – As Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol is not commonly consumed or sold in local restaurants. However, if you wish to purchase alcohol, certain supermarkets and liquor stores sell it, typically in a separate section where you will need to present your passport to buy. Additionally, some hotels, specialty bars, and tourist areas with a license are allowed to sell alcohol.
Helpful Tips for Exploring Morocco
Driving – We rented a small car since it was just the two of us, which turned out to be very beneficial, especially in Marrakech, where the driving can be chaotic. I felt much more comfortable navigating the streets. I also brought a charging cable for music and a phone vent clip holder for maps.
If you want to pay with a credit card, Shell gas stations will accept it. Just make sure you’re filling your car with regular gas (essence), not diesel (gazole).
When parking in the main cities, someone will usually help you find a spot or back into one. They’ll look after your car while you’re gone, and you’ll need to pay them between 5-20 Dirhams.
Watch your speed when driving! I got pulled over three times in just a week. Luckily, I was only asked to pay a fine once. The police officer initially requested 300 Dirhams but then lowered it to 100 Dirhams…
Cash is King – The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, meaning you can only obtain it inside the country and cannot take it with you when you leave. So, make sure to spend all your cash before you head home! Most places only accept cash, so it’s important to have enough on hand. Also, if you’re driving and, like me, tend to have a heavy foot and get a speeding ticket, you’ll likely need cash to pay the fine. Depending on the type of traveler you are (we’re budget travelers), we spent around 300 – 500 Dirhams a day.
Barter Better – If you’re in Marrakesh, make sure to test out your bartering skills, as it’s quite fun! At first, I was nervous and didn’t want to offend a shop owner, which led me to pay way too much for a bag of tea. However, I learned from my mistakes and tried a few more times. I got much better and ended up settling on a price that I felt was fair for me, as I mentioned earlier in this blog. Also, the “walk-away” method is very effective. If you can’t come to an agreement on price with a shop owner, simply walk away, and they’ll likely come running after you with a better deal!
Language – The primary languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic, French, English, and some Spanish in the northern areas. I only speak English and minimal French, but I was able to get by without any problems, as most people spoke English. If you can, it would be helpful to know some basic French phrases and numbers.
Guides – We fell into a trap while touring Aït Benhaddou, where a kid followed us around and was “guiding” us through. I thought he would just ask for a tip at the end, but instead, he asked for a way too high price for the “tour” once we were done. In hindsight, I wish I had just said we didn’t need a guide or had asked the price upfront. Don’t make the same mistake as us – if someone offers you a “guide,” make sure you know the price beforehand.
Be Friendly – From our experience, everyone there was very friendly, helpful, and welcoming, so don’t be afraid to speak to the locals.
Respect Local Customs – Morocco is a Muslim country, so dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Women may want to wear loose-fitting clothes and bring a scarf for visiting religious sites.
Weather – Morocco has hot summers, but can get cooler at night in the desert and mountains. Pack layers if visiting the Sahara or the Atlas Mountains.
Look Up – Especially when we were in the desert, the starry night sky was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. I don’t get to see such a clear sky at home due to light pollution, so don’t forget to look up!
Transportation
As far as getting between places in Morocco, we found that having a car is the best option, as most destinations are far apart and there is so much to see in between. This is the most expensive option, so another great choice is buses. There are many buses running between the main cities, making stops along the way. Taxis are also prevalent in the main cities and come in two types: Petit Taxis (city taxis) and Grand Taxis.
Petit Taxis are for short trips within the city and are typically pale yellow. They use a meter, with the fare typically starting at around 7-10 MAD for the first few kilometers. After that, you may be charged an additional 2-3 MAD per kilometer. For a typical short ride within Marrakech or another city, expect to pay around 20-40 MAD. Always make sure the meter is running, or agree on a price before starting the ride to avoid misunderstandings.
Grand Taxis (Shared Taxis for Longer Distances) are used for longer trips, such as traveling between cities or to places outside the city. These don’t have meters, and fares are usually negotiated in advance. For example, a ride from Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou (3 hour drive) can cost around 400-500 MAD per taxi.
Remember, it’s always good practice to confirm the fare upfront, especially for Grand Taxis, where you may need to agree on the price beforehand. Also, having small cash on hand is essential, as most taxis don’t accept credit cards.
Other Places to Visit
As our trip was only a week long, we didn’t get to explore many of Morocco’s amazing destinations, which will have to wait for a future visit. Morocco is a large country, and traveling between the main cities can take several hours. Here are some other notable places to visit:
Fes – A labyrinth of history and culture, Fes is home to the world’s oldest university and boasts a mesmerizing medieval medina.
Chefchaouen – Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, this picturesque mountain town is famous for its striking blue-washed streets and relaxed atmosphere.
Tangier – A vibrant coastal city where Europe meets Africa, Tangier blends history, art, and a touch of old-world glamour.
Ifrane – Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco,” this charming alpine town surprises visitors with its European-style architecture and snowy winters.
Casablanca – Morocco’s modern metropolis, famous for its grand Hassan II Mosque and a unique mix of tradition and cosmopolitan energy.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Morocco
Morocco is a country that awakens the senses—a land of vibrant souks, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling medinas of Marrakech, trekking through the towering Atlas Mountains, sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, or savoring a cup of mint tea in a traditional riad, every moment in Morocco is filled with magic and discovery.
Morocco offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re here for a short getaway or an extended adventure, you’ll be immersed in a culture rich in history, flavor, and charm.
As you plan your journey, embrace the spontaneity of Moroccan life—get lost in the medinas, bargain in the souks, try new foods, and engage with the friendly locals. The experiences you’ll have here will stay with you long after you leave.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and let Morocco captivate you!