Top 3 Things to do in Morocco


Our Morocco trip in January 2020 was an experience that surpassed all of our expectations. We highly recommend traveling here, keeping in mind the magic of Morocco really lies beyond the big cities. The kindness of the people and beauty of the country will not disappoint you. (Please see Natalie’s full Morocco Trip Reflection for more details). Here are the top 3 Morocco experiences we recommend.  

FYI: This post is based on a trip taken in early January

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!


1. Camping in the Sahara

Sunset in the Sahara in Morocco
Sunset in the Sahara in Morocco

This experience was hands-down the coolest experience we had on our Morocco trip.  To get to our campsite at the Erg Chigaga Sand Dunes in the Sahara, we rode in 4×4 vehicles for 2 hours before riding camels for about an hour.  After this journey, we arrived at a permanent Nomad camp that was serene and secluded.  Here, we watched the sunset over the endless horizon of the Sahara, raced up and down the sand dunes, ate traditional Moroccan meals and sang around a campfire.  This camp was truly a once in a lifetime experience. 

Camping in the Sahara in Morocco
Camping in the Sahara in Morocco

2. Hike/Stay in High Atlas Mountains

Aroumd Berber Village in the High Atlas Mountains
Aroumd Berber Village in the High Atlas Mountains

Staying in a traditional Berber Village in the High Atlas Mountains is another must in Morocco.  We stayed in the village of Aroumd which required about an hour hike into the village while mules carried our packs.  For our accommodations, we stayed at a Gite, a very basic mountain house with no heat or warm water.  Since we were in Morocco during the winter, the simplicity of this mountain home certainly made us very grateful for the central heat and hot water we take for granted at home.  During our time in Aroumd, we hiked further into the Atlas mountains and enjoyed rooftop meals with gorgeous views.  These mountain views were in sharp contrast from our views in the Sahara but equally as astounding. 

Aroumd, Berber Village, High Atlas Mountains
Aroumd, Berber Village, High Atlas Mountains

3. Ait Ben Haddaou

Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

Not to be missed while traveling in Morocco is the ancient fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou.  It is very interesting to see this city as it was built in the 11th century but is still so well preserved.  It is also where many film/TV productions have been filmed (Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, etc.) so you may recognize it.  We most enjoyed watching the sunrise over the Kasbah.  Beyond the views, the kindness of the people in this village was overwhelming.  Even though cakes are a rarity in this area (fruit is the main dessert), the village members all came together, each bringing whatever ingredients they had, to make Sam a very special birthday cake at our accommodations–such a sweet gesture! 

Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco

We explored Morocco with Intrepid and highly recommend using this company. Their sustainable small group tour travel model is one we fully support. Intrepid offers many different Morocco tour options and the one we took was South Morocco Discovery trip. Explore trips offered by Intrepid using this link!

We hope this post helps give you some ideas as you plan your trip to Morocco.  Any activities you would add to our list of the top things to do in Morocco?  We would love to hear your feedback.  Please leave us a comment! 

And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!


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Morocco Trip Reflection


Written by Natalie

Erg Chigaga Dunes (left), High Atlas Mountains (center), Ait-Ben-Haddou (right)
Erg Chigaga Dunes (left), High Atlas Mountains (center), Ait-Ben-Haddou (right)

Reflecting on our time in Morocco, I cannot tell you my favorite part—I loved it all! From camping in the Sahara to hiking the High Atlas mountains to exploring the ancient city of Ait-Ben-Haddou, everyday was a new adventure.

FYI: This post is based on a trip taken in early January

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That means that, at no cost to you, we may get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This helps us keep providing travel resources for you!


Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert
Sahara Desert

On our trip, I felt the most alive while in the Sahara Desert.  Here, we watched the sunset over an endless horizon, raced on the sand dunes until we literally fell over and sang our hearts out around a campfire with new friends.


Ait-Ben-Haddou

Ait-Ben-Haddou
Ait-Ben-Haddou

In the small town of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Sam celebrated his 30th birthday with a very special homemade cake—a rarity since Moroccan dessert typically only consists of fresh fruit. Likewise, running under a sky full of only stars (no street lights) and seeing the sunrise over the Kasbah (fortified village where Game of Thrones and many movies have been filmed) are both experiences we will not soon forget.


Essaouira

Essaouria Coastline (left), Essaouria Medina Views (center), Favorite Hole-in-the-Wall Tagine Restaurant (right)
Essaouria Coastline (left), Essaouria Medina Views (center), Favorite Hole-in-the-Wall Tagine Restaurant (right)

In the dreamy seaside city of Essaouira, we enjoyed the warm sunshine, ate fresh seafood and found our favorite hole-in-the-wall spot to order the traditional Moroccan dish of tagine.


Aroumd

Aroumd (left), High Atlas Mountains (center & right)
Aroumd (left), High Atlas Mountains (center & right)

Another highlight of our trip was hiking into and staying in the traditional Berber village of Aroumd, tucked away in the breath-taking High Atlas mountains. Living like a local for a night here was quite humbling and an experience like no other.


Marrakech

Marrakech
Marrakech

In Marrakech, we got lost in the shops of the old Medina and learned from locals about traditional Moroccan aliment remedies.


Other Moroccan Highlights 

Goats climbing in Argan Trees (left), Moroccan Mint Tea (center), Moroccan Market (right)

Some other highlights of our trip included the views while driving through the countryside, the goats climbing in the Argan trees, the Moroccan mint tea served at most meals, the delicious traditional Moroccan cuisine and the unique colorful decor everywhere we stayed.

Tamegroute (left), Zagora (center), Taroudant (right)
Tamegroute (left), Zagora (center), Taroudant (right)

I am also now proficient in 8 Arabic terms/phrases and am having heaps of fun with that. Speaking of heaps, on this trip, we met some really stellar people from all over the world, particularly Australia and the UK, that we feel very lucky to now call friends. We couldn’t have asked for better travel companions and conversations. Also, our guide, Omar, deserves a huge shoutout for making this trip one to remember for a lifetime.

Driving Views (left & right), Oasis in Zagora (center)
Driving Views (left & right), Oasis in Zagora (center)

Overall, our Morocco trip was a great experience that surpassed all of our expectations. I would highly recommend traveling here, keeping in mind the magic of Morocco really lies beyond Marrakech. The kindness of the people and beauty of the county will not disappoint you.

We explored Morocco with Intrepid and highly recommend using this company. Their sustainable small group tour travel model is one we fully support. Intrepid offers many different Morocco tour options and the one we took was South Morocco Discovery trip. Explore trips offered by Intrepid using this link!

For more information on our Morocco trip, see our Top 3 Morocco Experiences and
Hamman Bath: Not Your Average Bath
posts.


We hope this post inspires you to take your own trip to Morocco.  You will not regret it and it will truly be the trip of a lifetime.

And remember, Always Have A Trip Planned!


Did you find this post helpful? If so, please share it with a friend, like our Always Have a Trip Planned Facebook Page, follow our Always Have A Trip Planned Instagram and subscribe to our emails below.

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