Morocco
Morocco is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The moment you step into the medina of Marrakech, the world changes. Narrow alleys twist past spice stalls, leather shops, and copper workshops. The call to prayer echoes from minarets. The smell of cumin, saffron, and grilled lamb fills the air. It is exotic, intense, and completely captivating.
The country sits at the northwest corner of Africa, separated from Spain by just nine miles across the Strait of Gibraltar. That proximity to Europe combined with deep African, Arab, and Berber roots creates a culture unlike anywhere else. The architecture is stunning, from the intricate zellige tilework and carved cedar of ancient palaces to the simple beauty of blue washed mountain villages. The food is extraordinary. And the landscapes range from snow capped Atlas Mountains to the vast, silent dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Where to Go
Marrakech is the beating heart of Moroccan tourism. Jemaa el Fna, the main square, transforms every evening into an open air carnival of food stalls, musicians, storytellers, and snake charmers. The Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Majorelle Garden (once owned by Yves Saint Laurent) are must sees. The medina’s souks are a labyrinth of shops selling everything from handwoven rugs to silver jewelry to leather goods.
Fes has the oldest continuously functioning university in the world and a medieval medina that is the largest car free urban area on Earth. Getting lost in the Fes medina is not a risk, it is the entire point. The tanneries, where leather has been dyed using traditional methods for centuries, are one of the most iconic sights in the country.
Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, is one of the most photographed places in Morocco. Every wall, doorway, and staircase is painted in shades of blue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that photographers love. It is a quieter, more relaxed counterpoint to the intensity of Marrakech and Fes.
The Sahara Desert is the bucket list experience. Most visitors base themselves in Merzouga or reach the Erg Chebbi dunes via a multi day drive from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains, the Dades Gorge, and the Todra Gorge. Spending a night at a luxury desert camp, riding camels to the dunes at sunset, and sleeping under a sky full of stars is one of the most memorable travel experiences anywhere.
Where to Stay
La Mamounia in Marrakech is one of the most legendary hotels in the world, with gardens that Winston Churchill painted and a palace atmosphere that has been perfected over nearly a century. Royal Mansour Marrakech, built by the King of Morocco, is the most exclusive property in the country, with private riads hidden behind palace walls. For a more intimate experience, Riad Yasmine and El Fenn are beautiful boutique riads with rooftop pools and personal service.
In the Sahara, Scarabeo Camp and Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp offer glamping style accommodations with traditional Berber tents, fine dining under the stars, and camel treks across the dunes.
Let Us Plan Your Morocco Trip
Morocco rewards travelers who plan ahead, especially for guided medina tours, desert excursions, and riad reservations. The country is best experienced with a local guide for at least part of the trip. We will arrange the logistics, the accommodations, and the experiences so you can lose yourself in the beauty without worrying about the details.
