Having spent over 30 years traveling in and around Morroco ( working with tourists on many occasions)
I consider Morocco to be like home from home..
In view of this I am more than happy to assist with any information regarding travel and or trustworthy travel guides in order to make your Morrocan experience hassle free, safe and informative..
Like all of Africa, if you are considering traveling Morroco on your own you need to have a very good PLAN!!
I would say Morocco is relatively safe and very doable all the while everything is good and going according to plan!
But when things go wrong, in any part of Africa, they can go really wrong!! ( breakdowns, illness, harassment and crime to name but a few) these should ALL be considered when planning to travel within Morroco and Africa as a whole!!
In my opinion unless you are extremely well traveled, ( within Africa), able to repair your own vehicle in remote areas ( if traveling overland), speak various languages and know at least one person/ friend or guide, in your chosen African destination, I would strongly recommend traveling within a tour group or with a personal guide!!
A bit of information about Morrocco
Morocco is a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Morocco is Known for its uniquely rich culture centered on religion and tradition and abundance of beaches, mountains, ranges, and deserts, which makes it popular.
It is one of poorest counties in the world. Despite its picturesque, versatile landscape and legendary Hollywood status thanks to the classic film Casablanca.
Morroco still remains a budget travel destination, despite its rise in popularity.
Best time to visit Morocco
Morocco’s a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally during the autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April). The weather is warm, but you’ll avoid the scorching heat and cold nights.
When to visit the Sahara Desert
With the scorching summer sun and plummeting temperatures on winter nights, avoiding these extremes will make your desert stay more comfortable. Autumn and late spring offer ideal conditions.
Note that March tends to be very windy with unexpected sandstorms.
Discover sweeping dunes and sparkling night skies
The wind swept sand stretches for what looks like forever.
The Sahara offers epic sunsets, camel rides, quad biking or 4x4, dune surfing and the opportunity to visit a local Berber family to sample local food in the Berber desert camp..
or one of the many Auberges..
I really recommend :
When to enjoy the coast
Travellers flock to the coast between June and September to take refuge from the scorching sun.
Consider visiting Ashila or Essaouira
When to beat the crowds
Popular Inland places like Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen are busiest from late spring to early autumn
Try to avoid Morocco during Ramadan?
Morocco's predominately an Islamic country.
Ramadan is an Islamic event that will affect your holiday! (dates of which change every year), ramadan is a HOLY MONTH observed by Muslims across the world as a time of spiritual rejuvenation. Fasting occurs from sunrise to sunset, so restaurants, shops and other establishments will more than like be closed!!
What to do in Morocco
Chefchaouen, the blue pearl
Nicknamed the "blue city", Chefchaouen is one of Morocco's most photogenic towns. Here, everything is blue, the houses, doors, staircases and arches. There's a good reason for this: like white, blue keeps the houses cool. There are lots of local handicrafts, including clothes, blankets, jewelry and leather goods. Chefchaouen, is a must-see place when visiting Morroco.
Fez
Fez is the cultural capital of Morocco. Its medina is home to sites dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries, as well as the oldest university in the Muslim world. Take a visit the old, traditional leather tanneries.The medina gates, medersas, fondouk and the royal palace are all well worth a visit.
For souvenirs, try Place Seffarine, where stalls display teapots, perfume burners and other containers, or you can spend hours strolling a labyrinth of streets in the Medina.
Azrou
Azrou, which means ‘rock’. Azrou is a must do .
The town is surrounded by hills, pine and cedar forests.
The Monkeys, ruins and cave houses are all a must do whilst in Morocco’s lonely Middle Atlas..
Erfourd
On your way to the Sahara visit Erfourd and its amazing fossil museum.
Sahara desert
The dunes of Merzouga.
Of all of the incredible destinations in Morocco, there are few, if any, places that are better than the desert town of Merzouga.
Merzouga, is a dusty town, without much in the way of roads or infrastructure, ideal for those looking to explore the massive Erg chebbi dunes..
Bedouin camping, dessert camel treks, quad bike hire or just a relaxing stay in the desert is all right here in Merzouga.
Listen to Gnawa Music In Khamlia
The Gnawa were slaves brought to Northern from Central and Southern Africa in desert caravans. Now they make a large portion of the population of the town of Khamlia, just a short distance from Merzouga.
You can visit the village to enjoy Berber tea along with live traditional music and dancing ( you will be encouraged to join in)
Much of southeastern Morocco still exists in much the same way that it has for centuries. This includes the nomadic Berber tribes that make their way through the harsh landscape with herds of camels, mules, and cattle.
Although these tribes move around frequently, many of the tour guides have connections within the communities and can arrange for visitors to get a unique look into these cultures that live vastly different lives from that which most of us know.
You will learn about their lifestyle, how they move their camps from place to place, and how they know which place to travel to next. It is an absolutely was an absolutely fascinating experience.
Todra gorge
The Todgha Gorges are a series of limestone river canyons in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
These deep cliff-sided canyons are 40 kilometres long.
As well as stunning and very picturesque, this area is a popular destination for climbers.
Dades gorge
The Dadès Gorges, or Dades Valley are a series of rugged wadi gorges carved out by the Dades River
Aït Benhaddou
Ait-Ben-Haddou is the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley. (ksar is a collective grouping The site was a trading post on the commercial route linking ancient Sudan to Marrakesh by the Dra Valley and the Tizi-n'Telouet Pass. The Ksar of Ait- Ben-Haddou is a perfect synthesis of earthen architecture of the pre-Saharan regions of Morocco.
Mareketch
Marrakesh or Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco. It is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and the capital of the Marrakesh-Safi region.
With its Colorful souks, Moorish architecture, intimate gardens and boutique hotels--Marrakesh is unforgettable
Jemaa el-Fna
Is a square at the heart of the medina is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions and is a Unesco world heritage site. Here you can see snake charmers, street entertainers and over-enthusiastic henna artists at every turn.
At night Locals and tourists descend on the Jemaa drawn by the ceaseless hoopla and halqa (street theatre). To grab some food from one of the barbecue stalls, listen to some music, or enjoy the sunset from one of the the rooftop bars
Souk and spice market
In this traditional spice souk you will find merchants selling every type of spice or spice mix
This open-air souk is truly atmospheric. You can also pick up colourful basketry in this souk.
Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace (which roughly translates to ‘beautiful palace’) was built in the late 19th century, and now forms the epicentre of the city’s culture.
The decor is stunning, with its high ceilings, rooms filled with paintings, mosaics and huge, open gardens it is definitely worth a visit.
And last but not least!!
The Souk Semmarine
One of Marakkech’s many souks (meaning markets), Souk Semmarine is a must see. The market sells everything from leather goods, silverware and crockery.
It is normally to haggle with the traders.
Go and take a look, you won’t regret it.
Ourika valley
Ourika Valley is a valley in the Moroccan High Atlas along the Ourika River.
It is a nice place to rest as a breather from the hustle and bustle of Mareketch.
You can eat lunch whist sitting in the river ( obviously using a table and chairs)
Essaouira (Mogador)
Essaouira known until the 1960s as Mogador, is a port city in the western Moroccan region of Marakesh-Safi, on the Atlantic coast.
Essaouira's wide, sandy beach is great for walking and kitesurfing, sunbathing and swimming.
And as well as being a Game of Thrones filming destination.
It is said that Jimi Hendrix found inspiration for "Castles in the sand” whilst visiting Essaouita in 1969.
Asilah
Asilah is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco and is famous for its centuries-old, imposing walls and beautiful medina.
The old town of Ashila is known as the "City of Art" on the Atlantic. The beautiful murals and graffiti made it famous
Paradise Beach is a very picturesque beach with bustling chiringuitos
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