Morocco is a gateway to Africa and the only step away from Europe. You will find epic mountain ranges, ancient cities, sweeping deserts – and warm hospitality
1- Sahara Desert
A unique place with majestic landscapes that will appeal to lovers of nature and wide-open spaces. Some of these dunes reach up to 150 meters in height, and the colors seen from above are striking, especially at sunrise and sunset. Trekkings and expeditions to explore this natural wonder start from the village of Merzouga.
Led by an experienced guide, the first option (and the least degrading for this fragile environment) is to get there on the back of a camel. For day and night wonder, we strongly recommend spending a night in a bivouac. Enjoy your night with the sound of music around the campfire. To know more about what you could do in the Sahara Desert, make sure to read our article dedicated to the Sahara.
Tip: Make sure to spend at least 2 nights in the Sahara Desert, definitely worth it!
2 – Atlas Mountains
Morocco is a country with very varied landscapes. Between dunes and beaches, the relief is also marked by the Atlas mountain range in the northern part of the country. The High Atlas region is the highest peak in North Africa. It offers incredibly rich landscapes and will satisfy hiking and trekking lovers. Between green forests and arid valleys, snow-capped ridges, and vast plateaus, the region is dotted with roads and paths allowing you to discover another side of Morocco, off the beaten track.
Among the must-see places, the Ourika Valley, near Marrakech, plunges visitors into the heart of raw nature, meeting the Berber tribes. The Atlas region also has important national parks such as Toukbal and Souss-Massa. The latter is home to the M’Goun massif. Further south in the part called the Anti-Atlas, there are still pleasant hiking trails accessible from the city of Taroudant. Here, the High Mountain has given way to oases, agricultural fields, torrents, and waterfalls.
3 – Marrakech
Both traditional and contemporary, Marrakech seduces with its many facets. Facing the Atlas Mountains, the city and its various neighborhoods are full of treasures. Alternately vibrant and calm, electric and serene, there is something for everyone. Whether you stroll around the picturesque alleys of the Medina, visit the historic city center guarded by the ramparts, get to the lush gardens of Majorelle and Menara, you will get seduced. Further north, Palm Grove is suitable for bike trips or camel rides.
Located in the center of the Medina, Jemaa El Fna Square, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, is a meeting place for locals and tourists. Always buzzing, day and night, this vast marketplace is home to merchants and itinerant traders.
Visit the Koutoubia, the iconic minaret of Marrakech that can be seen from miles away. A few steps from the Jemaa El Fna square, the tall silhouette of the minaret is easily recognizable and served in particular as a model for the famous Giralda in Seville.
Another essential stopover on the first visit to Marrakech is the Majorelle Garden. A bubble of greenery and serenity in the middle of the city bustle. A haven of peace where you stroll through exotic vegetation, between fountains, lily ponds, and flowering shrubs. It is not for nothing that the famous French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent fell in love with it, and decided to acquire it in 1980 with his companion Pierre Bergé. The garden also houses a memorial dedicated to the artist, and adjoining the garden is the museum dedicated to the work of Yves Saint-Laurent. Since 2011, there is also a museum dedicated to Berber culture, located in the heart of the Majorelle garden.
Away from the busy city of Marrakech, take a ride to La Ménara. A vast olive grove spanning more than 100 hectares, offers Marrakchis and tourists an oasis of freshness in the L’Hivernage district, located outside the ramparts. Much less touristy than Majorelle, the place is ideal for a romantic picnic or a nature walk with the family. We take the time to stroll along the peaceful central basin while contemplating the superb panorama of the peaks of the Atlas.
So many things to do in Marrakech and outside of the buzzing city. For more inside experiences, please check out our article dedicated to Marrakech.
Tip: Treat yourselves to a moment of relaxation in a traditional Moroccan hammam. On the program, the ritual of the steam bath and the black soap scrub. You will come out with softer skin than a baby’s.
4 – Bin El Ouidane
Nestled in the heart of the Atlas, Lake Bin el Ouidane is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and beautiful landscapes in Morocco. In the province of Azilal, is the superb Bin el Ouidane lake. Located 3h drive from Marrakech, it is in fact the reservoir of the dam of the same name. This immense body of water covers nearly 4,000 hectares and is perched at an altitude of over 800 meters – making it the highest lake in Africa. Mixing the blue of the crystal clear water, the other of the surrounding land and the green of the olive trees of the region, the landscape of Lake Bin el Ouidane is breathtaking.
5 – Chefchaouen
This city is the postcard from Morocco. Located in the northeast of the country, this mountain village is intriguing with its blue color that covers all the walls of the houses. A stroll in the narrow streets of Chefchaouen will transport you in an imaginary country, between the change of scenery and enchantment.
In the heart of the medina, the small winding streets are dotted with artisanal fabrics, herbs and spices, woven baskets, and other handicrafts. This welcoming village also has several historical monuments that can be visited. The central place Outa El-Hammam planted with trees is the daily meeting place for tourists and locals. Contemplate there from one of the terraces the old Kasbah while sipping your Moroccan tea. For nature, lover complete your experience with the national park of Akchour.
Fun fact: Blue reflects the sun’s rays, keeping homes cool. Copper sulfate mixed with lime gives this indigo color which also helps keep insects away. Clever!
Morocco is a quite diverse country, it’s hardly possible to put everything in one blog article. Contact us today to help build an itinerary that meets your needs and goes beyond your expectations.
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