Five of our favourite Moroccan experiences
January 3, 2021
Morocco is a wonderful enchanting country, full of life and incredible experiences that make for a thrilling holiday. We’ve listed some of our favourite experiences and things to do or see whilst on holiday in Morocco below to inspire you for your next North African adventure!
1) Trek through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains
Morocco’s Atlas Mountains separate the warm waters of the Mediterranean from the arid sand dunes of the Sahara, running through Morocco offering incredible unique scenery and the wonderful charming Berber people to meet. The Atlas’ soar above Marrakech and much of Morocco to the great heights of Mount Toubkal reaching 4,167 metres, they’re even home to the tiny ski resort of Oukaimeden in winter where avid skiers can get their fix.
Home to North Africa’s highest mountain, the Atlas Mountains offer incredible culinary experiences, challenging trekking, whether through the foothills or the High Atlas, and for those who want a more relaxing experience; four wheel drive tours. With stunning backdrops and a quietness that takes many by surprise, the Atlas Mountains offer a tranquil ambience that leave many returning time and time again. Share fresh mint tea with the Berber people, enjoy some of the best tagines found anywhere in Morocco, horse ride across the foothills or embrace the quietness of the mountains, we’d recommend the Atlas for any holiday maker.
2) Meet the tree climbing goats
Around June time, the Argan trees fruits ripen with its delicious juicy crop hanging heavy on the branches of the spiky trees. What better instagram post or holiday-snap to take home than the bizarre phenomenon of goats climbing the Argan trees?
These cheeky and inquisitive goats take absolute joy in gorging on the fruit each June, with as much skill as their mountain goat counterparts, they balance precariously on branches looking ready to snap to get to the best fruit. To catch a glimpse of these goats happily-munching head towards the Sous Valley and off the beaten track towards the mountains or track down a farmer who will happily point you in the right direction for a tip. After all the farmers benefit two-fold from the goats; both in terms of tourism and the argan nut which is harvested undigested from the droppings of the goats – some of the most expensive droppings money can buy, creating argan oil.
3) Get lost in the souks of Marrakech
Marrakech is for many a city that once visited holds a special place in the heart forever. It’s busy, full of hustle and bustle, a true fusion of cultures. Yes it can be a little hectic at times and daunting, but in it offers up its soul and is an experience like no other, and one that enables you to purchase souvenirs.
Sitting between the edge of the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is full to the brim of life and this is best found in the souks, but don’t fret, a rooftop café and a cup of Moroccan tea or a dip in your riad’s plunge pool can rejuvenate afterwards.
The souks are typically different according to produce such as Smata Souk where you can haggle over your next pair of slippers to the scent filled spice market of Rahba Kedima. From snake charmers to entertainers, street theatre to musicians, it’s a true sensory overload and utterly exhilarating. Fine-tune your bartering skills and confuse your internal compass getting lost through the streets of Marrakech. When the afternoon sun stiffles head to one of the cool galleries or gardens like Jardin Majorelle for a debrief and to relax.
4) Walk the blue washed streets of Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen sits between the coast of Morocco and the Rif Mountains and with its proximity to Europe and stylistic buildings, you could almost be forgiven for thinking that you were in Europe. Debatably Morocco’s pretties town with blue-washed buildings and its scenic mountain backdrop, Chefchaouen is perfectly combined with a coastal holiday.
Much of Chefchaouen’s buildings are washed with blue paint, almost Santorini-esque and utterly beautiful especially when taken in by exploring the narrow streets. The Medina has a different feel to many found in Morocco, more relaxed and also brighter thanks to the colouring of the buildings it’s a pleasure to muddle round the alleyways and streets. Whether a trek through the Rif Mountains, bartering in the Medina or the incredible spiced cuisine appeals most, Chefchaouen is a wonderful place to experience.
5) Find tranquillity and escape the crowds in Oualidia
Oualidia is a little known gem found on the coast of Morocco where the crowds abate and a tranquil oasis can be found. This locals favourite is home to a protected lagoon, perfect for those looking to try their hand at watersports and is just a few hours from Marrakech.
Oualidia isn’t about a tick-list of sights or must-dos but is about a charming and relaxed pace of life, gorgeous coastal scenery and a touch of wildlife thrown in for good measure where if you time it right you can see the migratory pink flamingos settled in the lagoon. A sleepy wonderful escape with some fantastic oysters and seafood, if a little off the beaten track is what you’re after, head to Oualidia!
Does this inspire you?
If our feature on Morocco has inspired you to explore this beautiful country and discover your own African adventure why not talk to one of our specialists about your next trip! For more inspiration click here, or look through our Morocco page.