10 Experiences In Morocco You Shouldn’t Miss

Morocco is one of the most visited countries in Africa for a reason. It has almost anything and everything a traveler could want–incredible history, amazing food, friendly people, mesmerizing bazaars, and much more. As one of the oldest kingdoms in North Africa, Morocco is easy to get to from many places in the world, very affordable, and also incredibly safe and stable despite its neighbors’ political turmoils. There are a million things to see and do in this ancient and enchanting country on the fringes of the Sahara, but don’t worry, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 experiences in Morocco you simply can’t miss.

1) Step Back in Time at the Djemaa el-Fnaa

Marrakech djemaa el fna (photo by Sarah Khan)

At the top of everyone’s lists for things to do in Morocco (and Africa) is Marrakech’s main square and center of activity, the Djemaa el-Fnaa. Nearly 1,000 years old, the sounds, smells, and sights truly transport you to another era. Snake charmers, dancers, merchants, and touts pull you in every direction. The square comes to life at sunset and you’ll find food from all corners of the country. A new experience every time you visit, you could spend days (or years) here.

2) Climb Essaouira’s Ancient Ramparts

(Jerzy Erzelecki/Wikipedia Commons)

Only a few hours from Marrakech on the Atlantic Coast, the ancient city of Essaouira has lured travelers for centuries. Climb the ancient walls of the fortress as waves crash against the rocky coast. Get lost in the old alleys and pop into small artisan shops. Some of the best seafood can be found here as well.

3) Take the Train Through the Country

(David Gubler/Wikimedia Commons)

Getting around Africa usually involves dusty, bumpy, poorly maintained roads on let’s say ‘aged’ buses, but Morocco has one of the most efficient and best maintained rail networks on the continent. Cruise through mountain passes, past picturesque villages, and date palm plantations on a rail line that stretches from Marrakech all the way to the northeast of the country near Algeria.

4) Camel Trek Through the Sahara and Camp With Bedouins

Shutterstock

What could invoke more romantic imagery than traversing massive sand dunes in a camel caravan with a Bedouin guide? A highlight of any trip to Morocco, many companies offer this excursion in several locations in the eastern dunes. Sleep under the stars (or a traditional tent rather) miles from anything, and get up well before dawn to watch the sun rise over Algeria. Much of the income generated goes back to the local Bedouin communities who need the income most.

See Movie Sets at Aït Benhaddou

(Stringer_bel/Flickr)

The ancient citadel and city appears out of the dessert and mountains like a mirage, and before you know it, you’re crossing sandbag steps over a river and have stepped into what seems like a dream. This location was also featured in films like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and more recently, Game of Thrones. Plan an afternoon visit when the sun on the mud structures is at its most dramatic. There are even a few guesthouses offering lodging if you can’t pull yourself away.

Explore the Blue City of Chefchaouen

(Okrasita/Wikipedia Commons)

This small mountain town provides a welcome relief should you decide to visit hectic Tangier. Known as the Blue City because of its painted walls, houses, and alleys, it has a markedly more laid back feel than many places, really taking its location near the Mediterranean to heart. It has all the traditional sites, but offers much more relaxation for the weary traveler.

7) Ski The High Atlas Mountains

Mount Toubkal, Morocco (Wikipedia Commons)

Africa is hot and Morocco is in the desert, right? Well, yes, technically but it also has some of the best slopes this side of the Sahara. Nestled high in the Atlas Mountains, several ski resorts exist with peaks topping two miles (3,000 meters). Besides the slopes, the stark and impressive beauty of the countryside is reason enough to come here.

8) Learn to Cook Traditional Moroccan Food

Moroccan zaalouk (Shutterstock)

One of the best things about Morocco is undoubtedly the food, which is more unique and has more of its own style than its neighbors to the east. Whether you go for kabobs, tajine (vegetables or meat cooked in a clay pot), or something more indigenous, taking a cooking class here is something no one should pass up as they are offered in many cities and by many tourism companies. We know you want to stay, but at least you can take the taste of the country home with you.

9) Barter In The Medina Of Fez

My friend, my friend! Please, I’ll make special price for you! If we had a dinar for every time we heard that…Practice your bartering skills in Fez, which has one of the largest and oldest medieval centers in all of Africa. Get lost in the city’s narrow alleyways where no light shines through. Pull up a stool, accept that glass of mint tea, and start haggling for that rug or lamp or ornamental knife. This could take a while.

10) Experience A Tannery

Fez tanneries (Shutterstock)

One of the other must-see/smell attractions in Fez is witnessing leather being dyed in a traditional tannery. If you can navigate to them by yourself, follow the distinctive odor, or give one of the many local boys offering their guide services a few dinars to navigate through the labyrinthine alleys, they’ll lead you to the top of nearby buildings. From here, you can watch the whole process with an amazing view and the unavoidable stop to the storefront afterwards to make a purchase.

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