Morocco is a truly exceptional country, offering a blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. It was not on my bucket list but returning is definitely in the cards. We loved it!
On our two week tour of Morocco we found it unexpectedly modern, with the country now having running water and electricity throughout, including in its remote rural regions. This modernity is set against the backdrop of rich ancient cultures.
The Medinas are amazing. They look and operate as they did in ancient Berber and Arab times, with their narrow pathways loaded on both sides with merchants hawking colourful clothing, fabrics, hand made brass and leather items, wonderful smelling food and row upon row of glorious smelling spices.
We witnessed the dying of leather and fabrics still executed as it has been done for centuries. It was really stinky and fascinating to see.
There are donkeys still pulling carts down streets, navigating their way through the crowded thoroughfares filled with cars and motor bikes, the donkeys seemed unfazed by the crazy, frantic traffic racing around them.
One of my favourite moments in Morocco was riding a camel into the vast, golden expanse of the Sahara Desert. It makes my heart happy just to think of it.
We drove over the majestic Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara to spend the night in a small luxurious tent camp. The tents had several lush luxury carpets on the floors, en suites, comfortable beds with beautifully coloured throws and temperature control. AS you can imagine it's a particularly good idea for summer in the desert.
We took a moment to settle in, then walked the few meters to the open air public tent for snacks. After tea and snacks we dressed with head covering to meet our camels and ride into the tranquillity of the Sahara dunes. We rode them quite a distance and then dismounted to climb what seemed to me like a mile high sand dune to watch the sunset. The sheer sense of adventure made it an experience like no other.
A quiet fell over us all as the sun set with our camels waiting patiently below the peak of the dune. After those few moments of deep appreciation we all climbed down the dunes to ride our rocking camel transportation back to our small tent village.
After dismounting, bidding farewell to our camels and thanking our cameleers Robert and I walked across the dunes, found a bench and took a moment to sit together holding hands in silence to mark the sheer beauty of the moment.
Morocco’s beauty lies in its diversity – from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene Atlas Mountains and the historic charm of Fes. Whether you're exploring ancient Medinas, savouring traditional tagines, or admiring the endless desert, Morocco is a destination that captures the heart and soul of every traveller.
