“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Dalai Lama
For me, that place in 2024 was Morocco. It had been on my wish list for some time, yet somehow, more far-flung destinations always stole the spotlight.
Why did I wait so long?! Morocco completely surpassed my expectations. Less than four hours from the UK, yet it feels like stepping into another world with its vibrant mix of cultures, breathtaking scenery and undeniable magic – an incredibly special place.
Our adventure began, as most Moroccan adventures do, in Marrakech. We had a couple of nights to soak up the city before joining Minty Highway and Not In The Guidebooks for an immersive private tour.
Marrakech is known for its traditional riads, and we stayed at the Angsana Heritage Collection, just a five-minute walk from the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square - provided you take the right turn through the medina’s labyrinthine streets!
On our first night, we explored the city through a walking food tour, uncovering the locals’ favourite spots. From the sweet or savoury pancake msemmen (my winner) served with sweet mint tea to the spicy snail dish babbouche (not so much!), it was a feast of flavours and traditions. Watching the square come alive after sunset was mesmerising.
The souks of Marrakech are, as expected, an assault on the senses and a shopper’s dream. While a guide can help you get your bearings, wandering, getting lost and haggling for authentic souvenirs is all part of the fun.
Marrakech is well served by flights from the UK. My fellow travellers flew in from various regional airports and by Day 3, we were ready to leave the city behind and explore further afield.
Meeting the team from Not In The Guidebooks and local guides, Hamza and Saeed, we set off into the High Atlas Mountains. I deliberately avoided over-researching the itinerary, trusting our generous hosts, and I was blown away by the beauty of the rugged landscapes and the warmth of the locals.
Our first major stop after coffee and lunch breaks en route was Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a vital stop on the Sahara trading route. Dating back to the 17th century, this ancient kasbah is a masterpiece of mud-brick architecture.
Some villagers still live within the walls, selling handicrafts and art works from their doorways as you climb to the top of the citadel for breathtaking views of the valley. No wonder it’s a favourite film and TV location, from Gladiator to Outer Banks and Game of Thrones.
From there, we continued to the Todra Gorge, a dramatic 300m-deep ravine carved by the River Todra. It’s a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers, and while we didn’t have time to stay overnight, I’d highly recommend a night in a local Berber village to immerse yourself in the activities available.
Our destination that evening was the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where we swapped our minibus for a caravan of camels. Now, I’ve never been a fan of camels, but this was to change over the next hour. Despite their less-than-cushy ride, these gentle creatures were calm and well-cared for, making our sunset trek across the golden dunes the most magical experience.
This extraordinary day ended at the candlelit Madu Luxury Camp. These were no ordinary tents - think ensuite bathrooms, warm bedding and impeccable Berber hospitality.
After a delicious dinner, we gathered around the campfire, enjoying traditional music, dancing and stargazing under the clearest and most breathtaking night skies.
The next morning, a stunning desert sunrise marked the perfect farewell to the Sahara.
Arriving at the camp in darkness the previous evening, we had no idea it was the only one in the area, surrounded by endless sand dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. Watching the colours shift from soft pinks to golden hues as the sun climbed above the dunes is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
After an exhilarating 4x4 ride across the dunes, we continued to Ouarzazate for our final night. Along the way, we stopped to enjoy a performance of Gnaoua music - a hypnotic blend of rhythms and storytelling and I was thrilled to be invited by one of the musicians to try one of the instruments.
That evening, a farewell feast of Moroccan specialities - chicken pastilla, tagine and harira soup - accompanied by lively local Berber music at the quirky Tin Joseph, was the perfect end to our adventure. The hosts in all our hotels, most of which were family-run, had been incredibly welcoming, and we’d enjoyed some truly wonderful food.
Our last day took us back to Marrakech via the twisting Tizi n'Tichka pass, offering one final chance to soak up the breathtaking mountain views. Before some last-minute shopping in the medina, we said goodbye to Hamza and Saeed.
Having local guides is essential on a trip like this - they brought the journey to life. We laughed, sang songs and learned about their families and lives. Through their stories, they shared the history and culture of a country they are incredibly proud to call home and were so eager to introduce to their guests.
Why Morocco?
We only scratched the surface of this incredible country, but it’s already stolen my heart. The warm and welcoming locals, vibrant culture and mouthwatering food - couscous as fine as Saharan sand - like I’ve never tasted before!
As a woman, I felt incredibly safe travelling here. The blend of breathtaking landscapes, authentic experiences and wonderful spring or autumn weather makes it an ideal destination for any traveller, and I can’t wait to return.
If my journey has inspired you, I’d love to create a tailor-made Moroccan adventure just for you.
