Exploring Morocco From Sea To Sahara

If you’re dreaming of a spring or fall escape filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and luxurious retreats, consider a journey to Morocco. We spent the first two weeks of May exploring this dynamic country, from its maze-like medinas, sweeping Saharan sand dunes, and rugged mountains to its stunningly beautiful Atlantic coast. Throughout our entire trip, we were well taken care of by friendly locals and expert guides, from our private driver-guide who chauffeured us across the entire country to local city guides who were proud to show off their heritage. Whether your interests are culture, nature, history, religion, traditional crafts, or photography, Morocco has a little bit of everything for the curious traveler. Enjoy these photos from our fantastic journey!

Morocco is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient medinas, remarkably preserved Roman ruins, and atmospheric ksars (fortified villages) built by the Amazigh (Berber) people of the Sahara. Visiting Morocco’s historic sites offers a captivating glimpse into a civilization shaped by Amazigh, Arab, Andalusian, and French influences over thousands of years. Our expert private guides led us behind the scenes of Morocco’s layered past as we explored ornate palaces, centuries-old tombs, and abandoned Roman ruins that told stories of empires long gone.

Morocco offers a breathtaking array of landscapes packed into a country roughly the size of California. An overnight luxury desert camping retreat under the shimmering stars of the Sahara is a highlight for many guests, with opportunities to trek across the ochre-colored sand dunes by camel and visit nomadic families who still maintain centuries-old traditions. On your way to or from the Sahara, you will have the chance to visit lush palm oases packed with towering date palms, a keystone species that provides fruit and protects smaller plants from harsh sunlight and drifting sand. Morocco’s rugged High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountain ranges offer scenic hikes and the chance to interact with local Amazigh communities, and the Atlantic coast boasts excellent seafood, refreshingly cool breezes, and empty beaches for those willing to travel a little further off the beaten track.

One of the greatest joys of travel is discovering a destination through its cuisine, and Morocco offers a memorable culinary journey. Meals are crafted from fresh local ingredients, layered with warm, earthy spices like cumin, cinnamon, and saffron. Mint tea is a cherished ritual, served with pride and individual flair throughout the country. There are several must-try local foods, from pastilla (phyllo dough filled with chicken, almonds, and eggs and topped with powdered sugar) to harira (a hearty lentil and tomato soup) to tajines (slow-cooked stews with various meats and vegetables). We highly recommend taking a Moroccan cooking lesson, which will start with the cultural experience of buying fresh ingredients at the souk, and our evening street food tour of Marrakesh was one of our favorite activities, complete with melt-in-your-mouth meats, flavorful vegetable dishes, and indulgent deep-fried sweets.

It seemed almost every major city that we visited (and even some smaller ones) had a medina, characterized by narrow, winding streets (with many dead ends!), bustling souks or markets, and traditional architecture including ornate mosques, tiled fountains, and intricate city gates. Each medina had its own feel, and we especially liked the Fes medina, which has over 9000 streets and remains pedestrian-only. Our guided tours brought us to historical sites and individual artisans we would have never found on our own, balanced with self-guided explorations that allowed us to truly get lost and just soak in the dizzying array of sights and sounds. In addition to historic tours and shopping, visitors can take cooking lessons, shop for hand-woven textiles, get scrubbed down in the local hammam or public bath (a must-do experience – be sure to ask Chris how he lost his shorts at the Fes hammam!), or participate in artisanal workshops in trades like shoe-making, pottery, or mosaics.

For an authentic yet luxurious stay, we often chose to sleep within the walls of Morocco’s ancient medinas, where beautifully restored riads (historic family homes) offered an oasis of tranquility and charm. Each riad usually has a serene courtyard at its center (sometimes filled with pet tortoises and nesting songbirds), surrounded by individual guest rooms on several floors, capped by a rooftop dining area. It was surprising to see how quiet and calm the riads were despite being within the energetic medinas, and our stays included dinners that allowed us to sample traditional Moroccan cuisine. Every riad had a unique artistic style, and the non-riad boutique hotels we stayed in also immersed us in architecturally stunning dwellings with secluded swimming pools, high-end spas, and tranquil courtyards.

When you’re ready to experience Morocco’s magic for yourself, from ancient cities and desert camps to luxurious riads and off-the-beaten-track cultural encounters, reach out! We can design a private, fully customized journey tailored to your every need.

Your Wild Adventure Aficionado,

Alexis Alloway