15 Reasons to Travel to Morocco

Mar 3, 2023 By Patty Moss

Moroccan People

Morocco is known for being one of the most tolerant of the Arab nations. Moroccan people are primarily Arabic and Berber. Moroccans are known for their hospitality and warm, friendly nature. Visitors are welcomed. The people speak Moroccan Arabic or a version of the Berber language (Tamazight). As a former French colony, French is also widely spoken. English is spoken in cities and tourist areas.

Ancient History

Morocco is an ancient kingdom. For 40,000 years, Morocco has been a bridge between Europe, Africa and the East. It came under the influence of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Rome, but its origins are Berber, Arab and African. Since the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, the country has been an independent power and, at times, an empire throughout its history of invaders, battles and the reign of kings/sultans. France occupied Morocco in the early 20th century and control was eventually ceded to a line of Moroccan kings. King Mohammed VI was enthroned in 1999 bringing sweeping political and economic change.

Moroccan Customs & Etiquette

Moroccan culture is a blend of religious and ethnic traditions encompassing Berber, Arab, African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences. Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after health, happiness and family – no business is discussed until after these pleasantries. After shaking hands, Moroccans often touch the right hand to the heart as a sign of respect. Friends of the same sex might tack on an air-kiss or two on the cheek. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday interactions more pleasant – and longer. Patience and extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors call out to customers, joking and striking up conversations. It all makes for a lively local experience.

Impressive Architecture

Due to its unique location, Morocco has been influenced by many cultures throughout history. African tribes from the other side of the Sahara Desert, Islamic traditions from Arab neighbors and European colonizers have influenced its architecture. The strongest architectural influence is Islam. The specific elements of Islam coupled with the Hispano-Moorish influence has created its unique architectural style.

Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan food is some of the best in the world. Due to the history of Morocco being on the ancient spice route, the combination of spices from traders around the world has cozied its way into local kitchens for centuries (cumin, saffron, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, paprika, cinnamon). Dishes are layered with sweet and spicy – they are earthy with bright flavors that reflect the vast array of spices, meats, vegetables and dried fruits available in local markets. The iconic dishes of couscous, tagine, harira soup, bastilla and chicken with preserved lemon are just the beginning.

Insight into Islam

Morocco’s official religion is the orthodox, or Sunni, a sect of Islam. It’s based on the Koran and the Sunna, in which the words and deeds of the Prophet Mohammad are recorded. Islam was introduced to Morocco in the 7th century and it is the foundation of the country’s laws and faith. It’s the unifying force in the daily life of every Moroccan whose duty it is to respect the Five Pillars of Islam. The King of Morocco is both the country’s secular and spiritual leader.

Medinas (ancient walled cities)

Almost all of Morocco’s medinas have a similar layout. They consist of a densely packed urban conglomeration enclosed within defensive walls and lookout towers. The tangle of narrow, winding streets and countless alleyways turns most medinas into a labyrinth. The center of the medina is cut through by wide avenues running between the main gates and other main streets. Despite their chaos, the medinas are organized by certain pre-set conditions. The mosque is always centered at the heart of the medina.

Souks (traditional markets)

Every city and village in Morocco has its souk(s). In villages, the souk can last for a few hours a day. In cities, they are open continuously. Souks are busy, colorful places where agricultural produce and craft items often brought by country people are sold alongside a range of other essential and non-essential items. Souks are a major part of Moroccan life. They are found in the medinas and are laid out according to the type of goods being sold. Bargaining is expected and part of the local experience when visiting Morocco. It’s always entertaining!

Sensory Experiences

Morocco presents visitors with sensory experiences at every turn. The fusion of the Arabic culture, North African cuisine and French influences make Morocco a feast for the senses. From the landscapes to the scent of steaming tajines to the exotic – Morocco offers all of it.

The Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert…there is no better way to experience a night in the Sahara Desert than to camp under the stars. Camps range from simple Berber-style desert camps to all-out luxury glamping set-ups. The local Berbers will show visitors how to wrap their scarves for optimal sand and sun protection. Hop on your camel (or ATV) and have a ride. The changing colors of the sunrise and sunset over the sand dunes is a memory for life.

Mosaic Tile Work

Moroccan tile work, called Zellige, is an art form using geometric shapes. It’s often made from individually chiseled tiles. This form of Islamic art is one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture. Shapes are usually those found in geometry: diamonds, squares, triangles, stars and crosses. This traditional tile work is used to ornament walls, ceilings, fountains, floors and pools.

The Atlantic Ocean & Old Ports

The beautifully situated Atlantic ports such as Essaouira take on a life of their own. As you come over the final stretch of road into Essaouira, the Atlantic Ocean with its white-washed city opens before your eyes. Essaouira is an old Portuguese port dating back to the 16th century. It has its own tumultuous history complete with dramatic ramparts and cannons backing up to the lively seafood market. The long sandy beach is ideal for walking while watching surfers and windsurfers. A mecca for the hippies in the 70’s, it is still an artists’ town today.

Riads (guest houses/small hotels)

Simply put, a riad is a traditional Moroccan house. Riads come in all sizes from guest houses to smaller hotels. The floors and balconies of a riad center around an inner courtyard and garden. True riads have lush plants and a central fountain. Each riad is unique often with individually decorated rooms showing off Moroccan architecture and intricate tile work bringing out the room’s beauty and personality.

The High Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas is the highest mountain range in North Africa. Extending from the western plains of the Atlantic seaboard to the eastern border with Algeria, the High Atlas form a 500-mile weather barrier across Morocco separating the Mediterranean from the Sahara Desert. The High Atlas peaks range from 10,000-13,000′ with steep valleys and deep narrow canyons. Mount Toubkal is the highest peak at 13,671′ The High Atlas is the source for many rich river systems that provide favorable conditions for settlements. The High Atlas Mountains are inhabited by Berbers who live from agriculture, sheepherding and handicrafts.

Moroccan Shopping & Handicrafts

Moroccan crafts are a fundamental part of Moroccan life. Moroccan cooperatives have been working in wood, leather, wool, stone, linen, clay, silver and copper for centuries. Although Morocco is more modernized today, the arts and crafts are still produced in traditional ways. Shopping in the souks is a lively and authentic experience. In Morocco, bargaining is not so much a custom as it is a duty.

Mint Tea

Moroccan mint tea is made by steeping green tea with fresh spearmint leaves. Moroccans drink it several times a day. Moroccans are famous for their hospitality. It is the custom to offer tea to any visitor that might stop by – at home and also in the souks. It’s easier to buy a Berber rug after chatting with a friendly carpet vendor offering a cup of mint tea – you might buy one or even two!

Interested in this tour? Click here to learn more!

EXOTIC MOROCCO: Our Spring 2019 Tour

Aug 29, 2019 By Patty Moss

I can’t get Morocco out of my mind. At every turn, it draws you in and holds you there. Maybe it’s the elaborate mosaic patterns everywhere. Maybe it’s the intricate doors that are works of art in themselves. They are scattered along plain, sometimes crumbling walls, but then open into beautiful homes and riads/guesthouses you would never thought imaginable. It’s a land of contrasts and mixed emotions. Most importantly, it’s the people who extend a warm welcome and with their gracious hospitality. I found myself immediately feeling their inner peace – even from those in extreme poverty. I am one of those forever hooked on this exotic country.

Reflecting on a tour I’ve designed is something I do constantly as we are traveling. I always say at tour orientation, “I’m responsible for the logistics and organization of this tour and the guides are responsible for the subject matter”. They know the country and can best deliver the information. So, it’s natural that my head is constantly swirling with thoughts like ….Is the group coming together as a team of travelers? Are the guides teaching the guests about the culture and history that surrounds a site or region? How is the pace of the itinerary? Do we need more free time to relax or go out on our own? Are guests experiencing and learning about the food of the country which is so integral to its culture? Are we delivering a quality experience? On and on…. It’s particularly true with this trip to Morocco because, well, it’s Morocco!

We arrived to Tangier in northern Morocco. After a walking tour of the medina (ancient walled city), we visited Cap Spartel at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. The lighthouse is on a promontory and marks the end of the cape, just 9 miles from Spain. The views of the coastline and sea were stunning. Below Cap Spartel are the Caves of Hercules which is an archeological site. We had a Berber man who grew up playing in the caves as a child, guide us and tell us his stories. There are two openings to the caves: one to the land and one to the sea. The opening to the sea is called the “Map of Africa” because it’s shape looks like Africa.

We headed to Chefchaouen, called the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco‘. The city is nestled against the Rif Mountains that run along the northern coast of Morocco The buildings are painted shades of blue, some with intricate tiled designs, down cobbled streets and winding alleyways. This city is fascinating due to its unique charm, warm Berber people, its history and being surrounded by so much blue!

We hiked in Talessemtane National Park in the Rif Mountains one day with guides. The setting was beautiful along a river that was a clear turquoise-jade color. The color is due the run-off from the limestone in the area. We had two guests who were plant experts on the trip and helped make this hike a naturalist outing identifying trees, plants and herbs along the way. Then, we found a river-side cafe that happened to have tangines cooking right next to the path. Convenience for hikers who get hungry!

Onward to Volubilis, and the ruins of a Roman city dating back to the 3rd century BC. The map shows the extensiveness of the Roman Empire at its height. This Roman city housed 25,000 people and became one the most important municipia (free towns) in its day. Set in an agricultural area, we toured the city – its wide main street for chariots, the remains of its houses with their intact mosaic floors and the beautiful Basilica still so well preserved. The local historical guide explained what life was like for the Romans who lived in Volubilis. So fascinating!

This is Bab Mansour, the main gate and entrance to the Imperial City of Meknes. There are four Imperial Cities in Morocco: Fes, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes. The Imperial cities were once capitals of Morocco. The current holder is Rabat. We walked the ancient Meknes medina and main square full of stalls, food vendors, street performers and traffic! As our guides said, when you cross the street, you say to yourself, “Praise God!” and go for it. Actually, they stopped traffic and guided us across the street on several occasions. We visited the main square with its many food stalls, street performers and A LOT of action. It was a precursor to visiting Fes and Marrakech but on a smaller scale. Claude led us to Aisha’s, a very, very small restaurant (as in one table with the kitchen in the back). We enjoyed Aisha’s specially prepared Moroccan lunch. She also explained how to make preserved lemons that were featured in her tangines. This was the first course of Harissa Soup. The food is sublime in Morocco with its unique spices combined with fresh vegetables, meats, olives, dried fruits, almonds served with a side of couscous and Berber bread (oh, the bread!). Nothing fancy, but authentic and probably one of the top two meals we had in Morocco. Thank you, Aisha!

I usually don’t write much about our accommodations but our stay at Palais Faraj in Fes was so memorable. The exterior was beautiful and the interior even more so. Every room was a work of Moroccan interior design at its finest. Quite a wonderful hotel if you are ever in Fes!

1The ancient medina of Fes is a labyrinth of 9000+ streets and alleyways – some so narrow they are just wide enough for you alone. Inside are the souks or marketplaces for any tourist to get lost and then be persuaded in to buying a Berber rug or a zillion other things. It’s a shopping mecca. Fortunately, we followed our guides through the medina and didn’t get lost although some would say that’s half the fun! One day in Fes was spent on a walking tour with a local certified history guide to learn about many of its historical sites. The emphasis of the tour was also on Arabic architecture and its intricacies. It is hard to imagine the many mosaic walls, carvings and ornate metal doors were all made by hand usually for a sultan. The palaces, mosques and religious schools are truly remarkable and the architecture is a sight to behold.

The tanneries of Fes are a must-see (and smell). Tanning of leather is a craft with traditions that go back thousands of years. And, they still do it the same way today! The tanning process turns animal hides into soft, rot-proof leather of every color. The odor comes from pigeon poop and other ‘organic matter’ that seals in the color. “Where do they get that much pigeon poop?”, one might ask. They buy it in the market, of course. To offset the odor, just hold a sprig of mint up to your nose. It works! Once tanned, the hides are passed on to the leatherworkers to make many kinds of leather products. Of course, this called for buying matching Moroccan shoes/slippers called “babouches”.

Lachen’s Fes Cooking class was so much fun! After a visit to the marketplace to buy ingredients, the work began. It was a fast-paced cooking class with a lot of teamwork and camaraderie. Chef Lachen taught us to make Zaalouk Salad; Briouates with Goat Cheese & Olives in Puff Pastry; Candied Artichokes with Preserved Lemons & Oranges; Lamb, Prune & Date Tangine, Charmoula (a traditional Moroccan marinade for fish or chicken kebabs) and Pastilla (chicken stuffed in filo dough sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar) . After all that, just sweet Moroccan oranges for dessert sprinkled with cinnamon. More than yum!

This is Dar Ayniwen our beautiful home-away-from-home in the Palmeraie district of Marrakech. Set outside the medina, it is a paradise behind its huge walls and gated entrance. What a delight! We were immediately entranced by the beautiful eclectic rooms, exotic grounds, impeccable hospitality, delicious food and an African bird sanctuary. It was a respite from the busy-ness of Marrakech. From here, guests had free time to visit Majorelle Gardens, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Berber Museum and the Marrakech medina on their own. Museums and shopping – a great combination! Plus coming home to this wasn’t so bad…

Jemaa el Fna is the main square of Marrakech. It’s busy all day but really comes alive at night with food stalls, snake charmers, henna artists, musicians, dancers and animal acts. The group went on a culinary walking tour with our guide, Claude, to take in the culture and the authentic local cuisine of the food stalls. Claude wanted everyone to experience Jemaa el Fna like a local as this is the most famous square in Morocco. One of the best ways is also to sit just in a cafe, have a cup of coffee and people-watch. It is truly a sight to behold!

On to the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains and some downtime…on the way, was a special visit to Paradis du Saffron where a Swiss woman, Christine, recreated her life in Morocco by opening a saffron farm & garden for visitors. The saffron flowers are ready in November when the women harvest the pistils from the flowers. In order for it to be real saffron, look for tiny trumpets at the end of the pistil and a deep red color. Christine has gorgeous gardens with fruit trees, flowering plants, herbs, a bird sanctuary and sweet donkeys who loved our attention. We walked the Barefoot Trail experiencing varied textures on our bare feet. Then, a series of foot baths or pots filled with scented water of thyme, rosemary, rose petals, salt scrub ending with scented argan oil. Happiness is…!