Discovering the Wonders of Morocco: A Journey Through Marrakech, Tangier, and Chefchaouen
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip, Morocco is the perfect destination for you. It is indeed a land of vibrant colours, warm hospitality, and the most picturesque landscapes. I had huge expectations and it did not disappoint.
First stop, Casablanca! I arrived in this bustling city after a grueling 13-hour flight, but I was determined not to let jet lag ruin my trip. I spent the first day lounging around my hotel, resting up and preparing for the adventure that awaited me.
On the second day, I hit the streets and headed to the Hassan 2 mosque for a little sightseeing in the evening. It was only a 15-minute walk from my hotel, but with droplets of rain appearing and gusts of wind blowing hard against the hustle and bustle of the city all around, it felt like an eternity. Note to self: Try to see most of the sights during the day and in good weather!
Watch trip highlights on Instagram
The real excitement began when I hopped on a train and made my way to Marrakech. After settling into my Airbnb, I decided to get my blood pumping with an ATV ride. I didn’t realize how dusty it would be, so let me tell you, wear something dark! Trust me, it will save you from looking like a dusty tomato.
The next day, I went on a tour of the Ourika Valley with a local guide/driver. We stopped at local stores to take pictures and buy souvenirs. One of these stops was an Argan oil store, where the tour guide raved about the benefits of this oil. I got to try some on my skin and even tasted a few edible products. Did you know that Morocco is the biggest producer of Argan oil in the world? I bought a ton of Argan oil products to take back home for my friends.
On the way to the valley, we made stops to take pictures of the mountains and even went on a camel ride. Riding a camel is not for the faint of heart, but it is an unforgettable experience! Once we arrived at the valley, we hiked for about 30 minutes to get to a beautiful waterfall. The hike was definitely an adventure, but make sure you’re wearing good shoes and are dressed for hiking too. And, of course, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture those stunning views. Descending was a lot easier, and we made a stop at the souk to get beautiful scarves customized key chains with names written in both English and Arabic. But let me tell you, bargaining is key in Morocco. These sellers can smell a tourist from a mile away, so make sure to haggle for the best prices.
On Tuesday, I woke up early to go on a hot air balloon ride. It was freezing outside, but once we were up in the air, the heat from the gas kept us warm. The ride included premium Berber breakfast, and after an hour of floating through the sky, we landed and had breakfast on the ground. Later in the afternoon, I went to the Atlas mountain to zip line. Morocco has the largest aerial zip line course in the whole of Africa, and I definitely got my adrenaline fix on those zip lines!
On Wednesday, I took a train to Tangier and went on a day tour of the city. We stopped at the Cap Spartel to take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic ocean. We also visited the cave of Hercules, a natural cave system located on the Atlantic coast of the city. The caves are named after the mythical hero Hercules, who, according to legend, rested in the cave after completing his famous twelve labours. The caves are a popular tourist destination and offer stunning views of the sea. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty on display in Tangier!
Finally, I took a ride to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco. What a gem of a place! Everywhere you look, you’re greeted with stunning shades of blue. From the walls of the buildings to the doors and windows, it’s like walking through a real-life painting, just make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes. There are some locations where you have to pay to take a picture but most locations are free.To wrap up the tour we got to the market square and visited one of the best restaurants in Chefchaouen for Moroccan food.
All good things must come to an end, and on Friday I took the train back to Casablanca, where I spent most of my time indoors before heading back to Canada on Sunday morning. Within those last precious moments in the beautiful country, I realized that Morocco had given me more than just a vacation. It opened my eyes to a world of beauty, diversity, and kindness and taught me to embrace the unknown, to savour the moment, and to treasure the memories.
And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a mind overflowing with wonder, I left Morocco, knowing that I would carry a piece of it with me forever.
Other helpful tips
- First things first, make sure you have a good playlist of Moroccan music to get you in the mood for your adventure. Trust me, you’ll be dancing in no time!
- Next up, let’s talk about adaptors. Don’t be caught off guard! Make sure you pack a converter so your devices can stay charged up and ready to capture all your amazing experiences.
- Don’t forget to pack something warm for those chilly mornings and nights. You’ll want to snuggle up and enjoy the beauty around you.
- If you’re worried about the language barrier, don’t be! Just try to get local guides who speak a bit of English. They can be like your personal tour guides and help you connect with the locals.
- And speaking of staying connected, make sure you get a local SIM card so you can stay connected to the internet and call local numbers. Plus, you’ll have an awesome new phone number to show off to your friends back home.
- Now, if you happen to be visiting during Ramadan, make sure you plan your activities accordingly. Shops will be closed during Iftar, so try to finish up everything before 5 pm.
- And last but not least, be sure to channel your inner negotiator! Bargaining is a way of life in Morocco, so don’t be afraid to negotiate, negotiate, negotiate!
Other activities I’d have love to do but couldn’t do because of time & Season
- Visit the Agadir city
- Go for a swim at the beach
- Oasiria Water park in Marrakech
- Jet skiing at Tangier, Marrakech, or Agadir
- Night camp in the Dessert
- Paradise Valley in Agadir
- Ouzoud waterfall Agadir
- Visit the Fes city
- Visit Rabat the capital city of Morocco