Just finished up an awesome tour of Morocco: Four days on our own in and around Marrakesh, then six days on the road to do a circle tour of Morocco. On our own, Linda and I explored the Marrakesh Medina (the original walled city) and a couple of nature locations outside of the city. Then we joined a six day tour with Exoticca, a Spanish Tour Company, and visited cool and interesting destinations around the country. Here's a few highlights, including the itinerary provided by Exoticca. Links to more pics and details in the blog. Thanks for checking this out, and enjoy!
In and Around Marrakesh
Textile souks in the Jemaa el-Fnaay, a UNESCO listed landmark square features all sorts of open air shops, markets, food stalls, and a variety of performers
Foods and spices in the Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh
Camel ride in the Agafay Desert...
...with several new friends from the UK, Italy and the Netherlands
Ouzoud Waterfall, near the West Atlas Mountains National Park
Ouroud Waterfall: 110 meters / 360 feet in three cascades
The iconic Minaret at the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh
The Circle Tour
Map of our Circle Route around Morocco. We started and ended in Marrakesh
Day Two: Marrakesh
Minaret of the Koutoubia is a Marrakesh landmark. No buildings in the city are allowed to be taller than the Minaret, which is 77 meters / 252 feet high
Day Three: Marrakesh to Fez
The Hassan II Mosque at Casablanca, the second largest mosque in Africa (capacity over 100,000 people) and the second tallest minaret in the world (210 meters / 689 feet). The complex is situated on the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. We had a fascinating tour of the complex, including the mosque itself.
The Kasbah of the Oudaias, a UNESCO listed citadel in Rabat
A stop at the King Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat. King Mohammed V is fondly remembered by Moroccans as the King in exile who advocated for Morocco's independence in 1966, and was King until his death five years later
Day Four: Fez
Naajeem discusses the high quality of Fez's ceramic artisans
The Medinas of Fez
Fez is famous for its ceramics
Fez is also famous for its Berber tanneries, including this huge Chouara Tannery, inside the Fes El Bali Medina
We also visited a textile store, where our guide outfitted Troy with a head scarf
Day Five: Fez to Erfoud
The Ziz River Gorge, near the largest oasis in Morocco, on the way to Erfoud
A slab of rock with many fossilized squids, in Erfoud, the "world capital" of fossils. We visited a family business that slices slabs of rock to make fossil filled countertops, tabletops, fountains, and much more
Sunset in the Sahara
Day Six: Erfoud to Quarzazate
The Gorge of Todgha
The Gorge of Todgha
Sheep and goats crossing, on the way to Quarzazate
L-R Azaddine, Linda, & Azddine in Quarzazate
The Cinema Museum at Quarzazate. Quarzazate is the so-called Hollywood of Morocco. Three major film studios here, and a very interesting museum
Old Town Quarzazate, a UNESCO site
Day Seven: Quarzazate to Marrakesh
The view from the top of the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO listed old fortress village
Lenticular formation over peaks in the High Atlas Mountains
Snow in the High Atlas Mountains: Stunning Beauty!
A look back at the High Atlas Mountains
About Morocco:
Morocco is a medium-sized country in North Africa with a diverse landscape that includes Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, mountain ranges, and desert regions. At around 710,000 sq km / 274,000 sq mi (including the territory of Western Sahara claimed and administered by Morocco), it is somewhat smaller than Texas and a little larger than the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba. The population is about 37 million people. The largest city is Casablanca, the economic hub, while Rabat serves as the political capital. Morocco is governed as a constitutional monarchy. King Mohammed VI is generally respected for promoting economic development and modernization, though he is also sometimes criticized for the concentration of power within the monarchy and ongoing social and economic inequalities.
Islam is the majority religion, and Moroccan culture is generally socially conservative, though often perceived as relatively moderate and tolerant. The country has deep historical influences from Arab, Berber (Amazigh), and French cultures. French is widely used in business and government, alongside Arabic and Amazigh languages. Social norms tend to be more traditional in rural areas and more relaxed in major cities and tourist centers.
Morocco has a lower middle-income economy, with a GDP of roughly 130–150 billion USD. Average full-time wages are relatively modest, often in the range of about 300 to 800 USD per month, depending on region and sector. Unemployment is typically around 10–12%, with higher rates among youth. Key industries include agriculture (especially cereals, citrus, and olives), phosphate mining (Morocco is one of the world’s largest producers), manufacturing (including automotive and textiles), tourism, and renewable energy. Tourism is a major contributor, drawing visitors to cities such as Marrakesh and Fes, as well as to the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert. The sector has grown steadily but remains sensitive to global travel trends.
Our experience in Morocco was of a colorful and culturally rich country, with a strong sense of tradition and identity. The medinas (old cities) were particularly memorable, with narrow streets, markets, and historic architecture. People were generally welcoming and hospitable, though in tourist areas vendors could be quite persistent in making sales.. Security presence was noticeable in major cities and tourist sites, but not intrusive, and overall we felt safe during our travels. Morocco offers a wide range of experiences—from historic cities and mountain landscapes to desert scenery—and could easily support a one- to two-week itinerary or longer. It was an awesome trip to an amazing country. Here's links to a few more photo blogs featuring specific destinations:
On Our Own:
Marrakesh Day One: Exploring the Medina
The Agafay Desert:
The Ouzoud Waterfall:
Marrakesh Day Four: More of the Medina
The Circle Tour with Exoticca:
Marrakesh Walking Tour with Ibrahime:
Marrakesh, Morocco:
Casablanca:
Rabat:
A Day in Fez:
From Fez to Erfoud:
From Erfoud to Quarzazate:
From Quarzazate back to Marrakesh:
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