Blog

Morocco travel journal

Honest advice from the guides who drive these roads every week.

Top 10 things to do in Morocco

If it's your first time in Morocco, start with these — our guides' own shortlist.

1
Watch the sunset over the Merzouga dunes from the back of a camel, then sleep in a Sahara camp under the stars.
2
Get lost in the Marrakech medina — Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the souks and the Jardin Majorelle in one morning.
3
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass through the High Atlas to the mud-brick kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou.
4
Walk the Todra Gorge, where 300-metre cliffs tower over a palm-lined river.
5
Ride a 4x4 through Erg Chigaga, the wildest and quietest sea of dunes in Morocco.
6
Spend a night in a desert camp with drumming around the campfire and Berber tea by the fire.
7
Wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains.
8
Explore Fes el-Bali, the world's largest car-free medina and its 1,000-year-old tanneries.
9
Swim or surf on the Atlantic coast at Essaouira — fresh grilled fish included.
10
Share a slow tagine lunch in a Berber family home in the Atlas foothills.

Flying to Morocco & staying there — the basics

The quick, practical version. Our full guides below go deeper.

Flying in

Marrakech Menara (RAK) is the best airport for our tours; Casablanca (CMN) and Fes (FEZ) also work for multi-city trips. Direct flights run from most of Europe (2–4 hours), plus New York and Montreal via Casablanca. Book 2–3 months ahead for the best fares.

Getting around

We handle all driving on our tours — the safest and easiest option. If traveling alone: the ONCF train links Casablanca–Marrakech–Fes cheaply, and Supratips/CTM buses reach Merzouga and Zagora. Renting a car is doable but mountain passes are slow.

Where to stay

Stay in a riad (traditional guesthouse) in the medina for atmosphere, or a hotel in Gueliz for modern comfort. On desert tours you sleep in our Sahara camp — private tents, real beds and hot showers. Book riads 2–3 months ahead in spring.

Money

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). ATMs are everywhere in cities; carry small notes for souks and tips. Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, but not in the medina.

Entry & practicalities

EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders get 90 days visa-free. Your passport must be valid 6+ months. No vaccinations required. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Language & SIM

Everyone in tourism speaks English and French; a few words of Darija (hello = salam) earn big smiles. Buy an Orange or Inwi tourist SIM/eSIM at the airport for cheap 4G everywhere, including the desert.