WHAT ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN MOROCCO?

This captivating image depicts a group of people enjoying a Morocco tour, indulging in the thrill of surfing along the Atlantic. The scene is adorned with blue and white hues, reflecting the vibrant colors of their journey. Experience the luxury Morocco tour with Journeys Tours, where the exhilarating Morocco trip unfolds against a backdrop of teal waters and a bright blue sky. Immerse yourself in this dynamic scene, where surfers in wet suits ride the waves, while a car atop a hill offers a glimpse of adventure. Birds gracefully soar across the sky, adding a sense of movement to this mesmerizing Atlantic tour.

The number of activities, the culture and the sunny setting are the main assets that attract millions of tourists to Marrakech. Excursions in the desert and the plains of Morocco are magnificent outings to do if you plan to visit the country soon. If you are wondering what to do in Morocco, you need to see the most beautiful beaches in Morocco. 

Leaving the city, there are magnificent places to swim and bask in the sun! Moreover, these spots are also real grounds for excursions, and health walks or you can also take a hot air balloon flight in Marrakech.

In this guide, discover the beauty of the beaches of Morocco! There is something for all tastes and desires, depending on what you are looking for during your vacation! 🙂

Oued Laou beach

Located about 45 kilometres from Tetouan, Oued Laou beach attracts many people, a beautiful stretch of sand similar to the size of its village. The sand offers beautiful golden colours, bordered by blue water that makes you want to swim and soak your feet!

At first glance, Oued Laou beach has all the attractions of a private beach. If you are looking for tranquillity while being close to markets and restaurants, this is undoubtedly the best choice to make.

The red beach of Marrakech

It is necessary to specify that it is not a question of a beach strictly speaking. But if you want to enjoy a tanning session by the water without leaving Marrakech, then why not go to Red Beach? La Plage Rouge belongs to a travel club, located in a huge complex.

On-site, you will enjoy a 2,300 square-metre swimming pool with sun loungers and Balinese beds available. For the atmosphere, a DJ spins his best playlists, not forgetting the bar-restaurant area. Of course, access is chargeable, it takes about 15 € to access the club! It’s a very accessible budget for a lazy day without leaving the city.

Essaouira beach

A little closer than its counterpart, Essaouira beach is located about 180 kilometres from Marrakech, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, it is an essential place to visit if you plan to discover Morocco and its eastern wonders!

This beach is mainly characterised by its long promenade by the sea, punctuated by restaurants to cool off and enjoy good food. Essaouira is a walled city, home to a cooperative of women who make artisanal and handmade argan oil. 

Of course, remember to go to the beach to enjoy the sun and swimming! A lot of activities like water skiing and surfing are available on-site. To discover Essaouira, a lot of excursions offer a departure from Marrakech for around 30 € per person. You can also stay on-site, Essaouira is a tourist city that has a lot to offer you! 

Other beaches to discover near Marrakech?

Unfortunately, few beaches exist around Marrakech.

The most beautiful beaches in Morocco to discover:

In Morocco, many beautiful beaches are worth visiting, if you don’t know what to do in Morocco, here are some breathtaking beaches:

  • Taghazout beach in Agadir is worth a visit!
  • Quemado beach in Al-Hoceima.
  • Near Casablanca, you will find Oualidia beach.
  • The White Beach in Guelmim.
  • Near Tangier, you can find the superb beach of Dalia.
  • Sidi El Bachir beach.
  • Quite a few remote corners present magnificent places, in particular, the beach of the island of the Dragon located in Dakhla.
  • In the very north of the country, Nador is home to many sublime beaches!  You can enjoy heavenly beaches and coves like Tcharrana, Tibouda and Cala Blanca cove.
  • Nicknamed Blue Pearl, Saidia beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco! It extends over 14 kilometres long with transparent and turquoise waters. It is a superb area for family holidays, with a lot of infrastructure and tourist facilities.
  • Finally, don’t miss going to Legzira beach, an incredible spot! It offers huge cliffs and a stretch of golden sand to discover at sunset. Magnificent ocher red arches offer an almost unforgettable colour and atmosphere!

VISIT THE SOUKS OF MARRAKECH

We had been dreaming of this photo trip to Marrakech for a long time. But each time we postponed, in favour of another destination. But this time, it’s impossible to go back, tickets in our pockets, our cameras in our bags, let’s go to visit and photograph Marrakech and its souks!

Photograph Marrakech and its souks

So we arrive with a big smile in this small airport which still looks good and the tone is set immediately. Yes, it is negotiated by the exchange office. Then, at the exit with the taxis. And given the temperature outside, we won’t be too long on the sidewalk. Negotiations made (so), we jump in the next taxi that passes, in the direction of the hotel.

With which photo equipment to go to Marrakech?

It all depends on what you plan to visit beyond the city centre. In any case, we recommend a wide-angle lens, because the alleys are narrow. For the rest, a good 35 or 50 (23 or 35 on an APS-C ) mm wide aperture and why not a small zoom for larger spaces, if you leave the city or if you prefer to take portraits from afar?

For the bag, we both opted for a messenger bag that we placed quite high and in front of us. Avoid flash, which is too intrusive in the souk, and instead take advantage of ambient light, play with metering modes and ISO sensitivity. A circular neutral density filter is very practical to adjust the light density and keep a blue sky every time.

Get away from it all to create wonderful memories

Between the hubbub of the vendors, the smells of spices, the warmth of the places, the way of negotiating and the sets of colours, you will then be immersed in a folklore atmosphere that deserves to be experienced during a stay in Marrakech. A complete change of scenery, far from the greyness and the French rain, which will remain etched in your memories for a very long time.

The different souks of Marrakech:

18 souks make up the medina of Marrakech. Among them we recommend:

  • Souk Dhabi: Notice to all lovers of finery, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. This souk is dedicated to all jewellery. 
  • Souk Smata: Here you will find slippers by the thousands, of all colours, with or without ornaments arranged on large wall sections.
  • Souk Attarine: A souk dedicated to the sale of spices and kitchen utensils that we recommend for cooking enthusiasts. 
  • Souk Cherratine: Leather souk where you can find bags, belts, pouffes and other leather accessories.
  • Souk Semmarine: Here you can buy mainly Moroccan pastries and also fabrics, but that’s not all. This souk is one of the most interesting because it unites the know-how of the Berber tribes of the south and the Arabs of the cities.

Ready for a stroll in the souk? Let’s go!

We got hooked right away. The small alleys, the colours, the smells. There is enough to fill the peepers and incidentally the belly. But before sinking into the labyrinth and the commercial maze of the Marrakech souk, we invite you to visit the surroundings. The first thing not to miss is the Koutoubia mosque. This religious building of 77 m dating from the 12th century represents the art of the Almohads.

Opposite the mosque is the famous Jamaa El Fna square and, adjoining, various entrances to the souk. It’s a real maze that mixes alleys and small squares. You can find everything in different mini-districts. Many passages are covered and allow light to pass through.

Do not hesitate to have tea on one of the many high terraces of the square. Taking a little height gives another view of the souk, and with luck, you will be treated to a beautiful sunset at the end of the day!

The architecture

Easier to take, buildings and details. Very numerous in the city also: magnificent doors. The vehicles are colourful and original, the facades are also often decorated. And at the end of a street, you will certainly come across a donkey. Hey, we’re talking about the animal huh…

Where to eat in Marrakech?

We never really pay attention to where we eat on our travels. On the other hand, we pay attention to the water we consume. But the best is to eat near the souk. Every evening on the main square, stands to serve as a restaurant and the flow is very important, the products remain fresh. In addition, we eat well and at low prices. Count 60 dirhams for the meal, or about 6 euros. Otherwise, opt for “tourist” restaurants, which are more expensive and less exotic…

DO NOT BE AFRAID OF YOUR NEIGHBOUR

If you seem to want to buy something, you will be welcome, otherwise, you may find people pushy. But don’t panic, it’s a bit their way of being, of speaking. We never felt in danger.

The best is to answer with a smile or to speak loudly like them, it works. You will have understood, to take portraits is not easy, unless you put your hand in your pocket. What ruins his savings? But hey, it’s the game my poor Lucette!

Internet connection in Marrakech

It’s easier to connect to the internet in Morocco than in our city! The connection is quite good, even 4g goes everywhere. In each cafe or restaurant, there is a wifi connection available. Just ask for the password and you’re done. Of course, get a phone card on-site or plan a package with your telephone operator.

So much for our little trip to Marrakech. We will go back, that’s for sure because we were left unsatisfied.

Here, we hope that our trip to Marrakech and its souks will make you want to stay there

THE OUZOUD WATERFALLS NEAR MARRAKECH

All about visiting the Ouzoud waterfalls

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Ouzoud waterfalls near Marrakech are one of the most beautiful natural sites in Morocco. These are the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, especially the most famous! Anyway, their visit is a must for any stay in this beautiful region, especially if you do not yet know what to do in Marrakech.

Why visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls? 

The place is just beautiful to visit: the falls are indeed in the middle of majestic landscapes. If you go on a road trip to Morocco, you can’t miss it!

Between the green meadows, the fields of almond trees, those of olive trees and the rocky peaks, the spectacle is dazzling. Especially since the Oued Ouzoud flows through a valley of red sandstone with waterfalls over 110 metres high and 90 metres wide at the end (they are divided into three levels and their flow varies depending on the season). The falls then pour into a natural pool of pretty blue, bathed almost every day by a rainbow of colours. 

What activities can be practised on-site? 

Many activities are possible to be done at the Ouzoud waterfalls. You can get as close as possible to the waterfalls aboard one of the boats made by the locals (Count 20 dirhams, or around €2, for a 5-minute trip). You can also cross the river on a bridge and hike around the site. 

You also have the option of descending to the foot of the waterfalls. This activity is very popular despite the steep path. You can also reach the source of Ouzoud 3 km away. Along the way, you will pass through olive groves, and can visit an oil press and wheat mills before being able to bathe in the springs. You will also see many monkeys (wild Barbary macaques). If you want to simply relax, you can have a picnic or eat a tagine while your feet are in the water or drink tea/coffee in one of the small restaurants located on the terrace. Of course, you can swim in the river to cool off while enjoying the show.

Where are the Ouzoud Waterfalls? 

The Cascades d’Ouzoud is located about 150 km northeast of Marrakech, between the Middle and High Atlas, at an altitude of 1,060 metres. This is the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region. The nearest large town is Azilal  (30 km). 

When is the best time to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls near Marrakech? 

The site is open all year round, all week and all day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Go there preferably early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon because the site is very busy. Dedicate a day of your stay in Morocco to seeing the essentials of the waterfalls. 

What is the best time of year to go? 

If you do not yet know when to go to Marrakech to enjoy the Ouzoud waterfalls, know that the best period is probably the one that goes from June to September when it is hot throughout the country. The day spent there will be most refreshing. 

How much does the visit cost?

The visit to the waterfalls is free.

Tips for your excursion

  • Remember to put good walking shoes, a hat or cap, sunscreen and your swimsuit in your luggage. 
  • Unfortunately, the site is only partly accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Watch out for monkeys that can steal food and other items from you. 

 

THE OUNILA VALLEY, FROM MARRAKECH TO OUARZAZATE

The Ounila valley remains, in my opinion, a hidden treasure of Morocco, an off-trail circuit still little known, because many people prefer to take the national road which connects Marrakech to Ouarzazate more quickly. Too bad for them, and let’s take advantage of this windfall to fully enjoy the jewels of the Ounila Valley. 

To take the road is to take the opportunity to discover places that mark life, paths that we take once in a lifetime and that shamelessly reveal to us stories, people, and landscapes unique in the world. Taking the road in Morocco is not just crossing the desert, it is also going through the emotions that a country that could be yours brings.

Ounila Valley, from Marrakech to Ouarzazate.

From Marrakech, you will take the N9 towards Ouarzazate (Ouarzazate road) for about 100 km, everything depends of course on your starting point. At the end of this first part, you will then arrive at the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass, at an altitude of 2,260 metres. The adventure starts here!

The winding road is superb and the landscapes are incredible. If you go in the spring, which I strongly recommend, you will probably have the chance to see the peaks still snow-capped, because yes, it snows in Morocco, and more particularly in the Atlas.

Passed the “ pasture pass ”, it is time for you to start your off-trail journey in Morocco and discover other facets of the country: villages and kasbahs of ocher colours which play hide and seek in a multicoloured landscape, terraced orchards, and incredible troglodyte ksours await you.

In front of you, two possibilities; continue on the N9 or take the Ounila Valley by taking the P1506 on your left, towards Telouet. This is the route to take. It is then that other landscapes unfold before your eyes, desert at first, then colourful and dotted with greenery. You are now only about twenty kilometres from Telouet, your first stop.

Visit of the Kasbah of Telouet

A stop to visit the Kasbah of Telouet is mandatory, this old palace dates from the 17th century, and even though it seems to be falling into ruin, the interior conceals magnificent lounges and ornaments in stucco and marble. This Kasbah is a real gem that testifies to the wealth of the merchants who once crossed this road to get to Ouarzazate.

Around the Telouet Palace, you can still see the remains of a farm, and a superb view of the Atlas that you can admire from the roof terrace.

The Inoula Valley and its other treasures.

ANEMITER

From the road, you will see, almost in front of you, Anemiter, a very well-preserved fortified village whose visit is certainly worth it, but due to lack of time, it will be the subject of my next trip to Morocco. Even if you don’t have to find reasons to go back. Anemiter is the second stop after your visit to Telouet, and it is from here that you can see many remarkable villages and mosques that border the Ounila Valley.

TROGLODYTE CAVES OF TAZLEFT

Then take the winding road that crosses the Ounila valley, you will soon dive into the canyon and will undoubtedly come across some peasants on their donkeys or towing a cart. The mountain’s sides remind me of a trip to Argentina with these ocher and green plateaus.

If time permits, you can add to your road trip another visit to the small village of Tazeleft where you can take a short hike through the orchards to reach the troglodyte caves of Tazeleft; it is a series of sixty aligned and superimposed cells carved into the rock by semi-nomads.

KASBAH OF TAMDAGHT

A few kilometres further on are the ruins of the Kasbah of Tamdaght. I could not access it due to a lack of filming in progress. This part of Morocco is regularly used as a setting for many films and series, there are still some vestiges of a glorious past of cinema not far from Ouarzazate, which I will present to you shortly in another article.

Ait Ben Haddou, the flagship stage of the Ounila Valley

After the Kasbah of Telouet, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful site in the Ounila Valley. Clinging to its hill, it overlooks a shallow river and the arid landscapes that surround it. Aït Ben Haddou is no longer a secret to anyone, located just 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate, this ancient city with a biblical look is one of the most tourist attractions in the region.

Its architecture and its history attract the gaze of travellers, but also those of the cinema, there is at least one film or a series that you have seen in your life which was partly shot here. However, Aït Benhaddou has lost none of its interest, with its charming alleys and small houses in ruins or beautifully renovated.

At its highest point, you can admire its red mud ramparts, the small river you probably crossed to get there, and the lunar landscape all around. In some time, the sunset will invite itself. Why not spend the night there before joining Ouarzazate in the early morning?

Ouarzazate: Kasbah and cinema

Ouarzazate isn’t the most beautiful city in Morocco, but that’s probably not why it’s so visited. No, for most of us who choose to walk its dusty alleys, it’s because the city is a strategic stopping point before the gates of the desert and the camel treks in the dunes of the Sahara.

However, this does not mean that Ouarzazate is not worth a look, and it would be wrong to say that the place has no interest. Here, you can visit two emblematic places: the old Hollywood movie sets and the Kasbah Taourirt.

ATLAS STUDIOS, SILENCE, WE’RE SHOOTING!

There are two studios on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, the smaller is CLA Studios in the centre of Ouarzazate, and the larger and better known is Atlas Studios located a few kilometres outside, this is the one- which I visited.

Atlas Studios is the largest movie set in the world, and don’t be fooled by its dilapidated state, it’s still where many American blockbusters are filmed. 

If you’re not a movie fan, you can skip this tour, as it would be fair to say there’s nothing exceptional to see. You have to understand that the sets age badly and that up close, you realise that all this is artificial and made of polystyrene. So don’t expect to experience a moment in Games of Thrones as you might imagine. But, that’s also the magic of cinema, isn’t it?

KASBAH OF TAOURIRT

Its location in Ouarzazate was strategic for trade routes until the 1930s when the south was then considered one of the largest Kasbahs in Morocco. I, therefore, invite you to visit every corner of the Kasbah Taourirt to discover its history and the local painters who sell their art inside.

A true citadel, it is one of the most impressive Kasbahs of its kind, which houses nearly 300 rooms, accessed via a veritable labyrinth of passages, steps and doors. Like me, you will sometimes feel lost in this immense structure of another earth. Allow a good two hours to soak up the place.

Beyond the Ounila Valley, the gates of the desert

From Ouarzazate, other adventures await you:  Zagora and the gates of the desert, a  camel trek to Erg Lihoudi, and surfing in the dunes of Chegaga. It is up to you to choose your next destination.

Morocco should be part of your travel list to do, forget everything you have already seen, an exotic getaway that will offer you as many, if not more, lasting memories as another more distant destination.

ROAD TRIP IN MOROCCO: A BREATHTAKING ITINERARY

There are so many extraordinary landscapes in Morocco, which are reminiscent of those of the great American spaces. No wonder many films have been shot there and the vestiges of the cinematographic past are still visible in Zagora.

James and I are leaving for a 7-day road trip in Morocco. during which we will drive through the winding and sometimes snowy roads of the Atlas, cross villages lost in the middle of nowhere, and hurt our buttocks on chaotic tracks that occasionally cross dry lakes dotted with tamarisk. Our point of arrival is located beyond the door of the desert, with the firm intention of hiking and bivouacking in the wild Sahara desert.

After discovering Marrakech, its souks and its famous Majorelle Garden, then crossing the Atlas to get to Aït-Benhaddou, we wanted a more natural and wild adventure. And if the idea of ​​organising a road trip in Morocco seems insurmountable to you, think again, nothing could be easier!

And what about our two days of trek in the middle of the desert of sand and stones where we spent our first night under the stars!

So yes, we were amazed, and we share all this with you in this article which is intended to be the summary of this incredible week. 

The winding roads and tracks of Morocco

The roads of Morocco are beautiful and offer incredible panoramas. They also make it possible to connect many villages lost in the valley, so it is not uncommon to come across peasants in carts and even nomads on donkeys. 

Meet the Moroccans

The P1506 road passes through many villages. Do not be fooled by appearances, if some seem in ruins, it is not so. You will be just as surprised to see green gardens in these Hamas of stones and houses in the red earth.

There are even some in the gorges that we overlook on many occasions, it is impressive. If few of them like to be photographed, the villagers will always smile at the passers-by that we are. It must be said that tourism here pales in comparison, yet Morocco is a welcoming and very secure country.

PHOTO TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PORTRAITS IN MOROCCO

  • Take the time to get to know the natives, almost all of them speak French in Morocco, it is very easy to converse with people. Do not take a photo on the sly, and avoid veiled women and nomads. It is normal to respect their belief and tradition.
  • Anticipate your settings. Nobody will pose for the photo, if you have permission, be ready to take your shot. You will get a broad smile by showing the result to the person who was kind enough to take part in the game. It will seem silly to you, but on the roads or in a village you will sometimes be in the sun, sometimes in the shade; To avoid a blurry photo, increase the ISO significantly to maintain an appropriate speed for the portrait on the spot. Or around 1/400th.

Visit of the Kasbah of Télouet

It is this same road that will take you to Télouet, a Berber village known for its kasbah. Once again, a visit is essential and at the end of the day, the place is empty of all visitors. Lucky for us!

The front door crossed, and a long corridor soon led to the floor where the rooms follow one another and are not alike. If the beginning does not look like much, the last rooms are sumptuous. And our guide lent himself to the game to live in the place.

Our trick to blur a passing person and give more life to your scene, lower your speed to around 1/20th of a second while holding your device firmly. Only the passing person should be blurred, not the rest of the photo!

Access to the roof of the kasbah is open to the public, do not hesitate to go there, as the view is breathtaking. It will be an opportunity to make superb panoramas. On one side you will see part of the building with the Atlas in the background, and on the other, the gardens and the colourful cliffs of Télouet.

Handicrafts in Morocco

Who says a road trip in Morocco, says a lot of roads, and you will see many craft shops, even between two large rocks. While some are “reserved” for tourism, others, well tucked away, are authentic. You will find treasures there. We had a weakness for this pottery, where everything is made on-site by the artisans of the village. And they are very happy to be able to show you around the workshops. If you want to come back with some souvenirs, prefer this type of shop, they allow the inhabitants of the most remote villages to live where tourism is rare.

Trek in the Moroccan desert

Here is undoubtedly the most authentic and unique experience that we had to live during this road trip in Morocco: hiking in the desert. You have different starting points near Zagora (link this city with Part 1: ZAGORA, GATEWAY TO THE DESERT blog.). Passing the door of the desert, it is another world which opens to us. The first dessert we will tread will be Erg Lihoudi, which is discussed in more detail in an article dedicated to camel trekking in the Moroccan desert (link this last sentence with Part 2 CAMEL TREK IN THE ERG LIHOUDI DESERT blog). This is where we will spend three nights, including one under the stars. We can tell you that it’s a unique feeling to sleep in the middle of nowhere, lulled by the wind that caresses the tamarisk trees and the stars that line the sky like a night light.

Our second discovery will be even grander: the Erg Chegaga desert (link this last sentence with Part 3: THE DUNES OF CHEGAGA – PANORAMIC AND SURFING blog). By its immensity, this desert which reveals itself little by little at the end of a track is really impressive. Its colour,

its density and the height of its dunes, some of which culminate at more than 100 m, make it a truly unique natural space.

Prepare your trip to Morocco

It is very easy to travel to Morocco, it is a very welcoming country and open to travellers. We made incredible encounters and even ran into hitchhikers at the entrance to the desert gate.

Apart from a few isolated places, all speak French. It will therefore be easy for you to interact with Moroccans throughout your journey.

HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR TRIP TO MOROCCO?

For the road trip in the desert, we left with the Noble Explorer: a top-notch organisation and a warm welcome in Moroccan traditions. 

 

CAMEL TREK IN THE ERG LIHOUDI DESERT

Discover Morocco's Great South: Authentic Moroccan Experience: A group of our clients are riding camels in the desert, surrounded by a vast expanse of sand and rock.

After Marrakech, a bubbling and hectic anthill, the contrast will soon be striking. The desert will offer us absolute silence and an incredible feeling of loneliness. But it will be good! No more 4G, no more Wifi, no more Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, emails…

Trip to Morocco, part two

For the next three days, we will leave the 4×4 for a camel trek in the Erg Lihoudi desert where we will ride two camels, which will be our best friends to cross part of the Erg Lihoudi desert and carry our backpacks. back. But before being able to commune with nature, we still have a few hours to drive through a first-stone desert. Full ahead!

We leave Zagora to reach the first gate of the desert. On our way to Erg Lihoudi, the last kasbahs …

Our arrival at the first gate of the desert. Shortstop for the photo and admire the panoramic view of the valley. In front of us, a stone desert awaits us before the fine sand.

CAMEL RIDING AT ERG LIHOUDI

This time we are there. We met a guy, our camel driver. But, you should know that these are dromedaries in Morocco, not camels, which are found in Asia. Camels are used to carry bags and food during our hike in the Moroccan desert. But we will still have the opportunity to mount them. And we can tell you that it is very different from a horse. It’s much higher and the gait is more… How can I put it? Zen!

But it is on foot that we will begin to tread the Erg Lihoudi desert. After a few steps, we already see nothing around us, only sand and tamarisk. The sun and the wind are omnipresent, and in front of this immense space which is offered to us, we are very tiny. Better not lose sight of our guides!

SUNSET AND SAND BREAD

If the day fills our eyes and our memory cards with photos, the evening and the night also reserve some surprises. Back at the initial camp, where we had planned to spend a night under the stars, a guy surprised us by preparing some sand bread. After his delicious acacia tea, our camel driver is definitely full of talent!

It was therefore around the fire, just after an incredible sunset, that we were able to observe the making and baking of bread from the sands.

Our first night under the stars in Erg Lihoudi will remain etched in our memories. And it will not be without difficulty to lift the bivouac the next day. But another desert awaits us, that of Chegaga…

ZAGORA, GATEWAY TO THE DESERT

To travel is above all to discover. Discover other countries, other landscapes, and other customs. To travel is also to love confronting cultural shocks. For this last trip of the year, James and I decided to shake up our habits with a slightly more exotic destination. This choice fell in the Moroccan desert.

TRIP TO MOROCCO – PART 1

Travelling in the Moroccan desert was an old dream, and we realised it thanks to Noble Explorer Tours, with whom we spent an incredible week! Alone in the company of Noble explorer guides and managers of the agency, we crossed many villages, visited kasbahs and slept in Riads before arriving, after two days of paved roads and stony tracks, at our bivouac.

So here we are, leaving Marrakech for a road trip that will take us across the Atlas to reach the desert. We will spend three nights there, including one under the stars, cut off from the world.

The long road to the door of the desert crosses the Atlas. The Moroccan road network is changing, we will come across many trucks and construction sites tracing incredible roads through the stone and on the side of the passes, offering us a unique spectacle.

THE DRAA VALLEY.

After crossing the Atlas, we stop for lunch in Ouarzazate, we will return there on the way back with a visit to the film studios. But first we have an appointment in Zagora, the last stop before the door to the desert! The road is still long, the landscapes offered by the Draa Valley are very different, and despite some artisanal pottery nestled here and there, the spaces are immense with a little air of the American West.

ZAGORA AND THE PALMERAIE.

Zagora is surprising, because there is a huge palm grove of dates that we will visit after a good night’s sleep at Kasbah Ziwana , away from the city. From the outside, the palm grove is dense and looks like a huge palm forest. But inside, it is a hidden world that we discover, where a population lives from this culture of dates and market gardening. It was incredible, houses, schools and peasants passed before our eyes as we drove along the dirt roads traced through gardens and palm trees.

It is not always easy to take a picture of the natives, but even with their face hidden, a portrait can be successful!

After this very instructive walk full of encounters, we take the road to the door of the desert. Another two hours and we will arrive at our starting point for our first hike in the Erg Lihoud desert. The second part of our journey that you can read by following this link: 



ON THE ROADS OF THE MIDDLE ATLAS

Back in Morocco, I had the opportunity to go through the Middle Atlas to reach Merzouga from Fez with Noble Explorer. I had already passed several times in certain corners of the Middle Atlas, but this was my first road trip in this region of Morocco this season.

At the end of winter, the landscapes are magnificent. The melting snow offers magnificent landscapes without adding the inconveniences of winter: cold, blocked roads…

In this new post published on Noble explorer blog, I will share with you a short story about this road trip in the Middle Atlas with Noble explorer.

South of Fez: lake, waterfall, Ifrane or Azrou

I told you about it in a previous post entitled Discover Fez, the south of Fez does not lack interesting places for day trips.

During this journey in the Middle Atlas towards Merzouga, I did not make any great discoveries. It was nevertheless an opportunity to see again pleasant places in this region of Morocco such as Lake Dayet Aoua or the monkeys of Azrou nestled in a forest of cedars.

This region is located at 1200/1400 metres above sea level and at the beginning of March there was very little snow left. You will have to wait for the higher roads of the Middle Atlas to see the snow and the still completely snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas looming on the horizon.

After making a few stops on the road between Fez and Ifrane (especially for the Sefrou waterfall or the various lakes located north and east of Ifrane), it was the perfect time for a meal stop in Ifrane. A good mint tea while watching the storks flying above Ifrane, an image that moves away from that which one can have of Morocco.

Direction Midelt

The Middle Atlas stretches from Fez to Midelt and from Taza to Beni Mellal approximately. On this second portion of the road, the road rises a little more and with the altitude, the landscapes change.

The snow is more visible on the peaks near national road 13. Small wadis are formed here and there with the melting snow.

The landscapes are magnificent and having already travelled to this region in other seasons (September), they are very different, and much greener and the presence of snow and water completely upsets these landscapes.

It is by travelling these roads in winter that one can see the richness of Morocco. Far from the souk, desert or camel clichés, Morocco offers grandiose and very varied landscapes.

Even if the cities that you can cross on this road are not necessarily exciting, the background is often impressive, a magnificent panorama that you can see when entering the small town of Zaïda.

Midelt is surely the best place to spend a night on the road between Fez and Merzouga. Approximately halfway, you can find a few hotels or inns and a good number of restaurants.

Travel time in Morocco

When driving in Morocco, do not rely on travel times provided by Google Maps or your GPS. They are often vastly underestimated.

In general, you can start at an average speed of 50/60 km/h. Some portions are at 80 or 100 km/h but you quickly lose time in the villages or following trucks or other slow vehicles.

Approximate travel time between Fez and Midelt: approximately 4 hours

Watch out for mobile speed cameras. They are very numerous on the roads of Morocco and without keeping an eye on the speedometer, you can quickly exceed the speed limits, especially in the descents…

The snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas

After passing Midelt, we leave the Middle Atlas. The road is still quite long towards Merzouga but the landscapes remain impressive.

A few kilometres after Midelt, we will see, in the distance, the still snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. The landscapes are always magnificent and the view of the i which culminates at 3757 metres is magnificent!

Unlike the road that separates Marrakech from Ouarzazate, the road between Fez and Merzouga does not cross the High Atlas. So there is no switchback mountain road and the driving is very easy.

After passing the High Atlas, which you bypass, the landscapes change quite quickly to arrive at much redder, drier and more desert landscapes. These landscapes remain magnificent.

A road trip in Morocco is a trip in its own right. Navigating the High or the Middle Atlas takes time, but the landscapes are truly breathtaking. If you have already visited several cities in Morocco, I highly recommend that you take the plunge, Book a tour with us and take a road trip in Morocco. Another trip to the same country that has so much to offer!

 

Morocco Tours: Your Guide to an amazing and unique country

Morocco Tours is a great way to see an amazing country while enjoying some delicious food and culture. From the beach towns of Suez and Casablanca to the more upscale villages of Marrakesh and Tangier, there’s something for everyone on Morocco Tours. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed vacation or a challenging trek, our guides will take care of everything for you.

What Is Morocco?
Morocco is a country located in North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the south, Tunisia to the west, and Spain to the north. Its territory spans over 8,000 kilometers² and its population numbers around 35 million people.

What to Expect When touring Morocco

  • Architectural marvels like the Hassan Tower, Kasbah…
  • From opulent palaces, grand gates, and splendid universities to mosques, religious schools, hammams, shrines, and tombs, there are many stunning buildings to admire around Morocco.
  • Traditional Moroccan music and dance including  gnaoua, ahidous,  andalous ..
  • Beautiful scenery like the Atlas Mountains and The Rif Mountains.
  • Delicious local food like couscous, tagine, tahini sauce, and couscous with beef or chicken.

What to See in Morocco.
In Morocco, the climate is moderate to hot all year round and can get a little bit chilly in the highlands during winter. The country has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, deserts, coastline, and plains.

Culture and Heritage in Morocco.
Morocco is home to a rich culture that has its roots in the Maghreb region of North Africa. One of the most popular attractions in Morocco is its history, which includes contributions from Arabs, Berbers, Jews, Turks, and others. As well as traditional Moroccan music and art, visitors will also enjoy discovering Quranic verses written on camel skin and pottery shards at religious ceremonies.

Destinations in Morocco.

The Souks of Tangier are a must-see attraction in Morocco. They are a series of markets located within the old city of Tangier, which is now part of the ancient city complex known as Old Tangier. The souks offer an interesting mix of traditional Moroccan art with modern European architecture and design.

The Ancient Ruins of Tangier.

One of the most famous ruins in Morocco is the ancient ruins of Tangiers. The ruins date back to the 5th century BC and were built on what is now known as Corniche de la Cité (). They include remains of grandiose buildings including a palace, an amphitheatre, and a great mosque.

The Blue Mosque.

The Blue Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest mosques and it was built in 848 AD on the site where Ibn Battuta had predicted that a blue mosque would be constructed in Morocco style. It’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful mosques and it features some amazing architecture including a five-story minaret and a vast azure sky roof.

If you’re looking for a cultural and historical experience in Morocco, Tangier is the perfect place to go. The Souks of Tangier offer a variety of unique products and services, while Ancient Ruins of Tangier offer an eerie and mesmerising view. If you’re looking for an exciting day out, be sure to add Tangier to your list of destinations!

Is tangier worth visiting?

Morocco Tours is a great way to see an amazing country while enjoying some delicious food and culture. From the beach towns of Suez and Casablanca to the more upscale villages of Marrakesh and Tangier, there’s something for everyone on Morocco Tours. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed vacation or a challenging trek, our guides will take care of everything for you.

What Is Morocco?
Morocco is a country located in North Africa, bordered by Algeria to the south, Tunisia to the west, and Spain to the north. Its territory spans over 8,000 kilometers² and its population numbers around 35 million people.
What to Expect When touring Morocco
· architectural marvels like the Alcazar palace and great mosques such as Casa Batlló.
· traditional Moroccan music and dance including zouk and mbalax.
· beautiful scenery like the Atlas Mountains and The Rif Mountains.
· delicious local food like couscous, tagine, tahini sauce, and couscous with beef or chicken.

What to See in Morocco.
In Morocco, the climate is moderate to hot all year round and can get a little bit chilly in the highlands during winter. The country has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, deserts, coastline, and plains.
Culture and Heritage in Morocco.
Morocco is home to a rich culture that has its roots in the Maghreb region of North Africa. One of the most popular attractions in Morocco is its history, which includes contributions from Arabs, Berbers, Jews, Turks, and others. As well as traditional Moroccan music and art, visitors will also enjoy discovering Quranic verses written on camel skin and pottery shards at religious ceremonies.

Destinations in Morocco.
The Souks of Tangier are a must-see attraction in Morocco. They are a series of markets located within the old city of Tangier, which is now part of the ancient city complex known as Old Tangier. The souks offer an interesting mix of traditional Moroccan art with modern European architecture and design.

The Ancient Ruins of Tangier.
One of the most famous ruins in Morocco is the ancient ruins of Tangiers. The ruins date back to the 5th century BC and were built on what is now known as Corniche de la Cité (Canal Street). They include remains of grandiose buildings including a palace, an amphitheatre, and a great mosque.
The Blue Mosque.
The Blue Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest mosques and it was built in 848 AD on the site where Ibn Battuta had predicted that a blue mosque would be constructed in Morocco style. It’s considered one of the world’s most beautiful mosques and it features some amazing architecture including a five-story minaret and a vast azure sky roof.

If you’re looking for a cultural and historical experience in Morocco, Tangier is the perfect place to go. The Souks of Tangier offer a variety of unique products and services, while Ancient Ruins of Tangier offer an eerie and mesmerising view. If you’re looking for an exciting day out, be sure to add Tangier to your list of destinations!

THE DUNES OF CHEGAGA – PANORAMIC AND SURFING

A camel caravan led by a local guide, crossing the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert during Marrakech Desert Tours under a breathtaking starry sky.

Chegaga is one of the two great deserts of the Moroccan Sahara located less than 100 km south of Zagora. If it is less impressive than its neighbour erg Chebbi, which has dunes culminating at more than 170 m, it has the advantage of being larger and wilder. Another significant point, it is much less touristy.


On track for Chegaga
From Erg Lihoudi, where we bid farewell to Mubarak and his faithful dromedaries, it takes a few hours by road to get there. And you don’t meet many people on the way, apart from a few nomads around an oasis, a burnt-out car (never smoke in your car in the desert!) and a dispensary welcoming nomads for treatment but also to educate their children.
Of course, all these people were scattered in a desert of stones, and arrived at the end of this long road, the reward.

We have to get back on the road, or rather the track. After our farewells to the camel rider, aboard an all-terrain vehicle, we will face the wide open spaces and a few mirages that separate us from Erg Chegaga.

Vast and wild.
The view at the end of the track on the dunes of Ghagaga is just impressive. Like a mirage, they take shape on the horizon, like a painting. It is simply unreal, we have rarely seen something so beautiful.
At the bottom of Lake Iriki, completely dry, Chegaga in front of us, we were in a hurry: to climb on one of the largest dunes, to be able, when we reached the top (70 m!), to savour the extended landscape over 40 km at 360°. Wow!

Bivouac at Chegaga.
After our ascent, it is time to reach the bivouac and savour an excellent Moroccan salad that our cook has concocted for us. And it is with a surfboard that James decides to get there first! The camp is ideally located at the foot of the dunes, and there is all the comfort one could wish for. Even showers and real toilets. Without a flush of course!
Despite the lack of water, there is life in the desert. As you can see in our photos, some greenery, beetles, ants, and cats! But nothing betrays the silence that reigns here. And it feels good.

This day in Chegaga will remain engraved forever. What a wonderful place! It is time to get back on the road. We already have to reach Marrakech tomorrow, but via other routes that will have many surprises in store for us.

Where and How Morocco

This image is a scenic view of Tangier in Morocco with many blue buildings on top of a hill. The sky is clear and the sun is shining, illuminating the white buildings in the foreground. There are several trees scattered around the hill, adding to its beauty. In the background, there are mountains visible in the distance.

Morocco is a country full of surprises, rich in contrast. Located in the north of the African continent and at the same time oriented towards the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

In Morocco, we are not only struck by the natural landscape but also, we witness a life that is a surprising blend of modern and ancient, progress, and tradition.

Making the Tours of Morocco, a life experience that must enter the checklist of anyone, not only the passionate about the country but also everyone who has the spirit of discovery.

Morocco tours offer a multitude of horizons. The traveler finds in Morocco the conducive spaces to escape. Morocco vacation packages give a seating of infinity and eternity. 

So many sensations that can be experienced between the four walls of a rich abode.

For many travelers, Morocco is a country of delight that has the gift of creating accessory atmospheres to rest and contemplation.

Today, some create envy in a special way of life enjoying the incomparable and Morocco vacation packages in a country’s crossroads of trade and culture.

The first tourist destination in Africa, Morocco as a stable country offers the opportunity for travelers to discover it closely, Morocco tours gives access to the discovery of the wealth of the country, starting with the very important natural and historical assets and ending with a Rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Tours of Morocco are a haven of pleasure for those, who know how to enjoy their holidays with its tourist offering of multiple choices that suit all tastes. Morocco vacation packages are dedicated to foreigners who are seduced by colorful life, its climate and panoramic views.

It is the country of four seasons that summarizes all the African continent, with its forests, deserts, dunes, mountains, waterfalls and green forests.

With a large maritime facade to the west, the country is on the other side of the desert of the Sahara and extends in the south towards the black Africa.

Discovering Moroccan interiors, through Morocco Tours is penetrating into the secret world of its cities. A world reserved for those who choose the insiders, who challenge the time to experience the Moroccan life and experience.

Rich in heritage, the country offers the visitor a rare site,  tours of Morocco allows him to taste the incomparable charm of the country.

Morocco tours lets him live the inevitable, lets him feel the warmth of the country that seduces more and more foreigners coming from the four corners of the world.

Each city of the kingdom offers a special holiday, build a good itinerary to discover what is between the lines.

In Morocco, time stops, the years that pass have no hold on the reality of life. Everything here seems intact, preserved as are the most famous monuments that many tourists for over a century have loved.

Nature is prodigal, still diverse in Morocco, it provokes a certain attraction for the country and which pushes to confirm that Morocco invented the art of living.

Its cities, its architecture, its cuisine, its craftsmanship, every detail brings a particular refinement and personalized value brought to every detail of the daily life of a journey, which by tours of Morocco, could discover a charm by visiting it closely.