Morocco Packages

Spices, Souks and Sahara: Exploring Morocco's Best Experiences

Morocco is a land of culture that offers a full spectrum of real life, with all its facets. With warm sunrises to sunsets, the country basks in the sun and shines bright. At night, Morocco is covered by the blanket of stars that holds your gaze. The country offers you everything, including dramatic and ethereal landscapes, high-rising mountain tops, fascinating history, and an intriguing, deep culture cherished by every passing generation. Morocco has that hold over each traveler that makes them want to return, offering a perfect blend. The country is a tapestry of colors, offering a vibrant and ultimate exploration. To experience the fresh and enchanted land with a new perspective, you should get more inclined towards the local over the luxury. So, why wait when Morocco is calling out to you with all its love? To have a delightful experience and avoid missing out on anything, use this post as your guide. 

Capital: Rabat

Currency: Moroccan Dirham

Official Languages: Arabic, Standard Moroccan Berber

Population: 3.81 crores

Airport: Mohammed V International Airport or Casablanca Airport

Must-Visit Cities in Morocco

Morocco has been divided into four imperial cities, which have been the country's cultural hubs, preserving its architectural glory, exoticism, and exuberance, and exuding the history that has shaped it. The cities are now transforming themselves into modern centers while also preserving their heritage. Now, these cities are visited by people from all over the world, who bear witness to the contrasts Morocco combines. To have the full-blown experience of Morocco, you can refer to the list of cities provided below: 

1. Marrakech: The capital of the Marrakech-Safi region, Marrakech is the fourth largest city of Morocco. Marrakech is located on the western side of the Atlas Mountains. The city has a long history, founded in 1070 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar. He made the city the capital of the Almoravid dynasty. Many structures in the town were built during this period, including the Almoravid Qubba, the Walls of Marrakech, the Old Medina of Fes, the Mosque of Taza, and the Koutoubia Minbar. While the city is bursting with ancient monuments, here are some that deserve your attention: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Jardin Majorelle, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, Dar Si Said Museum, Atlas Mountains, and the Menara Garden. 

2. Rabat: Rabat is the capital of Morocco and is also the second largest metropolitan after Casablanca, with a rising population and amenities. The city is located on the Bou Regreg River. The city has a history dating back to the 12th century and was built by the Almohads. Rabat is home to the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other than that, you should definitely visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, the Mausoleum of Mohammad V, the Hassan Tower, Rabat Old Town, Andalusian Gardens, Jardin Zoologique de Rabat, the Museum Mohamed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, Royal Palace of Rabat, Tramway Rabat Sale, and Les Jardins Exotiques De Bouknadel. 

3. Meknes: Once the capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif, Meknes is now one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Meknes is located in the northern central part of Morocco. The Almoravids founded this city in the 11th century as a military settlement. Now it is a sanctuary to the world's most beautiful places, such as the Berber and Jewish Art Gallery, the Meknes Medina, the Bab Mansour Gate, the Mousoleum of Mouley Ismail, the Volubilia-Domaine de la Zouina, the Dar Jamai Museum, the Chateau Roslane, El Hedim Square, the Sahrij Swani, the Heri es Souani, and the Bou Iania Medersa. 

4. Casablanca: Famously known as the economic centre of Morocco, Casablanca is also its largest city. The city is located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia Plain in western central Morocco. The Port of Casablanca is the third-largest artificial port in Africa and serves as the primary trade hub for other countries. Apart from that, Casablanca is equally beautiful and a fascinating city to explore with places such as Hassan II Mosque, Quartier Habous, Morocco Mall, The Corniche, Ain Diab, Square of Mohammed V, Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes, Marche Central Casablanca, Musee Abderrahman Slaoui, Royal Palace of Casablanca, and Museum of Moroccan Judaism. 

5. Fez: Also known as the Mecca of the West and the Athens of Africa due to the sanctity that it holds for the spiritual and the cultural aspects of Morocco. The city is located in the northwest of the Atlas Mountains, in the northern inland of Morocco. The Idrisid founded Fez in the 8th century and, till now, has many sights and monuments preserved in itself, such as the Medina of Fez, Chouara Tannery, Marrakech Camel Dessert, Fes El-Bali, Museo Nejjarine, Bab Boujloud, Kairaouine Mosque, Royal Palace of Fez, Dar Batha Museum, Marinid Tombs, Art D'Argile, Fez Mellah, and Hri Souani.  

Things to do in Morocco

To have a joyous experience in Morocco, the first and foremost thing you should do is plan your whole trip, as there are plenty of things for you to indulge in. The city bears the brunt of history and how the past has molded it, and you can witness that in every corner of every street. To get a little bit of everything, use the list of must-do items below and have an enriching, life-altering experience. 

1. Witness the vibrancy of Marrakech: Marrakech is an all-time buzzing city that is chaotic, classy, and colourful. It is a majestic blend of the deserts, mountains, and also souks. You can have a hot air balloon adventure during the sunrise, go for a quad biking in the Agafey Desert, or go for mountain trekking or a camel ride. 

2. Rock climb to the top of Atlas Mountain: The Atlas Mountain is a premium spot for rock climbing. It has a steep limestone and granite structure that many professional trekkers prefer. It is a challenging, regressive sport. 

3. Shop at the traditional souks in Marrakech: You can trace the traditional market souks from a distance because of the chaos, humdrum, and the pungent smell that surrounds the souks for miles. You can buy spices, carpets, lanterns, and other handicraft items. Along with shopping, you can also visit the medinas. 

4. Learn Pottery in Tamegroute: In the city of Tamegroute, pottery is considered an art and also a profession. You will see artists making all kinds of utensils and other structures, and they are available in all colours. You can visit, buy, and also learn the long-lost art of pottery. 

5. Night stay at the Sahara Desert: The most fantastic experience that you will have is at the night safari in the Sahara Desert. You can stargaze in the middle of the desert and see the beauty of the dunes. You can also camp in the desert to see the sunrise. It is a wholesome and magical experience. 

Best Time to Visit Morocco

When traveling to Morocco, you should get a general sense of the weather the country experiences throughout the year. The country faces extreme temperatures due to its geographical location. To get the best experience when traveling in Morocco, you should visit during the spring and autumn seasons, which span from April to early June and from September to November. The temperature in spring ranges from 18 to 28 degrees Celsius, and in autumn from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant for exploring the city and also attending the cultural fest that happens during that time. 

If you are seeking a Moroccan adventure that is fun and also economical, then you should ditch the peak season and travel in the off-season of summer and winter. You should know that summer temperatures can reach 45 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures can reach 20 degrees Celsius. The locations on your itinerary will be less crowded during these seasons. 

Foods to Try in Morocco

Moroccan cuisine is more about the process. The dishes are made by slow-cooking the finest ingredients with the country's staple. The food prepared is a treat to all the senses and should be devoured rather than just eaten. The country's richness and history are reflected in its food, and every recipe is a cherished part of its generational heritage. Skip the cafes and big restaurants, and choose local, family-run establishments for an authentic taste of the country's fantastic cuisine. On your trip to Morocco, you must try the local dishes provided below and eat till your heart is full. 

• Chicken Tagine
• Sweet Tagine Food
• Couscous
• Moroccan Bread
• Babbouche
• Assorted Salads
• Harira
• Gazelle Horns and Almond Briouats Food
• Chebbakiya
• Mint Tea
• Royal Tea
• Pastillas Chicken
• Msemen
• Baghrir
• Briouates
• Raib Beldi
• Medina Ginger
• Amlou
• Mixed Nuts
• Tajine Barkok
• Mkila
• Moroccan Hawa
• Tangia and Meshwi

Things to Keep in Mind in Morocco

• You should learn some basic Moroccan lingo for meet-and-greets.
• Keep cash on hand with your cards, as some people still use cash.
• You should familiarize yourself with road rules to stay safe when walking.
• Stay on alert with your belongings and valuables when in public.
• When visiting religious places, you must dress modestly and appropriately.
• You are not allowed to take photographs of the government or the military buildings.
• You must obtain permission to use a drone in public.
• Do not drink the tap water. Carry your own filtered water bottle.