Following my second visit and first road trip in Morocco for Christmas and New Years Eve last year for what was an incredible adventure through the Atlas Mountains and its fascinating history, from the blue city of Chefchaouen to off the beaten path village visits. The country very quickly shot up into the “top three” favourite countries that I have ever had the pleasure of exploring.
It’s one of those remarkable places in the world that offers everything that you would possibly want from a trip from historic cities to outdoor adventures. So, I thought I’d let you know my three must-do experiences in Morocco for the ultimate travel inspiration:
1. Spend a night in the Sahara Desert
This is definitely top of the list for any outdoor lover. If you only have time to do one thing in Morocco I’d recommend an overnight desert camp trip in the Sahara Desert with a camel ride. These trips can be arranged literally anywhere in Morocco, through tour companies, hotels, or even just through locals with their unique symbol of hospitality you meet along the way (that’s how I arranged mine).
It’s an unforgettable experience to wake up in the vast arid desert dunes of the Sahara. One thing I will say is make sure you’re up to see the sunrise, as sitting in the sand with 360-degree views watching the sun rise over the hot desert landscape. The sun rises quickly in the mornings, and as it rises higher and higher you witness the colours of the dunes changing until they seem to be glowing red – it’s a magical experience.
It’s worth spending at least a day or two camel trekking in the region. You WON’T regret it!
2. Watch Marrakech come to life at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Marrakech, the capital city, is where everything happens. And I mean literally everything. You wouldn’t have truly experienced the cultural heritage of Morocco unless you’ve spent some time in this old-town part of the city. On the edges of the square here are bustling markets, souks and café terraces where you can a wide array of action unfold.
Djemaa El Fna square is always bustling with people, and there is plenty going on, so expect a sensory overload. One might say, too much! There are juice sellers, snake charmers, magicians and locals trying to sell you anything and everything from fresh produce, to sheep’s brains, to various other questionable but undoubtedly tasty-looking animal parts.
A highlight for me was finding a seat at a local Moroccan restaurant for an incredible panoramic view, watching the place transform into the food market where you can enjoy the aforementioned local delicacies, while sitting back and drinking in the noise, and glorious chaos of my surroundings.
If you have visited Morocco without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa, you should definitely book another trip to go back.
3. The Ancient Roman City of Volubilis
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Volubilis has over 2000 years of history to explore that would make an impression on anyone – even those not especially interested in it’s historical significance. It’s an astoundingly beautiful yet worn arrangement of pillars, arches and plinths, which somehow still stand, some thousands of years since they were built. You’re free to wander around, and take everything in, with the backdrop of green lush hills all around you.
If you ever want to see proof that the Romans were present in Morocco, then Volubilis is the place you need to be. A short bus/taxi ride or slightly longer walk from the small hillside Moroccan city of Moulay Idriss, which is an easy day trip from Fes, this ancient city is a must-visit, and a dream trip!
The settlement dates to the 3rd Century and even after the collapse of the Empire it was still a functioning city, which is not all that uncommon. The city remained inhabited until the 18th century and after that much of the marble in the city was taken and used at the city of Meknes.
Although these ruins are not the most intact I have seen on my travels it’s still a breath-taking site to explore its rich history and you can visualise how this imperial city would have looked when it was a hive of activity at the height of the Roman Empire.
Two tips for visiting Volubilis:
- During the summer months it can get very hot and there is little cover from the sun. Make sure you pack plenty of water.
- To avoid the crowds and to have the entire place to yourself, I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning before the tour buses start arriving.