Morocco
Morocco
A delicate balance between East and West with ancient traditions and modern-day conveniences, a spiritually uplifting culture grounded in gracious hospitality and compelling customs.
With its strategic location in North Africa, Morocco stretches across fertile valleys, snowcapped mountains, two extensive coastlines and the mighty Sahara desert.
Every region harbours a distinct local culture, tied to a distant past that shapes Morocco’s distinguished personality within the Muslim world.
Over thousands of years, Berber tribes, Roman legions, Arab conquests, and European colonists have contributed to the formation of its heritage and have left a notable mark on what is present-day Morocco.
Today, the kingdom is the oldest reigning monarchy in the world. The people’s fervent practice of age-old traditions and faith has allowed Morocco to retain its unique character, grounded with a deeply spiritual attitude, which is consistently present in the very substance of the country’s arts and customs. As a result of years of French occupation, Morocco also possesses a visible western edge that sets it apart from its North African neighbours.
Marrakesh
Also known as The Red City , Marrakesh remains the soul of Morocco’s vibrant culture. The winding alleyways of the souks, stunning regal palaces, colourful hidden gardens and the mystical Jmaa el Fnaa square keep layers upon layers of history both ancient, modern and contemporary, waiting to be unraveled. Stay at a fully-staffed private riad in the heart of the medina to experience traditional life in Marrakesh, and delve into the fascinating world of Moroccan craftsmanship, design and gastronomy.
Sahara Desert
As the world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara spans across North Africa reaching the Atlantic coast by way of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Small oasis towns dot the fringes of the desert in the regions of Ouarzazate and Skoura, frequented by nomadic Berbers and Bedouins, who’ve preserved their language, lifestyle and distinct culture for more than 4000 years. Join a Saharaui camel caravan and venture into the hazy dunes of the Sahara for an evening under the desert sky.
Skoura Valley
Desert palaces, sacred palm groves, lush valleys and incredible rock formations characterize this unique region of Morocco. Only a 4.5 hour drive from Marrakesh, Skoura Valley’s adobe kasbahs and slow-paced village life evoke the feeling of having been frozen in time. Explore the natural beauty of the oasis and all its different nooks, relax and disconnect from the bustling atmosphere of Marrakesh.
High Atlas Mountains
Located in central Morocco, the High Atlas is not only the most dramatic region of the Atlas Mountains, but also the heartland of the native Berber people. A rolling landscape of verdant valleys dotted with minute adobe villages offer a look into the slow-paced rural lifestyle of Morocco, where Berber customs and traditions remain strong. Mount Toubkal—the highest peak in North Africa—and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are a haven for outdoor activities such as trekking and skiing in the winter.
Fez
During its heyday in the middle ages, the city of Fez attracted the brightest minds of the times; Philosophers and theologians, astronomers, mathematicians, and artists all flocked to this cultural hub, leaving behind some of the world’s most valuable cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. Today, Fez stands as the capital of tradition and spirituality in Morocco, offering a deeper glimpse into the soul of the country. Its UNESCO-protected medina is filled with traditional madrasas, mosques, artisan workshops and souks selling the finest handmade goods in the country.
Chefchaouen
Perched on a slope of the Rif in northern Morocco, ‘Chawen’, as locals call it, is a small town founded in 1942 by Moorish exiles who fled Al-Andalus after its demise. The mystic cerulean-painted streets—a tradition left behind by the sefardic Jewish community—has become a distinct trademark that attracts people from every corner of the world. Colourful souks, culinary delights, and stunning nature trails make this town an other-worldly addition to a journey through Morocco.
Rabat & Casablanca
Rabat and Casablanca might not have the enduring appeal of Marrakesh or Fez, but these two urban hubs have plenty of charm to turn an otherwise dull layover into an exciting discovery of Morocco’s cosmopolitan side. Discover the royal heritage of Morocco in Rabat’s Mohammed V Mausoleum and Tour Hassan, both remarkable examples of islamic architecture, step inside one of the few mosques open to the public in Casablanca, or bask in a relaxing traditional hammam before your departure.
Essaouira
An unassuming fishing town on the Atlantic Coast, Essaouira is known for its beautiful fortified port, laid-back atmosphere and traditional crafts. Its bohemian character draws musicians and artists alike—a favourite amongst the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Cat Stevens and The Rolling Stones in the 60s—who flock to Essaouira every summer to attend the world famous music festival of traditional Gnawa music.
Taroudant & South
Vast, remote and uncharted, Morocco’s south remains unknown to most. The lunar landscape of the Anti Atlas provides an otherworldly backdrop for an exhilarating adventure along dusty roads from the jagged mountains to the windswept cliffs of the Atlantic, passing through small Berber villages caught in time.
Morocco is one of those rare places that offers a wonderful experience any time of the year. Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - October) might be the best seasons to travel to Morocco, when the weather is at its most pleasant and the country’s valleys flourish. Although temperatures drop considerably in winter, Morocco’s snow-capped villages and High Atlas Mountains create an unusual yet magical experience.
CLIMATE
Mediterranean
WHEN TO GO
Year Round
TIMEFRAME
7+ Nights
VISA REQUIREMENTS
On Arrival
LANGUAGE
Arabic, French
CURRENCY
Moroccan Dirhams
Inspire your Journey
As a land of contrasting landscapes, Morocco’s Sahara desert, High Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coast make for an adventurous journey. Spend several days in the High Atlas Mountains just outside of Marrakesh, skiing down slopes at the highest peak in North Africa. In the Atlas, stay at a mountain lodge deep in the Berber villages only accessible on foot or mule, and dare to hike mighty Mount Toubkal (13,700 ft), or go heli-skiing on some of the most intense runs in the region. Head down the Ourika Valley on invigorating trekking trails to reach the waves in Essaouira and Taghazout.
Take a journey through Morocco’s traditional, handmade crafts, with techniques dating back over 1000 years. Explore the back alleyways of the Marrakesh medina with a trade expert, and meet local artisans of different guilds. Step into their ateliers and workshops to learn about their craft and techniques, passed down from generation to generation. In Fez, step into the medieval palaces and traditional madrasas accompanied by an architecture scholar, and partake in an intimate workshop with a known artisan to make your own brass tray, leather-bound book, or Berber drum.
Journey through Morocco's lesser-known southern route following the Argan route, from Taroudant to the valleys of Agadir, down to the villages of Tata and Assa, east towards the Sahara Desert’s remote oases and finally to Ouarzazate. Your homes on this journey will be of traditional red-brick and fort-like adobe mansions overlooking sweeping valleys, tucked in small Berber villages. Indulge in exquisitely prepared meals in the outdoors and take in the spectacular views of each region. Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean where the desert meets the wild, windswept coast, trek through the stunning Tighmert palm grove and red rock formations of the Amtoudi desert, ending with a night at a private tented camp.
Music is a pillar of Moroccan tradition that has played a major role in supporting the survival of its culture and spiritual soul over a thousand years, despite the ebb and flow of modernization. Over the past three decades, the country has revived the routes of its sacred music through now world-famous festivals and spiritual pursuits that draw listeners from all corners of the globe.
Experience the wide variety of Moroccan traditional music, from Sufi acapella samaa, to Andalusian lute orchestra, to the upbeat clanking of Gnawa's large iron castanets. Discover the ancient ties between these alluring sound waves and contemporary life, and how they are manifested in day-to-day culture in Fez, Marrakesh, Essaouira and Casablanca. Accompanied by experts, step deep into the medieval world of Moroccan music with the historical and philosophical lens of sacred music.
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