Five Moments That Made Me Fall in Love with Morocco

If you’ve been eyeing up Morocco for your next adventure, it absolutely deserves a place on your wishlist. I recently went on a whirlwind trip covering the High Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, tiny villages, bustling souks, and a whole lot of tagine. I came home with sandy shoes, a happy heart, and a strong urge to go straight back.

Here are the five moments that stayed with me and the experiences I think every traveller should try to squeeze in, whether you’re planning a Marrakech city break or a full road trip through Morocco.

1. Getting lost in the Marrakech souks There’s nothing quite like stepping into the Marrakech Medina for the first time. The colours, the smells, the spices, the leatherwork, the lanterns… it’s sensory chaos in the best possible way. Tip: If you think you’ll remember the route you took, you won’t. Just embrace it. Getting a little lost is all part of the Marrakech experience.

2. Sleeping under a sky full of stars in the Merzouga Desert If there’s one thing you must do in Morocco, it’s spend a night in a desert camp. It’s magical in a way no photo can ever capture. Our camp sat tucked into the Erg Chebbi dunes, far enough from village lights that the sky looked like someone had tossed a handful of glitter across the universe. Wrapped in a blanket, listening to soft Berber drumming carry through the night, I had a real “this is one of those moments” moment.

3. Riding camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes (the cliché that’s absolutely worth it) I’ll be honest, I expected this to be a bit of a tick-box activity. Camels, dunes, sunset… you know the postcard. But it was so much more peaceful. The gentle sway of the camel, the glow of the sand at golden hour, the long shadows stretching behind us - it was peaceful and magical. Sometimes the clichés are clichés for a reason.

4. Getting your boots dusty on the trails Morocco isn’t just cities and desert - the landscapes are unbelievably varied. One morning you’re zig-zagging through the High Atlas Mountains, the next you’re wandering between pink rock formations in Monkey Fingers Valley or strolling through a palm oasis.

If you’re a big trekker, you can go all-in with Mount Toubkal. If you’re not? A simple two-hour wander through Monkey Fingers delivers more than enough wow factor.

5. Spending proper time with locals This was the unexpected highlight of the trip. Everywhere we went from tiny village shops to the pottery workshop in Skoura we were met with genuine warmth and humour.

There’s something special about sharing tea in a traditional home, trying (and failing) to roll clay neatly, and hearing stories from people who truly love showing visitors their corner of Morocco. It’s a reminder that travel is never just about the places, it’s about the people who shape your experience.

A few final thoughts…

Morocco is one of those destinations that ticks both the adventure box and the comfort box. One day you’re climbing dunes at sunrise; the next you’re relaxing in a peaceful riad courtyard. You can wander ancient kasbahs, learn pottery with a local family, shop for spices and trinkets, and still be back at your boutique riad with a mint tea in hand by early evening.

If you’re thinking of going and you want help planning the right route get in touch. I’ll always give you honest advice and the kind of service that makes your Morocco trip feel effortless from start to finish.