Top 5 Memorable Moments in Morocco
Wilderness Travel’s flagship adventure in Morocco is one of our best-selling cultural journeys, and we create the ultimate experience with added extensions to two unique and enchanting cities: Chefchaouen and Essaouira. One of our staff members had the opportunity to join our Morocco: Camels to Casbahs trip along with these exciting extensions, and came back with life-changing moments she couldn’t wait to share with us. Enjoy!
In October of 2024, I had the chance to visit a destination that I’d been dreaming about for years. Since first learning of the soaring peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, the surfing coastal town of Essaouira, and the tranquility of the Sahara Desert, I knew Morocco was somewhere I needed to explore and experience for myself. So, I packed my bag, boarded a plane, and touched down in the land of orange-hued dunes, spice-scented souks, and ornately decorated riads. Below are my top five most memorable moments from my time in Morocco.
1. Exploring Chefchaouen
My adventure started in the blue-painted city of Chefchaouen. This picturesque town is perched on the hillside of the rugged Rif Mountains, offering stunning views and easy access to nature. After a day of exploring the winding streets of the city’s medina and souks, I had the opportunity to dine on our hotel’s terrace, which overlooked the entire city and its surrounding area. Not only was the meal delicious, but my dinner reservation was at sunset, allowing me to witness a vibrant sky of painted colors and a city slipping into nighttime.
2. Wandering the Souks in Fes
The city of Fes was unlike anything I’d ever experienced; a never-ending maze of narrow streets, donkeys transporting goods, sweet and savory scents drifting from restaurants, and the daily bustle of Moroccan life. Fes is famous for its handicrafts—rugs, ceramics, leather—and it was very special to go behind the scenes and see how each of these items were made. Each craft, created by hand, takes years of experience to learn and hone. What a privilege it was to meet and observe the locals who created the items I was purchasing.
3. A Magical Night in the Sahara Desert
In my opinion, a trip to Morocco is not complete without a stop in the Sahara Desert. I spent two nights sleeping under the stars in the middle of the desert amid towering dunes. One evening, we hopped on our camels and got lost in the sand until we found the perfect perch to watch the sun disappear. We dismounted our camels, climbed up a sand dune, and waited for the warm colors to appear across the sky. Sunsets in the desert are truly magic. The second evening at camp was an al fresco feast of tajine, accompanied by talented Gnaoua musicians, who played and danced aside a burning bonfire. Everything about my time in the Sahara only added to my list of highlights.
4. Adventuring in Dades Gorge
As someone who loves hiking and exploring mountainous regions, the Atlas Mountains were a part of the country I was excited to explore. From hiking in the Dades Gorge to navigating dirt roads through the surrounding peaks in an off-road vehicle, this day of our itinerary was a dream come true. The red-colored rock, the towering masses of stone, and the winding switchback roads reminded me of something I’d perhaps see in the Southwest of the United States. It was thrilling to get off the beaten track and immerse ourselves in this expansive mountain range.
5. Relaxing in Essaouira
Ending the trip in the seaside town of Essaouira was a great way to cap our tour of Morocco. The smell of the sea was a lovely addition to the scents of the mountain and desert regions, and the calmness of this white-washed town was a welcome change of pace. It was splendid to stroll the streets, wander the waterfront, and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean as the colors of sunrise and sunset danced across the waves. I could’ve spent days in this town getting lost amid all of the shops, eating fresh seafood, and walking the long expanse of sandy beach.
Morocco is one of those places that you truly need to experience for yourself. It’s unlike any other destination I’ve been to, and the variety of what Morocco offers makes a circumnavigation of the country so fascinating and fulfilling. If Morocco is not already on your travel list, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend adding it.
—Text and photos by WT staff Siena Helland, Morocco: Camels to Casbahs with extensions to Chefchaouen and Essaouira.
