There's much to discover on a tour of the country that takes you from medinas to mountains, writes Teresa Ooi.
Morocco is a paradise for intrepid travellers looking for spice and adventure. Here you will find mountain ranges, ancient cities, sweeping deserts and most importantly, warm hospitality. Morocco, the gateway to Africa, is a country of startling diversity. The undulating landscape that carpets this slice of North Africa resembles a patterned rug. The mountains lead to Saharan oases that offer simple pleasures such as fabulous views across the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, rugged coastlines, waterfalls, gorges and the mighty desert.
The other side of Morocco is its cities – some of the most exciting in the world. The winding maze of Fez and the bustling markets of Marrakesh, offer the essence of North African culture, while glitzy urban cities like Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier are looking into the future without forgetting their roots. Upon arrival in Morocco, get into the swing of things with the country national pastime – people watching while sipping mint tea in a street café.
From here, ramp up your itinerary with hiking North Africa’s highest peaks, camel trekking in the desert, shopping in the souks (markets) and getting lost in the twists and turns of the medians (old towns). In between activities, you can relax on expansive terraces and grand squares and savour rich, flavourful food before sweating it all out in a hammam, or traditional bath houses.
Begin your itinerary in Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most modern cities – a place where money is made and young locals come to seek their fortunes. The city’s handsome Moorish buildings, which fuse traditional Moroccan style with French-colonial designs, are best admired amongst locals and at Quartier Habous, one of the most picturesque areas in Casablanca. Make sure you also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque where entrance is only permitted with a guided tour.
From Casablanca, head to Chefchaouen in the north. It’s a city totally washed in different shades of blue, a spectacular splash of colour surrounded by mountains. During sunset, visit the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic view of the azure blue city.
Amble southwards to Fez via the rolling hills and the Roman ruins of Volubilis; the best preserved ruins in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - definitely worth a detour. Fez is an Imperial city that has stood the test of time in North Morocco. Within its sturdy walls, you’ll find the place where ancient Morocco still exists in the elaborate architecture, historic media and the throngs of people that make their home here.
Your next stop is Merzouga, a small town in the Sahara Desert where you can take a camel ride through the dunes to a desert camp. Learn how to tie a turban to keep the sand and sun off you face – and to add something exotic to your Instagram photos. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars and rise early to watch the unmissable sunrise over the dunes.
As you head east, you’ll visit the stunning Todra Gorge, a lush oasis wedged between gigantic cliff walls. The gorge is an ideal spot for hiking, relaxing by the river banks or sampling local delicacies.
"Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, and rise early to watch the unmissable sunrise over the dunes"
Just before Marrakesh, you’ll reach High Atlas, Norther Africa’s highest mountain range. It is locally known as Idraren Draren – Mountains of mountains – and during spring to autumn, it is a trekker’s utopia. High Atlas runs diagonally across Morocco for about 1,000 kilometers. It’s saw-toothed Jurassic peaks act as a barrier between the mild Mediterranean climate to the north and the fiery Sahara temperatures in the south, and snow falls on its peaks in the colder months, creating year-round rivers that flow towards Marrakesh and fertile valleys at the bases.
You either love or hate Marrakesh; it’s not a city that lets you sit on the fence. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was captivated with Marrakesh, once declaring it “the last paradise on Earth”, and today, Marrakesh is the most visited place in Morocco.
It is steeped in ancient artistry, skills that are kept alive by modern craftsmen in the souks. It is also home to some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture, particularly the Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia Mosque.
All hectic and bustling streets lead to the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa plaza, psychedelic space where snake charmers, fortune tellers, acrobats and Berber musicians compete for your attention. The pandemonium peaks at sunset with the wailing call to prayer clashing with the cacophony of city noises. Its carnival nights and street theatre is a non-stop attraction inviting both tourists and locals to experience. During sunset, dozens of food stalls appear and restaurants fire up their grills as hungry visitors tuck into a tangine meal, flaky pastries and sipping down a freshly brewed mint tea.
Shopping at Marrakesh’s souks is like foraging through a magpie’s next of treasures. The maze of spice-scented bazaars and market streets are filled with cafes and vendors selling all kinds of wares.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh and complete your journey in Essaouira, a coastal and resort town in Morocco. The town’s Medina, the old city of Essaouira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortified city walls are a nod to contemporary European military architecture and town-planning. Inside, you’ll find narrow streets filled with vendors selling tapestries and souvenirs. The dramatic wave-lashed rampant in the city inspired Orson Welles’ 1951 film, Othello. You’ll also find some of the freshest seafood here, prepared in a local style – a lovely way to end your North African trip.
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