A Guide to Exploring Wild Morocco

If Morocco wasn't on your bucket list, make sure to add it now. Planning for this trip was not easy, however, it was worth all the effort, with some help from locals along the way. 

MARRAKECH 

We started our journey in the most well-known city in Morocco. It is a place of hustle and bustle, with plenty of opportunities to experience local culture and traditional Moroccan cuisine. We spent 3 days and 4 nights in Marrakech and found it to be the perfect amount of time in the city. 

Where we stayed: Selman Marrakech - this resort is the ultimate luxury with the best-in-class architecture, design, and service. If it is within your budget to splurge a little, I would highly recommend staying here. Did I mention they have pure-bred Arabian horses on property for guests to walk with and visit? 

Things to do/see:

• Old Medina
• Ben Youssef
• Majorelle Garden
• Bahia Palace
• Jamaa El Fna - make sure to see sunset at the rooftop balcony at Le Grand Balcon cafe, and have some fresh squeezed orange juice for 4 Dirhams (less than 50cents USD)
• Eat traditional Tajine 

ATLAS MOUNTAINS & SAHARA DESERT

This is NOT to be missed! The drive to and back from the Sahara is long and daunting. However, the views along the way are incredible beyond belief. It is very important to choose a reputable agency to make the best of your desert excursion. 

Our entire excursion was organized by Wild Morocco, which made planning way easier. Our private driver Khalid picked us up from Marrakech, stayed 1 night in Ait Ben Haddou (to break up the long drive), and 1 night in the luxury camp at Erg Chigaga with a camel ride at sunset. It is a place that needs to be seen in person to fully appreciate the beauty of it. 

Things to do/see:

• Ait Ben Haddou - numerous Hollywood movies and shows have been filmed here including the Gladiator, Mission Impossible, and Game of Thrones. 
• Erg Chebi vs. Erg Chigaga - Wild Morocco organizes tours to both locations. Chebi is easier to get to but we were informed the dunes are much smaller. Chigaga is a much more authentic experience, however does require more time. Depending what your route is, you may want to evaluate your options and consult with your tour agency. In my opinion, spending 2 nights in the desert is best to not feel rushed. 

CHEFCHAOUEN

This was the most picturesque, charming little blue town I have ever met. 

Where we stayed: Dar Wadada - this guest house is located on the mountain-side and has the best view of the Blue Pearl. They have a furry 4-legged permanent guest named Afro - which makes this property one of my favourites I've ever stayed at.

Where to eat: Bab Ssour - best food, best prices, best view in the medina. 

TANGIER

Unfortunately we only had 1 day in this beautiful city. Tangier has all of the modern European charm, and none of the tourist traps. We were incredibly lucky to have met a local on Instagram who lived here and took us around to see the best spots (Anour, thank you for everything!) 

Pictured: sunset at Cap Spartel