Best Things to do in Morocco
So near to Europe – south across the Mediterranean from Spain – Morocco is another astonishing world altogether.
There are numerous things to see and do in Morocco , whether you are looking to explore, relax, or immerse yourself in culture there is something for everyone.
Read on and start planning your next vacation to Morocco Here are the top activities to try when embarking on the magic that is Morocco.
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Walk up the big dune at Merzouga for sunset
Erg is the word for dune – and Erg Chebbi is the highest dune which is up near Hassi Labied, about half way along the stretch of dunes that run for about 20 km between Yasmina auberge and Merzouga town
Some people also refer to Erg Chebbi as meaning the dunes and desert area around Merzouga to make the distinction from the dunes and desert area known as Erg Chigaga south of Zagora.
Merzouga also has an impressive solo dune that is also popular for seeing the sunsets and sunrises from .
It takes a while to get up to the top so bear this in mind to allow enough time but also take care too that the sun does go down pretty quickly after the sunset and the place is cloaked in complete darkness within half an hour.
Drive up to Todra Gorge
This drive up to Todra gorge, along with the neighboring Dades gorge, is one of the famed sights on the tourist or must-see circuit in Morocco or South Morocco .
Beautiful gorges that close in with road and river running through it – the colors of the rocks change color in the morning or evening sunlight and are quite beautiful to see.
The route itself is also beautiful with an obviously very fertile and lush valley with palmeraie and villages following the river that comes down through the gorges.
You will definitely get to see a good glimpse of the locals going about their daily lives here – along the roads or down in the valleys – especially if you are driving early morning or near the end of the day.
There’s a couple of look out points en-route – both places you are bound to be approached by touts trying to sell camel rides, tours, guided walks in the palmeraies, hotel stays or Moroccan wares such as scarves .
But you can say no pleasantly and firmly and they will generally get the message – or you look and haggle and you might get a good bargain.
The area is a popular area for activities or visits for hiking – through the gorges or in the palmeraies, and also rock-climbing.
Overnight stay in the Sahara Desert
Morocco’s Sahara desert is a magical place to spend a few nights. The most popular area to explore is the breath-taking Saharan landscape in little place called Merzouga, just south of Erfoud.
The Erg Chebbi dunes may look familiar if you’ve seen Sex and the City 2, The Mummy, or Sahara. The Erg Chebbi is about 450 miles from Marrakech.
There’s a small airport about 80 miles from Erfoud, with twice weekly flights from Casablanca.
The best way to get around and explore is by camel, although 4×4’s are popular if you fancy yourself a rally driver.
You can opt for a bedouin tent in the dunes, or a luxury tent at the Auberge Kasbah Tombouctou. Time your trip for spring and you may even see flamingos in a large seasonal lake close to Merzouga.
Surf in Morocco
Morocco has long attracted surfers to its Atlantic breakers. A popular time to surf is during the winter months when swells are consistently good and the water and air temperatures are still quite mild.
Taghazoute is the most popular surfing town, just north of Agadir. There are numerous spots to surf close to town and several surf shops and hotels to choose from.
Check out: Surf Berbere and Moroccan Surf Adventures. The town appears to be getting rundown, so check current trip reports.
Surfers and kite-surfers also head to the beaches around the lovely town of Essaouira, but the waves are not as consistent.
This may be the place to check out if you just want to try it out.
Dakhla is also popular with kite-surfers.
Find Peace in the Majorelle Gardens
The Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech are filled with rare plants, bright colors and peace.
The botanical gardens are situated north-west of the Medina of Marrakech, about a 30 minute walk. (Stop by the wholesale market en route to see mountains of dates, nuts and grains getting bought and sold).
The Majorelle Gardens were designed by a French painter Jacques Majorelle who settled in Marrakech in 1919. In 1980.
Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent repurchased the gardens and faithfully restored them
Majorelle’s workshop is now a small Museum dedicated to Islamic Art.
Yves Saint Laurent died in June, 2008 and had his ashes scattered in the Majorelle Gardens so could make an ideal place for those that have an affiliation with Fashion.
Ski in Morocco
I’m not suggesting you should travel to Morocco specifically to ski, but skiing in Africa is just a cool idea in my books.
Oukaimeden lies just south of Marrakech (46 miles) in the High Atlas Mountains and is usually covered in snow in January and February.
There are ski lifts (you can also use a donkey) and skis to rent but don’t expect high quality. There are a few places to eat snacks and two hotels to overnight at Oukaimeden is an easy day trip from Marrakech and will cost you about $40 to get to by taxi.
Michliffen is a ski area near the town of Ifrane in the Middle Atlas Mountains , not far from Fes and Meknes.
There are ski lifts but they don’t always work. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi from Ifrane (6 miles away).
Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
Casablanca is often just a quick one nighter for most people visiting Morocco. But that should be just enough to nip into a petit taxi and head to the Hassan II Mosque.
It required 6,000 customary Moroccan craftsmans, five years to assemble this superb mosque, with its mosaics, stone and marble floors and sections.
It’s the largest mosque in the world, with room for more than 100,000 worshipers.
It’s really quite something to spend an hour or so walking around. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but there’s plenty to marvel at on the outside. Unfortunately the sea air is not being kind to the structure, making it very expensive to maintain. Hopefully its beauty will continue to hold up.
Zoos and Aquariums
You forget what country you are in when you arrive at the new Zoo in Rabat, Morocco. It is a world class Zoo and family friendly.
You can easily navigate a baby stroller throughout the Zoo. What is impressive is the large space and open feel. This is a brand new Zoo which only opened up a few months ago.
Quad Biking in Marrakech Palmerie
If you want to experience the desert without making the trip, then head down to an area of Marrakech called Palmerie.
A beautiful Quad Biking centre has been created with stretched of sand to zoom through.
A truly exciting experience for all the family, allowing you to competitively race you opponent or simply teach the kids how to drive. A definite must do for adrenaline junkies.
