Moroccan tea in front of the Dades Gorge
Morocco seduces visitors with vibrant colors, exotic scents, and breathtaking landscapes. Recently, I embarked on an unforgettable 15-day journey that started in the bustling city of Marrakech, took me deep into the Sahara Desert, and introduced me to hidden gems along the way. Let me share every memorable detail of my adventure to inspire and help you plan your Moroccan journey.
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Day 1: Marrakech Menara Airport – Arrival and Riad Check-in
Stepping off the plane at Marrakech Menara Airport, I immediately felt a surge of excitement mixed with anticipation. Navigating through the lively arrivals hall, my eyes quickly met a friendly face—Youssef, my welcoming host from Riad Les Jardins Mandaline—holding up a sign bearing my name clearly in bold letters. His genuine smile and warm handshake instantly dissolved my travel fatigue.
As we drove through the bustling streets of Marrakech toward the Medina, Youssef enthusiastically shared insider tips. He recommended must-try local delicacies like tender lamb tagine at Café Clock and the best places to savor freshly squeezed orange juice in Jemaa El Fna square. He also suggested exploring the colorful souks early in the morning to experience their vibrant atmosphere at its most authentic.
Soon, we arrived at Riad Les Jardins Mandaline, tucked away in the winding alleys of the Medina. From the outside, it looked simple—but the moment I stepped through the wooden door, it felt like I had entered a peaceful little world. The courtyard was full of plants, colorful tiles, and cozy corners to relax. Soft Moroccan music played in the background, and Fatima, the kind manager, welcomed me with a smile and a glass of fresh mint tea poured from a shiny silver teapot. It was the perfect way to settle in.
Sitting comfortably on soft cushions and enjoying the calm atmosphere lit by gently glowing lanterns, I immediately knew this was the perfect start to my amazing trip in Morocco.
Day 2: Discovering Marrakech
Medina’s vibrant atmosphere immediately captured my senses. My guided tour began at the beautifully decorated Saadian Tombs, located about a 10-minute walk from the center, with an affordable entrance fee of 70 MAD (approximately $7).
Next, I visited the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, only a 15-minute leisurely walk away. Although non-Muslims cannot enter, admiring its impressive minaret from the outside is completely free.
Afterward, a short 10-minute stroll brought me to the Bahia Palace, where I paid an entrance fee of 70 MAD to explore its exquisite artistry, lush gardens, and peaceful fountains. Menara Gardens, just a quick 15-minute drive outside the Medina, offered free entry and beautiful tranquility among vast olive groves.
Later in the afternoon, I ventured back into the bustling souks, conveniently located around Jemaa El Fna square. Here, I enjoyed negotiating prices for vibrant fabrics, handmade jewelry, and fragrant spices. Djemaa El Fna itself is a spectacle you can experience free of charge, buzzing with snake charmers, street musicians, and engaging storytellers, especially lively in the evenings.
My day concluded with a peaceful visit to Jardin Majorelle, approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the Medina. Entrance tickets cost 150 MAD (around $15), providing access to this beautiful botanical oasis filled with colorful plants, exotic trees, and serene pathways—a perfect finish to a delightful day exploring Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech Leisure Day
Opting for a bit of both adventure and relaxation, I decided to split my day. In the morning, I treated myself to a traditional Moroccan hammam at Les Bains de Marrakech, just a 15-minute walk from my riad in Medina. The two-hour spa experience included a black soap scrub, eucalyptus-scented steam, and a relaxing argan oil massage—just what I needed to recharge after a few busy days.
Feeling refreshed, I rejoined my friends in the early afternoon for the Agafay Desert quad-biking excursion. We were picked up directly from our accommodation in a comfortable 4×4 around 1:30 PM. The drive took about 45 minutes (around 30 km), and by 2:30 pm, we were racing across the rocky desert, surrounded by golden hills and views of the distant Atlas Mountains. We stopped for tea with a local guide under a shaded tent before heading back to Marrakech around 5:30 PM. It was the perfect mix of calm and thrill all in one day.
Day 4: Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls
We departed early in the morning (around 8 am) from Marrakech, with our friendly driver Hassan picking us up in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan from our riad. The journey to Ouzoud Waterfalls was approximately 160 kilometers and took about three hours, passing through scenic rural landscapes dotted with olive groves and quaint villages.
It was a beautifully sunny day, perfect for exploring. Upon arriving, the majestic Ouzoud Waterfalls revealed themselves cascading from a height of over 100 meters, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers—creating a truly postcard-perfect scene. We spent about four leisurely hours walking along well-marked hiking trails, discovering multiple stunning viewpoints of the falls, and taking plenty of memorable photographs.
Along the trails, I delighted in watching playful Barbary macaques jumping through the trees and occasionally approaching curious visitors. As evening approached, we settled into the cozy Dar Essalam guesthouse, conveniently located just a short walk from the falls. There, we enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring a flavorful lamb and vegetable tagine, freshly baked Moroccan bread, and mint tea, making for a delightful end to a spectacular day.
Day 5: Deep Dive into Ouzoud
The following day, I explored Ouzoud further. Hidden trails led me to tranquil swimming holes and quieter viewpoints. Charming cafes served refreshing mint tea amidst verdant surroundings, enhancing the serene atmosphere. Ouzoud’s untouched natural beauty made it a worthwhile extended stay.
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Aït Benhaddou
Leaving Ouzoud after a hearty breakfast at Dar Essalam, we hit the road around 9:00 AM, heading southeast toward one of Morocco’s most legendary routes: the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The drive was long—over 250 kilometers in total—but filled with dramatic changes in scenery and elevation as we climbed into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Our driver, Hassan, skillfully maneuvered the winding roads, and we made several scenic stops along the way to stretch our legs, take photos, and sip freshly brewed mint tea from roadside cafés overlooking sweeping valleys.
The weather was clear and crisp, with the morning sun casting warm light on the snow-capped peaks above and terraced Berber villages below. We paused at the summit of the pass, sitting at 2,260 meters above sea level, where the wind was cool and the views were simply jaw-dropping.
As we descended toward the Ouarzazate region, the red earth and arid plains signaled our approach to the desert edge. Around 4:00 PM, we reached the village of Aït Benhaddou. The golden hour had just begun, and the UNESCO World Heritage site looked absolutely magical. The ksar—a fortified village made of earthen clay—glowed in the warm sunset light, its towering walls reflecting centuries of history.
We met our local guide, Ahmed, at the base of the hill. With passion and humor, he led us through the winding alleys of the ancient village, pointing out homes still inhabited by a few families, as well as explaining the architectural techniques used to build and preserve the kasbah. Along the way, he shared stories of the many films shot here—Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and even an episode of Game of Thrones—making us feel like we were walking through a living movie set. We climbed to the top for a panoramic view of the Ounila Valley bathed in golden light—a moment none of us will ever forget.
Day 7: Through Dades Gorge to Merzouga
We spent the morning exploring Aït Benhaddou’s maze-like alleys before hitting the road toward Dades Gorge, about 170 kilometers away. The drive took us through the scenic Valley of Roses and the lush Skoura Oasis, where we stopped briefly to admire the palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
By early afternoon, we reached Dades Gorge—famous for its dramatic red cliffs and winding mountain roads. After a quick lunch and photo stop, we continued on a longer 280-kilometer journey to Merzouga. As the landscape turned dry and flat, the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi finally appeared at sunset, glowing orange against the desert sky. It was a breathtaking welcome to the edge of the Sahara.
Day 8: Sahara Desert Adventure
We woke up before dawn to catch the sunrise, setting off on a camel ride around 5:30 am across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The air was crisp and cool, around 15°C, and the sky slowly shifted from deep blue to fiery orange as the sun rose over the horizon—an absolutely magical moment that felt like time had paused.
After breakfast back at our camp, Golden Camp Merzouga, we hopped into 4×4 vehicles around 10:00 AM for a desert excursion. The drive took us through remote Berber villages like Khamlia, where we stopped to listen to traditional Gnawa music, and past small oases hidden in the desert landscape. We even visited a dry lakebed with ancient fossil deposits, offering a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s prehistoric past.
In the late afternoon, we geared up for an adrenaline rush—quad biking over the towering dunes. The activity lasted about an hour, with temperatures rising to around 28°C under a perfectly clear sky.
As night fell, we returned to Golden Camp, where the atmosphere turned magical. A traditional Moroccan dinner was served under a canopy of stars, followed by rhythmic drumming, Berber songs, and dancing around the campfire. The night was cool and peaceful, the perfect end to an unforgettable day in the heart of the Sahara.
Day 9: Merzouga to Tinghir
We left Merzouga around 9:00 AM for a 3.5-hour drive to Tinghir (about 200 km), passing through changing desert and mountain landscapes. By early afternoon, we reached Todra Gorge, where 300-meter cliffs rise dramatically above a cool riverbed. The weather was mild, around 24°C—perfect for a relaxing 1-hour walk through the gorge.
Don’t miss the small local shops selling Berber crafts near the entrance, and try the fresh orange juice stand by the river. Later, we visited a nearby Berber home for tea, then enjoyed a hearty dinner and overnight stay at Maison d’Hôtes Panorama Todra, with stunning views over the valley.
Day 10: Immersion in Tinghir
In Tinghir, spending time with the locals truly brought the town to life. I stopped by Coopérative Tapis Berbère Tinghir, where I watched artisans weaving intricate carpets and shared a few laughs with Mohamed, the shop owner, who explained the meanings behind the traditional patterns. Later, I wandered through Souk El Khamis, the town’s open-air market held on Thursdays, filled with spices, olives, and colorful textiles. I wrapped up the afternoon with a glass of mint tea at Café Restaurant Palmier, a small local spot with a view over the palm grove. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming—an authentic glimpse into everyday life in southern Morocco.
Day 11: Tinghir to Essaouira – Scenic Road Trip
We departed Tinghir at 7:00 AM for the long journey to Essaouira—approximately 570 km (about 9 hours by car). The drive took us through ever-changing landscapes: first the rocky Anti-Atlas, then the dry plains around Ouarzazate, and finally the lush greenery near the coast.
Around 11:00 AM, we reached Ouarzazate and made a short stop to admire Taourirt Kasbah (entry optional, 20 MAD) and grabbed mint tea and msemen at Café Restaurant Le Petit Riad, just 5 minutes from Atlas Studios. Continuing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, we climbed to over 2,200 meters, stopping at panoramic viewpoints for photos.
By late afternoon, near Chichaoua, we spotted goats perched in argan trees—a quirky sight unique to southwestern Morocco. We finally arrived in Essaouira around 6:30 PM. After checking in, we headed straight to Chez Sam, a port-side restaurant known for its fresh seafood. I ordered grilled sea bass and calamari, with a sea breeze and sunset view—an ideal welcome to the coast.
Day 12: Exploring Essaouira
After breakfast at Pâtisserie Driss (don’t miss their almond croissants), I entered the UNESCO-listed Medina through Bab Sbaa gate. The old city was full of life—vendors selling thuya wood boxes, woven scarves, and spices like ras el hanout.
I climbed the Skala du Port ramparts (free entry) to watch the fishing boats come and go and then wandered through the Mellah, where I visited the Simon Attias Synagogue, now a cultural museum.
For lunch, I tried the catch of the day at Le Chalet de la Plage, one of Essaouira’s oldest seafood restaurants, right on the beach. The afternoon was perfect for a walk along the sand and a mint tea at Taros Café, with rooftop views and live Gnawa music.
Day 13: Leisure and History in Essaouira
I started the day with breakfast and coffee at Mandala Society, a cozy café with healthy options and great people-watching. Afterward, I walked the ramparts again, soaking in the ocean breeze, then spent an hour at the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum (entry 30 MAD), learning about Essaouira’s Amazigh, Jewish, and Andalusian influences.
In the afternoon, I returned to Essaouira Beach for a quiet walk and a bit of sunbathing. I wrapped up the day with an early dinner at Umia, a modern fusion spot hidden in a quiet alley, perfect for those wanting Moroccan flavors with a twist.
Day 14: Returning to Marrakech
We left Essaouira at 9:00 AM for the 118 mile / 190 km drive (about 3 hours) back to Marrakech. On the way, we visited an argan oil cooperative near Smimou, where women demonstrated how the oil is hand-pressed—a worthwhile cultural stop.
By early afternoon, we were back in Marrakech. We visited Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (combined ticket: 200 MAD). The vivid blue walls and exotic plants were a peaceful contrast to the city’s noise.
That evening, we celebrated our last night at Comptoir Darna, a restaurant-lounge offering delicious Moroccan cuisine with live belly dancing and music—an unforgettable farewell.
Day 15: Farewell to Morocco
After a relaxed breakfast at our riad, we took a taxi to Marrakech Menara Airport, just 15 minutes away. With suitcases full of souvenirs and hearts full of memories, we said goodbye to a country that had welcomed us with open arms.
