There are few nations in the world where a tourist can enjoy a stroll through the medieval medina, reach the highest summit of North Africa, and then stay overnight in a tented suite in the Sahara Desert within the span of only one week. This is achievable in Morocco as all the top spots in this country are located at close proximity to each other. Most first-time travelers choose to compare various Best Morocco Tour packages and how all three kinds of traveling can fit into one itinerary. The main concern is whether there will be too many options in one week. Some preparation takes care of most issues here.
Culture You Can Walk Into
Fes is the most suitable destination to experience the past of Morocco. The ancient medina of Fes is located in Fes el-Bali dating back to the late 8th century and contains more than 9,000 alleyways. It is one of the largest urban areas without any vehicle movements where transport by donkey and cart is practiced. It was declared by UNESCO in 1981. You will need at least two days here since the maze is confusing.
The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is situated in the middle of medina. It was founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 and considered as the oldest university which still operates. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque; however, you can look at the courtyard from the entrance. The Bou Inania Madrasa is accessible to tourists.
The importance of having a local guide becomes particularly crucial because map applications cannot navigate the narrow lanes well, while even the locals sometimes go astray. A professional guide can not only give an opportunity to explore all the hidden areas but also open the door to workshops of weavers, tanners, and copper smiths that work in the old traditional way. It gives visitors a chance to observe their work, communicate with them, and purchase their goods.
Some customs are recognized as the signs of politeness in any city. First, cover shoulders and knees when walking in the medinas and always ask for permission before taking pictures of people. Moreover, if your host offers mint tea, take at least one cup because it is considered a gesture of hospitality. Prices in the souks are usually negotiable, so it will be better to negotiate in a calm and polite manner.
Adventure close to the city gates
Most tourists assume that adventurous travel in Morocco demands an extended trek into the wild. In reality, this is not the case. The starting point of Mount Toubkal – Imlil – is just 60 km away from Marrakech and the route takes about 90 minutes. The altitude of the village is 1,740 m and the height of the mountain above it is 4,167 m – the tallest mountain in North Africa.
The standard trekking route takes two days. The first day consists of a 11 km hike in 5-6 hours to a refuge at 3,200 m. The second day begins very early since reaching the peak and then walking back to Imlil will take 8-9 hours. The route is non-technical and a well-trained beginner can cover it guided. Some providers include two additional days for acclimatization.
Season plays a critical role. Snow is common in the upper slopes during the winter months and requires the use of crampons and greater skill. It is easier to climb in summer, but the evenings will be cold in the refuge, so bring lots of warm clothes. Guide, hat, and water are more important than expensive equipment.
Every activity does not require fitness. Agafay Desert is located about 40 km from Marrakech, and it is a stony desert not sandy. Activities include camel rides, quad biking with a view of the Atlas Mountains. Essaouira, which is located 175 km away from Marrakech to the west, is ideal for water sports. Winds blow hardest between April and September, while the winter season has large waves that surfers like.
Luxury that comes from the place itself
In Morocco, luxury is location-related. A riad is a typical house characterized by a quiet courtyard with a pool or a roof terrace. Many of them are located in the medina, hence, a tourist may leave a quiet room and find himself in a busy street in a minute. The staff usually arranges private tours and hammam visits, which works well for tourists seeking comfort without feeling like in a hotel.
The desert camps of Merzouga follow the same concept but on a grander scale. The Erg Chebbi dunes are about 150 m high. Top-end camps feature proper beds, private tents, and showers. Tourists make camel rides in the evening that last an hour or make a journey in a 4×4 car. Nights are very cold in the desert, so March – May and September – November are the best months.
However, the key issue is the distance involved. It takes between nine to ten hours to cover the 560 km between Marrakesh and Merzouga, hence most people prefer to do it over two days. The stopover in Ouarzazate, where the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah is located, can reduce the distance to five hours the first day and the other half of the trip passes through the Dades and Todra Gorges before reaching the dunes. This is a popular route chosen by many Top Morocco Tours because it makes a mundane task enjoyable.
Limited on time? Then the Agafay camps will be the ideal choice, as they offer pools, tented suites and are close enough, taking 45 to 60 minutes’ drive to reach Marrakech. Fes from Merzouga is about 430 kilometers, and it will take you around 6 to 7 hours to reach the city. Many people stop their journey here because the calmness of the desert gives life to the medina. The other way round is equally possible. Begin your journey from Fes, travel through Middle Atlas, and end your journey in the sand dunes to relax.
Conclusion
Such a mix of travel methods is suitable for Morocco, as they complement each other well. After spending an exhausting day in the mountains of Toubkal, the time spent at a Moroccan riad in a courtyard becomes more appreciated. After spending an exhausting day exploring the medina of Fes, an evening in a remote desert camp turns into an unexpected present. Good route planning makes sure all the stages of this journey go smoothly. A traveler who considers realistic walking times and driving times will manage to appreciate all the faces of this beautiful country without any trouble.
