Ya Habibi Morocco
You know how there can be so many places you want to visit, but the odds of actually going there may seem unlikely? Well, my good friend was living in Marrakech for a month, and I (obviously) took the opportunity to visit her. When else would I have the chance to go to Morocco and have a place to stay? I was a little nervous traveling to North Africa on my own, but am so glad I did - especially as this was right after a breakup, and traveling across the world to an exotic destination felt like the perfect distraction.
While most of the trip was spent in Marrakech, we also took a tour through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. If you have the chance, I absolutely recommend that you do a tour to visit the Sahara Desert. While Marrakech is an incredible city, you don’t get a full view of the country, the landscape, and what life is like for most people living here without seeing more of it… sort of like going to New York City and expecting that the rest of the U.S. is the same as in Manhattan.
On our trip to the Sahara, we were able to see oases, Ait-Ben-Haddu, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, rural villages, and the Todra Gorge before we made it to the Sahara and rode camels to our campsite. It was pretty crazy to be driving through completely rural desert and then suddenly come across an oasis with palms and other greenery. It was also really eye-opening to see the poverty in Morocco. While it’s not as obvious in the city, villages outside Marrakech blend into the mountains and look like they’re from another era - it’s hard to believe that people actually live in areas and conditions like this - and definitely helps put things in perspective.
Guide to Morocco
Visit the Jardin Majorelle. This two and a half acre garden was designed by Jacques Majorelle and later purchased by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, and Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the rose garden after his death.
Stroll the Palacio de Bahia, one of the grand palaces of the city that was named for Minister Ahmed bin Musa’s wife, Bahia.
Indulge in a treatment at a hammam. Whether you visit a public hammam or a luxurious spa at a hotel, the ritual will be similar. Be prepared to bare it all on top and to lose a layer of skin: when I was being cleansed, I thought a rough scrub was being used, and then later realized that it was all dead skin that had been rubbed off my chest, stomach, and arms that was laying in small beads on my raw skin that remained. In the end, you’ll end up baby-soft and maybe a little bit lighter.
Walk through Le Jardin Secret, one of the oldest and largest palaces in the medina of Marrakech.
Shop in the Medina of Marrakech. This is where you’ll find spices, home goods, accessories, clothing - basically anything you could want. Since it’s a giant flea market, you can expect to bargain with shopkeepers. I ended up buying a lot more than I expected to, but everything was much more affordable than in the U.S. I just need to have more tea parties because otherwise, I don’t know what I’ll do with the Moroccan tea set I purchased.
Head to the Sahara Desert. When you’re this close to the largest hot desert in the world, how can you not see it? I’ve never seen stars brighter than when I was in the Sahara, and climbing to the dop of the dunes, you realize just how small we all really are. Just remember to bring wine with you if you’re going to want it, because you won’t find any in the towns along the way since this is a Muslim country.
Walk along the Todra Gorge. This limestone river canyon was jaw-dropping, with the cliffs more than 500 feet tall on either side.
Visit Ait-Ben-Haddou, the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley and a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture - and also a setting where many movies and TV shows have been filmed.
Morocco Trip Tips + Facts
While I felt safe for the most part in Morocco, I’ve spoken to other women who didn’t. There were definitely times where I felt a little uneasy, especially walking by myself at night. This country is one where I’d say that there’s safety in numbers - if for no other reason that to feel more at ease.
Get ready to drink a lot of mint tea, and have a lot of tagine. They offer mint tea everywhere you go, and most restaurants have limited menus with tagine and couscous. Even though I love tagine, let’s just say I was thrilled to get a burger from McDonalds when I had a layover in Amsterdam on my way home.
Consider bringing an extra bag if you think you might shop. I ended up buying a teapot and tea glasses, a rug, tea, spices, a jewelry dish, clutch, and scarves. I’m so glad I brought an extra bag because otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the space for all my purchases. Oops.
If you’re craving nightlife and cocktails, Morocco likely isn’t your place. This is a Muslim country, and as such, drinking options are limited. You’ll be able to purchase alcohol and get drinks in larger cities, but you’ll be living a sober life in smaller villages, where alcohol isn’t available unless you happen to bring it with you.
You’ll likely feel grateful at the end of your trip. After driving through the countryside and seeing the villages and living conditions of so many people, I felt incredibly grateful for my job, apartment, and general way of life. It was a good reminder that we can often take for granted things that others don’t have access to - whether it’s having a car, electricity, healthy food, or education.
