Morocco travel guide

Amtoudi is a Berber village located in a lush oasis surrounded by imposing cliffs. Further, several historical sites (watchtowers and rock carvings) are within walking distance from the village, which has put Amtoudi on the campervan circuit.

The small village of Aoukerda has been connected with a splendid road, which twists and winds its way through this beautiful gorge. At some point the gorge opens up into what can only be described as a mini Grand Canyon. Right after you can see "Hell's Window", a hole in the cliff formation high up. You have to return the same way you come, which isn't any less spectacular.

Morocco is spoiled for road trips, but some still stand out. The road P1000 (on Google maps), which leads to the cute oasis village of Askens, is one of them. The oasis is not like the tourist attraction Paradise Valley Agadir, for this is a real village in an oasis. But no reason to only pick one of them as they are located only 30 km apart passing some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Morocco.

Chefchaouen is named the Blue City after its blue-rinsed buildings. It's a colourful twist that set Chefchaouen's small medina apart from the other old Moroccan cities frequented by tourists. However, it still offers the obligatory narrow, tortuous and winding lanes that are impossible not to become lost in. Just with a slight blue glow to it. The atmosphere here is also less chaotic, and there is less hassle than in other destinations favored by visitors. Tugged away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is also in the middle of a vast cannabis growing area, something that could explain the relaxed atmosphere. It certainly explains why it is a famous hippie and backpacker hangout. This brings with it a few particular scams that should be mentioned here. Expensive, but poor quality hash is sold on the street and touts will offer invitations to cannabis farms, where they eventually will pressure any "guests" to buy their products and take a commission for showing them around.

Probably the most lovely spot in Rabat. The Chellah combines the ruins of a Roman village with an Islamic necropolis – all hidden from the hectic capital by high medieval walls. The result is an oasis in the city that feels both historical, tranquil and almost spiritual. Particular striking is the ruined mosque and the trees around it that are home to dozens of nesting storks. Parts of the Chellah also has a distinct park like feel to it, and both visitors and locals alike use the area for socialising and relaxation more than they use it as an archaeological site. Every year in September it also hosts a five-day jazz festival.

Another amazing road trip in Morocco is the drive through Dades Gorge. The rust-red gorge has a dramatic landscape. On one side is snowcapped mountains, while the other is dotted with Berber villages and old crumbling kasbahs. At the bottom flows the river, which gives life to palm groves and olive orchards. The gorge starts just north of the town of Boumalne du Dades. A sealed road runs all the way to Msemrir (63 km from Boumalne) and with a 4WD it's possible to do a loop through Todra Gorge, else with a 2WD you have to return the same way. However, the most exhilarating section is the one from 26 km, where the road climb through several hairpin bends with spectacular views down the gorge. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe stopping spots along the road, but not all sections have crash barriers. There is an equal amazing road trip through neighbouring Todra Gorge, which is just 53 km further down the N10.

The sand dunes of Erg Chebbi are the tallest and most well-known in Morocco. They span an area 22 km long and 5 km wide, and rise up to 150 m. However, they are not the biggest by area, for that title goes to the only other sand dunes in Morocco, Erg Chigaga near M'hamid, which cover a bigger area, but only rise to 50 m.
Erg Chebbi (and for that matter Erg Chigaga too) is the iconic picture of the Sahara, as a stunning sea of orange sand dunes. However, technically none of them are in the Sahara.
The small town Merzouga is located literally at the foot of the dunes of Erg Chebbi and is the action center for any sand activity you can think of. Though there are auberge in town, many choose to stay under the stars in a desert camp.

Boasting the most impressive sunset in Morocco, a windy beach, and a UNESCO-recognised harbour, Essaouira is well worth the two-hour drive from Marrakesh. Here is lively, but no hassle. The harbour is dominated by dozens of small, blue fishing boats, a market, and a citadel, which walls extends all around the medina (old city). Both the walls and the citadel offer unobstructed views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean – as does most of the city's roof terraces. In fact, the old town is almost overflowing with romantic spots. The picture perfect beach extends for many kilometres south of the city. However, strong winds and dunes make it more suited for the wind- or kitesurfing and quad biking than for swimming and sunbathing.

The world's biggest Islamic medieval city and accidentally also the world's largest car-free zone. The medina, Fez el-Bali, dates back 1200 years and is one of those places where time has been at a standstill. It is a labyrinth where getting lost is inevitable, where goods are still transported by donkey and where it is quite impossible to expect what awaits around the next corner. Especially famous are the city’s tanneries where leather is still dyed in pits as it were hundreds of years ago. If it all become too hectic, the peaceful Bou Jeloud Gardens does offer some tranquil relief. The same does Fez el-Jdid, or New Fez, which is only 700 years old(!) and less affected by tourism. It almost goes without saying that the medinas of Fez are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gara Medouar is a horseshoe-shaped mountain, which rises vertically 50 m above the desert floor. Though the shape resemble of an extinct volcano, it's not. The off-road trail runs straight in the middle and goes all the way to the top, passing an old defensive wall. The wall dates back to the times, when the mountain was used as a slave trading post for the Portuguese.
Fossils can be found in the limestone slabs at the top.
Such a unique and spectacular natural phenomenon has of course featured in several movies, like "The mummy" and "James Bond, Spectre", and promo videos for KTM, Yamaha and Land Rover.
Today, Gara Medouar is popular with off-road motorcycle riders and overlanders in 4x4.