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How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco

How To Organize Your Trip In Morocco

How to organize your trip in Morocco step by step: the best time to visit, how many days you need, sample routes, transport and where to stay.

How To Organize Your Trip In Morocco
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Travel Tips

When to go, how long to stay, how to get around and how to build a route that fits your time.

Jan 8, 2024
Updated October 2026
5 min read

A couple sitting on blue steps in Chefchaouen

Morocco rewards a little planning. The country is larger and more varied than many visitors expect, and the distances between its highlights are real. This guide covers the decisions that matter most, in the order you will make them.

At a glance

Best seasonsMarch to May and September to November

Ideal first trip7 to 10 days

Main gatewaysMarrakech, Casablanca, Fes and Tangier

CurrencyMoroccan dirham, mostly cash

LanguagesArabic, Tamazight, French; English in tourism

1. When to go

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons almost everywhere. Summer is hot inland and in the desert but pleasant on the Atlantic coast. Winter brings sunshine, cold nights and snow in the Atlas.

Ramadan changes the rhythm of daily life: many cafés close during the day and evenings are festive. Travelling then is perfectly possible and can be a special experience, as long as you plan meals with your guide.

A traveller photographing ancient arches in Morocco

2. How many days you need

Be honest about how much time you have, then choose what fits rather than squeezing in everything. These are realistic combinations.

3 to 4 days: One city, such as Marrakech or Fes, with a day trip.
5 to 7 days: A city plus the desert, or a loop of the imperial cities.
10 days: The north, Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech at a comfortable pace.
2 weeks: The whole country, including the Atlantic coast.

Local tip: The most common mistake is trying to see too much. Fewer places, with more time in each, always makes a better trip.

3. Choosing a route

Start from your flights. If you arrive in Marrakech, the desert and the kasbahs of the south are the natural loop. From Fes, the Sahara is closer, and Chefchaouen is within reach. Arriving in Casablanca suits a longer circuit of Rabat, the north, Fes, the desert and Marrakech.

One-way routes save a great deal of time. Flying into one city and out of another means you never drive the same road twice.

An aerial view of the ramparts of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast

4. Sample itineraries

These four outlines work well for a first visit, and each can be stretched or shortened by a day.

3 to 4 days, one way: Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, the Dades Valley, a night in the dunes of Merzouga, then north to Fes.
5 days from Marrakech: The same route south at a gentler pace, with a second night near the desert before returning to Marrakech.
7 days from Casablanca: Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis and Fes, then the Sahara and the kasbah road to Marrakech.
10 days from Casablanca: All of the above with Chefchaouen and a free day in both Fes and Marrakech.

5. Getting around

Transport is good in the north and west and thinner in the south, which shapes how most people travel.

Trains: Fast and comfortable between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech. There are no trains to the desert.
Buses: Supratours and CTM link most towns reliably.
Private driver: The most flexible option, and the easiest way to reach the south, the gorges and the desert.
Rental car: Good roads, but mountain passes and city traffic take confidence.
Taxis: Small 'petits taxis' within cities; larger shared taxis between towns.

6. Realistic driving times

Distances on the map look short; mountain roads make them longer. Allow for photo stops and lunch on top of these figures.

Casablanca to Marrakech: about 2.5 to 3 hours
Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou: about 4 hours over the Tizi n'Tichka pass
Marrakech to Merzouga: 9 to 10 hours of driving, best spread over two days
Fes to Merzouga: 7 to 8 hours
Fes to Chefchaouen: 3.5 to 4 hours
Marrakech to Essaouira: 2.5 to 3 hours

Local tip: Try not to plan more than five or six hours of driving in a day. The stops along the way are the trip.

7. Where to stay

A riad, a traditional house built around a courtyard, is the most memorable place to stay in a medina. Hotels offer more facilities such as pools and parking, kasbah guesthouses are the choice in the south, and desert camps complete the picture in the Sahara. Mixing all four gives you a real feel for the country.

Local tip: Riads inside the medina cannot be reached by car. Ask your host to send someone to meet you at the nearest gate.

8. Health, insurance and staying connected

Take out travel insurance that covers medical care and cancellations. Ask your doctor about recommended vaccinations before you travel. Pharmacies are easy to find and well stocked, and pharmacists often speak French or English. Drink bottled or filtered water, and go gently with raw salads for the first day or two.

A local SIM card is inexpensive and can be bought at the airport or in any town with your passport. Riads and hotels have Wi-Fi, though it can be slow. Expect the signal to drop in the gorges and among the dunes, and download offline maps before you set off.

9. What to book in advance

Most things can be arranged on the spot. A few cannot, and are worth securing before you leave home.

Flights and your first night.
Desert tours and camps, especially in spring, autumn and at New Year.
Popular riads in Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen.
Timed tickets for the Majorelle Garden.
Licensed local guides for the medinas of Fes and Marrakech.

10. A simple planning timeline

Three to six months ahead: Book flights, ideally into one city and out of another.
Two to three months ahead: Fix the route and reserve your desert tour and camp.
One month ahead: Book riads, timed tickets and any special dinners.
One week ahead: Tell your bank, arrange insurance and save copies of your documents.
On arrival: Withdraw dirhams, buy a SIM card and confirm your pick-up time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Citizens of many countries, including most of Europe, the US, Canada and Australia, can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. Rules change, so check the official requirements for your nationality.

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes. Morocco is one of the most visited countries in Africa. Use the same common sense you would anywhere: watch your belongings in crowds and agree taxi fares in advance.

What languages are spoken?

Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are the official languages, and French is widely spoken. English is common in tourism, and Spanish in the north.

What is the best month to visit Morocco?

April, May and October offer the best balance: warm days in the cities, comfortable nights in the desert and clear mountain roads.

Is it better to book a tour or travel independently?

The northern cities are easy to visit on your own by train. For the mountains, the gorges and the desert, a private driver-guide saves time and adds a great deal of local knowledge.

See It on One of Our Tours

Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

Currency of Morocco: Dirhams, Exchange and Everyday Prices

Jan 8, 2024

Travelling in Morocco as a Woman: An Honest Guide

Jan 6, 2024

Morocco's Barbary Macaques: How to Visit Responsibly

Jan 6, 2024

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Tell us your dates and we will suggest a private route across Morocco, with a clear price.

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Currency of Morocco: Dirhams, Exchange and Everyday Prices

Currency Of Morocco

Everything about the currency of Morocco: the dirham, where to exchange money, ATMs and cards, typical prices, tipping and bargaining in the souks.

Currency Of Morocco
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Travel Tips

How the Moroccan dirham works, where to change money, when to use cards and what things typically cost.

Jan 8, 2024
Updated October 2026
5 min read

A covered souk in Marrakech full of lanterns and crafts

Money in Morocco is simple once you know a few rules. The currency is the dirham, cash is used far more than cards, and tipping is part of daily life. Here is how it all works, so you can spend less time at the exchange counter and more time enjoying the country.

At a glance

CurrencyMoroccan dirham (MAD or DH)

Banknotes20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams

Rough rateAbout 10 to 11 dirhams to one euro

CardsFine in cities; cash only in souks and the desert

TippingCustomary for most services

1. The Moroccan dirham

The dirham, written MAD or DH, is divided into 100 centimes. Notes come in 20, 50, 100 and 200 dirhams, and coins in 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirhams, plus smaller centime coins.

As a rough guide, one euro is worth between 10 and 11 dirhams and one US dollar about 10, though rates move, so check before you travel. The dirham is a closed currency: you are allowed to bring only a small amount in or out of the country, so plan to change money after you arrive and to spend or change back what is left before you leave.

Moroccan dirham banknotes

Local tip: Keep your exchange receipt. You may need it to change leftover dirhams back at the airport.

2. Where to exchange money

You will find somewhere to change money in every town on the tourist routes. Rates differ only slightly from one place to the next, so convenience matters more than hunting for the best deal.

Airports: Convenient on arrival; rates are slightly lower than in town, so change only what you need for the first day.
Banks and exchange bureaux: Found in every city, with fair rates and no commission in most cases.
Hotels and riads: Possible, but usually at a weaker rate.
Street changers: Avoid them.

The Bank Al-Maghrib building, Morocco's central bank

3. ATMs and cards

ATMs are everywhere in cities and larger towns and accept international Visa and Mastercard. Most have a withdrawal limit of around 2,000 dirhams per transaction, and your own bank may add a fee.

Cards are accepted in larger hotels, modern restaurants and supermarkets, but not in souks, small cafés, taxis or most rural guesthouses. In the south, ATMs become scarce: withdraw in Ouarzazate, Erfoud or Rissani before you reach Merzouga.

Local tip: Tell your bank you are travelling, and carry two different cards in case one is blocked.

4. Cash for the desert and the south

South of the Atlas, plan on paying for almost everything in cash: lunches on the road, drinks at camp, tips, souvenirs and optional activities such as quad biking. Desert camps and village cafés rarely have a card machine, and where one exists the signal often fails.

The simplest approach is to withdraw enough for the whole desert section before you leave the last big town. Ask for small notes when you can: a 200-dirham note is hard to break in a village shop.

5. Small change and everyday habits

Coins and 20-dirham notes are worth their weight in gold. Taxi drivers, small shops and café waiters often have no change, so break large notes in supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants whenever you get the chance.

You may hear prices quoted in rials or centimes, especially in markets and among older people. It is an old habit rather than a trick: simply ask for the price in dirhams. Torn or heavily worn banknotes are sometimes refused, so check your change.

6. Typical prices

Prices vary by city and by how touristy the spot is, so treat these as rough guides.

Mint tea in a café: 10 to 20 dirhams
Bottle of water (1.5 litres): 6 to 10 dirhams
Tagine in a simple local restaurant: 40 to 80 dirhams
Dinner in a mid-range restaurant: 120 to 250 dirhams per person
Short ride in a city taxi: 10 to 30 dirhams
Entrance to a major monument: 50 to 100 dirhams

7. Tipping in Morocco

Tipping is customary and appreciated, and it is an important part of many incomes. In restaurants, 10 percent is generous. For small services such as a porter or a parking guardian, a few dirhams is normal.

On a tour, guests usually tip their driver-guide at the end of the trip, and leave something for the camel guide and the camp staff. There is no fixed amount: give what feels right for the service you received.

8. A quick tipping guide

These are the amounts most visitors give for small services. They are customs, not rules.

Café or juice stall: Round up, or leave 1 to 2 dirhams.
Restaurant: Around 10 percent if service is not already included.
Hotel or riad porter: 10 to 20 dirhams.
Parking guardian: 2 to 5 dirhams.
Hammam attendant: 20 to 50 dirhams.
Public toilets: 1 to 2 dirhams for the attendant.

9. Bargaining in the souks

In souks, prices are rarely fixed and bargaining is expected. Start by asking the price, offer noticeably less, and settle somewhere in between with a smile. If you are not interested, a polite 'no, thank you' is enough. Fixed-price cooperatives and government craft centres are a good way to learn what things should cost.

The first price is an opening move, not an insult, and the seller expects a counter-offer. Decide what the object is worth to you before you begin, keep the tone light, and remember that the last few dirhams usually matter more to the craftsman than to you.

10. Common money mistakes

Changing too much at the airport: Take enough for the first day and change the rest in town.
Accepting conversion at the machine: If an ATM or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose dirhams. The rate is almost always better.
Relying on cards in the south: Withdraw before you leave the city.
Leaving with a wallet full of dirhams: They are hard to exchange abroad, so spend or change them before you fly.
Getting into a taxi without agreeing the fare or asking for the meter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay in euros or dollars in Morocco?

Some shops and hotels accept euros, but usually at a poor rate. You will get better value paying in dirhams.

How much cash should I carry?

Enough for a few days of meals, taxis and small purchases. Top up at ATMs as you go rather than carrying a large amount.

Are there ATMs in Merzouga?

There are very few, and they are not always reliable. Withdraw cash in Erfoud or Rissani on the way.

Can I buy dirhams before I travel?

Rarely, and usually at a poor rate, because the dirham is a closed currency. It is easier and cheaper to change money or use an ATM when you land.

Is Morocco expensive?

Daily costs are lower than in most of Europe. Local food, taxis and entry fees are cheap; alcohol, imported goods and high-end riads are priced closer to European levels.

See It on One of Our Tours

Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco

Jan 8, 2024

Travelling in Morocco as a Woman: An Honest Guide

Jan 6, 2024

Morocco's Barbary Macaques: How to Visit Responsibly

Jan 6, 2024

Search Articles

Planning a Trip?

Tell us your dates and we will suggest a private route across Morocco, with a clear price.

Plan Your Trip
Or ask us on WhatsApp

Currency Of Morocco: Good to Know

Our currency of morocco is private: only you and your party travel together.
The currency of morocco departs every day of the year.
A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the currency of morocco.
You can adapt the currency of morocco to your dates and your pace.

Travelling in Morocco as a Woman: An Honest Guide

Trip For Women In Morocco

Planning a trip for women in Morocco: honest advice on safety, what to wear, handling unwanted attention, getting around and the best experiences.

Trip For Women In Morocco
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Travel Tips

What to expect, what to wear and how to feel comfortable, whether you travel solo or with friends.

Jan 6, 2024
Updated October 2026
5 min read

A woman in a yellow dress browsing a shop in the blue lanes of Chefchaouen

Thousands of women travel through Morocco every year, alone and in groups, and most have a wonderful time. It helps to arrive knowing what to expect. This is a frank guide, written with the feedback of the many women who have travelled with us.

At a glance

SafetyGood; hassle is the main annoyance

DressNo rules for visitors; modest is easier

HeadscarfNot required

Most relaxed areasThe south, the mountains and the desert

Useful phrase'La, shukran' (no, thank you)

1. Is Morocco safe for women?

Yes. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and Moroccans are, on the whole, courteous and protective towards guests. What women do sometimes experience is unwanted attention in the street: comments, compliments or persistent offers to guide or sell. It is tiresome rather than dangerous, and it is far more common in the tourist areas of big cities than in villages or the desert.

It helps to understand the setting. Morocco is a family-centred society where public space, especially cafés and street corners, has traditionally belonged to men, while women's social life happens at home, in the hammam and in each other's houses. That is changing fast in the cities, where women work in every profession and dress in every style, from jeans to djellabas.

A woman in a white dress sitting on a Sahara dune

2. What to wear

There is no dress code for visitors, and you do not need to cover your hair. Dressing modestly is simply the easiest way to draw less attention and to show respect.

Loose trousers, long skirts or dresses that cover the knee.
Tops that cover the shoulders and chest.
A light scarf, useful for sun, dust and visiting religious sites.
Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beach resorts.

A traveller in the blue streets of Chefchaouen

3. Dealing with unwanted attention

Most of it comes from a small number of young men in a few busy streets. It is rarely more than words, and these responses work.

Ignore comments and keep walking: any reply is taken as an opening.
Say 'la, shukran' (no, thank you) once, firmly, and move on.
Sunglasses help you avoid eye contact in busy souks.
If someone persists, step into a shop or café, or approach a family or a policeman.
Trust your instincts, as you would anywhere.

Local tip: Unofficial 'guides' who insist a street is closed are almost always wrong. Smile, say no and carry on.

4. Getting around

Use the small city taxis and agree the fare or ask for the meter. Trains are comfortable and safe, with first-class compartments that are calm. After dark, stick to lit, busy streets in the medina or take a taxi to your riad door; many riads will send someone to meet you.

In the south and the desert, most women travel with a driver-guide, which removes almost all of the hassle and lets you relax.

5. The hammam: what to expect

The public hammam is a weekly ritual for Moroccan women and a sociable place. Men and women bathe separately, either in different buildings or at different hours. You undress to your underwear bottoms, sit in a warm tiled room, wash with soft black soap and are then scrubbed with a rough glove until your skin is new.

Neighbourhood hammams are cheap and authentic; bring your own towel, soap and glove, or buy them at the door. Hotel and riad spas offer the same treatment in private, with more comfort and at a higher price. Either way, you will come out feeling lighter.

6. Cafés, restaurants and evenings

Traditional street cafés are still mostly male, and a woman alone may feel watched there. Modern cafés, pastry shops, roof terraces and restaurants are entirely comfortable, and so are the food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna, where families eat together. In the evening the medinas stay lively until around ten; after that, take a taxi or ask your riad to send someone to walk you back.

7. Experiences women love

Travelling as a woman also opens doors that stay closed to men. These are the experiences our guests mention most.

A hammam: Women-only hours or women's hammams offer a traditional scrub and a glimpse of local life.
Cooking with a family: Many riads arrange classes with the women of the house.
Women's cooperatives: Argan oil, carpets and couscous cooperatives provide independent income for rural women.
The desert: Our female guests consistently name the camp as the place they felt most at ease.

8. Health and practical matters

Sanitary products: Pads are sold everywhere; tampons are harder to find outside big supermarkets, so bring your own.
Toilets: Carry tissues and hand gel, especially on driving days.
Pharmacies: Well stocked and easy to find, marked with a green cross.
Sun: A hat and a long-sleeved shirt protect better than sunscreen alone.
Photos: Many Moroccan women prefer not to be photographed. Always ask first.

9. In the desert camp

Women often tell us they were nervous about the desert and found it the easiest part of the trip. You have a private tent with its own bathroom, the staff are local men who have worked with visitors for years, and the atmosphere around the fire is that of a family gathering. There is nobody selling anything, and nothing to do but watch the sky.

10. Travelling solo

Solo travel in Morocco is very doable. Choose well-reviewed riads, where hosts tend to look after single guests, and consider joining a guide for the medinas and a private tour for the south. You will meet other travellers easily in riads and desert camps.

Arrive in a new city in daylight when you can, and book an airport transfer through your riad for the first night. Share your itinerary with someone at home, keep your phone charged and save your riad's number. These are ordinary precautions, and most solo travellers report that the hardest part was simply the first afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear a headscarf in Morocco?

No. Visitors are not expected to cover their hair, except when entering the few mosques open to non-Muslims.

Can women travel alone in the Sahara?

Yes. With a reputable guide and camp it is one of the safest and most relaxed parts of the country.

Is it acceptable to travel during Ramadan?

Yes. Avoid eating and drinking in the street during the day out of courtesy, and enjoy the festive evenings.

Is it comfortable to travel alone with a male driver?

Yes. Our driver-guides are professionals who regularly accompany women travelling alone or with friends, and many guests remark on how looked-after they felt.

Can I wear a bikini in Morocco?

At hotel pools, private riads and resort beaches, yes. On public beaches used by local families, a one-piece or a cover-up is more comfortable.

See It on One of Our Tours

Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

Currency of Morocco: Dirhams, Exchange and Everyday Prices

Jan 8, 2024

How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco

Jan 8, 2024

Morocco's Barbary Macaques: How to Visit Responsibly

Jan 6, 2024

Search Articles

Planning a Trip?

Tell us your dates and we will suggest a private route across Morocco, with a clear price.

Plan Your Trip
Or ask us on WhatsApp

Trip For Women In Morocco: Good to Know

Our trip for women in morocco is private: only you and your party travel together.
The trip for women in morocco departs every day of the year.
A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the trip for women in morocco.
You can adapt the trip for women in morocco to your dates and your pace.
Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote for the trip for women in morocco.
Hotel or airport pick-up is included in the trip for women in morocco.
Families, couples and friends all enjoy the trip for women in morocco.
We answer every question about the trip for women in morocco within a day.

Morocco’s Barbary Macaques: How to Visit Responsibly

Morocco Monkeys

Morocco monkeys guide: where to see wild Barbary macaques, from the cedar forest near Azrou and Ifrane to Ouzoud, and how to visit without harming them.

Morocco Monkeys
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Travel Tips

Where to see the monkeys of the Middle Atlas, and the simple rules that keep them wild and healthy.

Jan 6, 2024
Updated October 2026
5 min read

Two Barbary macaques grooming in the cedar forest

The Barbary macaque is the only wild monkey in North Africa, and Morocco is its last stronghold. Seeing a troop in the cedar forest is a highlight of the road between Fes and the desert. A few simple rules make sure the encounter is good for the animals as well as for you.

At a glance

SpeciesBarbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus)

StatusEndangered on the IUCN Red List

Best placeCedar forest near Azrou, Ifrane National Park

Best seasonSpring, when the infants are born

On our routesEvery tour between Fes and Merzouga

1. Meet the Barbary macaque

Barbary macaques are sturdy, thick-furred monkeys with almost no tail. They live in groups of up to several dozen, led by females, and the males are unusually involved in carrying and caring for the young. Their fur helps them survive winters in the Middle Atlas, where snow is common.

The species is classified as endangered. Numbers have fallen sharply in recent decades through loss of forest, drought and the illegal capture of infants for the pet trade and for tourist photographs.

2. How a troop lives

A troop spends its day moving between the ground and the branches, feeding on cedar needles, acorns, seeds, roots, mushrooms and insects. In a hard winter the animals strip bark from the trees, and at night they huddle together on a branch for warmth.

Much of the day is given to grooming, which is how friendships and rank are kept in order. Watch for a male carrying a baby on his back or holding it out to another male: it is a kind of handshake, and one of the most unusual behaviours of any monkey.

Fewer than ten thousand are thought to remain in the wild, most of them in the Middle Atlas, with smaller groups in Algeria and a famous introduced colony on the Rock of Gibraltar.

3. Where to see them

Wild macaques live in the mountains, never in the desert or the cities. Four areas give you a realistic chance of a sighting, and the first of them lies on the main road south from Fes.

The cedar forest near Azrou: The best-known spot, around the old Gouraud cedar in Ifrane National Park. Troops gather beside the road.
Ifrane National Park: Quieter forest tracks away from the car parks offer more natural sightings.
Ouzoud waterfalls: A group lives around the gorge, about 2.5 hours from Marrakech.
The Rif mountains: Small populations near Chefchaouen, rarely seen by visitors.

Local tip: On our tours between Fes and Merzouga we stop in the cedar forest, and your guide knows where the troops tend to be at different times of day.

4. The cedar forest stop on the road to the desert

Leaving Fes, the road climbs to Ifrane, a tidy mountain town at about 1,650 metres whose pitched roofs earned it the nickname 'the Switzerland of Morocco'. A few kilometres on, around Azrou, the forest begins: tall Atlas cedars, some of them several centuries old, mixed with evergreen oak.

We usually stop here for twenty to thirty minutes. It is long enough to stretch your legs on a forest track, watch a troop feed and take photographs before the road continues over the high plateau towards Midelt and the Ziz Valley.

Local tip: Bring a zoom lens or use your phone's zoom rather than stepping closer. The best pictures show the animals behaving naturally in the trees.

5. The golden rule: do not feed them

It is tempting, and vendors sell peanuts for exactly that purpose, but feeding does real harm. Human food causes obesity, tooth decay and illness, and makes the monkeys dependent and aggressive. Animals that wait by the road for handouts are also at risk from traffic.

Researchers working in the park ask visitors for one thing above all: watch, but do not feed.

6. How to behave around the monkeys

The troops beside the road are used to people, which makes them look tamer than they are. They remain wild animals with strong jaws, and they read body language far more closely than we do. These habits keep the meeting calm.

Keep a distance of several metres and let them come and go as they wish.
Do not touch them or try to hold a baby: mothers and males will defend the young.
Keep food and bags closed and out of sight.
Avoid staring directly or showing your teeth, which they read as a threat.
No flash photography.
Supervise children closely.

7. How visitors can help

Conservation here depends on small choices repeated by thousands of travellers. You do not need to give money to make a difference.

Do not buy peanuts or bananas from the roadside sellers.
Walk a little way from the car park: animals away from the road behave more naturally.
Take all rubbish with you, especially plastic and food wrappers.
Ask your driver to slow down on forest roads, where monkeys cross without warning.
Never pay for a photograph with a chained animal, in the forest or in town.

8. Say no to monkey photos in the cities

The monkeys on chains in Jemaa el-Fna and other squares were taken from the wild as infants. Paying for a photograph keeps that trade alive. The kindest thing a visitor can do is walk past.

A young macaque taken for this trade is separated from its mother, and spends its days on a chain in the heat. Capturing and selling the animals is against Moroccan law, yet the practice survives wherever tourists keep paying. If you want a photograph of a monkey, take it in the forest, from a distance, for free.

9. Best time to see them

Macaques are active all year. Spring is especially rewarding, when the infants are born and the forest is green. In winter you may see them in the snow, a sight few people expect in Africa.

Time of day matters as much as the season. Early morning and late afternoon are when the animals come down to feed, and when the forest is quietest. In the middle of a summer day they retreat into the shade and you may see very few.

The best photograph of a wild animal is one where it is not looking at you for food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the monkeys in Morocco dangerous?

Not if you keep your distance and do not feed them. Bites and scratches happen when people offer food or try to touch them.

Is it legal to feed the monkeys?

Feeding is discouraged by the park authorities and conservation groups because of the harm it causes.

Can I see monkeys on a desert tour?

Yes, on any route that crosses the Middle Atlas between Fes and Merzouga.

Are Barbary macaques apes or monkeys?

They are monkeys. The old name 'Barbary ape' comes from the fact that they have almost no tail, which made early travellers think of apes.

How long does the cedar forest stop take?

About twenty to thirty minutes on a normal driving day between Fes and Merzouga. On a private tour you can stay longer if you wish.

See It on One of Our Tours

Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

Currency of Morocco: Dirhams, Exchange and Everyday Prices

Jan 8, 2024

How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco

Jan 8, 2024

Travelling in Morocco as a Woman: An Honest Guide

Jan 6, 2024

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Families, couples and friends all enjoy the morocco monkeys.
We answer every question about the morocco monkeys within a day.
Our morocco monkeys is private: only you and your party travel together.
The morocco monkeys departs every day of the year.

Things to Do in Fes: The Sights You Should Not Miss

Things To Do In Fes

The best things to do in Fes: the tanneries, Al Quaraouiyine, Bou Inania Madrasa, the Blue Gate, the Mellah, viewpoints and day trips, with local tips.

Things To Do In Fes
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Destinations

Tanneries, madrasas, viewpoints and craft quarters in Morocco's oldest imperial city.

Dec 20, 2023
Updated October 2026
6 min read

A panoramic view over the medina of Fes

Fes is the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities and the one that has changed least. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is a maze of some 9,000 lanes where goods still move by donkey and craftsmen work as their grandfathers did. It can feel overwhelming at first; this guide helps you find the places that matter.

At a glance

FoundedEnd of the 8th century

Old medinaFes el-Bali, a UNESCO site since 1981

Ideal stayTwo full days

Best viewsMarinid Tombs and Borj Nord

To the SaharaAbout 460 km to Merzouga

1. A short history of Fes

Fes was founded at the end of the 8th century by Idris I and developed by his son Idris II, who made it the capital of the first Moroccan dynasty. Refugees from Andalusia and from Kairouan in Tunisia settled on opposite banks of the river, bringing the crafts and learning that made the city famous.

Under the Marinids in the 13th and 14th centuries, Fes reached its golden age, and most of the great madrasas date from then. Today the medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often described as the largest car-free urban area in the world.

2. Understanding the three cities of Fes

Fes is three towns in one. Fes el-Bali is the original walled medina in the valley. Fes el-Jdid, 'new Fes', was added by the Marinids in 1276 to hold the royal palace, the barracks and later the Jewish quarter. The Ville Nouvelle, with its straight avenues and cafés, was built by the French in the 20th century.

Inside Fes el-Bali, two main streets, Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira, run downhill from Bab Boujloud to the Quaraouiyine at the bottom of the valley. If you remember that uphill leads back to the Blue Gate, you will never be lost for long.

3. The unmissable sights in the medina

The medina has hundreds of monuments, but seven places give you the essence of the city. A guide can link them in a single walk of three to four hours.

Bab Boujloud: The 'Blue Gate', tiled in blue on one side and green on the other, and the main entrance to the medina.
Bou Inania Madrasa: A 14th-century school with exquisite carved cedar, stucco and zellige tiles, and one of the few religious buildings open to non-Muslims.
Al Quaraouiyine: Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and regarded as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Non-Muslims can look in from the doorways.
Attarine Madrasa: Small, intricate and right beside the spice market.
Chouara Tannery: Leather is still dyed by hand in stone vats. View it from the terraces of the surrounding shops.
Nejjarine Square: A beautiful fountain and a museum of wooden arts in a restored caravanserai.
Seffarine Square: Coppersmiths hammering pots in the open air.

The dye vats of the Chouara tannery in Fes

Local tip: At the tannery you will be offered a sprig of mint for the smell. Take it. Mornings are best, when the vats are full of colour.

4. Beyond the old medina

Most visitors never leave Fes el-Bali. These five places are outside it, and each shows a different face of the city.

The Royal Palace gates: Seven golden doors in Fes el-Jdid, a favourite photo stop.
The Mellah: The old Jewish quarter, with its balconied houses and historic cemetery.
Borj Sud and Borj Nord: Two fortresses with the best panoramas over the medina.
Marinid Tombs: Ruins on a hill above the city, wonderful at sunset.
Jnan Sbil Gardens: A shady park between the two medinas.

The golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes

5. A suggested two-day plan

On the first morning, walk the medina with a guide: Bab Boujloud, the Bou Inania, the souks, Nejjarine, the Quaraouiyine, Seffarine and the tannery. Have lunch in a courtyard restaurant, then spend the afternoon at your own pace, going back to the places that caught your eye. Watch the sunset from the Marinid Tombs.

On the second day, see the palace gates and the Mellah in Fes el-Jdid, stroll through the Jnan Sbil Gardens and visit a pottery workshop. Keep the afternoon for a hammam or a cooking class, or use the whole day for Meknes and Volubilis.

6. Crafts and food to look for

Fes is the craft capital of Morocco. Look for blue-and-white Fassi pottery, hand-cut zellige mosaics, leather goods, embroidered textiles and brass lanterns. A pottery workshop in the Ain Nokbi district shows how tiles are still cut by hand.

The city is also known for its cooking. Try pastilla, a sweet and savoury pie of pigeon or chicken with almonds, and the slow-cooked stews served in the old family houses that are now restaurants.

7. Where to stay and eat

Stay in a riad inside the medina if you can; waking to the sound of the city is part of Fes. Those near Bab Boujloud, Batha or R'cif are easiest to reach by taxi. Almost every riad has a roof terrace, and many cook dinner to order.

For street food, the stalls just inside Bab Boujloud grill kefta and serve bowls of bissara and harira. For a view, the rooftop cafés around the gate look down on the evening crowd.

8. Day trips from Fes

Fes is a good base for the north and the Middle Atlas. All of these can be reached and enjoyed in a day, except the last.

Meknes and Volubilis: An imperial city and Morocco's finest Roman ruins, about an hour away.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun: A holy hill town beside Volubilis.
Ifrane and Azrou: Cedar forests and Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas.
Chefchaouen: The blue town of the Rif, a long but rewarding day.
Merzouga: The Sahara is a day's drive south, best visited over two or three days.

9. From Fes to the Sahara

Fes is the closest imperial city to the dunes. The road south takes seven to eight hours and is a journey in itself: the alpine town of Ifrane, the cedar forest and its monkeys, the bare plateau around Midelt and the long palm oasis of the Ziz Valley. Leave after breakfast and you can be on a camel in Erg Chebbi by sunset.

10. Practical tips

Fes is intense, and a little preparation helps you enjoy it rather than endure it.

Hire a licensed guide for your first half-day. The medina has no street signs that help, and a guide saves hours.
Wear shoes with grip: the lanes are steep and often wet.
Friday is quiet, with many workshops closed.
Listen for 'balak!': it means a loaded mule is coming through.

11. Dealing with unofficial guides

You will be approached by young men offering to show you the tannery or telling you a street is closed. It is rarely true. A calm 'no, thank you' and a steady walk is enough. Official guides carry a badge issued by the tourism ministry, and your riad can book one for you.

In Fes you do not look at history from behind a rope: you walk through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Fes?

Two full days is ideal: one for the medina with a guide, and one for the viewpoints, the Mellah and a workshop, or a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis.

Is Fes better than Marrakech?

They are very different. Fes is more traditional and intense; Marrakech is livelier and easier. If you can, see both, and travel between them through the desert.

Can non-Muslims enter the mosques in Fes?

No, but the madrasas, which are just as beautiful, are open to all visitors.

Is Fes safe to walk at night?

Yes on the main lanes, which stay busy until late. The side alleys empty early and are easy to get lost in, so ask your riad to send someone to meet you if you are returning after dinner.

When is the best time to visit Fes?

Spring and autumn. Summer afternoons are very hot in the medina, and winter can be cold and damp, though both seasons are quieter.

See It on One of Our Tours

Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

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How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco

Jan 8, 2024
Merzouga and the Sahara: Planning Your Desert Adventure

Dec 1, 2023

Things To Do In Fes: Good to Know
- Our things to do in fes is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The things to do in fes departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the things to do in fes.
- You can adapt the things to do in fes to your dates and your pace.
- Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote for the things to do in fes.
- Hotel or airport pick-up is included in the things to do in fes.
- Families, couples and friends all enjoy the things to do in fes.
- We answer every question about the things to do in fes within a day.
- Our things to do in fes is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The things to do in fes departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the things to do in fes.
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Things to Do in Morocco: Essential Cities and Sights
Things To Do In Morocco

The best things to do in Morocco: sleep in the Sahara, explore the medinas, hike the Atlas, relax in a hammam and taste the food, chosen by local guides.
Table of Contents
- 1. In the desert
- 2. In the cities
- 3. In the mountains and valleys
- 4. For the senses
- 5. The best season for each experience
- 6. Ideas for every kind of traveller
- 7. How to fit it all in
- 8. A few words on etiquette
- 9. Small moments worth looking for
- Frequently Asked Questions
Back to Blog

Destinations

From imperial palaces to the Atlantic coast and the dunes, the experiences that define a trip to Morocco.
- Dec 18, 2023
- Updated October 2026
- 5 min read
A trip to Morocco is remembered less for the monuments than for the moments: tea poured from a height, the call to prayer over a rooftop at dusk, the silence of the desert at night. These are the fifteen experiences we think define the country.

At a glance

Experiences15, from the dunes to the medinas

Cannot missA night in the Sahara

Ideal trip7 to 10 days

Best seasonsSpring and autumn

Good forCouples, families, friends and solo travellers

1. In the desert

The Sahara is the part of Morocco people talk about for years afterwards. The four experiences below all happen within twenty-four hours in Merzouga, which is why even a single night there is worth the long drive.
- Ride a camel into the dunes: At sunset, in Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.
- Sleep in a desert camp: Dinner, drums and a sky crowded with stars.
- Watch the sunrise from a dune: Worth the early alarm.
- Meet a nomad family: Share tea and learn how life works on the hamada.
A quad bike on the dunes of the Sahara

2. In the cities

Moroccan cities are best understood on foot. Behind the walls of each medina lies a world of workshops, bakeries, fountains and hidden courtyards that has changed little in centuries.
- Get lost in a medina: Fes for the deepest maze, Marrakech for the liveliest.
- Spend an evening on Jemaa el-Fna: Food stalls, music and storytellers.
- Stay in a riad: A traditional house around a courtyard, hidden behind a plain door.
- Visit a madrasa: The Bou Inania in Fes or Ben Youssef in Marrakech show Moroccan craftsmanship at its finest.
- See the Hassan II Mosque: In Casablanca, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours.
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Local tip: Hire a local guide for your first hours in a big medina. Afterwards, wander alone: getting a little lost is part of the pleasure.

3. In the mountains and valleys

Between the cities and the desert stand the Atlas ranges, and south of them a string of oases, gorges and earthen castles. Many travellers expect this to be the dull part of the drive and end up calling it their favourite.
- Walk in the Atlas: Day hikes from Imlil, or the climb of Toubkal for the fit.
- Drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: From Ouarzazate through Skoura and the Dades Valley.
- Walk through the Todra Gorge: Between 300-metre walls of limestone.
4. For the senses

Some of the best things in Morocco are not places at all. They are tastes, smells and rituals, and you can find them in any town.
- Take a cooking class or simply eat well: Tagine, couscous on Friday, pastilla and harira.
- Try a hammam: The traditional steam bath, with black soap and a vigorous scrub.
- Shop for crafts: Carpets, pottery, leather and lanterns, bought from the people who make them.
5. The best season for each experience
- Desert camel trek and camp: October to April for comfortable days; choose a heated tent in midwinter.
- Medinas of Fes and Marrakech: March to May and late September to November.
- Atlas walking: April to June and September to October; snow closes the high trails in winter.
- The Valley of Roses: Late April and May, when the roses are picked.
- The Atlantic coast: June to September, when the interior is hottest.
- Almond blossom in the south: Late January and February.
6. Ideas for every kind of traveller
- Families: Camel rides, sandboarding, the monkeys of the cedar forest and a night in a tent.
- Couples: A riad with a roof terrace, a private camp in the dunes and a hammam for two.
- Photographers: Sunrise at Erg Chebbi, the tannery in Fes and the kasbahs at golden hour.
- Active travellers: Hiking from Imlil, walking the Todra Gorge and climbing the high dunes on foot.
- Food lovers: A market tour and cooking class, Friday couscous and the food stalls of Marrakech.
7. How to fit it all in

Not every experience needs a separate day. A good route combines them naturally: a riad and a medina in Fes, a drive through the Middle Atlas, a night in the desert, the gorges and kasbahs on the way to Marrakech, then a hammam to wash off the sand.

As a guide, three days is enough for one city and one night in the desert. A week lets you add the second great city, the gorges and the kasbah road. Ten days gives you time for Chefchaouen or Essaouira as well, with a free day here and there to do nothing but sit on a terrace.

Whatever the length, leave room for the unplanned. A market you happen to pass, an invitation to tea, a viewpoint your driver knows: these are often the moments that stay with you.

8. A few words on etiquette
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Dress modestly outside beach resorts.
- Accept tea when it is offered: it is a sign of welcome.
9. Small moments worth looking for

Beyond the big experiences are the small ones that cost nothing. Buy bread still warm from a neighbourhood oven. Sit in a café at the hour when the whole town comes out to walk. Listen to the call to prayer roll across a city from a roof terrace. Stop at a weekly country market where farmers arrive by donkey. Ask your guide about his own village; the answer is usually the best story of the day.

Morocco is a country you taste, hear and smell as much as you see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morocco best known for?

Its medinas and souks, the Sahara desert, the Atlas Mountains, its cuisine and its tradition of hospitality.

What should I not miss on a first trip?

Marrakech or Fes, a night in the Sahara and the drive through the kasbahs and gorges of the south.

Is Morocco good for families?

Very. Children are welcomed everywhere, and camel rides, sandboarding and the monkeys of the cedar forest are reliable favourites.

Which experience do your guests enjoy most?

The night in the desert, almost without exception: the camel ride at sunset, the music by the fire and the sunrise over the dunes.

Can I do these things without a guide?

Many of them, yes. City sights are easy to visit alone. For the desert, the mountains and the long drives between them, a local driver-guide makes the trip simpler and richer.

See It on One of Our Tours
Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

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Categories
Recommended Reading
- How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco
  
  Jan 8, 2024
- Things to Do in Fes: The Sights You Should Not Miss
  
  Dec 20, 2023
- Merzouga and the Sahara: Planning Your Desert Adventure
  
  Dec 1, 2023
- What to Pack for a Trip to Morocco
  
  Nov 24, 2023
- Merzouga Desert: Everything You Need to Know
  
  Nov 18, 2022
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Things To Do In Morocco: Good to Know
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- The things to do in morocco departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the things to do in morocco.
- You can adapt the things to do in morocco to your dates and your pace.
- Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote for the things to do in morocco.
- Hotel or airport pick-up is included in the things to do in morocco.
- Families, couples and friends all enjoy the things to do in morocco.
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Best Experiences In Morocco

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Merzouga and the Sahara: Planning Your Desert Adventure
Merzouga Sahara Desert

How to plan a Merzouga Sahara desert trip: Marrakech or Fes, how many days to allow, camel trek or 4×4, which camp to book and what to budget for.
Table of Contents
- 1. Step 1: Choose your starting city
- 2. Merzouga, Zagora or Agafay?
- 3. Step 2: Decide how many days
- 4. What the road looks like
- 5. Step 3: Private tour, shared tour or self-drive?
- 6. Step 4: Pick your desert experience
- 7. Step 5: Choose your camp
- 8. Questions to ask before you book
- 9. What to budget for
- 10. Mistakes to avoid
Back to Blog

Desert Trips

How to reach Erg Chebbi, what to do there and how to choose between a camel trek, a 4×4 day and a night in camp.
- Dec 1, 2023
- Updated October 2026
- 5 min read
A Sahara trip takes more planning than most parts of a Morocco holiday, simply because the desert is far from everywhere. This guide walks you through the decisions in the order you will face them: where to start, how long to allow, how to travel and what kind of night you want in the dunes.

At a glance

Start fromMarrakech or Fes

Minimum time3 days (2 from Fes)

Best monthsMarch to May, October and November

Camp optionsMid-range luxury or luxury

Book aheadSeveral weeks in high season

1. Step 1: Choose your starting city

The two classic starting points are Marrakech and Fes, and the right one depends on your flights.

From Fes, Merzouga is a single day's drive of about 460 km through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley. From Marrakech it is roughly 560 km over the High Atlas, and the drive is so full of sights that it deserves two days. Many travellers start in one city and finish in the other, which avoids retracing the same road.

Local tip: If you fly into Marrakech and out of Fes (or the reverse), a one-way desert tour is the most efficient route of all.

2. Merzouga, Zagora or Agafay?

Three places are sold as 'the desert' from Marrakech. They are very different.
- Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): The highest dunes in Morocco, a real sea of sand. Needs three days from Marrakech.
- Zagora: Reached in two days through the Drâa Valley. The dunes are low and scattered; the palm groves on the way are the highlight.
- Agafay: A stone desert of pale hills forty-five minutes from Marrakech. Good for a sunset dinner, but there is no sand.
3. Step 2: Decide how many days

The number of days decides how much time you spend looking out of a window and how much you spend in the landscape. This is what each length really allows.
- 2 days: Only realistic from Fes. Two long drives and one night in camp.
- 3 days: The classic from either city. One night on the road, one in the desert.
- 4 days: Adds a free day around Merzouga, which changes the experience completely.
- 5 days or more: Time for Ouarzazate, the Drâa Valley and shorter driving days.
A traveller riding a camel over the dunes at golden hour

Local tip: With children, or if you dislike long drives, choose four days rather than three.

4. What the road looks like

From Marrakech, the first day climbs over the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, then drops to the earthen village of Aït Benhaddou and the town of Ouarzazate. The afternoon follows the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley.

The second day passes the Todra Gorge, with its 300-metre walls, and the long oasis of Tinghir, before the land flattens and the first dunes appear beyond Erfoud. You reach Merzouga in time for the camel ride at sunset.

From Fes, the road runs through Ifrane and the cedar forest, crosses the high plateau to Midelt and winds down the Ziz Valley, a ribbon of palms between red cliffs, to the edge of the Sahara.

5. Step 3: Private tour, shared tour or self-drive?

A private tour gives you your own vehicle and driver-guide, the freedom to stop where you like and pick-up from your riad. Shared group tours are cheaper but run to a fixed timetable, usually with large minibuses and basic camps.

Driving yourself is entirely possible: the roads are paved and well signed. You would then book a camel trek and camp directly in Merzouga. The trade-off is that mountain roads are tiring, and you lose the stories and local knowledge of a guide.

6. Step 4: Pick your desert experience

Once in Merzouga, there are three main ways to enter the dunes.
- Sunset camel trek and one night: The classic. About an hour and a half by camel, dinner and music at camp, sunrise the next morning.
- Day and night: A full day by 4×4 around Erg Chebbi, then a sunset camel ride and a night in camp.
- Two nights: The same, with a second evening in camp and time to enjoy the dunes without rushing.
Local tip: Not everyone enjoys riding. A 4×4 transfer to camp is always available and takes about twenty minutes.

7. Step 5: Choose your camp

Camps vary more than their photos suggest. Check three things: whether the bathroom is private, whether the tent has heating or air conditioning for the season you are travelling in, and how far the camp is from the village. Camps deep in the dunes are quieter and darker at night.

A mid-range luxury camp offers a private tent with en-suite bathroom and hot shower. A luxury camp adds air conditioning, heating and more space.

A desert camp among the dunes of Erg Chebbi

8. Questions to ask before you book
- Is the tour private, or will you share the vehicle with others?
- Which camp will you stay in, and is the bathroom inside your tent?
- Which meals are included on each day?
- Where does the tour start and finish, and is pick-up from your riad included?
- Can you choose between a camel ride and a 4×4 transfer to camp?
- What happens if your dates change?
9. What to budget for

Prices depend on the season, the size of your group and the camp you choose, so ask for a quote rather than relying on a number from a blog. As a guide, a private tour normally includes transport, driver-guide, hotels with breakfast and dinner, the camel ride and the camp.

Allow extra for lunches, drinks, entrance fees at monuments and tips for your driver, camel guide and camp staff.

10. Mistakes to avoid
- Too few days: Two long drives for one evening in the dunes leaves many people tired.
- Choosing on price alone: The cheapest group tours often use crowded camps on the edge of the dunes.
- Arriving after dark: Plan to reach Merzouga by mid-afternoon so that you do not miss the sunset.
- Overpacking: A small overnight bag is all you need at camp.
- Forgetting cash: There is nowhere to pay by card among the dunes.
- Ignoring the season: Ask for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a desert trip from Marrakech in one day?

Not to Merzouga. A day trip from Marrakech reaches the Agafay stone desert, which is beautiful but has no sand dunes. For real dunes you need at least two days to Zagora or three to Merzouga.

Do I need to book in advance?

In spring, autumn and at New Year, yes: the best camps fill up weeks ahead. In summer and mid-winter a few days' notice is usually enough.

Is the camel ride uncomfortable?

It is a slow, swaying ride that most people find fine for an hour and a half. If you have back or hip problems, take the 4×4 transfer instead.

Can my desert tour end in a different city?

Yes. Many of our guests start in Marrakech and finish in Fes, or the reverse, which saves a full day of driving.

Is a desert trip suitable for older travellers?

Yes. The vehicle is comfortable, walking is optional, and a 4×4 can replace the camel ride. Choose four days rather than three for a gentler pace.

See It on One of Our Tours
Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

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Merzouga Sahara Desert: Good to Know
- Our merzouga sahara desert is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The merzouga sahara desert departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the merzouga sahara desert.
- You can adapt the merzouga sahara desert to your dates and your pace.
- Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote for the merzouga sahara desert.
- Hotel or airport pick-up is included in the merzouga sahara desert.
- Families, couples and friends all enjoy the merzouga sahara desert.
- We answer every question about the merzouga sahara desert within a day.
- Our merzouga sahara desert is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The merzouga sahara desert departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the merzouga sahara desert.
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Sahara Desert Trip From Marrakech

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The Palm Grove of Marrakech: History, Legends and Things to Do
Palm Grove Of Marrakech

Discover the palm grove of Marrakech (the Palmeraie): its 11th-century origins, the legend behind it and how to explore it by camel, quad or bicycle.
Table of Contents
- 1. The origins of the Palmeraie
- 2. How a khettara works
- 3. The legend of the date stones
- 4. The date palm, tree of life
- 5. Things to do in the palm grove
- 6. Camel ride or quad: what to expect
- 7. Palmeraie or Agafay?
- 8. The Palmeraie today
- 9. Staying in the Palmeraie
- 10. A responsible visit
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Destinations

The story of the Palmeraie and how to enjoy it today, by camel, quad or bicycle.
- Nov 30, 2023
- Updated October 2026
- 5 min read
North of the old city walls, a vast oasis of date palms stretches across the plain. The Palmeraie of Marrakech is almost as old as the city itself, and today it is where travellers come for a first camel ride, a quad excursion or a quiet escape among the trees.

At a glance

AgePlanted from the 11th century

DistanceAbout 10 km from the medina

Typical visit2 to 3 hours

Best timeEarly morning or sunset

ActivitiesCamel rides, quad biking, cycling

1. The origins of the Palmeraie

The palm grove dates from the 11th century, when the Almoravid dynasty founded Marrakech. To make an oasis in a dry plain, engineers dug khettaras, long underground channels that carry water from the foot of the Atlas by gravity alone. The same system can still be seen in the oases of the south.

At its height the grove covered well over ten thousand hectares, with more than a hundred thousand palms shading orchards and vegetable gardens.

2. How a khettara works

A khettara is a gently sloping tunnel dug from the plain back towards the mountains until it meets the water table. Water then flows out by gravity, with no pump, to the fields and gardens. A line of well shafts, spaced every few metres along its length, let the diggers remove earth and later clean the channel.

Marrakech once depended on hundreds of these tunnels. Most ran dry in the 20th century as motor pumps lowered the water table. If you travel to the desert, you will pass a field of old khettaras near Erfoud, where you can climb down into one.

3. The legend of the date stones

Marrakchis tell a story about how the grove began. The soldiers of the Almoravid sultan Youssef ben Tachfine, camped outside the new city, ate dates brought from the Sahara and threw the stones on the ground. The stones fell into the holes left by their lances and took root, and so the palm grove was born. It is only a legend, but it captures the link between Marrakech and the desert.

4. The date palm, tree of life

In an oasis, the palm is the roof under which everything else grows. Its crown shades fruit trees such as olives, figs and pomegranates, which in turn shelter vegetables and cereals at ground level. Nothing is wasted: trunks become roof beams, fronds are woven into baskets and fences, and the dates feed people and animals alike.

5. Things to do in the palm grove

Most people come for a couple of hours on an organised excursion. These are the usual options.
- Camel ride: A gentle walk of an hour or so among the palms, usually with a stop for mint tea. Sunset is the nicest time.
- Quad biking: Guided circuits on tracks through the grove and the rocky desert beyond.
- Cycling: Flat lanes make for an easy ride, best in the cool of the morning.
- Horse-drawn carriage: A slow tour from the city in a calèche.
- Tea in a Berber house: Many excursions include a visit to a family home.
Local tip: A camel ride here is fun, but it is not the Sahara. If you want real dunes, you need to travel south to Zagora or Merzouga.

6. Camel ride or quad: what to expect

For a camel ride, you are collected from your hotel and driven to a meeting point in the grove, where guides hand out blue robes and turbans for the photographs. The camels walk in a line at a gentle pace for about an hour, with a stop for tea and pancakes at a village house.

Quad excursions begin with helmets and a short briefing, then follow dirt tracks through the palms and across the open stony ground for one to two hours. It is dusty, so wear closed shoes, sunglasses and a scarf. Drivers usually need to be at least sixteen; younger children ride as passengers.

7. Palmeraie or Agafay?

These are the two half-day escapes from Marrakech, and people often ask which to choose. The Palmeraie is closer, flatter and greener, and suits families and anyone short of time. Agafay, forty-five minutes away, is a wide landscape of bare, pale hills with the Atlas behind, better for sunsets and dinner in a camp. Neither has sand dunes.

8. The Palmeraie today

In recent decades part of the grove has been built over with villas, hotels and golf courses, and many palms have suffered from drought. Replanting programmes are trying to restore it, and the area is protected. It remains a pleasant contrast to the bustle of the medina, particularly if you are staying in one of its resorts.

9. Staying in the Palmeraie

The grove is home to many of Marrakech's resort hotels and private villas, with large gardens and pools that a medina riad cannot offer. It is a good choice in the hot months or with children. The trade-off is distance: every visit to the souks or Jemaa el-Fna means a taxi ride, so many travellers split their stay between a riad and a resort.

10. A responsible visit

The grove is a fragile place and people live in it. A few courtesies go a long way.
- Choose operators who treat their animals well: camels should look healthy, rested and unhurried.
- Stay on the tracks when riding a quad, and keep your speed down near houses.
- Take your rubbish with you.
- Ask before taking photographs of local families.
11. How to get there

The Palmeraie lies about 10 km north-east of the medina, 20 minutes by taxi. Most activities include hotel pick-up, which is the easiest way to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a camel ride in the Palmeraie?

Usually one to one and a half hours, including a tea stop.

Is the Palmeraie worth visiting?

As a short activity from Marrakech, yes, especially for families. As a sight in itself, it is modest; the great palm groves of the Drâa Valley and Skoura are far more impressive.

Do the palms produce dates?

Some do, though the best Moroccan dates come from the Drâa Valley and the Tafilalet, around Erfoud and Rissani.

What is the best time of day for a camel ride?

Late afternoon, for the soft light and the sunset behind the palms. In summer, early morning is cooler.

Is the Palmeraie suitable for young children?

Yes. The ride is slow and short, and small children can share a camel with a parent.

See It on One of Our Tours
- 2-Day Marrakech to Zagora Desert Tour2 Days / 1 Night · Marrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Zagora
- 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour3 Days / 2 Nights · Marrakech → Dades Valley → Merzouga → Drâa Valley
Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

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- Our palm grove of marrakech is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The palm grove of marrakech departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the palm grove of marrakech.
- You can adapt the palm grove of marrakech to your dates and your pace.
- Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote for the palm grove of marrakech.
- Hotel or airport pick-up is included in the palm grove of marrakech.
- Families, couples and friends all enjoy the palm grove of marrakech.
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Palmeraie Marrakech

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What to Pack for a Trip to Morocco
What To Pack For A Trip To Morocco

What to pack for a trip to Morocco: a practical packing list by season, how to dress, what to bring for the desert and what to leave at home.
Table of Contents
- 1. How to dress in Morocco
- 2. What the weather really feels like
- 3. The essentials for every season
- 4. A sample packing list for one week
- 5. What to add for each season
- 6. Packing for the desert
- 7. Toiletries and health kit
- 8. Electronics and photography
- 9. What to leave at home
- 10. Suitcase or backpack?
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Travel Tips

A practical packing list for medinas, mountains and a night in the Sahara, with what to wear in each season.
- Nov 24, 2023
- Updated October 2026
- 5 min read
Packing for Morocco is a puzzle because one trip can include a hot medina, a snowy mountain pass and a freezing desert night. The answer is layers, not more luggage. This list is based on what our guests actually use, and what they tell us they wished they had brought.

At a glance

Golden ruleLayers, not more luggage

PlugsEuropean two-pin, types C and E, 220 V

DressShoulders and knees covered in medinas

For the desertA small overnight bag and a warm layer

Leave at homeDrones and high heels

1. How to dress in Morocco

Morocco is a relaxed country for visitors, and you will see every style of dress in the big cities. Still, modest clothing is appreciated, attracts less attention and is simply more comfortable in the sun.

For both men and women that means covering shoulders and knees in medinas and villages: loose trousers, long skirts, T-shirts and light shirts. Keep swimwear for the pool and the beach.

Local tip: A large, light scarf is the single most useful item. It covers shoulders, protects from sun and sand, and warms you in the evening.

2. What the weather really feels like

Morocco has several climates at once, and the difference between day and night can be greater than the difference between seasons.
- Marrakech and Fes in summer: Very hot afternoons, often above 35°C, with warm nights.
- Marrakech and Fes in winter: Sunny days around 18 to 20°C and cold nights, often below 8°C.
- The Atlas passes: Cool all year; snow is possible from November to April.
- The desert in winter: Pleasant, sunny days and nights close to freezing.
- The desert in summer: Afternoons above 40°C; mornings and evenings are the time to be outside.
- The Atlantic coast: Mild all year, and often windy.
3. The essentials for every season

Whatever the month, these eight things earn their place in your bag.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Medina streets are uneven and you will walk a lot.
- Sandals: For riads, hammams and the evening.
- Light layers: T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt and a fleece or jumper.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.
- A small daypack: For water, camera and a scarf.
- Reusable water bottle: Many riads and camps offer refills.
- Power adapter: Morocco uses European two-pin plugs (types C and E), 220 volts.
- Basic medicines: Something for the stomach, rehydration salts and any personal prescriptions.
4. A sample packing list for one week
- 3 to 4 T-shirts or light tops
- 2 long-sleeved shirts
- 2 pairs of loose trousers, or a long skirt and trousers
- 1 warm jumper or fleece, and a jacket to suit the season
- Underwear and socks for 5 days, since laundry is easy
- Walking shoes and sandals
- A scarf, a hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear, for pools and hammams
- Sleepwear that is warm enough for an unheated room in winter
5. What to add for each season

Then adjust for the time of year. The same suitcase does not work in July and in January.
- Spring and autumn: A light jacket for the evening and a rain layer for the north.
- Summer: Breathable cotton or linen, and little else. Avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Winter: A proper warm jacket, hat and gloves. Riads are often unheated, and desert nights are cold.
6. Packing for the desert

For a night in the Sahara you only need a small bag; your suitcase stays at the guesthouse or in the vehicle. Take closed shoes or trainers for the sand, long trousers for the camel ride, a warm layer for the night and a headlamp or phone torch.

Sand gets everywhere, so a zip bag for your phone and camera is worth having. Camps provide bedding and towels, and most have somewhere to charge a phone.

Local tip: Do not buy a turban in advance. Your guide will show you how to tie one, and they are cheap in any souk.

7. Toiletries and health kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection
- Hand gel and a packet of tissues
- Moisturiser: the air in the south is very dry
- Insect repellent for summer evenings in the oases
- Eye drops and spare contact lenses if you wear them, as sand and dust irritate
- Plasters for blisters
- Any prescription medicine, in its original packaging
8. Electronics and photography
- A power bank: Useful on long driving days and in camp.
- A plug adapter, and a small multi-socket if you have several devices.
- Spare memory cards and batteries: You will take more photos than you expect.
- A soft cloth and a sealable bag to keep sand out of lenses.
- Offline maps and a translation app, downloaded before you leave.
9. What to leave at home

Most people bring too much. These are the things that come back unused, or do not make it past customs.
- Too many clothes: Laundry is easy and inexpensive in most riads.
- High heels: Cobblestones make them useless.
- Drones: They are not allowed in Morocco without a permit and may be confiscated at the airport.
- Valuables you would hate to lose: Keep it simple.
10. Suitcase or backpack?

Either works. A soft bag or a medium suitcase is easier than a large hard case, because riads have narrow stairs and no lifts, and medina lanes are cobbled. Whatever you choose, add a small daypack or overnight bag for the desert. And leave some space: almost everyone goes home with a rug, a lantern or a bag of spices.

11. Documents and money

Bring your passport, with at least six months' validity recommended, and check visa rules for your nationality before you travel. Keep a photo of your passport on your phone.

The dirham is the local currency and cash is still king in souks, taxis and small restaurants. Bring a debit card for ATMs and a small amount of euros or dollars as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women wear shorts in Morocco?

In beach resorts and hotels, yes. In medinas and rural areas, knee-length or longer clothing is more respectful and will make you feel more at ease.

Do I need hiking boots?

Only if you plan to trek in the Atlas. For cities, gorges and the desert, good trainers are enough.

Is there a luggage limit on desert tours?

There is no strict limit in a private vehicle, but soft bags are easier to load than large hard suitcases.

Do I need a sleeping bag for the desert camp?

No. Camps provide proper beds with sheets and thick blankets. In winter, thermal layers to sleep in are a good idea.

Can I do laundry during the trip?

Yes. Most riads and hotels offer a laundry service, usually returned the next day, so there is no need to pack for every day.

See It on One of Our Tours
- 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour3 Days / 2 Nights · Marrakech → Dades Valley → Merzouga → Drâa Valley
- Overnight Camel Trek in Merzouga1 Night · Merzouga → Erg Chebbi
Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

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Morocco Packing List

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What to See in Rabat: 10 Must-See Sights
What To See In Rabat

What to see in Rabat, Morocco's capital: the Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas, Chellah and more, with a one-day itinerary and practical tips.
Table of Contents
- 1. The top 10 sights in Rabat
- 2. The Kasbah of the Udayas up close
- 3. Chellah in more detail
- 4. A short history
- 5. Museums and modern Rabat
- 6. How to spend one day in Rabat
- 7. Eating and shopping
- 8. Getting there and around
- 9. Practical tips
- 10. Where Rabat fits in a Morocco trip
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Destinations

The Hassan Tower, the Kasbah of the Udayas, Chellah and the other highlights of Morocco's calm capital.
- Sep 21, 2023
- Updated October 2026
- 5 min read
Rabat is Morocco's capital, yet many travellers skip it. That is a mistake. It is green, calm and easy to explore, with an Atlantic kasbah, Roman and medieval ruins and some of the country's best museums. Its mix of old and new earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012.

At a glance

StatusCapital of Morocco

UNESCOWorld Heritage site since 2012

From CasablancaAbout 1 hour by train

Time neededOne full day

AtmosphereCalm, green and easy to walk

1. The top 10 sights in Rabat

Rabat's sights are spread along the river and the ocean, and you can see the main ones in a day without hurrying. These ten are listed roughly in the order you might visit them.
- Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a vast 12th-century mosque begun by Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour. It stands 44 metres high among a field of stone columns.
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V: A richly decorated tomb opposite the tower, guarded by horsemen in ceremonial dress and open to visitors of all faiths.
- Kasbah of the Udayas: A fortress of white and blue lanes above the river mouth, with a grand Almohad gate.
- Andalusian Gardens: A peaceful garden inside the kasbah, planted with orange trees and bougainvillea.
- Chellah: A walled site where Roman ruins lie beneath a medieval necropolis, home to nesting storks.
- The medina: Smaller and calmer than those of Fes or Marrakech, with fair prices on Rue des Consuls.
- Royal Palace: The official residence of the king; the outer esplanade can be visited.
- Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: Moroccan art from the 20th century to today.
- Rabat beach and the Corniche: Surfers, fishermen and Atlantic sunsets.
- Salé: The twin city across the river, reached by tram or rowing boat, with an old medina of its own.
The Hassan Tower and its field of columns in Rabat

Local tip: Have a mint tea at the Café Maure in the kasbah. The terrace looks straight over the river to Salé.

2. The Kasbah of the Udayas up close

You enter through Bab Oudaia, a monumental Almohad gate of carved stone built at the end of the 12th century. Inside, a single main street runs between white houses with blue-painted bases to an open platform at the far end, high above the point where the Bou Regreg river meets the Atlantic.

The kasbah is still a residential neighbourhood, so keep your voice down and avoid photographing people's doorways while they are in them. The Andalusian Gardens and the café sit at the bottom, near the river.

3. Chellah in more detail

Chellah stands just outside the city walls, on the site of the Roman port of Sala Colonia. You can still make out the forum, a triumphal arch and the main paved street. In the 14th century the Marinid sultans enclosed the abandoned ruins within a wall and built their royal necropolis here, with a mosque, a madrasa and tombs.

An earthquake in the 18th century left it in romantic ruin. Today fig trees and flowers grow among the stones, storks clatter their beaks from nests on top of the minaret, and it is one of the most atmospheric places in Morocco.

4. A short history

Rabat began as a fortified monastery, or ribat, in the 12th century, when the Almohads planned a great capital here. After the death of Yacoub al-Mansour the project was abandoned, leaving the Hassan Tower unfinished.

In the 17th century, refugees expelled from Spain settled in the kasbah and ran a pirate republic from the river mouth. The French made Rabat the administrative capital in 1912, and it has remained the seat of government and the royal family since independence.

The gate of the Chellah necropolis in Rabat

5. Museums and modern Rabat

Rabat has invested heavily in culture, and it shows.
- Museum of History and Civilisations: Home to the finest Roman bronzes found in Morocco, from Volubilis.
- Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: Opened in 2014, the first major museum of its kind in the country.
- The Ville Nouvelle: Wide avenues, arcades and Art Deco buildings from the 1920s, including St Peter's Cathedral.
- The Grand Theatre: A flowing white building on the riverbank, designed by Zaha Hadid.
- The Bou Regreg marina: Cafés and restaurants on the Salé side, with a view back to the kasbah.
6. How to spend one day in Rabat

Start at the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum while the light is soft, then drive or take a taxi to Chellah. After lunch in the medina, walk up through Rue des Consuls to the Kasbah of the Udayas and finish with the gardens and a sunset over the ocean.

With a second day, add the modern art museum, the city's wide French-era boulevards and a boat across to Salé.

7. Eating and shopping

For lunch, the medina has simple restaurants and stalls selling grilled fish, sandwiches and fresh juice, and the restaurants around the marina serve seafood with a view. Try a slice of pastilla or a plate of fried fish with tomato salad.

Rue des Consuls, once the street where foreign diplomats were required to live, is the best place to shop. It is known for the thick, formal Rabat carpet, with its central medallion, as well as leather and embroidery. Sellers here are relaxed, which makes it a pleasant place to practise bargaining.

8. Getting there and around

Rabat lies on the main railway line, about an hour from Casablanca and under two hours from Tangier by high-speed train. A modern tram links the main districts and Salé, and small blue taxis are inexpensive. The city is flat and pleasant to walk.

Rabat is one of the easiest Moroccan cities for an independent visitor. There is very little hassle, prices in the medina are marked more often than elsewhere, and taxi drivers use their meters.

9. Practical tips
- The mausoleum can close during official ceremonies, so visit it early in the day.
- The esplanade of the Hassan Tower is free to enter.
- Friday is a quiet day, and the medina is partly closed around midday.
- The climate is mild all year, cooler than Marrakech in summer and damp in winter.
- Bring a light jacket for the breeze at the kasbah.
10. Where Rabat fits in a Morocco trip

Rabat works well as a stop between Casablanca and Fes or the north. It is included on our longer itineraries from Casablanca, usually with a night in the city or a half-day visit on the way to Chefchaouen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rabat worth visiting?

Yes. It has major monuments without the crowds and hassle of bigger tourist cities, and it shows a modern, everyday side of Morocco.

How long should I stay in Rabat?

One full day covers the main sights. Two days allow a slower pace and time for museums and Salé.

Can I visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V?

Yes, it is open to non-Muslim visitors and entry is free. Dress respectfully.

Rabat or Casablanca: which should I visit?

If you have time for only one, Rabat has more to see and is more pleasant to walk. Casablanca's great sight is the Hassan II Mosque, which can be visited in a couple of hours on the way.

Is Rabat a good first stop after landing in Casablanca?

Yes. It is only about an hour from the airport by road, and it is a gentle introduction to Morocco before the bigger medinas.

See It on One of Our Tours
Written by the Desert Merzouga Tours teamLocal guides and drivers from the Moroccan Sahara. Meet our team or ask us a question.

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Dec 20, 2023

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- How to Organise Your Trip to Morocco
  
  Jan 8, 2024
- Things to Do in Fes: The Sights You Should Not Miss
  
  Dec 20, 2023
- Merzouga and the Sahara: Planning Your Desert Adventure
  
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- What to Pack for a Trip to Morocco
  
  Nov 24, 2023
- Merzouga Desert: Everything You Need to Know
  
  Nov 18, 2022
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What To See In Rabat: Good to Know
- Our what to see in rabat is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The what to see in rabat departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the what to see in rabat.
- You can adapt the what to see in rabat to your dates and your pace.
- Ask us on WhatsApp for a quote for the what to see in rabat.
- Hotel or airport pick-up is included in the what to see in rabat.
- Families, couples and friends all enjoy the what to see in rabat.
- We answer every question about the what to see in rabat within a day.
- Our what to see in rabat is private: only you and your party travel together.
- The what to see in rabat departs every day of the year.
- A local driver-guide from the Sahara leads the what to see in rabat.
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Things To Do In Rabat

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How To Organize Your Trip In Morocco

Table of Contents

1. When to go

2. How many days you need

3. Choosing a route

4. Sample itineraries

5. Getting around

6. Realistic driving times

7. Where to stay

8. Health, insurance and staying connected

9. What to book in advance

10. A simple planning timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

What languages are spoken?

What is the best month to visit Morocco?

Is it better to book a tour or travel independently?

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Planning a Trip?

How To Organize Your Trip In Morocco: Good to Know

Related Searches

Plan A Trip To Morocco

Morocco Travel Planning

Currency Of Morocco

Table of Contents

1. The Moroccan dirham

2. Where to exchange money

3. ATMs and cards

4. Cash for the desert and the south

5. Small change and everyday habits

6. Typical prices

7. Tipping in Morocco

8. A quick tipping guide

9. Bargaining in the souks

10. Common money mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay in euros or dollars in Morocco?

How much cash should I carry?

Are there ATMs in Merzouga?

Can I buy dirhams before I travel?

Is Morocco expensive?

See It on One of Our Tours

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Table of Contents

1. Is Morocco safe for women?

2. What to wear

3. Dealing with unwanted attention

4. Getting around

5. The hammam: what to expect

6. Cafés, restaurants and evenings

7. Experiences women love

8. Health and practical matters

9. In the desert camp

10. Travelling solo

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear a headscarf in Morocco?

Can women travel alone in the Sahara?

Is it acceptable to travel during Ramadan?

Is it comfortable to travel alone with a male driver?

Can I wear a bikini in Morocco?

See It on One of Our Tours

Related Posts

Search Articles

Categories

Recommended Reading

Planning a Trip?