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| Morocco. |
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Morocco, a country that will wow you with its diversity, culture, and history? If so, you’re not alone. Morocco is one of the most popular destinations in Africa and for good reasons. Morocco has it all: from the lively markets of Marrakech to the peaceful Sahara desert, from the blue city of Chefchaouen to the ancient city of Fes, Morocco will enchant you with its beauty and charm.
But how do you plan a week in Morocco and make sure you don’t miss anything? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I will show you how to spend a week in Morocco and experience the best of this amazing country. I will share with you my personal itinerary, tips, and recommendations for each day of your trip.
Are you ready to discover Morocco? Then let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech
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| Marrakech. |
Marrakech is the most popular city in Morocco and a great place to start your adventure. Marrakech is a city that will stimulate your senses with its colors, sounds, smells, and flavors. You can explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where you can watch snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers, and musicians perform. You can also wander through the souks, where you can find everything from spices and carpets to leather goods and lanterns.
Marrakech also has many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You can also visit the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden that was once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
For your accommodation, I recommend staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard and a fountain. Riads are usually decorated with colorful tiles, carpets, and cushions, and offer a cozy and authentic experience. You can find many riads in Marrakech on Booking.com.
What’s your first impression of Marrakech? Share it with me in the comments below!
Day 2: Day Trip to Essaouira
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| Essaouira. |
Essaouira is a lovely coastal town that is only a 3-hour drive from Marrakech. Essaouira is known for its whitewashed houses with blue shutters, its windy beaches, and its relaxed atmosphere. You can spend the day walking along the ramparts, visiting the fishing port, browsing the art galleries, or relaxing at a cafe.
Essaouira is also a great place to try some fresh seafood, such as grilled sardines, calamari, or fish tagine. You can also enjoy some live music at one of the many bars and restaurants that host local musicians.
You can book a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech with GetYourGuide, which includes transportation, a guided tour of the town, and free time to explore on your own.
Why did I choose Essaouira as my first-day trip from Marrakech? Because it’s a perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Essaouira is calm, charming, and refreshing. It’s also a great place to learn more about Morocco’s history and culture. Did you know that Essaouira was once a Portuguese colony? Or that it was a popular destination for hippies in the 1960s?
Day 3: Drive to Merzouga via Ait Benhaddou and Dades Valley
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| Ait Benhaddou. |
Today you will embark on an epic road trip to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara desert. Along the way, you will stop at some of the most scenic and interesting places in Morocco.
The first stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the most impressive fortified villages in Morocco. Ait Benhaddou is made up of several kasbahs (mud-brick buildings) that are surrounded by high walls and towers. Ait Benhaddou has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
The next stop is Dades Valley, a stunning valley that is famous for its rock formations, gorges, and oases. You can admire the views of the valley from various viewpoints along the road or take a short hike to see some of the natural wonders up close.
You will spend the night at a hotel or guesthouse in Merzouga or nearby Erfoud.
This road trip is one of my favorite parts of my Morocco itinerary. It’s like traveling through different worlds in one day. You’ll see mountains, valleys, rivers, oases, villages, kasbahs, and more. You’ll also experience different climates and cultures along the way. It’s truly an amazing journey that you’ll never forget.
Day 4: Camel Trek and Overnight in Sahara Desert
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| Sahara desert. |
Today you will experience one of the highlights of your trip: a camel trek and an overnight stay in the Sahara desert. You will meet your camel guide at Merzouga and ride your camel for about an hour to reach your desert camp. Along the way, you will enjoy the views of the golden sand dunes and feel like you are in another world.
At your desert camp, you will be welcomed with mint tea and snacks. You will have some time to relax or explore the surroundings before dinner. You will also witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life as the sun dips behind the dunes.
After dinner, you will enjoy some entertainment from your hosts who will play traditional music and drums around a campfire. You can also join them for some dancing or singing if you feel like it. Alternatively, you can just gaze at the stars and marvel at how clear and bright they are in the desert.
You will sleep in a comfortable tent that has mattresses, blankets, pillows, and lanterns. You will also have access to shared toilets and showers at your camp.
You can book your camel trek and overnight stay in the Sahara desert with Viator, which includes transportation from Merzouga to your campsite (and back), camel ride (one per person), dinner, breakfast, and entertainment.
How do you feel about sleeping in the desert? Are you excited or nervous? I have to admit that I was a bit nervous at first. I didn’t know what to expect or how comfortable it would be. But I’m so glad I did it. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The desert was so peaceful and magical at night. The stars were so bright that I felt like I could touch them. The music was so soothing that I fell asleep easily. The next morning, I woke up to another stunning sunrise over the dunes. It was truly an unforgettable night.
Day 5: Drive back to Marrakech via Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate
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| Ouarzazate. |
Today you will drive back to Marrakech via Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate. You will wake up early to catch another spectacular sunrise over the dunes before having breakfast at your campsite. Then you will hop on your camel again to return to Merzouga where your driver will be waiting for you.
The first stop on your way back is Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon that has walls that reach up to 300 meters high. Todra Gorge is a popular spot for rock climbers, hikers, and photographers who come to admire its natural beauty. You can take a walk along the river that runs through the gorge or just enjoy the views from the road.
The next stop is Ouarzazate, a city that is known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Ouarzazate is home to several film studios and sets that have been used for many movies and TV shows, such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Gladiator, and The Prince of Persia. You can visit the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in Africa, or the Kasbah Taourirt, a former palace that has been restored and turned into a museum.
You will arrive back in Marrakech in the evening and check into your riad again.
What did you think of Ouarzazate? Did you recognize any of the film sets? I was amazed by how many movies were filmed there. I felt like I was walking through different scenes from different stories. It was very cool to see how they created those sets and how they transformed them for different purposes. It was also interesting to learn more about the history of Ouarzazate and how it became such an important film location.
Day 6: Day Trip to Chefchaouen
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| Chefchaouen. |
Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful and photogenic towns in Morocco. Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed houses, its cozy medina, and its relaxed vibe. Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains, about 4 hours drive from Marrakech.
You can book a day trip to Chefchaouen from Marrakech with Klook, which includes transportation, a guided tour of the town, and free time to explore on your own.
In Chefchaouen, you can wander through the blue alleys, shop for souvenirs, visit the Kasbah Museum, or hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views. You can also try some local delicacies, such as goat cheese, honey, or mint tea.
Day 7: Depart from Marrakech
Your week in Morocco has come to an end. You can spend your last day in Marrakech doing some last-minute shopping, visiting any attractions you missed, or relaxing at a hammam (traditional bathhouse). Then you can catch your flight back home or continue your travels elsewhere.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful for planning your trip to Morocco. Morocco is a country that will surprise you with its diversity, charm, and hospitality. It’s definitely one of my favorite destinations in Africa and I’m sure you’ll love it too.
If you have any questions or comments about this article or Morocco in general, please leave them below. I’d love to hear from you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco a poor country or not?
It is difficult to determine whether Morocco is a poor country or not based on the search results. However, the World Bank reports that Morocco is entering a phase of normalization as the COVID-19 pandemic eases, the agricultural sector recovers, and external demand picks up.
Is Morocco an African or Arab?
Morocco is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, and its culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European, and African influences.
Which religion is in Morocco?
The majority of the population in Morocco is Muslim.
Is Morocco a rich country?
It is difficult to determine whether Morocco is a rich country or not based on the search results. However, the World Bank reports that Morocco's GDP growth is projected to rebound to 5.3% in 2021, sustained by the extraordinary performance of the agricultural sector.
What is Morocco famous for?
Morocco is known for its diverse culture, including its cuisine, music, and architecture. It is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, including the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and beaches.
Is Morocco a safe country?
According to the US Department of State, Morocco is generally a safe country for travelers. However, travelers should exercise caution due to the threat of terrorism and petty crime.
Is Morocco full of Muslims?
Yes, the majority of the population in Morocco is Muslim.
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