Having been around Morocco for over a decade whilst growing up. Here is our editor's tips on how to travel around Morocco to see the true essence of the country.
I have had the touristic experience as well as getting to learn the moroccan way of life from locals. So after many mistakes I personally have made, here are 6 ways to travel
Morocco and see its full potential.
Get Lost
Now I'm not telling you to click off, but instead get lost in Morocco and once you're lost keep going because I have come across some absolutely breath taking views and met different types of people by getting lost; most of which I wouldn't have met or seen if it wasn't for my lack of knowing where I was going. Of course it also can be dangerous but what I mean is get lost responsibly, have the address of where you are staying and usually I would recommend going in a group since there can be some areas where being alone can be slightly dangerous. Going down the wrong turn may be the right choice.
Don't follow the crowd
Stay away from restaurants that serve 'moroccan food' specifically made for tourists. Tons are scattered around the centre of cities such as in Jmelfna in Marrakech. As I have experienced both food from these restaurants and authentic moroccan food, I would say it's worth taking the risk and going somewhere that is not made for tourists. It may be comforting to see a restaurant full of tourists however, there are many where Moroccans eat and that's where you've got to be.
This way it lets you experience both authentic cuisine or street food and truly travel Morocco as a Moroccan would. And on the plus side you get a whole meal for the price of one starter in traditional restaurant compared to one marketed for tourists.
Celebrate!
On the topic of food, try to go to Morocco during Eid and either go to a hotel or riad that sells an Eid dining package or eat at someone's house. Through the winding streets and low doors, some houses may look broken down from the outside but most moroccan houses are beautifully decorated and the experience of eating at a families house is a welcomed tradition which allows you to learn much more than eating out on your own. From looking at how the food is prepared, to how everyone sets the table, to the way people eat is an experience not to be missed because moroccan food and family is a massive part of the culture.
Try to learn Darija
It is useful and I applaud you if your arabic or french is on point. However, learning a few words in the moroccan dialect of arabic called Darija, just to understand can be useful when dealing with shop owners in the souks and even getting into wonderful conversations with some elders in which you may not have done. Also even though it is an arabic dialect, it is widely different from the others and even arabic speaking people find it difficult to understand, so it could be something different and unique to learn.
Go North and South
Every city can be different in Morocco and it has taken me nearly a decade to figure that out since I was always used to one setting, predominantly the major cities. I have been to Morocco on and off for a decade and yes I have travelled around but mostly just in the South and Casablanca. Places such as Tetouan and the surrounding cities as well as Rabat are worlds away from Marrakech, not only in the aesthetic of the city but also even in the language and customs of the north. Other villages in the mountains such as Imlil, Moulay Brahim and Ouzoud waterfalls were absolutely breathtaking with the nature as well as seeing a different way of life than what you expect in the city or country.
Live like a farmer
Now, this does not sound that appealing especially if you are vegetarian, actually you may even become a vegetarian because of this however, I feel it is an enlightening experience. So I did say earlier to eat in places where the locals eat so this is taking that tip to the next step. I would advise visiting a farmers village outside Marrakech and eat in the market.
It can be a culture shock as the markets there are for the locals and not really the fine dining experience, however, you can't beat fresh air and fresh food amongst the locals. It's a great budget-friendly way to see the country from a different lens.
Sahara
There is no place like the Sahara Desert, it is peaceful, calming and an absolute great way to see the beautiful different landscapes of Morocco as you travel there from any city. If you have the time, I highly recommend a visit there and if not there are places closer to cities such as Marrakech such as the Agafay Desert, that gives the same feeling as being in the Sahara Desert.
Learn about the history
And finally, learn a bit about the history of Morocco and how it has come to what is it today. Not a lot has been said about Morocco's history unless sought after, so if you do pass by a small museum, pop in an unwind as you learn about the different types of people and cultures that have built Morocco to what it is today.
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