A Moroccan Adventure Calling Your Name
Have you ever felt a place calling to you? A place with vibrant colors, ancient stories, busy markets, and landscapes that make you stop and stare in wonder? For me, that place has always been Morocco, my home.
Recently, I watched an amazing video showing the perfect Morocco in 9 days journey. It captured everything I love about my country – from our royal cities to the golden sands of the Sahara, and from mountain passes to our beautiful coast.
If you're dreaming about visiting Morocco but don't know how to fit all its magic into one trip, let me share this wonderful 9-day adventure with you. Grab a cup of mint tea, and let me, Hassan, show you my Morocco!
Day 1: The Beginning of Your Moroccan Story (Casablanca > Rabat > Fes)
Your Morocco in 9 days journey starts in Casablanca, our largest city. I still remember my first visit to the Hassan II Mosque as a young boy. It stands tall by the Atlantic Ocean, its minaret reaching towards the sky. The detailed craftsmanship inside always leaves visitors speechless.
But your first day doesn't end there! Next, you'll travel to Rabat, our capital city. Here, you can visit the historic Hassan Tower and the peaceful Royal Mausoleum. These places show you Morocco's royal history in a way history books never could.
By evening, you'll arrive in Fes, where you'll stay in a traditional riad in the ancient medina. These beautiful homes with open courtyards are the perfect introduction to Moroccan architecture and hospitality.
Travel Tip: When arriving in Fes at night, ask your riad to arrange someone to meet you. The medina is like a maze, and even I still get lost sometimes!
Day 2: Discovering the Secrets of Fes
Fes is a city that feels like stepping back in time. I once spent a week just wandering its streets, and I still haven't seen everything!
On this day, you'll explore with a private guide – the best way to understand this ancient city. You'll see the golden gates of the Royal Palace that shine in the morning sun and walk through the historic Jewish quarter called the Mellah.
From Borj Sud, you can enjoy a view of the entire city – a sea of sand-colored buildings with hundreds of minarets rising above them. It's one of my favorite spots to watch the sunset.
You'll also visit a pottery workshop. I remember watching these artisans as a child, amazed at how they could turn simple clay into such beautiful pieces. Their hands move so quickly, creating patterns passed down through generations.
The heart of your day will be exploring the medina – home to Al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest university, and countless workshops where artisans make everything from leather goods to brass lamps.
Local Insight: For lunch, try eating at a traditional restaurant in the medina. The tangia (slow-cooked meat) in Fes has a special flavor you won't find anywhere else in Morocco!
Day 3: Journey to the Edge of the Sahara (Fes > Merzouga)
Today, you leave the busy city and begin your journey south. This drive is one of my favorites in all of Morocco because you see how quickly our landscape changes.
Your first stop will be Ifrane, a town we sometimes call "Little Switzerland" because of its European-style buildings and clean streets. In winter, it's covered with snow – yes, we have snow in Morocco! Nearby in Azrou, friendly Barbary macaques (wild monkeys) often greet visitors. I always bring some nuts to share with them, but be careful – they can be quite cheeky!
After enjoying a delicious barbecue lunch, you'll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. The scenery transforms around you – from forests to rocky landscapes and surprisingly green desert valleys. It's a long drive, but the changing views make it feel much shorter.
By evening, you'll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. This small town sits right at the edge of Erg Chebbi, massive sand dunes that stretch as far as you can see. You'll spend the night at a local riad, resting before your desert adventure.
Travel Tip: During this long drive, keep your camera ready! Some of my best photos of Morocco were taken from the car window during this journey.
Day 4: Dreams Come True in the Sahara (Merzouga)
This is the day many travelers dream about! Morning begins with exploring the area around Merzouga. You might visit local Berber artists who create beautiful crafts or experience the busy Rissani market where people from all over the region come to trade.
But the real magic happens in the afternoon. You'll mount a camel and begin a gentle ride into the endless golden dunes as the sun starts to set. I've done this journey many times, but the feeling of entering the vast Sahara never gets old. The silence is so complete you can hear the sand shifting beneath you.
Your destination is a desert camp set among the dunes. When you arrive, you'll be welcomed with traditional mint tea (we Moroccans drink this sweet tea all day long!). As night falls, you'll enjoy dinner under a sky filled with more stars than you can imagine, while listening to Berber music played around a campfire.
Personal Story: I once spent a week with Berber nomads in the desert. They taught me that the Sahara isn't empty at all – it's full of life if you know where to look. Ask your guides to show you desert plants and creatures, and you'll see the desert with new eyes.
Day 5: From Golden Sands to Dramatic Gorges (Merzouga > Tinghir > Ouarzazate)
If you can, wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes – the way the light changes the color of the sand from gold to orange to red is something you'll never forget.
After breakfast at the camp, you'll leave the desert behind and head west. The landscape changes again as you approach Todra Gorge – massive canyon walls that rise hundreds of meters above you. Walking between these towering rock faces makes you feel very small! The cool shade here is a welcome relief after the desert heat.
Your journey continues through Kalaat M'Gouna, a town famous for its roses. If you visit in May, you might catch the Rose Festival when the air is filled with the scent of thousands of pink Damascus roses. My grandmother used to make rose water, and its smell always brings me back to childhood.
By evening, you'll reach Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Desert." Many famous movies have been filmed here because of the dramatic landscapes. Sometimes I joke that in Ouarzazate, you might find yourself walking through ancient Rome in the morning and Biblical Jerusalem in the afternoon – all created as movie sets!
Local Insight: In Ouarzazate, try to visit Atlas Film Studios if you have time. You can walk through movie sets from films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones!
Day 6: Kasbahs and Mountain Passes (Ouarzazate > Ait Benhaddou > Marrakech)
Kasbah ait Benhaddou. Photo by Nina
From Ouarzazate, your first stop is Ait Benhaddou, and it's one you won't forget. This ancient fortified village (ksar) clings to a hillside and has stood for hundreds of years. Walking through its narrow streets feels like traveling back in time.
I first visited Ait Benhaddou when I was 10 years old, and I remember climbing to the top and feeling like I was king of a castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site has appeared in many movies and TV shows – you might recognize it from Game of Thrones or Gladiator!
Next comes one of the most scenic drives in all of Morocco – crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass. The road winds up and up, offering views that get more dramatic with every turn. Snow often caps the highest peaks even when it's warm in the valleys below.
By late afternoon, you'll descend into Marrakech, where the energy and colors of the city will welcome you. The contrast between the quiet mountains and the lively streets of Marrakech is part of what makes this journey so special.
Travel Tip: The drive through Tichka Pass has many sharp turns. If you get carsick easily, take some medicine before starting this journey and try to sit by the window.
Day 7: Feel the Heartbeat of Marrakech
Ah, Marrakech! This city awakens all your senses at once. The sight of colorful spices piled high in the markets, the sound of street performers in the main square, the smell of grilling meat and sweet pastries, the taste of fresh orange juice, and the feel of handwoven textiles – everything comes alive here.
Your day starts with seeing the famous Koutoubia Minaret, which has watched over Marrakech for centuries. It's our city's landmark, and locals like me use it to find our way when we get lost.
Then you'll dive into the spice markets, where mountains of colorful powders fill the air with exotic scents. You'll also visit the beautiful Museum of Confluences at Dar Bacha, where you can learn about Morocco's rich history and diverse cultures.
But the real heart of Marrakech is Jemaa el-Fna square. During the day, it's filled with orange juice sellers and street performers. As night falls, it transforms into a massive open-air food market with storytellers, musicians, and games. I still love coming here to eat grilled meat skewers and people-watch.
The surrounding souks (markets) are a maze where artisans make and sell everything from leather bags to copper lamps. I once spent three hours looking for a specific spice shop my grandmother recommended, only to end up right back where I started!
Local Insight: In Jemaa el-Fna, look for stall number 14 for the best harira (traditional soup). It's where local workers eat – always a good sign!
Day 8: Fresh Air by the Atlantic (Marrakech > Essaouira)
After the heat and energy of Marrakech, the coastal city of Essaouira offers a refreshing change. On the drive there, you might spot one of Morocco's unique sights – goats climbing argan trees! They love eating the argan fruit, and the farmers don't mind because the goats help spread the seeds.
Essaouira is where I go when I need a break from busy city life. The moment you arrive, you feel the cool Atlantic breeze and a more relaxed pace. The medina here is much calmer than those in Fes or Marrakech, making it perfect for leisurely exploration.
Walk along the ancient walls that once protected the city from pirates and enjoy the view of crashing waves. The historic Mellah (Jewish quarter) tells stories of a time when different cultures lived and worked side by side.
The town is famous for its blue fishing boats that bob in the harbor and for skilled woodcarvers who create beautiful pieces from local thuya wood. Artists and musicians have been drawn to Essaouira for decades – even Jimi Hendrix visited and was inspired by its beauty!
Watching the sunset from the Skala de la Ville (the sea bastion) is the perfect way to end your day. The golden light on the white buildings and blue ocean creates a magical scene I never tire of seeing.
Travel Tip: Essaouira is windy almost all year round – it's nicknamed the "Wind City of Africa." Bring a light jacket even in summer, and if you want to swim, morning is usually calmer than afternoon.
Day 9: Farewell to Morocco
All good things must end, and today you'll head back to Marrakech Airport for your departure. After 8 nights of adventures across my beautiful country, you'll leave with memories, photos, and probably some souvenirs too!
This journey truly shows you the many faces of Morocco – from imperial cities and ancient medinas to the vast Sahara, dramatic gorges, high mountain passes, and the refreshing coast. It's the perfect introduction to a country that has so many layers to discover.
But remember, in Morocco we don't say goodbye, we say "inshallah nshufuk merra ukhra" – God willing, we will see you another time. Because once you've experienced Morocco, I know you'll want to return again.
Practical Information for Your Morocco Journey
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer can be very hot, especially in Marrakech and the desert, while winter brings snow to the mountains and cool, sometimes rainy days to the coast.
Getting Around
For this 9-day itinerary, I recommend arranging a private driver or joining a small group tour. Driving in Morocco can be challenging for visitors, and having a local guide enhances your experience significantly.
What to Pack
- Modest clothing (especially for women visiting religious sites)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A light jacket for evenings (even in summer)
- A scarf for desert dust and visiting mosques
- Stomach medicine (just in case!)
Language
Arabic and Berber are our official languages, but French is widely spoken in cities. In tourist areas, you'll find many people who speak some English, but learning a few Arabic phrases will warm many hearts:
- "Salam" (Hello)
- "Shukran" (Thank you)
- "La shukran" (No thank you)
- "Bsaha" (Enjoy/to your health – say this when someone is eating)
Connect With Us
- Instagram: @bewilderedinmorocco
- Email: @bewilderedinmorocco.com
- Join Our Newsletter: Get weekly Moroccan travel insights straight to your inbox!
Frequently Asked Questions
Nine days gives you a good introduction to Morocco's highlights. You'll experience the imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, mountain landscapes, and the coast. For a deeper experience, especially if you want to hike in the mountains or spend more time in each location, 12-14 days would be ideal.
Yes, Morocco is generally very safe for tourists. Like anywhere, use common sense, watch your belongings in busy areas, and dress respectfully. As a Moroccan, I'm proud of our tradition of hospitality towards visitors.
Moroccan cuisine is diverse and flavorful! Try tagine (slow-cooked stew), couscous (traditionally served on Fridays), pastilla (sweet and savory pie), and harira (hearty soup). Meals often begin with colorful salads and end with mint tea and sweet pastries.