Morocco
About My Trip to Morocco
In December 2022, I traveled to Morocco for the first time, flying Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca to kick off my North African adventure. With only a short time in the city, I explored the main sights, including a guided visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque, a walk along the Corniche, and a taste of modern Casablanca before heading deeper into the country.
From there, I took the train from Casablanca to Marrakech, where I based myself inside the historic Medina of Marrakech, staying in a traditional riad and spending my days wandering the souks, the big central square, and the maze of narrow alleyways.
One of the highlights of my trip was a 3-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, where I crossed the Atlas Mountains, rode a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes, watched sunset and sunrise over the sand, and spent the night in a desert camp under the stars. Along the way, I visited a Berber village, learned more about Amazigh (Berber) culture, and even picked up tips on how to buy a Berber carpet in Morocco.
This page brings together all of my Morocco travel experiences—from big-city sights and chaotic medinas to quiet desert nights—to help you plan your own unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
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Morocco
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Getting To/Around Morocco
In this Royal Air Maroc review, I share my honest experience flying economy from Washington Dulles to Casablanca on the airline’s Boeing 787-8. I walk through the entire journey, from check-in and a hectic boarding process to what it’s really like in Royal Air Maroc economy class on a long-haul overnight flight.
You’ll see what seat 10D in the bulkhead row is like for a tall traveler, including legroom, comfort, and in-flight entertainment issues. I also break down the surprisingly good airline meals, with details on both the main dinner service and the pre-landing snack.
After landing, I describe my experience clearing immigration at Mohammed V International Airport and navigating baggage claim. Finally, I explain how I overpaid for a Casablanca airport transfer, what a normal taxi should cost, and how you can avoid the same mistake.
If you’re wondering, “Is Royal Air Maroc a good airline?”, this long-haul flight review will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip to Morocco.
Taking the train from Casablanca to Marrakech is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel between two of Morocco’s most popular cities. In this guide, I walk you step-by-step through buying your ONCF tickets, why I chose Casa Voyageurs Station, and how to get there without Uber. You’ll see exactly what to expect inside the station, from finding your gate to grabbing a quick meal at McDonald’s in Casa Voyageurs before boarding. I
share an honest first-class review of the Casablanca to Marrakech train, including seat layout, luggage space, bathrooms, and how hot and crowded the carriage felt on my trip. You’ll also read about common scams and “tour guides” to avoid at the station and what it’s like to arrive at Marrakech Railway Station and continue by pre-booked transfer.
Finally, I compare the train with other Casablanca to Marrakech transportation options—bus, flight, taxi, and private transfer—so you can choose the route that best fits your budget and travel style.
Casablanca
If you’re trying to plan one day in Casablanca, this article compares taking a Casablanca city tour with exploring the city on your own. I walk through how I used a six-hour Casablanca sightseeing tour to visit the Casablanca Boardwalk, Boulevard Corniche, Rick’s Café, the Hassan II Mosque, and the Old Medina of Casablanca in a single afternoon. You’ll see why, with limited time, having a local guide handle transportation, timing, and photo stops can make a huge difference. At the same time, I share what I originally considered doing on my own and why I ultimately decided a Casablanca city tour was the more efficient option.
The article also gives a taste of what to expect at each stop, including details from inside a guided Hassan II Mosque tour and what the Old Medina feels like on a quiet Friday. Throughout the story, you’ll pick up practical tips for planning a Casablanca layover tour or short city break, plus ideas for what to prioritize if you’re exploring independently. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of whether a guided tour or DIY day of sightseeing is the best way to see Casablanca for your travel style and schedule.
Visiting the Hassan II Mosque is one of the absolute top things to do in Casablanca, Morocco, and it’s one of the few mosques in the country that welcomes non-Muslims on official guided tours. In this article, I explain exactly how non-Muslims can visit the Hassan II Mosque, including the dress code, how the guided tours work, and what you need to know about tickets and visiting hours. You’ll learn key facts about the mosque’s massive capacity of around 105,000 worshippers, its 210-meter minaret, and why it was built overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. I share my experience walking through the stunning courtyard, fountains, and zellij tilework before heading inside to the main prayer hall.
Inside, I describe the marble walls, intricate Islamic geometric patterns, glittering chandeliers, and the unique retractable roof designed so worshippers can sometimes pray under a sky full of stars. I also take you down to the wudu (ablution) area, with its 45 marble fountains and about 600 taps, where Muslims prepare for prayer. Throughout the guide, you’ll find practical tips on the Hassan II Mosque dress code, how much the Hassan II Mosque tickets cost, and why this is easily the must-see attraction in Casablanca if you only have one day in the city.
Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert
A 3 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech is one of the most unforgettable adventures in Morocco, taking you across the Atlas Mountains and straight into the breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the journey, you’ll explore iconic sites like Ait Ben Haddou, discover the cinematic history of Ouarzazate, and admire the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Gorge.
From camel trekking at sunset to experiencing Berber music under the stars, this tour combines scenery, culture, and adventure in one incredible package. You’ll also enjoy a sunrise camel ride, giving you the chance to watch the Sahara glow in the early morning light.
With affordable pricing, memorable stops, and easy booking options, this guide walks you through what to expect at every stage. If you’re looking for the ultimate Morocco desert experience, a 3 Day Sahara Tour from Marrakech is the perfect choice.
I trekked through the Sahara near Erg Chebbi, spending the night under the stars in a Berber camp. Witnessing the fiery sunsets and the golden sunrises with the dunes as a backdrop was the highlight of my trip.
The Berber hosts were incredibly welcoming, treating us to a magical bonfire filled with traditional drums and songs. Riding camels through the vast desert landscape was a unique experience, and I was grateful that my camel was well-balanced! We didn’t fall even one time!
Staying in the Medina of Marrakech puts you in the heart of the city, just steps from Jemaa el-Fnaa, lively souks, and many of Marrakech’s top attractions. In this guide, I break down the pros and cons of staying in the Medina of Marrakech, including the convenience of walking everywhere, the charm of historic lanes, and the realities of noise, crowds, and getting lost. I share my personal experience at Riad Dar Hamid Hotel and Spa, a traditional riad tucked deep inside the medina that offered a quiet retreat, Moroccan décor, and helpful staff who even stored my luggage during my Sahara tour.
You’ll get an overview of what to see in the Medina of Marrakech, from the chaotic energy of the Big Square (Jemaa el-Fnaa) to smaller hidden squares, tree-lined paths, and views of the Koutoubia Mosque. I also explain what it’s like to shop and bargain in the Marrakech souks, including realistic expectations for haggling over jewelry, lanterns, spices, clothing, and leather goods. Finally, I talk about exploring the medina on your own versus joining a guided medina tour, so you can decide which option fits your travel style best.
Buying a Berber carpet in Morocco can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never experienced traditional Moroccan bartering before. In this guide, I share my firsthand experience visiting a Berber village near Ouarzazate, learning how these beautiful Amazigh rugs are made, and navigating the sometimes-intense negotiation process.
You’ll learn how to spot authentic Moroccan rugs, avoid machine-made fakes, and understand what a fair price actually looks like. I walk step-by-step through my own bargaining journey—from an initial $1200 offer down to $300—and explain how to set your budget and stick to it.
You’ll also see how carpets are packed, wrapped, and transported home, including whether shipping is worth the extra cost.
If you’re planning a Sahara tour or visiting Marrakech, this guide will help you shop with confidence and bring home a Berber carpet you’ll truly love.