Adventure in Morocco: Marrakesh and the Sahara
Eli enjoying her first sunrise in the Sahara. Magical!
Landing in Morocco, you're hit with a swirl of spices, desert warmth, and the energy of a place that’s as vibrant as it is rooted in history.
I (Eli) went from Marrakesh to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, driving through the Atlas Mountains, secret gorges, oasis and cinematic towns like Ouarzazate.
Buckle up, little penguins; here’s what a true Moroccan adventure looks like. يله! (Yallah=Let’s go)
Things to do in Marrakesh: The city with two faces
Marrakesh is a city of contrasts — and that’s an understatement — where ancient traditions and modern lifestyles coexist in a vibrant and chaotic blend. The city is divided into two main areas: the old Medina, with its labyrinthine streets, traditional souks, and historic landmarks, and the modern neighborhood, known as Gueliz, where life is very similar to the what you could see in the Western world.
The Souks: Getting lost and bargain fun
Ok, navigating the souks feels like you’re part of a maze challenge on a reality show. But don’t worry, lots of locals are willing to help you find your riad… Sometimes getting you even more lost than you were! Forget about Google Maps in this part of town: You’re on your own.
Get ready to marvel at handwoven carpets, leather items, glimmering lanterns and spices stacked in aromatic piles. It’s a treat for all the senses! A piece of advice: Take it slow, drink all the free mint tea they offer (that’s part of the culture), and, for the love of cumin, don’t be afraid to bargain. Locals expect you to!
Did you know?
Mint tea in Morocco is more than a drink; it’s a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Made with green tea, fresh mint, and plenty of sugar, it’s poured from a height for a signature frothy top. Served in small glasses, this sweet, refreshing tea is enjoyed everywhere as a warm welcome for guests and a daily delight.
Djemaa El-Fna Square
At the heart of the Medina is the Djemaa El-Fna, Marrakesh’s main square and cultural epicenter. During the day, it’s alive with vendors, street performers, and an eclectic mix of locals and tourists. If you need an energy boost, it’s a great place to get a delicious — and so cheap! — freshly squeezed orange juice.
As the sun sets, the square transforms, filling with food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and a unique cast of characters — including snake charmers!
A Riad stay to remember
Marrakesh has some of the most enchanting accommodations you could imagine — straight out of Aladdin — and none captures Moroccan charm better than a riad. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard. These are often hidden — and I mean HIDDEN — behind plain doors in narrow alleyways, but once you step inside, it’s like entering a private paradise. My riad had a fountain and a small pool in the middle! Some have a rooftop terrace where you can watch the sunset over the city while sipping on mint tea. How cool! Just make sure to have a phone number to call if you get lost — because you will.
Gardens and palaces
The Jardin Majorelle and the Bahia Palace are two places in Marrakesh where you’ll find a calm retreat from the city's buzz. At the Majorelle Garden, with its picturesque cobalt-blue walls and tropical plants, you get a taste of the city’s artistic soul, thanks to the vision of artist Jacques Majorelle and later, Yves Saint Laurent!
The Bahia Palace is a marvel of Moroccan architecture, with rooms and courtyards fit for a king (literally, since it was built for a grand vizier’s family in the 19th century).
On the Road: The Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge
After a couple of days in Marrakesh, I booked an excursion with a local driver. So, I hopped in his car, and we left the hustle and bustle of the city. Our destination: The Sahara!
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Looking for the perfect road trip snack? Buy dates from the vendors along the road! Dates are one of Morocco’s treasures and a staple in Moroccan culture. They’re grown in palm groves throughout the country and are prized not only for their taste but also for their cultural and nutritional significance.
We drove through the Atlas Mountains, winding through curves and remote villages lost in time. It practically demanded a soundtrack. And that’s when the driver, Hassan, asked me if I liked music. “Sure,” I said, enthusiastically. Well, it turns out he only had one CD with like 5 tracks on it — some jumpy… And that’s all we listened to for 3 days!
Ouarzazate: Hollywood in the desert
Ouarzazate — Don’t you love this name? — in the middle of nowhere, is known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Movies like Gladiator, Star Wars and The Mummy were filmed here, and yes, you can visit the sets! It’s a surreal experience seeing ancient Kasbahs alongside modern filming equipment, a reminder of Morocco’s spectacular ability to blend the old with the new.
Aït Ben Haddou: A UNESCO site in an oasis
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of those places that you’ve definitely seen on a postcard, right in the middle of a lush oasis. Aït Ben Haddou is a fortified village made entirely of clay, and it’s been standing here for centuries. Walking through its narrow alleys, with the sound of goats and the calls to prayer echoing in the background, is something else. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize it from Daenerys’ adventures.
Did you know?
Moroccan oases often form where underground aquifers or ancient riverbeds provide a reliable water source, allowing vegetation to thrive in an otherwise dry environment. These oases rely on natural springs or qanats (underground irrigation systems) to bring water to the surface, supporting not only plant life but also entire communities.
Todra Gorge: Morrocan nature as its best
We took a detour to Todra Gorge, and let’s just say it was worth it. Imagine a canyon with 300-meter-tall rock walls so close together you can touch both sides at once in certain spots. If you’re into rock climbing, it’s a dream. If you’re not, it’s super photogenic and breathtaking.
We slept in a hotel nearby, right at the foot of the rock, and the ambiance was magical.
Erg Chebbi: The Sahara you always dreamed of
We made one last stop so Hassan could get me a head scarf, as the sand in your face can be very painful when it’s windy.
And then, we finally hit the Sahara — specifically, the dunes of Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga. As a kid, I had always dreamed of seeing real, orange sand dunes. And there’s nothing like seeing them for the first time, with its waves of sand stretching out as far as you can see, glowing under the setting sun.
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, spanning over 9 million square kilometers across North Africa — almost the size of the United States! Despite its reputation as an endless sea of sand, only about 20% of the Sahara is covered in dunes; the rest is rocky plateaus, salt flats, and even ancient river valleys. Temperatures in the Sahara can exceed 50°C (122°F) during the day, but they drop dramatically at night, sometimes even reaching below freezing.
Riding Bob Marley
No, I didn’t have too much mint tea… Ever ridden a camel — well, actually, a dromedary? Well, mine was named Bob Marley, but it was a lot less chill! Let’s just say it’s not as comfortable as it looks, but it’s so much fun. Swaying through the dunes on camelback as the sun dips below the horizon is the kind of experience you’ll never forget. Just a word of warning: You might get motion sickness. Seriously!
Desert camping
Camping in the Sahara is something everyone should do at least once. Imagine sitting around a campfire, listening to Berber music, chatting and dancing with locals, and lying back to watch millions of stars. Believe me, it’s worth setting your alarm to see the sunrise over the dunes. Absolutely magical.
Final tips for a Moroccan adventure
Bring layers
Morocco’s desert climate can surprise you. While the days are hot, evenings in the desert can get chilly, especially in winter months. I was there in April and definitely needed a sweater in the desert! Pack a lightweight sweater or jacket, plus a scarf or shawl, which can double as sun and sand protection during the day and an extra layer at night.
Stay hydrated
The dry desert air combined with the Moroccan sun can be a recipe for dehydration if you’re not careful. Water is not drinkable in many places, so make sure to take water with you. And enjoy the delicious, fresh, cheap orange juice served everywhere!
Dress respectfully
While Marrakesh is definitely geared towards the Western world, it’s a bit different outside of the city. Light, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect, as they’re breathable and respectful of local customs. A long skirt or pants and a loose blouse or tunic will help you blend in comfortably. That being said, as a woman, I felt very at ease everywhere in the country.
Be ready to negotiate
In Moroccan souks, haggling isn’t just accepted; it’s encouraged! Approach it with a friendly attitude, and start by offering about half the price given. Remember, it’s all part of the experience, so have fun with it, don’t feel pressured, and always be respectful. Vendors expect it, and often a smile and some kind words (in Arabic, even better) go a long way in securing a good deal.
The Three Wise Men?
Savor every cup of mint tea
Mint tea is a quintessential Moroccan experience. Offered almost everywhere — from riads to marketplaces — it’s a fantastic moment of relax. Savor each cup as a warm welcome, a pause in your adventure, and a chance to connect with the locals.
Treat yourself to a hammam
A hammam (traditional bath) is a relaxing, social ritual involving steam rooms, a full-body scrub with black soap, and often a clay mask. Locals visit weekly to cleanse and unwind, and visitors can try it in either neighborhood bathhouses or luxurious spas. Expect a vigorous scrub, leaving your skin refreshed and silky smooth—a must-try cultural experience!
Bear in mind that in Morocco, hammams are typically gender-separated, with designated times or separate areas for men and women.
Try local specialties
Moroccan cuisine is a highlight of any trip, so don’t miss signature dishes like a slow-cooked lamb or chicken tagine with lemons, a kefta (meatballs), or a hearty plate of couscous. Desserts are to die for, with pastilla, a flaky pastry with a surprising mix of sweet and savory flavors, and dozen of other delicious pastries — many made with honey. And for a quick snack, try fresh dates or a handful of spiced olives.
Book a good travel insurance
The desert is an adventurous place! Make sure to have a good travel insurance, like the ones we book for every trip with our partner HeyMondo — plus you get 5% off if you book with us!
Here is a playlist if your driver only has one CD…
My journey through Morocco was like stepping into the pages of One Thousand and One Nights.
From the maze of Marrakesh Medina, pulsing with life, smells and color, to the silent, golden dunes of the Sahara, Morocco can’t leave anyone indifferent. It's a place that lingers, bewitching like the last notes of a berber song, calling you back to uncover more more stories, and the eternal beauty of its culture.
