Why Visit Morocco: Soul, Sand & Spices

From Game of Thrones-worthy kasbahs, mouthwatering tajines, haggling in spice souks, time travel, and teetering on the edge of the unknown with all but a camel for company, here’s a sneak peek into the Sahara Desert Experience as seen through the eyes of a first-time traveller.

From sand to snow

Camel caravans going through the sand dunes in the Sahara Desert (left) and the snowy Atlas Mountains (right)

If you’ve ever studied a world map, you know it is practically impossible to miss the brownish-gold area layering all over North Africa. Even there, the great, wild desert covering miles and miles – well, inches on the map – stands like an impenetrable natural barrier you may never cross.

And there I was, prepared to face it – on a scale 1:1 – and unveil its mysteries. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no great explorer, but that’s exactly how I felt, surrounded by the dunes, those tiny mountains of sand. Just me and the vastness… and a camel, tiptoeing towards the unknown.

Now, if you think Morocco is all about stark scenery and dusty plains, think again. This little country will prove you wrong in a heartbeat as bouncy and alive as the one of Marrakech. But we’ll get to that later.

Driving on the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains through woods of Argan trees and juniper is an experience in itself. The snowy top of the High Atlas towers in the distance, in defiance of the southern desert with its blistering hot climate.

Kasbahs for days

kasbah village along the way to the Sahara Desert (left) and Kasbah Ait Benhaddou (right)

Be prepared to be surprised by the lush scenery offered by the Dades Valley until it loses itself in the rocky and impressive Todra Gorge. Under its protection, the Berbers built their ancient kasbah villages and as I was travelling through the valley sprinkled with those little fortress-like dwellings I really was going back in time.

The biggest kasbah of them all is perched on a rocky top. There, Ait Benhaddou stands tall, overlooking the valley with its maze-like streets and houses that kept me busy exploring for a while. Its imposing view hasn’t only attracted history lovers, but movie directors as well (Game of Thrones, anyone?). There’s only one downside – couldn’t find the dragons!

An explosion of tastes

A refreshing mint tea (left) and delicious tajines (right)

But if you really, truly want to experience Morocco, forget all you know about food. If love really does go through the stomach, then it’s impossible not to fall in love with this country after the first bite. 

How does a lamb stew with mangos boiled slowly in a conical-shaped tajine sound? Or a steamy couscous with raisins and soft vegetables? And don’t get me started on desserts. One thing is for sure: Moroccans don’t have a word for a picky eater – and this is coming from one.

Naturally, after having my taste buds pampered all week long, I faced the greatest dilemma of the trip – what would I eat back home?! The plan was easy: go to the souks, get some spices (even if I don’t cook), and bring Morocco home. In reality…

Where the magic happens

A snake charmer in the Djemaa el-Fna Square (left) and the souks (right)

Of course, the souks are well known for their lively atmosphere and I was well aware of that, but I never truly understood the experience until I embarked on the journey myself. Colorful, noisy, and dazzling, the souks trapped me with their magic and kept me mesmerized for hours. And it’s hard not to let yourself become one with the surroundings.

As dusk settles in, the vibrant noise grows louder and louder. The Djemaa el-Fna Square nearby pumps with joy all through the night. Choose to sip your refreshing mint tea at one of the cafe terraces surrounding the square and observe the madness, or spring straight into the action. Snake charmers, street actors, henna artists, musicians, they’re all playing their part in this immense real-life performance.

Whatever your expectations, Morocco will surprise and welcome you. Just sit back, relax (preferably with some mint tea) and enjoy.

If you’d like to journey through time to the magical land of Morocco, then head on over to our Morocco experiences pages here.

Written by Oana Moldovan, Untravelled Paths

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