WHY MOROCCO IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA.
Divine Morocco – Hosted Tour – May 2025
Just a stone’s throw away from Europe, Morocco is the jewel of North Africa. It is a land of profound historical and cultural importance, endless diversity, and a constant stream of delightful surprises. From Islamic imperial grandeur to old-European elegance, Morocco is where the past and present coexist in fascinating harmony.
It is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, from mystical mountains to a wild coastline, offering a unique blend of bustling souqs and medina mazes. The bustling cities offer a unique charm with vibrant colours and oriental fragrances influenced by the Berbers, Arabs, Jews, Spanish Moors, French, and Portuguese. Morocco’s ancient rhythm and warm culture, rich in traditions yet modern sensibility, captivate visitors. The bustling souks feature winding cobblestone pathways lined with delicately crafted blue pottery and intoxicating mounds of spices, creating an enticing tapestry of old and new.
So – Why is Morocco Always a Good Idea??
– CULTURE: Moroccan culture perfectly blends African, Arabic (or Moorish), and European influences. The two most widely spoken languages in Morocco are Arabic and French. European influence is especially noticeable in significant cities like Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakesh, with grand Islamic palaces and Parisian-style art galleries nearby.
– THE PEOPLE: Morocco is, and always has been, a melting pot. A place of incredible diversity; for centuries, people from all over the world have migrated to Morocco (French is spoken here as much as Arabic). Walking down a street in Morocco, you’ll see Europeans, Arabs, and Africans living harmoniously. Perhaps this diversity is the reason Moroccans are so welcoming to newcomers. Moroccans will likely be kind, open, and friendly people who are proud of their country and culture and wish to share it with you.
– THE FOOD: Located just below the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco’s cuisine has ingredients similar to those of countries like Italy, Spain, or Greece. The best fruits in Morocco include peaches, cherries, oranges, dates, and figs, which are sweeter and juicier than anywhere else you have ever tasted. Morocco also has the most flavorful olives you may ever eat, and the olive oil is so abundant that it can be used with almost any dish. Some traditional Moroccan dishes include couscous served with meat or roasted veggies, omelets served with bread and olive oil, and fresh grilled sardines near the ocean. Tagines are also very popular. They are a delicious dish of slow-roasted veggies, meats, and local spices typically served in a red clay pot. The food is always flavoured using fresh spices like cumin, turmeric, and black pepper.
– MINT TEA: Drinking mint tea is a daily occurrence in Morocco, a social tradition that brings people together. Fresh mint leaves are thrown into a silver teapot, sometimes with a few sugar cubes added, and steeped with hot water. The tea is poured into small glass cups and enjoyed with friends and family. Offering a glass of mint tea is a gesture of hospitality deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. Whether in a shop or visiting someone, the act of sharing tea is a common custom that fosters connections beyond mere refreshment. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of Morocco and experience some of the freshest tea you’ll ever taste. Sometimes, it may seem too hot for tea in Morocco, but drinking warm beverages helps cool the body temperature and quench thirst. So, never turn down tea, even on a hot day.
– THE SOUKS: The vibrant markets, known as “souks,” are one of Morocco’s most popular attractions. While these markets can be found throughout the country, the most impressive ones are located in cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca. They provide a deep look into traditional Moroccan culture and lifestyles as they are frequented by locals and serve as a social hub. The energetic atmosphere is created by vendors who make each shopping experience memorable with their persuasive selling techniques. These markets are perfect for finding unique handcrafted souvenirs, including spices, intricate jewelry, leather goods, textiles, ceramics, carpets, and fabrics.
– SHOPPING: Traditional Moroccan handicrafts are truly beautiful and worth getting as souvenirs to remember your Morocco trip. From delicately painted ceramics to jewelled gowns and shoes to hand-woven rugs from the mountains, you can find unique and stunning goods almost everywhere. You can also buy some fantastic natural presents in the organic health stores you’ll inevitably see everywhere. These stores sell teas, herbs, spices, soaps, oils, and dried flowers, and the staff can teach you all about the secret healing and health benefits these products provide. And be sure to pick up some Moroccan Argan oil straight from the source, which does wonders for your skin and hair.
– ARCHITECTURE: Moroccan architecture is so captivating that it’s hard to resist photographing every street you walk down. Whether it’s a luxury hotel, a garden, a government building, or a random house, each building has some sort of appealing architectural design. You’ll often see tiles creating a pattern or image, modest and appealing colours painted onto surfaces, and arched doorways and passageways. Morocco’s design uses intricate decoration paired with stunning simplicity. Many buildings are made of red clay, especially in the mountains and desert, as the material is cheap and readily available. The Islamic religion also introduces a lot of beauty to Morocco with its impressive mosques.
– THE MOUNTAINS: Morocco is home to two major mountain ranges: the Rif Mountains in the north and the Atlas Mountains in the middle. Driving through these mountains is always incredible, with rugged cliffs, vibrant natural colours, and small hilltop villages. The mountains aredotted with local villages, like Imlil in the Atlas Mountains and Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. These towns offer a peaceful and serene place to stay and serve as great starting points for hikes and treks. You can also have the wonderful experience of visiting Berber villages or communities, which are home to the indigenous people of Northern Africa. Listen to their Berber language and learn about their way of life, enriching your insight into the ancient cultures of Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains are home to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa and a tourist hotspot for keen trekkers. Many of the routes are centuries old and retrace the steps of ancient shepherds, connecting remote villages via mountain pastures and passes.
– INDIGENOUS TOURISM: Championing Indigenous culture, traditions, and ways of life is critical to sustainable tourism in Morocco. The Amazigh (or Berber) people have a population of around 30 to 40 million scattered across North Africa. Most live in Morocco and Algeria, where they speak their own language, Tamazight, in several dialects. Embark on trekking tours led by the Amazigh and purchase Amazigh-made crafts (including pottery and textile art). Another way to responsibly experience and support Amazigh culture is to visit one of their vibrant festivals. Traverse mountains to remote Amazigh villages dotted around the High Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert.
Coming Up Next: Riad Life.
We would love for you to join us on this fantastic Moroccan journey.
We depart in May 2025 for 13 extraordinary nights. *Please take a look at the details below for how..
SO How do I join??
Easy!
Just email me for full itinerary and details at [email protected], OR have a look via the DIVINE MOROCCO TOUR LINK on the website.
OR: sign up on our new REGISTER NOW page so we can also send you details of not only Morocco but other 2025 trips.
Stay curious, everyone, and see you all somewhere amazing in 2025!
Jemma and the Mai Journeys team..