Morocco's Marvels: Surprises at Every Turn

About this Morocco trip review: I always feel that whether you ask for them or not, notifying your family or friends about an upcoming trip always opens the door for unsolicited opinions about your chosen destination. As someone who prefers to experience new places without preconceived notions, I chose to explore Morocco with Under30Experiences because everything is meticulously planned for you, allowing me to arrive in Morocco as a blank slate, ready to absorb everything about the country. I left Morocco utterly captivated and entranced.

Morocco is a truly unique country, and here are some of my honest reviews and biggest surprises throughout my one-week holiday. If Morocco is also your dream trip, check out the U30X itinerary here.

My Morocco Trip Recap and Highlights

Shopping Delights in the Medina

Morocco's medinas are legendary, and nowhere is this more evident than in Marrakesh. Wandering through its labyrinthine markets was a sensory feast. Each stall beckoned with treasures – from exquisitely crafted pillows to intricately designed lamps and colorful tagines of all sizes. My advice for fellow shoppers: bring an extra suitcase for your visit or be prepared to acquire one because there is much temptation to fill it.

The ideal time to visit the medina is on the first day for a guided walking tour to navigate Marrakech and Jemaa el Fna square. This bustling area is filled with vibrant sights and sounds, offering a glimpse into Morocco's daily life and traditions. There are food and juice stands to grab a quick bite to eat if street food is your style, or there are more formal restaurants on the edge of the square. You'll encounter henna artists and snake charmers within the square, adding to the lively atmosphere. However, it's often best to admire these performers from a distance, as they can sometimes be quick tourist traps. There were so many more tourists in Marrakech than I originally anticipated, but we were there during the perfect time of year for my group to have nice seasonal weather throughout the week. 

While in the market, be prepared to haggle for your items. It might feel odd at first, especially if you're not used to bargaining, but haggling is a normal and expected part of the shopping experience in Morocco. Engaging in this practice allows you to get a fair price for the item you’re interested in purchasing and can even be a fun way to interact with local vendors.

To make the most of your haggling experience, start with a smile and approach the vendor with a friendly attitude. A polite demeanor can set a positive tone for the negotiation. Familiarize yourself with the general prices of items in the market to give yourself a benchmark and boost your confidence in negotiations. Don’t be afraid to make the first offer, starting with a price that is lower than what you’re willing to pay, giving you room to negotiate upwards.

View haggling as part of the cultural experience and always show respect for the vendor and the item they are selling. Avoid offers that are too low, as this can be seen as disrespectful. Although I had practiced haggling throughout my other travels, it was a skill I had to hone throughout my week in Morocco. It took some getting used to, but be prepared and embrace the experience. 

The Atlas Mountains

As someone who grew up in the mountains, I have always held high expectations for hikes, breathtaking views, and how mountains should be portrayed. One of the unexpected highlights of my Morocco trip was the incredible day trip and hike we took in the High Atlas Mountains. Initially, I had pictured Morocco as predominantly desert terrain, but the reality was far more diverse and awe-inspiring.

As we made our way up, I couldn’t help but compare these mountains to those of my childhood. The High Atlas Mountains stood proudly, with their unique charm and stunning vistas, easily meeting and even exceeding my expectations. It was a reminder that Morocco’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, offering so much more than the iconic desert scenes. If you’re planning a trip to Morocco and have a love for hiking and mountain views, I highly recommend adding the High Atlas Mountains to your itinerary. It’s a side of Morocco that might surprise you, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. 

For packing purposes, make sure you bring an extra warm jacket on this part of the trip. It may seem crazy since you’re hot when you start, but once you climb into the mountains, you’ll be happy you brought the extra layer! I also did not find it necessary to have hiking boots for this hike but make sure you have sturdy, close-toed shoes, as we were walking for a while. 

Group Memories

On Under30Experiences trips, it is entirely normal to attend the trip alone. As a huge extrovert who thrives on being around people 24/7, Under30Experiences offers the perfect group environment for fostering potential connections and friendships. My group for this Morocco trip got along surprisingly well.

One of my favorite memories on the small tour group was the evening after our hike through the Atlas Mountains. That night was one of the most memorable of this amazing trip. We gathered for a family-style traditional Berber meal hosted by locals who welcomed us with open arms. The meal was a feast of flavors, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage. As we dined, our guide, Youseff, entertained us with captivating tales of the Berber way of life, their traditions, and the history of the mountains we had just hiked. The night ended with a fun twist – a game of Monopoly Go! It was a delightful way to unwind and share laughs with new friends. 

Another highlight with the group was filming a Hollywood-esque movie in Ouarzazate, the most famous film location in Morocco, where numerous movies like Gladiator were shot. Our wonderful tour guide helped us create an Egyptian-themed film shot on an iPhone. The movie included sound, and one of our group members played a queen, welcoming an audience into her humble palace. It might sound lame, but trust me, the video turned out way more entertaining than I originally thought.

Our Moroccan Tour Guide 

Youseff was an incredible guide during our trip, making our experience in Morocco truly unforgettable. His cheerful "yallah," or “let’s go” in Arabic kept us on schedule, yet he always did his best to accommodate everyone's needs. In our small group, we had two vegetarians, and Youseff went above and beyond to ensure they were well taken care of, finding vegetarian options at every meal. 

His patience and knowledge were invaluable as we bombarded him with endless questions about Morocco and its diverse cultures. Whether we were curious about the history of the medinas, the significance of certain customs, or the intricacies of Moroccan daily life, Youseff was always ready with insightful answers and engaging stories.

One of the highlights of having Youseff as our guide was his phenomenal party trick—pouring tea for the group from a great height. This traditional Moroccan art of tea pouring was impressive and a delightful way to experience a cherished aspect of the local culture. His skill and precision left us all in awe, adding a touch of magic to our tea sessions.

Youseff's dedication and enthusiasm made our trip not just a visit to a beautiful country but a deep dive into the heart of Morocco. His efforts to ensure we had a memorable and enriching experience were truly appreciated, making him an integral part of our adventure.

Erg Chebbi Dunes & Desert Camping

Experiencing the desert dunes was the main reason I chose this trip. The sheer expanse of the dunes and the feeling of being enveloped by endless sand created a uniquely unforgettable experience. One of the standout moments was in the evening when we met our local guides and embarked on a camel ride into the Sahara Desert. Despite initial apprehensions, the camels proved gentle companions, allowing us to capture selfies against the dunes' majestic backdrop.

Throughout the camel ride, I felt completely secure, tethered to my group mates to ensure our camels stayed together.  Riding camels might not be the most comfortable experience, but the blankets and saddle make staying atop manageable. Here are a few tips to make your ride smoother: 

• Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, flowy long pants to allow maximum flexibility on the camel, and avoid jeans. I also recommend close-toed shoes instead of sandals because the sand can get pretty toasty in the afternoon. 
• Hold On Tight: When camels stand up, be prepared for a steep ascent, so hold on tight! 
• Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to bring your water bottle—the desert heat can be intense. I found that having a carabiner on my water bottle was super useful, as it allowed me to secure it to my camel’s harness, freeing up both of my hands to hold on securely.

You can read Under30Experiences’ animal welfare policy here.

After about 45 minutes, we dismounted and climbed the tallest dunes just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a mesmerizing glow over the desert. Hiking up the dune was surprisingly more difficult as it feels like you slide back two steps for every step you take moving forward. Inspired by the moment, we couldn't resist staging a picturesque photo shoot, playfully imitating scenes from 'Dune' by walking and playfully thumping the sand in a nod to our earlier movie-making escapades. 

To cap off the evening, we raced down the dunes at full speed. The sand is soft, so falling is not a concern since it does not really hurt if you take a tumble. Even months later, I occasionally find traces of sand in the shoes I wore that evening. That night, we enjoyed another family dinner and went to a live music performance full of drums and good times. Some of our group members even danced to the live music. 

Navigating Morocco as a Woman

In Morocco, my experience with street harassment was different than what I had anticipated based on some preconceptions. As a woman, I was initially cautious. However, while there were occasional inquiries, the amount of catcalling was less than expected. I can only speak about my personal experience in Morocco, but in markets and public spaces, vendors and passersby were generally friendly and accommodating with only a few hiccups. 

Moreover, dressing modestly, as is culturally appropriate in many parts of Morocco, seemed to garner less attention. This respect for cultural norms and mutual courtesy contributed to a better overall experience navigating public spaces as a woman.

In conclusion, Morocco proved to be a land of surprises, where every corner revealed something new and extraordinary. From bustling medinas to serene mountain peaks and the tranquil expanse of the desert, this journey was a tapestry of unforgettable activities and moments. For anyone seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and a touch of magic, I would highly recommend the Under30 Morocco trip to my friends and family as an unforgettable experience.

You can also check Over30Experiences’ Morocco trip from their sister brand for people in their 30s and 40s.