Morocco Travel Guide: Marrakech, Sahara & Beyond

Morocco is one of the most sensory-intense travel experiences in the world. The moment you step off the plane in Marrakech and into the Djemaa el-Fna square — a carnival of snake charmers, storytellers, food stalls, and drummers that has been running continuously for centuries — you understand immediately that this is not an ordinary country.

The Classic Morocco Route

Most travellers do a north-to-south loop: fly into Casablanca or Marrakech, head north to Chefchaouen (the famous blue city) and Fes (the ancient imperial capital with the world’s largest car-free urban area), then south through the Atlas Mountains to the Draa Valley and the Sahara dunes at Merzouga or Zagora.

Watch: Morocco Full Country Travel Guide

Don’t Miss

• Fes el-Bali — The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and completely unchanged in layout for 1,200 years. Hire a local guide (not the aggressive unofficial ones near the gate).
• Chefchaouen — Every building painted in shades of blue. Spend two nights minimum.
• Sahara overnight — Camel trek at sunset to a desert camp, sleep under the stars, wake to sunrise over the dunes. Do this.
• Aït Benhaddou kasbah — The mud-brick fortress used in Game of Thrones and Gladiator. En route between Marrakech and the Sahara.

Practical Info

• Visa: Most Western passport holders get 90 days visa-free.
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs widely available; cash preferred in souks.
• Transport: CTM long-distance buses are comfortable and cheap. Shared taxis (grands taxis) for shorter routes.
• Budget: $40–70/day for mid-range. Morocco is very affordable.

Planning on more adventures? Our solo travel safety guide has tips specific to North Africa. See the full 2025 destination list for where else to go.