Having only visited Africa once before, and with my boyfriend never having been outside Europe, it was finally time to change that! And what better country to start with than Morocco?
With a few vacation days left in 2025, Morocco was the perfect destination to escape the winter months in Belgium for a week. I was convinced that Morocco had so much to offer, and seeing it with my own eyes only confirmed it. Let me convince you that it’s just as incredible as I experienced!
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For your information, all these pictures were taken in November 2025.
Morocco is a country located in the northwest of Africa. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, while inland it shares borders with Algeria and Mauritania. The capital city is Rabat, though the largest and most bustling city is Casablanca.
The country offers incredible diversity, from the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert to its beautiful coastal beaches. There’s something for everyone! Beyond its stunning natural scenery, Morocco is rich in culture and history, best experienced in cities like Marrakech and Fes, where you can explore lively souks and traditional riads.
Combined with its warm climate and exotic atmosphere, Morocco truly makes for a perfect vacation destination.
The best time to visit Morocco depends on the kind of experience you’re after, but generally, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most enjoyable seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are smaller, and it’s perfect for exploring the cities, mountains, and desert.
Summer (June–August) can bring intense heat, making it challenging to travel comfortably, especially in inland areas. In contrast, winter (December–February) offers cooler weather and even the chance to go skiing in the Atlas Mountains.
I visited Morocco in November and found it to be an ideal time as the weather was still warm and sunny, and it was a great way to escape the cold winter back home in Belgium for a few days.
I felt completely safe exploring and driving around Morocco. I can’t speak from the perspective of solo travel, since I went with my boyfriend, so we were never alone. Even so, we never felt unsafe in the big cities or in rural areas. Everyone we met was friendly and eager to help!
Morocco is located in Africa, which means you’ll need to sort out your internet connection before or upon arrival. The easiest and most convenient option is to get an eSIM (short for embedded SIM), which is a digital SIM card built into your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. This allows you to connect to a mobile network without needing a physical SIM card.
Since I wanted to see as much of Morocco as possible, renting a car was the perfect solution, and I highly recommend doing the same! Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach places you might otherwise miss.
I booked with Sunny Cars because they offer 24/7 customer support (super reassuring in case of emergencies) and their rentals already include the necessary insurance, so there are no surprise fees. Plus, the late-night drop-off was a breeze thanks to their convenient key drop box!
To be completely honest, that first drive was a bit stressful, especially near the city of Fes. But once we got farther away from the major cities, things became much calmer. Traffic around urban areas can get crowded and a bit chaotic, but nothing unmanageable.
Another thing worth mentioning is the presence of police along the roads. We were stopped four times in total and received one fine, despite not having done anything wrong. We paid 100 MAD, but looking back, we should have stood our ground more firmly. Thankfully, it only happened once.
Fes – 2 days
Chefchaouen – 1 day
Cassablanca – 1 day
Marrakesh – 2 days
Ouarzazate – 1 day
Merzouga – 2 days
Our first stop was Fes, as we had flown into the city. After picking up our rental car, we headed toward the center. Because most hotels and riads are located inside the medina, driving anywhere close is nearly impossible, so we left our car in a paid parking lot for the next two days.
Then it was finally time to explore! I can already tell you, I got lost countless times. The streets feel like one big labyrinth, and Google Maps isn’t much help. But honestly, getting lost is part of the charm here. Be cautious accepting unsolicited help from locals, as they often expect a small fee in return.
The best way to experience a Moroccan city is to lose yourself in the medina and wander through its many souks. You won’t need any guidance; those vibrant markets are impossible to miss. Exploring the different stalls is so much fun, and it’s the perfect place to pick up your first souvenir. I can already tell you that I definitely did!
One of the spots I was most excited to visit in Fes was the tanneries. It was a bit challenging to find reliable information online, but after following a local, we found it quickly. If you’re nearby, locals will usually guide you for a small fee. We paid 20 MAD per person.
Our guide also explained the tanning process, which was an exciting experience. They use pigeon droppings as a natural source of ammonia, which explains the strong smell. Afterward, the leather is washed to eliminate bacteria, and finally, the skins are dyed to achieve their vibrant colors. The process is impressive to witness, and I was grateful for the sprig of mint we were given to help with the smell!
It’s not just the tanneries or souks that impress in Fes, but the architecture is remarkable as well. You can see this especially in the city’s madrasas, traditional colleges for Islamic instruction. Stepping inside one of them from the bustling market streets feels like entering a serene, beautifully designed sanctuary.
The two best madrasas to visit are Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Attarine Madrasa, located close to each other. Both have an entrance fee of 20 MAD. Bou Inania opens at 9 AM, while Al Attarine opens at 10 AM, and both are open until 5 PM.
The best way to escape the bustling energy of Fes, which can definitely feel overwhelming at times, is to visit the Jnan Sbil Gardens, located just outside the medina. These beautifully maintained gardens, filled with lush greenery, fountains, and shaded pathways, offer the perfect place to unwind after exploring the city’s lively streets.
Another great way to escape the city’s hustle is to head just outside Fes in search of a good viewpoint. The Marinid Tombs used to be the go-to spot, but they’re currently closed for construction with no clear reopening date. Still, the walk toward the tombs offers plenty of scenic viewpoints where you can pause and take in just how vast Fes truly is.
Fes offers a variety of accommodation options, but I recommend staying in a traditional riad located near the souks and medina. Cars can’t access this area, so it’s best to park at a lot on the edge of the city and continue on foot.
After exploring Fes, we were ready for a change of pace in a quieter city. First, though, we had to tackle a 3.5-hour drive through breathtaking scenery. The time flew by, and before we knew it, we had arrived in Morocco’s famous Blue City!
Chefchaouen turned out to be even better than I expected. With blue walls in every direction, it truly lives up to its nickname: the Blue Pearl of Morocco. No one knows for sure why the city is painted this color, though it’s believed that Jewish immigrants first introduced the blue hues. The mystery only adds to its charm, making it a beloved destination for travelers.
The best thing to do here is simply wander through the old medina and soak in all the shades of blue. There are countless photogenic streets, but you just need to take the time to explore and find them. Some small side alleys charge a fee of around 20 MAD for photos, but I chose to skip those and instead discover my own unique perspectives of the city.
What’s a city without a great viewpoint? After a 15-minute uphill walk to Bouzafer Mosque, we were rewarded with a stunning panorama of Chefchaouen framed by the mountains. I can only imagine how perfect this spot would be at sunset if you stayed overnight. We continued on to our next destination, so no sunset for us this time, but the view was beautiful all the same.
You can visit Chefchaouen as a day trip from Fes if you’re short on time, but the town is much better experienced by spending at least one night there.
Here are a few more accommodation recommendations:
Since the drive from Chefchaouen to Marrakesh felt a bit too long for our liking, we decided to spend the night in Rabat. There wasn’t much to see or do there, so we left the capital early and made a quick stop in Casablanca on our way to Marrakesh. And we were happy we did, as the main attraction was absolutely worth it!
Since we only stopped briefly in Casablanca to break up the long drive, we managed to see just one sight, but the Hassan II Mosque is an absolute must-see. Seeing it in person left me in complete awe. It’s incredible to think that it’s the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 14th largest in the world.
The mosque can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Tour times vary depending on the season, but they’re generally offered at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00. It’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule. The tour costs 140 MAD per person.
We arrived a little after 11 AM and were still allowed to join the 11 AM tour, so don’t worry too much if your drive takes a bit longer than expected.
Casablanca offers plenty of great accommodation options, but as mentioned earlier, we chose to stay in Rabat to avoid too much driving in one day. Still, here are some solid accommodation recommendations:
After quite a drive (driving in Marrakesh is a whole different experience), we finally arrived in the city. Marrakesh has a completely different atmosphere from Fes, with far more tourists and a slightly less authentic feel compared to what we experienced earlier. But that doesn’t take away its charm, as I absolutely loved this city too!
There is one upside to Marrakesh being more touristy: even more souvenir shops and souks to wander through. I didn’t know where to start, and it was hard not to take everything home with me. Luckily, I still had some space in my luggage and managed to bring back a few souvenirs.
But Marrakesh isn’t just about shopping; it’s also home to countless beautiful sites with stunning architecture, including Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, and El Badi Palace. All of these landmarks are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to visit them all in a single day.
There are two amazing gardens to visit in Marrakesh: Le Jardin Secret and Le Jardin Majorelle. The latter is a bit farther from the city center, but in my opinion, it’s the one you simply can’t miss.
Le Jardin Secret features a variety of exotic and local plants, along with a viewpoint overlooking the garden: free to access, or paid if you choose to climb the tower, which ended up being my favorite part. Entry costs 100 MAD, and tickets can be purchased at the counter. The garden is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM.
Le Jardin Majorelle, on the other hand, was my absolute favorite. The contrast between the lush garden and the vibrant architecture is stunning, though it can get quite crowded. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is nearby, but we skipped it since it wasn’t on our list. The garden entrance fee is 170 MAD, and it’s best to buy tickets online in advance, as they often sell out. Opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 6 PM daily.
There are plenty of great activities to do outside Marrakesh, and the city makes the perfect base for them, like taking a morning hot air balloon flight. This had been on my bucket list for so long, so I was thrilled when the moment finally arrived. I had hoped to be in the air for sunrise, but we were in the second group to go up. Still, seeing the Atlas Mountains from above was absolutely magical. The Berber breakfast afterward, more like brunch timing-wise, was the perfect way to end this half-day adventure!
Marrakesh offers plenty of great accommodation options, but staying in a traditional riad is a true bucket-list experience. Choose a charming riad with a courtyard, rooftop terrace, and Moroccan breakfast. That way, you’ll get the full magical Marrakesh vibe and feel like you’re living in a palace hidden inside the medina.
I stayed at Riad Salma, which was perfectly located and made it easy to get around the city. It’s a more budget-friendly riad, but the service was excellent, and the breakfast was delicious.
Here are a few more accommodation recommendations:
After Marrakesh, it was time to pick up our rental car from the paid parking and continue our road trip. We had a three-hour drive ahead of us, and the views would’ve been incredible if it hadn’t rained the entire way. Who knew it could rain in Morocco?
Luckily, every time we stepped out of the car, the rain stopped, giving us the chance to explore the many kasbahs, which are fortresses that typically served as a city’s citadel or fortified quarter, that were on our itinerary for the day.
Even without sunny weather, Ait-Ben-Haddou was still incredible to wander through. It’s one of the best examples of traditional Moroccan earthen clay architecture, which is why it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. A few Berber families still live there, preserving their traditional way of life.
Ait-Ben-Haddou is also famous as a filming location for many movies and series, including Game of Thrones and Gladiator. And after seeing it myself, I can definitely understand why: the views and architecture are truly remarkable!
After visiting Ait-Ben-Haddou, we made a quick stop at Tifoultoute Kasbah and Ouarzazate. Although these kasbahs were impressive as well, we didn’t stay long; the weather still hadn’t improved, and it was getting late. So we called it a day and headed to what turned out to be our most amazing stay of the entire trip!
We chose to stay just outside Ouarzazate at the Ecolodge l’île de Ouarzazate, and it ended up being my favorite accommodation of the entire trip. Not only were we finally in a quieter, more relaxing area, but the staff went above and beyond to make our stay unforgettable.
Their chicken tajine was the best dish I had, and they even taught us how to play their Berber musical instruments. Turns out I have a hidden talent!
Here are a few more accommodation recommendations:
Finally, it was time for the activity I had been looking forward to the most on this trip! But first, we had to tackle a five-hour drive from Ouarzazate to Merzouga. The sun was shining, everything felt perfect, and we even spotted two dromedaries by the roadside, making us even more excited for what was ahead.
In the southwest of Morocco lies Merzouga, a small town with not much going on at first glance. Yet it remains a bucket-list destination for travelers from all over the world, and for good reason. Just beyond it stretches the Erg Chebbi Desert, a breathtaking natural wonder that truly steals the show.
When we arrived at our meeting point, our guide picked us up in a 4×4 and drove us to the dromedaries. From there, we hopped on and began our ride. It was truly one of the best experiences I had in Morocco.
Later, we stopped to try sandboarding. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly my hidden talent. We stayed to watch the sunset, even though the wind was blowing sand hard against us. Despite that, it was still an incredible and unforgettable moment.
The camp was one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. Our tent was beautifully decorated, and we even had hot showers! Around 8 PM, dinner was served featuring a delicious three-course meal, with incredibly tasty tajines.
Afterwards, the guides played music for us and even tried to teach us again. Luckily, we had already practised the day before! And lastly, we could see the Milky Way from our desert camp! It was truly magical.
In the morning, we woke up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After that, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, and finally, the dromedaries were waiting to take us back to where we had parked our car.
Merzouga is truly magical when you stay in a tent camp deep in the desert, so be sure to choose a tour that includes an overnight in a traditional Berber camp! If possible, opt for a tour with a sunset camel trek, stargazing in the dunes, and a sunrise breakfast in the silence of the Sahara. It’s an unforgettable experience you don’t want to rush.
It was our last full day in Morocco, and we still had an eight-hour drive ahead of us to return our car at the Fes airport. Since we didn’t want to spend the entire day just driving, we looked for a quick stop along the way, and ended up choosing Ifrane National Park.
Ifrane National Park is one of the last remaining habitats of the Barbary macaque. Once widespread across North Africa, the species is now considered endangered.
While driving through the area, we saw many macaques along the road and even on it. We also noticed that many people stop to feed them, with vendors selling peanuts and other snacks for that purpose. This is why the monkeys come so close. I chose not to feed them and simply watched from a distance instead.
Although we didn’t stay overnight in Ifrane, as it was just a brief stop to break up our drive, there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. You can also easily visit Ifrane as a day trip from Fes, as it isn’t too far away.
Here are a few more accommodation recommendations:
Morocco had been on my bucket list for years, and it exceeded every expectation. From historic Fes and lively Marrakesh to the vast Merzouga desert, I loved every moment from start to finish.
Choosing to road trip through this incredible country made the experience even better, giving us the freedom to explore at our own pace. If you’re hesitant about visiting, don’t be. You won’t regret it!
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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