Discover Real Morocco
Explore authentic holiday experiences among the locals…
Morocco seems to be on just about everyone’s holiday hit list for this year. More and more, tourists are looking for authentic experiences on their two-week summer escape and seem to want more than a fortnight of sun, sea and sand (although there’s nothing wrong with that!)
To do a holiday where you live like a local and dive right into the culture and habits of the natives, you need to open your mind to the great new things you’ll experience but also accept that you might not be able to order a full English breakfast or a burger and chips. But hey, that’s not what you’re after if you’re broadening your horizons.
So, what are you likely to see, do, eat and drink if you venture away from trusty destinations and the typical tourist routes?
This week, we take a look at Morocco and like many other exotic places on the map, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in another culture and go for a full on African adventure.
It’s only Moroccan roll…but we like it!
Marrakech is crying out to be discovered and explored and has become a real big hitter for both city breaks and longer holidays. No wonder – there’s so much to see and do, it would take a lifetime to visit every nook and cranny but you’ll still manage to pack in a fair bit even in a few days. It really is one of those places where you can do as much or as little as you fancy but it would be such a shame to sit by a pool for the entire holiday when there’s adventures to be had in such an atmospheric and exotic location.
Specialist Holiday Packages and Adventure Experiences
Going it alone? Yes, more and more of us are booking our travel independently and with the choice of hotels and flight options available it’s often an easy and convenient way to do it- be sure to book with our partner brands!
However, with holidays that might require some expert knowledge and planning, do check out Intrepid Travel trip might appeal to the adventurers and explorers among you but would also suit the first-time visitor who wants to take in lots of different experiences along the way. This trip takes you from Casablanca to Marrakech with a really exciting itinerary.
Another cracker which takes in some cultural highlights is Essential Morocco from TourRadar.
On this super adventure, you will start off in Casablanca, visit exquisite Mosques, shop for trinkets in Fes, experience blazing sunsets in the Sahara along the way before finishing off in Marrakech where you will sample some local cuisine. It really is a ‘tick all the boxes’ trip that also includes expert guides, meals and transport.
Traditional Accommodation
Let’s face it, even though we want authenticity to enhance our holiday experience, we still like somewhere nice to rest our weary heads at the end of a busy day haggling in the souks. The perfect solution? Riads.
Riad (meaning garden) are hotels and guesthouses slap-bang in the centre of the action; the mayhem of the Medina is practically on your doorstep yet more often than not, behind that unassuming, mediocre, nothing special little door lies an oasis of calm with only the hypnotic sound of a tinkling fountain as the background noise. Bliss!
These traditional Moroccan houses are usually built around a central courtyard and offer authentic yet comfortable and welcoming accommodation and you can generally expect to find that the more you pay, the better it will be. There are some absolutely beautiful riads and plenty of them but here are three delightful properties that have caught our eye: –
Riad Kniza
This luxurious B&B is set in a historic 18th century building in Marrakech and tastefully decorated in traditional Moroccan style. The Riad Kniza also prides itself on dishing up top notch gastronomy.
Riad Joya
One for the discerning traveller, Riad Joya is an elegant and atmospheric retreat, perfect for visitors looking for a true Marrakech experience but without compromising on luxury or quality. Riad Joya also offers an exclusive butler service to ensure your every need will be taken care of.
Riad Mena & Beyond
This spacious and serene Riad is situated in the heart of the Medina.
There are six bedroom suites surround by pretty plant-filled courtyards and offers a peaceful and relaxing place to stay yet within a short walk to the hustle bustle of the Jemaa el Fnaa, Marrakech’s main square.
How to Eat and Drink like a local in Morocco
We recently shared a great article about street food and some of the best places to find it.
Unsurprisingly, Marrakech featured in our top ten cities for this kind of fun and adventurous eating. You can really go to town on mouth-watering cuisine here in Morocco. This is your chance to try things you might never have tried and don’t be afraid to eat where the locals do – the Moroccans like their nosh and cook with some of the tastiest ingredients you can imagine.
You’ll be able to recreate these dishes back home too after you’ve bought up all the spices that are on offer from the souks. There’s a dizzying array of colours and flavours that will bring any recipe to life.
Typical Moroccan dishes you will come across are Tagine, Falafel, Fish Chermoula, Loubia, Couscous and Meloui – a delicious Moroccan style pancake drizzled with honey. The perfect breakfast snack to set you up for the day, especially washed down with some mint tea or Nous Nous coffee (half milk, half Espresso).
There are literally dozens of eateries dotted around the Medina. Some are more geared up for tourists than others but don’t be shy when it comes to trying some food from the ‘hole in the wall’ type diners. These often serve up some of the tastiest nosh you could dream of having in Morocco but don’t expect fancy surrounds or silver service. It’s also a fun way of mixing with the locals and soaking up the atmosphere of where you are. You don’t want to feel like you’re home from home, you absolutely want to embrace the spirit and culture of Morocco.
Excursion and Tour Recommendations
Experience all that this fascinating, mystical country has to offer with the help of local, expert guides who will lead you off an excursions and adventures you might never think to organise by yourself. There’s nothing better than having a native show you around, sharing their knowledge and pride for their country. They can tell you the stuff the guide book sometimes don’t.
‘Souk’ Up the Atmosphere of the Bustling Markets
The souks can seem daunting for the first-time visitor but if you really want to get your hands on some great bargains and souvenirs, just join in a tour of the souks with a local guide who can help you navigate the maze of stalls and shops. You can duck in and out of carpet shops, silversmiths and jewellers, spice stalls and shoemakers as you perfect the art of bartering!
Marrakech Food Tasting Bike trip
If you fancy getting on your bike to cycle and taste your way through Morocco’s mouth-watering cuisine, then this is the trip for you. The gourmet bike tour takes you through winding streets and alleys, stopping to sample all manner of tasty treats where you will also learn about the different ingredients, food culture and also some history about the area from your local guide.
Desert camping experience
One thing that every visitor to Morocco should do for a real ‘midnight at the oasis’ experience is to go on an overnight desert Nomad camp. Book yourself onto a tour from Viator where you can have a real Moroccan adventure as you travel from Marrakech through Berber villages before spending a night camped out in the magical desert plains and sand dunes, sleeping under the stars. Included in the trip is a camel ride – again, a MUST do. No excuses!
There’s also options to see the desert by quad bike or buggy which can be done in half a day if you don’t want to leave the hustle and bustle of Marrakech for too long.
So now you know what to do once you’re here, you’ll need to start making your travel plans now and get those flights booked. We’ve got that covered too – If you’re not planning on one of the specialist package tours, you can book flights, hotels and transfers from some of our travel partners.
Flights to Marrakech with Expedia
City breaks to Marrakech with EasyJet
City breaks to Marrakech with Thomas Cook
Casablanca flights and hotels with Lastminute.com
Holiday packages to Marrakech with Teletext
If you’re off on a Moroccan adventure this summer, be sure to post back on your profile page to share your hints and tips with other members (and even just to show off and boast about all the fab things you’ve seen and done).
We love hearing from our readers and members and so does everyone else. It’s great to get honest feedback and recommendations on places, hotels, excursions etc.
Go on; share your experiences with us all…even if it’s just a selfie of you and your camel friends, show us – we won’t take the hump!
Happy travels!