Top Marrakech desert tours and Morocco travel destinations 2022? From Marrakech medina it takes just under an hour to reach the Agafay Desert and Nkhila Lodge. As we leave the bright lights of the city behind and enter the rural province of Al Haouz, the landscape changes from olives groves to the rolling barren hills of the Agafay Desert. Eventually we leave the asphalt behind and follow desert tracks to reach Douar Nkhila village on the eastern edge of Agafay. Our final approach is spectacular: we twist around arid hillsides until reaching Nkhila Lodge, perched on stilts, with the High Atlas mountains looming in the distance. On arrival at camp we will be greeted with a refreshing glass of mint tea and briefed by our host. In the early evening there’s time for a camel ride to enjoy the setting sun over western Agafay. If camel riding is not your thing, there are several short scenic walks to enjoy. Tonight dinner will be served in your choice of location – either in the privacy of your tent, on the balcony, in the dining tent, or under an outside canopy-covered dining spot. Lunch and dinner is included today. Read more information at Marrakech desert tours.

Also known as the Koubba Ba’adiyn, the Almoravid Koubba is Marrakesh’s oldest monument, built in the 12th century during Ali Ben Youssuf’s reign. Although its original use is unknown, some experts have suggested that it may have been the ablution house of a mosque that once sat next door. Its simple exterior design (a squat, square building topped with a dome) belies an interesting interior, with a dome ceiling covered in Almoravid motifs. The koubba was one of the few buildings to survive the damage inflicted by the Almohad conquerors, who destroyed much of the earlier Almoravid architectural legacy.

The scenic Ourika Valley is popular with both locals and tourists. There are several walking routes through the valley, along the river, and in the mountains, though for many, the seven-level waterfalls are the highlight of a trip. Climbing the lower levels requires a bit of a scramble up rocks, but the track to the upper levels is less challenging. In addition to lovely views, visitors can also experience Berber life, go rafting, and take a dip in the refreshing water. Within the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco. The charming city, with its Swiss-style chalets, is a prime gateway to the nearby Ifrane National Park. Hiking opportunities through cedar forests abound, and you may spot Barbary macaques.

While Casablanca might not be as atmospheric as the other cities, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Morocco, and the ideal representation of modernity. The city’s stunning moresque buildings, which meld the French-colonial design with the traditional Moroccan style, is the best thing to admire here. Owing to its awesome food and architecture, it is definitely among the best places to travel in Morocco.

Essaouira is a relaxed fishing port, protected by a natural bay. It was formerly known, by the 16th century Portuguese as Mogador. The present city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century to increase trade exchanges with the European powers. Nowadays, Essaouira is renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected bay. Parasols tend to be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. The medina of Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and wood-carving.

Excellent Marrakech excursions : Casablanca’s major point of interest and landmark building, the Hassan II Mosque is a lavish symbol not only of the city, but also of Morocco itself. This modern mosque (finished in 1993) doesn’t do things by halves. The decoration detail covering every centimeter of the mammoth two-hectare site took 10,000 artisans to complete. Intricately carved marble pieces, vibrant mosaics, and zellige tile details all pay tribute to traditional Islamic architecture ideals and the mastery of Moroccan craftsmanship and yet, at the same time, still manage to feel contemporary.