MOROCCO TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

If you know me, or have followed me for any amount of time, it’s no secret that I’m an adventurer and love traveling. I think it’s the Sagittarius in me; I’ll find any excuse to venture to a new place.

I especially love how traveling opens my eyes to different cultures, people, and ways of life. Some of my favorite memories involve travel – and it’s usually something spontaneous and unplanned.

I’ve been lucky to visit some really amazing places, but have always longed to visit Morocco. My plans were finally solidified when I was getting a pedicure on a random day in St Paul, MN. I started chatting with the woman sitting next to me. Turns out we both love to travel. And, it turns out she owns a riad in Marrakech. She invited me to come stay at her place someday, and from that moment on, I was waiting for the perfect moment to book my ticket.

I don’t recall how long it was between our meeting and my trip, but eventually I booked that ticket and was jetting off to Morocco! I think it’s best to travel with no expectations, but Morocco exceeded all my expectations. It’s such an incredible country; very different from any other place I’ve been. I explored Marrakech, Essaouira, the Sahara, and a few other stops on the long road trips from place to place.

I loved our guide, driver, and new friend, Mokhtar. The riad in Marrakech. The food. The vibrant colors. The twisting medinas. The souks. The unique home goods (seriously, brought home so many goodies). Pretty much everything about this beautiful country.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for my travel recommendations!

MARRAKECH

THINGS TO DO:
Jardin Majorelle
Le Jardin Secret
Medersa Ben Youssef Islamic College
Watch sunset over Jemaa El Fnaa from the rooftop of a neighborhood cafe
Palais de la Bahia
Maison de la Photographie
Mellah Spice Market
Explore the Medina
Shop, shop, shop

WHERE TO STAY:
Dar Basma (this is where I stayed!)

But I also considered:
Riad Yasmine
El Fenn
Riad Jardin Secret
Riad Mena & Beyond
Riad Be
La Maison Marrakech

WHERE TO EAT:
Nomad
Limoni
Café Atay
Café Clock
El Fenn – boutique hotel with rooftop bar
Dar Yacout
The Grand Table
Le Tobsil
Grand Café de la Poste
Naranj
La Sultana
Food from stands at Jemaa El Fnaa
Dar Essalam

SPAS/POOL DAY:
Beldi Country Club
La Mamounia
Royal Mansour
Visit a local hammam

SIDE TRIPS FROM MARAKECH:
Travel through the High Atlas Mountains and Tichka Pass
Drive through Dades Gorges
Visit Merzouga Village
Glamp in the Sahara Desert
Ourika Valley
Ouzoud Falls
Overnight in Ouarzazate (I stayed here)
Visit Ait Benhaddou UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the seaside village of Essaouira

Want see more of my travels? Click here.