Why Morocco Should Be on Your Radar

In Morocco, everyday life spills into the streets – vibrant, fragrant, and full of contrast. It’s a country where ancient medinas hum with energy, blue-washed towns cling to the hills, and the silence of the Sahara speaks volumes.

From the moment you arrive, Morocco feels like stepping into another rhythm of life. It’s a world away from New Zealand in distance, but incredibly rich in experiences – well worth the journey. The country rewards every mile with colour, culture, and a sense of discovery you won’t find anywhere else.

The Enchantment of Fes

Winding your way through the old city of Fes is like travelling back in time. The medina – a maze of twisting alleys, artisan workshops, and spice-laden stalls – hasn’t changed much in centuries. Here, donkeys still rule the narrow lanes, and the scent of leather and saffron wafts through the air.

Behind simple doorways, you might stumble into a riot of colour – handwoven carpets spilling across the floor, polished brass lamps glinting in the light, and the low murmur of bargaining. Fes is renowned for its craftsmanship, and it shows in every handmade tile, hammered tray, and intricately embroidered robe.

Wander a little further and you’ll find the Bou Inania Medersa, a 14th-century religious school known for its exquisite woodwork and zellij tilework. Nearby, the tanneries of Fes offer a window into a world that hasn’t changed much in centuries – vats of vibrant dye, workers elbow-deep in tradition.

Chefchaouen’s Blue Embrace

High in the Rif Mountains, the town of Chefchaouen appears like a dream in blue. Every wall, step and shutter is painted in shades of indigo, turquoise and sky, creating a calm and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Wander the cobbled lanes with a camera in hand – every corner is a postcard. Beyond the picture-perfect views, Chefchaouen is also home to warm, welcoming people and a strong tradition of home-cooked food, often enjoyed in leafy courtyards or sunny rooftop terraces.

The Call of the Desert

Further south, the scenery shifts dramatically. The golden dunes of the Sahara rise like waves frozen in time, and the silence stretches for miles. Here, the sun sets in a blaze of orange, and stars crowd the night sky like scattered jewels.

A night in the desert is an experience not easily forgotten – music around a fire, the scent of mint tea, and the gentle sway of a camel trek at dusk. It’s a place that invites stillness, reflection, and a surprising sense of peace.

Mountains, Markets and More

Driving through the Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass remote villages, terraced farmland, and rugged peaks dusted with snow. The roads wind past oases and kasbahs, eventually leading to the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou – a UNESCO World Heritage site that has starred in more films than you might expect.

And then there’s Marrakech – a city of contrasts and colour. In the medina, souks overflow with pottery, spices and hand-stitched slippers. Musicians play in the main square, and steam rises from food stalls as the scent of cumin and citrus fills the air.

But Marrakech also has its quieter side. Wander the shady paths of the Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, or step inside a traditional riad – a house built around a tranquil courtyard, often adorned with fountains, mosaics and lush greenery.

A Tapestry of Experience

Morocco is a country stitched together by stories – in its architecture, its food, its fabrics, and its people. It’s a place where old traditions are kept alive not in museums, but in the hands of potters, weavers, chefs and guides.

Whether it’s sipping tea with Berber hosts in the mountains, watching the morning light hit a tiled courtyard, or finding the perfect scarf in a back-street stall, Morocco leaves an impression that lasts far beyond your visit.

Want to explore Morocco for yourself?

We’re offering a women-only journey through Morocco in September 2026, designed for those who want to go beyond the surface. With small group travel, expert guidance, and unforgettable encounters – from the blue lanes of Chefchaouen to the magic of the Sahara – this is a trip not to be missed.

👉 Click here to discover the full itinerary.