Pre-COVID, I took a two-week trip to Morocco that was a bit unconventional (for me). Usually, my travels are very centered around something like mountaineering, trekking or skiing. This was the first time in a while that I spent most of the time just traveling. That said, while we did spend most of our time exploring cities and sights, we also climbed the highest mountain in Morocco, went to the Sahara, and found plenty of adventure. Here are a few highlights.
Marrakech
Marrakech is photographer's dream. No, really. It's basically cheating. The shifting light in the souks, the colors everywhere, and the sometimes hectic, sometimes simple backdrops all combine for a dizzying array of beautiful moments. It's definitely a crowded environment most of the time, so if you're looking for quieter compositions, I'd recommend wandering around the Marrakech Medina in the morning.
Jebel Toubkal
Did you really think I could go for a trip and not climb a mountain? We headed to the High Atlas to knock off Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco. But don't be fooled, this climb was no joke -- Toubkal is 13,671′ high.
Starting at the small town of Imlil, we ascended 4500 ft to the refuge Toubkal les Mouflons (stopping at one point for a glass of the best orange juice I've ever had), where we had dinner and got a short sleep before an early start. After an alpine start, we crested the ridge right around sunrise to reveal a landscape that looked like...Colorado?? I definitely hadn't expected to find landscapes like this in Morocco.
The Sahara
There's no question about the mood this massive landscape puts you in. It's hard to do anything other than stare and try to contemplate how far these sands stretch across Africa. And of course, there's the mind-blowing 15 minutes around sunset and sunrise where the sand and shadows and light just explode. It's an incredible place. Most tours to the Sahara are several days round-trip from Marrakech or Fez. We arranged ahead of time to go Marrakech --> Sahara -- Fez to save some time.
Fez
I really enjoyed Fez, maybe more than Marrakech. Marrakech definitely takes the cake from a photography perspective, but Fez felt a bit less touristy. The old city has a different feel, with much narrower alleys winding through the souk. If you ever visit, I
Moulay Idriss & Volubulis
Finishing out our trip, we rented a car to drive from Fez to Rabat. It’s about a 2.5 hr drive if you go direct, but we decided to split it over two days and visit the town of Moulay Idriss and Roman ruins in Volubilis. More surprises -- the interior of Morocco looks like France.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip and an incredible country.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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