Morocco in January

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Feb 11, 2009
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For those who have been to Morocco in recent years, I’d love to hear what you would prioritise for a two week independent trip. While we are happy to do one day trips, we much prefer to travel slowly rather than join a tour. I’ve read the latest very full trip report and the photos are inspiring. Thank you.
 
For those who have been to Morocco in recent years, I’d love to hear what you would prioritise for a two week independent trip. While we are happy to do one day trips, we much prefer to travel slowly rather than join a tour. I’ve read the latest very full trip report and the photos are inspiring. Thank you.
Thanks @Pushka, loved your report though we won’t cover anywhere near as much ground.
 
Marking this thread for a more thorough response later.

I went to Morocco in January 2024 for just over a week. Not long, and I didn't really have any predispositions about exactly what I wanted to see. I ended up spending some time in Marrakech and then doing a 3 day tour that took me from Marrakech, through the Atlas Mountains, out to the edge of the Sahara, then up and through to finish at Fes (didn't get to see Fes, as had to leave early the day after tour drop off).

If I had more time to spend, I'd be very happy to see Fes, Tangier and more of Casablanca. In a sense, sometimes it might feel like "more of the same", but at the time they were genuinely fascinating, and while Morocco's train travel isn't much to marvel at at all, it generally was easy going to get between major Moroccan centres.
 
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Marking this thread for a more thorough response later.

I went to Morocco in January 2024 for just over a week. Not long, and I didn't really have any predispositions about exactly what I wanted to see. I ended up spending some time in Marrakech and then doing a 3 day tour that took me from Marrakech, through the Atlas Mountains, out to the edge of the Sahara, then up and through to finish at Fes (didn't get to see Fes, as had to leave early the day after tour drop off).

If I had more time to spend, I'd be very happy to see Fes, Tangier and more of Casablanca. In a sense, sometimes it might feel like "more of the same", but at the time they were genuinely fascinating, and while Morocco's train travel isn't much to marvel at at all, it generally was easy going to get between major Moroccan centres.
Fes is completely different to the rest of Morocco. Our highlights were Atlas Mountains and Chefchouen which was stunning. Casablanca - the only thing of interest was that we were there to celebrate a major football victory in the World Cup and we celebrated with locals in the main square. Sahara Desert was also spectacular although my camel tried to throw me off.

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BAC5BFF1-68F0-4B62-A81C-98EF22C238F0.jpeg af5049ff-5927-404e-ad09-08784450baea.jpeg IMG_0899.jpeg
 
Marking this thread for a more thorough response later.

I went to Morocco in January 2024 for just over a week. Not long, and I didn't really have any predispositions about exactly what I wanted to see. I ended up spending some time in Marrakech and then doing a 3 day tour that took me from Marrakech, through the Atlas Mountains, out to the edge of the Sahara, then up and through to finish at Fes (didn't get to see Fes, as had to leave early the day after tour drop off).

If I had more time to spend, I'd be very happy to see Fes, Tangier and more of Casablanca. In a sense, sometimes it might feel like "more of the same", but at the time they were genuinely fascinating, and while Morocco's train travel isn't much to marvel at at all, it generally was easy going to get between major Moroccan centres.
Many thanks and I’m happy for you to add when you have time.
 
Fes is completely different to the rest of Morocco. Our highlights were Atlas Mountains and Chefchouen which was stunning. Casablanca - the only thing of interest was that we were there to celebrate a major football victory in the World Cup and we celebrated with locals in the main square. Sahara Desert was also spectacular although my camel tried to throw me off.

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Your photos really helped us decide we should go to Morocco if we can. I’ll leave the camels… enough living not far from us! Fez… different in a fascinating way? I’m going to read your trip report again. Thanks.
 
Thank you! I’ll check the map. Definitely intend to find some great riads…. Happy to hear any suggestions or just use booking.com..?
You can use booking.com as a start, but you should always compare with expedia, agoda, and with the riad direct. We booked all ours direct.

In Chefchouen we stayed at the Taj (no relation to Taj hotels in India!), which is a modern hotel, but lovely, perched on the top of the hill overlooking the city. in Tangier we stayed at the Hilton by the main rail station, which was also modern, but a lovely hotel. While eating breakfast you’re looking over to Spain just a few miles away! You could also stay at the Hotel Villa De France, which is an institution… but a little faded these days. But it’s close to the souk and rich in history.

Marrakesh… you are spoiled for choice for riads, we stayed at Izza, which we read about in the Qantas inflight magazine. But there are so many! Do your research to get the perfect fit.

Then I’d probably recommend a tour to take you from Marrakesh to Fes, one that goes through the atlas mountains and to a desert camp for the night, plus all the fascinating towns on the way. You can book those separately ex Marrakesh (or in the reverse). They should also take you to Volubilis, the ancient roman ruins. You can do those for two or three days, depending how much time you have.
 
Thank you! I’ll check the map. Definitely intend to find some great riads…. Happy to hear any suggestions or just use booking.com..?
The riads are spectacular. I think ours was in Fez. It was down this winding pathway that didn't look like anything much, for about 250 metres. And then we arrived at the door and it was stunning! Tres Francais as well.
You can use booking.com as a start, but you should always compare with expedia, agoda, and with the riad direct. We booked all ours direct.

In Chefchouen we stayed at the Taj (no relation to Taj hotels in India!), which is a modern hotel, but lovely, perched on the top of the hill overlooking the city. in Tangier we stayed at the Hilton by the main rail station, which was also modern, but a lovely hotel. While eating breakfast you’re looking over to Spain just a few miles away! You could also stay at the Hotel Villa De France, which is an institution… but a little faded these days. But it’s close to the souk and rich in history.

Marrakesh… you are spoiled for choice for riads, we stayed at Izza, which we read about in the Qantas inflight magazine. But there are so many! Do your research to get the perfect fit.

Then I’d probably recommend a tour to take you from Marrakesh to Fes, one that goes through the atlas mountains and to a desert camp for the night, plus all the fascinating towns on the way. You can book those separately ex Marrakesh (or in the reverse). They should also take you to Volubilis, the ancient roman ruins. You can do those for two or three days, depending how much time you have.
That's were we stayed at Chefchouen. Stunning views. Poor bus driver trying to negotiate that steep hill. It is a bit out the way though.
 
Thank you! I’ll check the map. Definitely intend to find some great riads…. Happy to hear any suggestions or just use booking.com..?
We stayed at La Maison Arab in Marrakesh - it was sublime then and looks have gone a bit more upmarket now. Has its own pool and hammam. Do try a hammam!!!


Some pics and commentary here ( at the start of that TR is where I go down the Atlantic Coast)



Re the French name, French is the second language of Morocco, English the third.
 

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