0871 360 2443Backpacking in Morocco
Morocco is a good introduction to Africa and a good starting place to explore the continent, backpackers will recognise the names of the country’s exotic cities such as Marrakech and Casablanca. The whole country is an exhilerating introduction to the Islamic world with vast amounts of open markets selling everything from jewellery and woodwork to rugs and of course the country's world famous leather. There are also numerous sun kissed beaches, the ancient medieval buildings in Fes and even the snow-capped Atlas mountains to keep backpackers busy. This 14 day suggested itinerary highlights the best sights Morocco has to offer…
Day 1: Marrakech
Absorb the vibrant atmosphere, passing the city's iconic sights such as the largest mosque in Marrakech the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el Fna - the main square and market place in Marrakesh's Medina Quarter (old city). The Jemaa el Fna square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, and musicians. By night, the square turns into food stalls, becoming a huge open-air restaurant with busy life.
Day 2: Medina
Explore the narrow maze-like streets in Marrakech’s Medina Quarter, the heart and soul of the city. Take in the historical sights, visit the souks - miles of twisting walkways that offer an array of goods and a stop along the way for a mint tea. You'll no doubt be led to a few shops along the way, so make the most of the situation by taking mental notes of each item's general price and quality, preparing yourself for a return visit should you be seriously interested in purchasing something.
Day 3: Tizi n'Tichka pass
Leave the hustle bustle of Marrakech behind and travel up and over the mighty Western High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Originally built as a military highway, the Tizi n’Tichka pass is a landscape of peaceful rugged beauty and climbs up from Marrakech towards the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains before descending towards the city of Ouarzazate and the Sahara Desert. Stop off at the very picturesque, mud-walled Kasbah (desert castle) at Aït ben Haddou before spending the night in Morocco's movie capital, Ouarzazate. The town is dubbed ‘the doorway to the desert’ and is a well known film-making location, many international films were shot there like Star Wars and Gladiator.
Day 4: Valleys & Gorges
Enjoy the beautifully scenic drive along the Dadès Valley, also called ‘The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs’. Reach the town of Tinerhir by afternoon and make your way up the Todra Valley, following the path of the green water of Oued Todra river to where it bubbles up from the earth below at the foot of the 300m high Todra Gorge. If the weather's warm, sleeping on a hotel rooftop within the gorge allows for some excellent star gazing!
Day 5: The Saharan Sands
From the small village of Merzouga, jump on board a camel for a 2-hour trek into the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. These large dunes are formed by wind-blown sand that reach nearly 500 feet high! For a travel experience you won’t forget, time your visit to the dunes to witness sunset and sunrise on top of your own dune.
Day 6: Atlas Mountains
This is a long day's journey travelling up and over both the High and Middle Atlas mountain ranges, and will take some perseverance and planning if traveling by public transport. If you're staying within the Fes el Bali Medina, prearrange your accommodation and ask for clear directions to their front door, or arrange an escort to guide you.
Day 7: Ancient Fes
With more than 9,500 lanes and alleys within Fes el Bali's walls, the enchanting, winding, medieval maze of mosques, food markets and covered bazaars filled with crafts, such as metalwork objects and rugs is an excellent place to do a spot of sightseeing and shopping. Be sure to visit the Souk Dabbaghin which houses the tanneries where leather has been dyed for hundreds of years.
Day 8: The Rif to Chefchaouen
Isolated in the Rif Mountains, the small village of Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s great treasures. Take a short hike up to the Spanish Mosque or take a stroll through the luminous blue streets before enjoying an evening of excellent people-watching on place Outa el Hammam, the village's heart.
Day 9: From Mountains to Ocean
Time to travel down the Rif Mountains to Tangier on the northern tip of Morocco, and then continue on to the popular seaside village of Asilah. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the sunset whilst gazing out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 10: Rabat
A morning arrival in Rabat will give you enough time to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the burial shrine of the current king's father and grandfather, and the monumental Hassan Tower which was intended to be the world’s largest mosque but was never completed. The tower, made of red sandstone, along with the remains of the mosque and the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V, forms an important part of history in Rabat.
Day 11: Casablanca
Dubbed as Morocco’s ‘other’ capital city, Casablanca. Any backpacker will feel immediately at home here and will have an almost instinctive understanding of the life here. There are plenty of hotels in and around Casablanca. Regardless of the size of your budget, you can find a superb place to enjoy a meal in this vibrant city. The mosque of Hassan 2, allows non-muslims to enter. However, you will have to join a rather expensive guided tour takes place 4 times a day, every day except Friday. It costs 100dh for adults, 50dh for students and 25dh for children. The tour takes you past the prayer hall, ablution rooms and a bath house built according to traditional patterns.
Day 12: Essaouira
Set off for the seaside town of Essaouira, a long-standing backpacker’s favourite. In between sessions of sunbathing and shopping, enjoy more fresh seafood at the basic restaurants located within the Medina's fish market.
Days 13 & 14: Marrakech
Arrive back in Marrakech to seek out some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the Medina's souks or at one of the specialist boutiques in the Ville Nouvelle. After a busy day of shopping, relax by treating yourself to a hammam (a traditional Moroccan spa) or be in the thick of the action on Jemaa el Fna before returning home.
Remember your backpacker travel insurance!
So that you can really relax and enjoy your time in Morocco, don’t forget to take out your travel insurance for backpackers as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your backpacker travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your trip before you buy it.
When buying your backpacker travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your travel insurance for backpackers provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your backpacker travel insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you’re prepared for every eventuality!
