Morocco has a way of pulling you in. Maybe it’s the warm people, the ancient cities, or the landscapes that shift from golden desert to green mountains in just a few hours. Whatever it is, this country stays with you long after you leave.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Morocco, you’ve come to the right place. After years of exploring every corner of this beautiful country, I’ve put together a list of four experiences that capture the heart of Morocco. These aren’t just tourist activities—they’re moments that connect you with the land, the culture, and the people.
Let’s dive in.
1. Experience Desert Camping in the Sahara or Agafay
Why Desert Camping is One of the Best Things to Do in Morocco
There’s something about the desert that changes you. The first time I spent a night in the Sahara, the silence surprised me most. No cars, no phones ringing, no city noise. Just the wind moving across the dunes and a sky so full of stars it felt like a dream.
Desert camping is one of the most magical experiences Morocco offers. You have two main options: the Sahara Desert near Merzouga or Zagora, or the Agafay Desert just outside Marrakech.
The Sahara is the classic choice. The dunes of Erg Chebbi rise like golden waves, and the camps there range from simple Berber tents to luxury glamping setups. Getting there takes about 9-10 hours from Marrakech, but the journey through the Atlas Mountains and Draa Valley is beautiful in its own right.
Agafay Desert is perfect if you have less time. It’s only about 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay isn’t a sand desert—it’s a rocky, moon-like landscape that glows orange at sunset. Many travelers choose Agafay for a quick escape, and the camps here offer everything from traditional dinners to live Berber music.
Practical Tips for Desert Camping
- Best time to visit: October to April, when temperatures are comfortable
- What to pack: Warm layers for cold nights, a good camera, and a sense of adventure
- Booking: Reserve your camp in advance, especially during peak season
- Cost: Budget camps start around 40-50 euros per person; luxury options can reach 300 euros or more
How to Choose the Perfect Desert Camp in Morocco
2. Drink Traditional Moroccan Maghrebi Mint Tea
More Than a Drink: The Art of Moroccan Tea
In Morocco, tea is not just something you drink. It’s a welcome, a conversation, a sign of friendship. When someone offers you mint tea, they’re inviting you into their world.
Maghrebi mint tea—sometimes called “Moroccan whiskey” as a joke—is made with Chinese gunpowder green tea, fresh spearmint leaves, and plenty of sugar. The preparation is an art. The tea is poured from high above the glass, creating a foamy top that Moroccans call the “crown.”
My first real experience with Moroccan tea happened in Fez. I was lost in the medina—completely turned around in the maze of narrow streets. An older man noticed me looking at my phone, confused. He didn’t speak much English, and my Arabic was basic at best. But he smiled, waved for me to follow, and led me to his small shop.
Inside, he made tea. We sat together, sipping slowly, while he drew a map on a napkin to help me find my way. No sale, no pressure—just kindness in a glass.
Where to Enjoy the Best Mint Tea
- Cafes in the medina: Sit at a rooftop cafe in Fez or Marrakech for views and tea
- Local homes: If invited for tea by a local, always say yes—it’s a special honor
- Riads: Many traditional guesthouses serve complimentary mint tea upon arrival
Tea Etiquette Tips
- Accept tea when offered—it’s polite
- Hold the glass by the rim; the bottom gets hot
- It’s okay to have two or three glasses—Moroccans often say the third glass is the sweetest
Understanding Moroccan Hospitality: A Visitor’s Guide
3. Ride a Camel Through the Desert Landscape
An Iconic Moroccan Experience
Camels and Morocco go together like mint and tea. These gentle animals have crossed the Sahara for centuries, carrying traders, goods, and stories across the sand. Today, a camel ride is one of the most popular—and most unforgettable—things to do in Morocco.
Agafay Desert is a great place for camel rides, especially if you’re based in Marrakech. The rocky terrain offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, and many tours include sunset rides when the light turns everything gold and pink.
In the Sahara, camel treks can last from one hour to several days. Multi-day treks take you deep into the dunes, far from any road or village. You sleep in nomad camps, eat traditional food cooked over fire, and wake up to sunrises that paint the sand in shades of orange and red.
What to Expect on a Camel Ride
- The ride: Camels have a unique, rocking motion. It takes a few minutes to get used to, but most people find it relaxing
- Duration: Short rides last 1-2 hours; longer treks can be full-day or overnight adventures
- What to wear: Long pants, closed shoes, and a scarf to protect from sun and sand
Choosing a Responsible Tour
Look for operators who treat their camels well. Healthy camels should be alert, well-fed, and not overworked. Ask your riad or hotel for recommendations—they usually know the best local guides.
4. Visit the Blue Town of Chefchaouen
Morocco’s Most Photogenic City
High in the Rif Mountains sits Chefchaouen, a town painted in every shade of blue you can imagine. The blue walls, doors, and staircases create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels almost unreal.
Why blue? Some say it represents the sky and heaven. Others believe Jewish refugees brought the tradition in the 1930s, painting their homes blue as a symbol of spirituality. Whatever the reason, the result is one of the most beautiful towns in all of Morocco.
Walking through Chefchaouen’s medina is peaceful compared to busier cities like Marrakech or Fez. The streets are narrow and winding, but the pace is slower. Locals sit in doorways, cats nap on blue steps, and the smell of fresh bread drifts from bakeries.
Things to Do in Chefchaouen
- Explore the medina: Get lost in the blue streets and discover small shops selling woven blankets and handmade soap
- Visit the Kasbah: This old fortress has a lovely garden and a small museum
- Hike to the Spanish Mosque: A short walk uphill gives you panoramic views of the entire town
Practical Information
- Getting there: Buses run daily from Fez (about 4 hours) and Tangier (about 2 hours)
- Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for mild weather
- Stay overnight: Chefchaouen is magical at night when the day-trippers leave and the town grows quiet
A Complete Guide to Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Blue Pearl
Final Thoughts: Your Moroccan Adventure Awaits
Morocco is a country that surprises you at every turn. Whether you’re watching the stars from a desert camp, sharing tea with a stranger, swaying on a camel’s back, or wandering blue streets in the mountains, each moment adds something to your story.
These four experiences are, in my opinion, some of the best things to do in Morocco. They’re not just activities—they’re invitations to connect with a culture that has welcomed travelers for thousands of years.
So, what are you waiting for? Morocco is ready for you.
Have you tried any of these experiences? Or do you have questions about planning your Morocco trip? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you and help however I can!
Safe travels and Bismillah!
