A taste of Morocco

I was in Morocco for the first time for a couple of weeks on the road, just enough time to savor what this incredible and diverse country has to offer. And it was precisely for this reason that, a few months later, I returned to stay for a couple of months and experience Moroccan culture more deeply.

The majesty of the Sahara Desert

Among the most exciting moments, seeing the Sahara Desert live. I have visited several deserts around the world – from the Thar in India to the Tatacoa in Colombia, from the Wadi Rum in Jordan to the Nefud in Saudi Arabia – but I had never seen anything as magical and imposing as the Sahara.

A sunset and a sunrise straight out of a movie, with endless dunes that seem to continue beyond the horizon... and sand everywhere, even where I would never have imagined.

Sitting there in silence, enjoying that moment with total tranquility, was a privilege: breathing in the majesty of nature. And of course, how could one resist the temptation to "surf" a dune from top to bottom? In hindsight, it was probably right there that the sand decided to follow me everywhere.

I spent the night in the desert in a Berber camp. It's incredible how this nomadic people can navigate so confidently among dunes and rocks. During the jeep journey, we were caught in a sandstorm: outside the window, you couldn't see anything at all, and I confess the situation made me feel a little claustrophobic.

Yet, the driver continued as if he knew every turn by heart — and it was probably true. The evening then concluded with singing and dancing around the fire, accompanied by traditional instruments played by my now Berber friends.

Between kasbahs, cinema, and timeless villages

It was a trip to the south of Morocco, between villages and breathtaking views. I also visited Aït-Ben-Haddou, famous for being the set of Gladiator, getting lost in the alleys of the small ancient village, and the nearby Ouarzazate, with its cinema museum and its fascinating kasbahs, typical fortified citadels of the Maghreb, often located in the inner part of the cities, telling centuries of history and traditions.

Spectacular goals and pure adrenaline

I also passed through Boumalne Dadès, traversing its splendid gorges, and Taghazout, where I went canyoning: diving from waterfalls and descending attached to a rope down steep rocky slopes. An adrenaline-filled, intense, and incredibly fun experience.

Morocco in August? Yes, if you know where to go

I went back to Morocco in August as well. You might think it's not the ideal time because of the heat, but Morocco is huge and incredibly diverse: mountains, desert, ocean... it all depends on the destination.

I stayed for about a month in Tamghart, near the more famous Taghazout, both known for their perfect waves, especially for those who are beginners in surfing.

This is where I met Bob, a surf instructor, but also a chef and manager of the place where I went practically every day. Bob spoke little English and I little French, but it was never a problem.

Between one wave and another, or sitting on the beach resting after the effort, we still managed to understand each other, sharing our stories and exchanging views on the future. Slow, simple days, full of carefree moments.

Tamghart is a very small village, with no supermarkets or grocery stores. Therefore, every week I used to go to Agadir, a city with nearly a million inhabitants, where large chains like Carrefour can be found.

I really enjoy visiting supermarkets abroad and noticing the differences: here, near the fruit and vegetable section, you often find crates full of dates, olives, and spices, which are fundamental ingredients of Moroccan cuisine.

Rabat

Another great surprise was Rabat: a modern, clean, and well-organized capital, with neighborhoods connected by trams and buses, green parks, and bars where you can drink tea practically on every corner.

Would you also like to sip typical Moroccan tea, taste delicious tagine, roll down the desert dunes, and visit the most charming riads? Contact me to organize your next adventure in Morocco.

CONTATTAMI