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MOROCCO
A Slow Travel Guide for Morocco
SLOJOURN was designed for you to immerse yourself into the arms of a destination, slowly. For those wayward travellers who landed here to arrive somewhere else with no expectations, we salute you. We encourage you to navigate your own way across the shores of each place, and if you’re searching for a single story, you can find what you’re looking for here.
“Morocco isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a place that seduces you. A place that lingers in your senses long after you leave. I first came to Morocco expecting a whirlwind, and instead, I found a deep, unshakable pull. Every moment here feels cinematic, like stepping into a world where time is measured in golden hours and stolen glances over brass teapots. Morocco doesn’t demand to be understood; it asks to be felt, in its absolute sensory assault of beauty.”
Tess Willcox - Founder
From our curators
The compass
This isn’t one destination. It’s a spell cast in clay, cedar, and constellation.
BENEATH THE SURFACE: Morocco unfolds like a mosaic; each tile telling a story of empire, earth, and enchantment. From the High Atlas to the Sahara’s golden hush, the snow-dusted north to the palm-lined oases of the south, this land is a collision of worlds: Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and French. Wander medinas older than memory. Sip mint tea under jasmine vines. Trace zellige tiles like a prayer.
Bordered by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and anchored by the spine of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is a kingdom shaped by migration and myth. It holds four seasons in a single stride. Cool in the Rif, sun-drenched in Essaouira, wild in the dunes. And with every turn comes a shift: from date palms to desert moons, from perfume markets to call-to-prayer echoes that hang in the air like silk.
BEST WHEN: March – May, September – November (Sun-warmed days, cool nights, and the souks at their most electric).
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE: Golden dunes, hidden riads, spice-laced air, and high-design escapes.
OFF SEASON MAGIC: June – August (Scorching but empty - perfect for private desert nights and poolside slow days).
HOW TO EXPLORE: Wander first, plan later. The best finds are unmarked, unlisted, and unforgettable.
Where ancient soul
meets modern seduction
Morocco isn’t just a destination, it’s an immersion. A place where every sense is heightened, where colour, sound, and scent collide in a way that’s both intoxicating and deeply grounding. To step into Morocco is to enter a world that moves to its own rhythm - one shaped by storytellers and artisans, by Berber nomads and spice traders, by the winds that sweep across the Sahara and the tides that kiss the wild Atlantic coast.
Here, time moves fluidly, caught between the echoes of the past and the pulse of modern creativity. The cities hum with energy, the chaos of the souks, the hypnotic call to prayer, the clash of copper being hammered into lanterns. Yet beyond the medinas, there’s stillness; the endless dunes of the Sahara, the silent majesty of the High Atlas, the coastal calm of Essaouira, where the air tastes of sea salt and cedarwood. Morocco is a country that reveals itself in layers, asking you to slow down, to lean in, to lose yourself in its contrasts.
At SLOJOURN, we have curated Morocco for those who seek to explore with depth and deliberation. This isn’t about ticking off landmarks. It’s about feeling the texture of the tadelakt walls under your fingertips, running your hands across handwoven carpets, and sipping mint tea on a riad rooftop as the city glows beneath you.
It’s about staying in places where time slows, where design is rooted in centuries of craft, where hospitality is an art form, and where every element, from the ceramics to the cedar beams, holds a story.
And it’s about moving with respect. Morocco is a place where tradition and innovation dance together, where heritage isn’t just something to be preserved but something that breathes and evolves. To experience it fully, you must embrace its pace - whether that means wandering through the ancient kasbahs of Fez, following a Berber guide through the dunes on camelback, or letting a local spice master teach you the alchemy of ras el hanout.
This is a land where rituals shape daily life; where tea is poured from great heights, where hammam steam carries centuries of purification traditions, where carpets aren’t just decor, but a language of their own. And as the sun dips behind the ochre walls of Marrakech, you’ll realise that Morocco is not a place you pass through. It’s a place that moves through you.
Welcome to Morocco, as seen through the SLOJOURN lens. Where every moment is an invitation to feel more deeply, wander more freely, and experience more meaningfully.
MOROCCO’S BEATING HEART
Morocco is a study in contrast, where the chaos of the medina dissolves into the serenity of a desert night, and where age-old customs thrive alongside avant-garde creativity. This is a land where stories are woven into hand-dyed carpets, whispered in ancient kasbahs, and sung by desert nomads beneath a canopy of stars.
The ultimate journey
To move through Morocco is to trace the paths of traders, poets, and dreamers - a journey woven through shifting sands, ancient Kasbahs, and Medinas humming with life. Each landscape, each encounter, unfolds like a chapter in an intricate story. From the labyrinthine souks of Marrakech to the silent expanse of the Sahara, from the misty peaks of the High Atlas to the whitewashed coastal retreats where time seems to stand still. Some arrive for a single sojourn - a riad sanctuary where brass lanterns flicker against mosaic tiles, or a desert camp where silence stretches as wide as the dunes. Others embark on a slow-moving odyssey, winding through Morocco’s shifting terrains - riding horseback along Essaouira’s shores, trekking past Berber villages where life moves with the seasons, or sipping saffron tea beneath the carved cedar ceilings of an ancient riad.
There is no right way to experience Morocco, only the one that lets you feel it fully. In the pause between the chaos, in the play of light over the dunes at dusk, in the rhythmic chants of street musicians, in the scent of orange blossom and slow-cooked tagines drifting through hidden alleyways. At SLOJOURN, we curate journeys for those who crave depth over distance - who seek to immerse rather than skim, to feel rather than simply see. Whether you surrender to the stillness of Agafay or the artful hedonism of El Fenn, we believe Morocco isn’t just a place you visit - it’s a place that lingers, long after the dust has left your boots.
Discover the ultimate 14-day SLOJOURNEY through Morocco
14 Days | 5 Iconic Stays | Infinite Wonder
A slow, sensory pilgrimage from coastline to cloud forest, surf break to sacred shrine. This is the kind of trip you feel in your bones. Adventure-rich. Soul-led. Wildly intentional. We go off the beaten path, but never off-purpose.
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Stay: Kurulu Bay OR Trebartha East – Ahangama
Tucked between rice fields and a lagoon kissed by jungle, Kurulu Bay is your recalibration point. Think candlelit dock dinners, jungle pool swims, and energy that whispers: slow down, love. A heritage mansion reborn as an architectural whisper, Trebartha East is where old Ceylon glamour meets contemporary soul. Think jazz on vinyl, cinnamon-infused cocktails, and fireflies in the garden.Must-Do:
Early morning paddle board across the lagoon while birds chant the day awake
Visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate (home of the Virgin White Tea)
Ayurvedic consultation + massage with local healer
Book a ritual tattoo session with our trusted Ahangama ink sage
Take a half-day curated trip to Galle Fort: colonial-era architecture, concept boutiques, old-world cafés, and seafront ramparts at golden hour
Not to Miss:
Take a 20-min tuk tuk to Kabalana for a surf session or beach bonfire with local musicians
Dinner at Smoke & Bitters: part mixology lab, part sensory temple
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Stay: Trebartha East – Ahangama
A heritage mansion reborn as an architectural whisper. Trebartha East is where old Ceylon glamour meets contemporary soul. Think jazz on vinyl, cinnamon-infused cocktails, and fireflies in the garden.Must-Do:
Cinnamon estate walk + bark-cutting ritual
Private dinner in the hidden garden pavilion
Estate-to-table Sri Lankan lunch spread with wine pairings
Not to Miss:
Afternoon visit to the Virgin White Temple for sunset chants
Trebartha’s exclusive artist-in-residence gallery walk
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Stay: 98 Acres Resort & Spa
Board the world’s most beautiful train ride through rolling green tea plantations and eucalyptus forest. Ella offers elevation in every sense.Must-Do:
Sunrise hike to Ella Rock (guided or solo)
Visit to Nine Arches Bridge and hidden jungle swing spot
Tea plucking experience with Tamil women of the hill country
Farm-to-spa herbal steam therapy overlooking the valley
Not to Miss:
A forest picnic curated by 98 Acres with local fruits, buffalo curd, and wild honey
Night walk with our stargazer guide to trace constellations over Ella Gap
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Stay: Wild Coast Tented Lodge – Yala National Park
Safari luxury like you’ve never seen it. Copper bathtubs, domed tents, and dune trails to the sea. You’re here to roam and remember.Must-Do:
Morning and evening game drives to spot leopard, sloth bear, and elephants
Barefoot beach dining with curated music by our sound designer
Conservation talk + bonfire storytelling from rangers
Not to Miss:
Join a naturalist-led foraging walk
Indulge in the seaweed + sand body wrap inspired by ancient rituals
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Stay: Gal Oya Lodge – Gal Oya National Park
Finish your journey in solitude. Gal Oya is for those who seek reverence—where elephants swim and the forest breathes slow.Must-Do:
Boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya with Veddha elder interpretation
Hike through medicinal forests with our ethnobotanist
Participate in a sacred stone offering at a secret jungle shrine
Not to Miss:
Private night swim in the spring-fed pool under full moon
Reading hours in the library lounge with archival books on Sri Lankan cosmology
Slow moves: navigating the journey
Visa-Free Entry (Up to 90 Days)
Citizens of the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and many others can enter Morocco without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
𓇼 Private Drivers & Transfers - The most seamless way to move between destinations. Our preferred partner offers luxurious, locally connected guides who can weave magic into your itinerary.
𓇼 Self-Drive Adventure - If you crave independence, rent a car and navigate the High Atlas switchbacks and coastal roads at your own pace.
𓇼 Trains & Buses - The train network between major cities is reliable and comfortable, while CTM buses take you further afield (though, expect charming chaos).
𓇼 By Foot, Motorbike & Horseback – Some places - like the medinas or Sahara dunes - are best explored the old-fashioned way.
Moroccan spirit & story
From the moment you step into Morocco’s embrace, the senses ignite. The land speaks not in one voice but in many - desert winds sweeping across the dunes, the rhythm of hooves on mountain paths, the slow swirl of mint tea poured from silver height. In this place, time folds in on itself. Yesterday and tomorrow feel less important than the sacred texture of now: the warmth of tiled courtyards, the flicker of lanterns, the call to prayer echoing from ancient minarets.
Here, culture is not curated - it is lived. In the souks where trade is theatre. In the hammams where steam carries secrets. In Amazigh villages where traditions are passed down not as heritage, but as inheritance. Morocco doesn’t just preserve its history - it breathes through it, reworking the old into the everyday with grace and grit.
This is a land of sacred hospitality, where guests are honoured with sweetness and ceremony, and where every gesture carries the weight of ancestral memory. Faith and folklore exist side by side. Sufi music spills into alleyways like incense. In the High Atlas, stories are still told by firelight. On the coast, fishermen chant to the sea before dawn. Whether in the silence of the Sahara or the pulse of Marrakech, Morocco teaches you how to listen.
There is no single Morocco. It is plural by nature - Arab, Amazigh, African, Andalusian - braided together like the intricate zellige beneath your feet. And when you leave, you do not feel as though you've finished something. You feel as though you've been initiated into a story that continues without you, but welcomes you back any time.
Morocco doesn’t slow you down. It deepens you.
Local voices
Language, music, and myth braid together in Morocco like threads in a hand-woven rug - rich with symbolism, shifting in the light.
𓇼 “Salam Alaikum” – Peace be upon you. The greeting that begins every encounter with grace. Say it with intention; it opens more than conversations - it opens hearts.
𓇼 “Shukran” – Thank you. Simple, essential, sincere. Often accompanied by a hand to the chest - a gesture of true gratitude.
𓇼 “Inshallah” – God willing. A phrase that softens the edges of time and control, embracing uncertainty with faith and patience.
𓇼 “Baraka” – Blessing. A quiet word passed between generations, believed to carry spiritual power and ancestral protection.
𓇼 “Saha” – To your health. Shared over meals, after mint tea, in moments of celebration or connection.
Beyond the words, Morocco hums with sound. The trance rhythms of gnawa music echo through desert nights, threaded with spiritual chants and ancient healing. Andalusian melodies linger in the courtyards of Fes, while Amazigh instruments keep time with mountain winds. Press play on a traditional malhun ballad, close your eyes, and let Morocco’s oral poetry guide you - not just across landscapes, but through centuries of soul.
Beauty without blinders
THE ETHICS OF TRAVELLING HERE
Travel here with humility, curiosity, and conscious care.
Morocco is dazzling - layered in colour, rhythm, and ritual - but beneath its beauty lies complexity. It is a country of deep cultural pride and spiritual richness, yet one that continues to grapple with socio-economic disparity, rural marginalisation, gender inequities, and the pressures of modern tourism on fragile environments and traditions.
To walk its medinas and mountains is to enter a land of living heritage - Berber, Arab, Jewish, Andalusian - all coexisting in a delicate weave of past and present. But travellers are not neutral in that weave. Every choice you make; where you stay, how you dress, what you photograph, who you support, ripples through communities.
So the question is not simply “What will I experience?” but rather, “How can I honour what I encounter?”
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Post-earthquake recovery: In 2023, a devastating earthquake struck the High Atlas Mountains, severely impacting rural Amazigh communities. While Marrakech has largely recovered, many mountain villages are still rebuilding. Tourism brings income and solidarity—but also needs to be thoughtful and sensitive to ongoing recovery efforts.
Economic disparity: Morocco’s tourism sector plays a major role in national income, yet the benefits are unevenly distributed. Rural communities, street vendors, artisans, and small businesses often operate on precarious margins, while luxury development accelerates. Be aware of where your dirhams go.
Cultural conservatism: While Morocco is warm and welcoming, it remains a predominantly Islamic society with deeply rooted traditions. Public displays of affection, revealing clothing, and certain topics of conversation (such as the monarchy, religion, or Western politics) may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful.
Climate pressure: From droughts in the south to flash floods in the north, Morocco is facing growing climate volatility. Desertification threatens farmland. Water scarcity affects both people and ecosystems. As tourism grows, so does strain on these delicate resources.
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1. Choose depth over display
Don’t skim Morocco’s surface for photo ops. Linger in local spaces, take tea without agenda, and engage in slow, respectful dialogue. Let nuance replace narrative.2. Uplift the margins
Stay at riads and guesthouses owned by locals or cooperatives. Support Amazigh-run treks. Buy direct from female artisans, weavers, and collectives who rarely get a seat at the tourism table.3. Honour the sacred
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Ask before photographing people—particularly women. If invited into a home or ceremony, approach with humility and gratitude, not entitlement.4. Offset mindfully
The desert isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a fragile biome. Support eco-conscious properties and initiatives restoring oases, reforesting cedar forests, or conserving water. Avoid over-touristed camel rides or quad biking that damages dunes.5. Understand the story isn't yours to tell
Let locals shape the narrative. Morocco holds multitudes—Amazigh, Arab, Jewish, Sahrawi, Andalusian. Read beyond Western travel blogs. Listen deeply. Share carefully. -
Because when done with care, tourism sustains more than economies—it preserves heritage, restores dignity, and opens doors to understanding that no screen or story ever could.
To travel in Morocco is to walk centuries of living history. To sip mint tea beneath carved cedar ceilings. To trace calligraphy etched in zellij tile. To be invited, if you are respectful, into a world that pulses with poetry, pride, and profound hospitality.
We don’t go to consume Morocco. We go to connect. To witness. To learn.
Luxury here isn’t just found in hammams or handwoven rugs. It’s in the quiet privilege of presence—the kind that asks nothing but gives everything in return.
We traverse the globe's most STIRRING landscapes, discovering havens where design honours WILDNESS and chicness whispers with intention. Here lies our curated collection of sanctuaries - here lies our curated collection of sanctuaries - each one thoughtfully selected, where rolling waves meet design poetry, and where dawn’s first light paints stories across carefully considered spaces.
We chose 5 spaces in each edit, to ensure that every suggestion remained intentional and palatable. There is no use for more overwhelm in this world.
Welcome to… the MOROCCO edit.
BERBER LODGE
WILDLY PLACED: Ourika Valley - Nestled Between Olive Groves & the Atlas Foothills 30 mins from Marrakech.
WHERE EARTHY ELEGANCE & SLOW LIVING REIGN RUSTIC SUPREME.
INDULGENCE SPECTRUM: Stays from EUR290 per night
FARASHA FARMHOUSE
WILDLY PLACED: Outer reaches of Marrakech - among the wind-kissed scapes & rolling Argan forests.
WHERE RUSTIC ROMANCE MEETS ETHICAL FARM-TO-TABLE LUXURY.
INDULGENCE SPECTRUM: Stays from EUR350 per night.
OUR HABITAS CARAVAN DAKHLA
WILDLY PLACED: Dakhla, where the sea + Sahara meet.
WHERE WIND & WAVES SHAPE A SANCTUARY FOR THE SOUL.
INDULGENCE SPECTRUM: Stays from EUR279 per night.
UMNYA DUNE CAMP
WILDLY PLACED: Erg Chegaga Desert, around 7 hours drive from Marrakech.
WHERE BEDOUIN SPIRIT MEETS UNDERSTATED LUXURY.
INDULGENCE SPECTRUM: Stays from USD435 per night.
BONUS FEATURE :
As a rare treat, we are including a 6th destination Resort for Morocco, as we truly believe that Marrakech needs both a traditional riad and a ‘resort’ option so you can choose.
ROSEMARY MARRAKECH
WILDLY PLACED: A hidden Marrakech sanctuary.
WHERE TRADITIONAL CHARM MEETS ARTISTIC CHIC.
INDULGENCE SPECTRUM: Stays from EUR260 per night.
Yes future
Morocco’s beauty is as fragile as it is mesmerising - but local communities and conscious travellers are working together to preserve its landscapes, traditions, and cultural heritage.
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The fragile desert ecosystem is being restored through sustainable agriculture and date palm conservation projects.
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In Marrakech and Fez, heritage preservation programs are restoring centuries-old riads, artisan workshops, and hammams while ensuring communities remain at the heart of the transformation.
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We only recommend eco-conscious Sahara experiences that protect nomadic traditions, ensure ethical camel trekking, and preserve the fragile desert landscape.
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From Berber weaving collectives to female-run cooperatives, Morocco’s craftsmanship is thriving. Buying directly from makers ensures that these traditions endure.
We’re in this together
Travel is a dance between visitor and place, guest and host, wanderer and community. Here, we illuminate the heartbeat of this destination - the voices, hands, and hearts that shape its story. From local artisans to grassroots initiatives, discover the community threads that weave this place into something extraordinary.
Each year, we’ll bring you a different cause to support - a grassroots movement that will transform your stay into a ripple of positive change.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT PARTNER:
PROJECT SOAR
Empowering girls to become leaders of today and tomorrow, Project Soar is rewriting the narrative for young women across Morocco. This community-rooted initiative provides adolescent girls with the tools, mentorship, and safe spaces to stay in school, delay marriage, and boldly shape their own futures. Through their powerful “Girls’ Empowerment Curriculum” and leadership bootcamps, Project Soar is not just supporting girls - it’s unleashing changemakers.
Where to Engage:
Visit Project Soar’s HQ just outside Marrakech for a first-hand look at their leadership labs.
Support through donations or curated resort partnerships that give back.
Shop female-led Moroccan brands championed by Soar alumni.
This is how we travel deeper - with intention, intersectionality, and impact.
Soundscapes
The art of slow travel begins with setting the mood. Press play on our destination-inspired playlists and let your mind wander to far-off shores.
Slojourn secrets
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Rise early and watch the first light bathe this ancient ksar in gold. The cinematic silence of the morning, before the tour buses roll in, makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another century. Ask your host to arrange a private rooftop breakfast as the kasbah stirs to life.
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Deep in the heart of Fes, master artisans still handcraft intricate ceramics using techniques passed down for generations. Book a private workshop in a hidden riad and shape your own piece of history.
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For those who know, the magic of the Sahara isn’t just in the dunes—it’s in the silence, the way the stars spill endlessly across the sky. Find a luxe camp far from the crowds and let the desert swallow the noise of the world.
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In the depths of the medina, behind an unmarked door, the city’s coolest speakeasy hosts live jazz nights. Candlelit tables, smoky mezcal cocktails, and a soundtrack that feels like a secret whispered between old friends. Ask a local where to find it.
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The real souks aren’t in Marrakech. Venture to the High Atlas where nomadic traders still barter over saffron, silver, and handwoven kilims. It’s a dance of colour, scent, and quiet exchanges—best enjoyed with a cup of fresh mint tea in hand.
Local lowdown
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Moroccans don’t rush—and neither should you. Whether it’s a mid-morning café noir or an unhurried mint tea break, let time stretch out like the sands beneath your feet.
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Comfy sandals for the souks, chic linen for the riads, and something loose but elegant for a rooftop dinner. If in doubt, go for neutrals—Morocco’s palette is bold enough without competing.
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Five times a day, the adhan echoes through the city. Pause, listen, and soak it in. It’s a moment of stillness in a country that moves with poetry.
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Bargaining isn’t about haggling—it’s an art form. Keep it light, keep it playful, and always counteroffer at 50% of the original price. If you get called a Berber Woman, it means you are doing well because you’re tough!!
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Morocco is best explored with flexibility—whether it’s hiring a driver for a cross-country road trip or hopping in a vintage sidecar to weave through Marrakech’s labyrinthine streets.
Perch yourself here
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Mediterranean soul food meets Moroccan flavors in this sleek, sun-drenched space in Marrakech. Order the beetroot-cured trout and a citrusy glass of something local.
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An institution for a reason. Think modern Moroccan small plates—spiced cauliflower, saffron couscous, preserved lemon everything—served on a rooftop with an unbeatable view.
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A walled garden hideaway serving up fresh, organic vegetarian fare. The perfect midday retreat when the medina chaos gets too much.
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A clandestine cocktail lounge where mixology meets alchemy. Try the Moroccan Mule—ginger, fig, and just enough kick to keep things interesting.
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Old-school Moroccan glamour meets mixology mastery. Sip on an Argan Martini as you watch the world blur below.
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The best and most authentic experience you will have is being invited into someone’s home for dinner with their family.
The don’t miss
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Date palms, ancient kasbahs, and crumbling caravanserais—Skoura is where time slows to a whisper. Stay in a garden riad, sip fresh pomegranate juice, and let the desert breathe around you.
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It’s touristy, it’s chaotic, but it’s a spectacle you won’t forget. Storytellers, snake charmers, fire dancers—it’s sensory overload in the best way. Watch it all unfold from a rooftop with a spiced negroni in hand.
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The anti-Essaouira. No crowds, no pretentious beach clubs—just rolling Atlantic waves, wild horses on the shore, and the scent of salt and cedar in the air.
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High above the Ourika Valley, this hidden retreat offers long, slow lunches overlooking snow-capped peaks and terraced orchards. Order the saffron chicken tagine and let the afternoon drift.
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Once a sleepy fishing village, now a laid-back surf mecca where the waves roll in as effortlessly as the good vibes. Whether you’re paddling into a glassy right-hander at Anchor Point or catching your first wave at Panorama Beach, this is where Morocco’s surf culture thrives. Post-surf, refuel with a fresh seafood grill and a mint tea overlooking the Atlantic.
Morocco isn’t just a place you visit - it’s a place that lingers. A scent of orange blossom on your scarf, a memory stitched into the fabric of a kilim, a rhythm that stays in your step long after you leave. So take the long way, lose the map, and let Morocco write itself into your story.
Go and discover your own Morocco.
Your curated SLOJOURN check-list for Morocco
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𓇼 Linen Everything – Marrakech will roast you in summer, but the desert nights get surprisingly cool. Stick to breathable layers and pack a light jacket for evenings under the stars.
𓇼 A Chic Scarf or Shawl – Multi-functional: use it for sun protection, temple visits, or to elevate a simple outfit. Bonus points if it’s handwoven from a local artisan.
𓇼 Desert-Worthy Footwear – Ditch the flimsy sandals. Opt for stylish-but-sturdy slides for city wanderings and lightweight boots for your desert escape.
𓇼 A Soft Tote Bag – The souks are a treasure trove of ceramics, spices, and handwoven baskets. You’ll want an extra bag for all your finds.
𓇼 SPF & Sunglasses – Moroccan sun is unforgiving. A wide-brimmed hat wouldn’t go astray, either.
𓇼 Notebook for Souk Bargaining – Pro tip: write down quoted prices as you go. It’s a game of patience, and knowing where you got the best deal is key.
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𓇼 Get Lost in the Medina (on Purpose) – The winding alleyways are designed to confuse, so lean into the chaos. Your best finds—whether it’s a hidden riad, a secret rooftop, or an antique Berber rug—won’t be on Google Maps.
𓇼 Cash is King – Many places (especially in the medina) don’t take cards. Stock up on dirhams at the airport or a local bank.
𓇼 Taxis & Transport – Always agree on a price before hopping into a taxi (or use the ‘Heetch’ app in cities for fairer rates). Long-distance? Book a private driver for stress-free exploring.
𓇼 Take the Train from Marrakech to Fes – It’s not the Orient Express, but it’s a scenic, slow-travel way to journey between Morocco’s two most evocative cities.
𓇼 Skip the Camel Rides (Unless Ethical) – Opt for desert camps that treat their camels with care, or swap it for a horse trek instead.
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𓇼 Mint Tea is a Ceremony, Not a Drink – Sip slowly, savour the ritual, and never decline a second pour—it’s a sign of hospitality.
𓇼 Learn the Art of Hammam – The Moroccan bathhouse experience is next level. Go for a traditional hammam scrub (expect to leave feeling like a newborn).
𓇼 Wake Up with Call to Prayer – The adhan ringing out over the medina at dawn is a moment that stays with you. Open your windows and let it be your Moroccan alarm clock.
𓇼 Dine Under the Stars – Whether in the Agafay desert or on a riad rooftop, a slow meal under the night sky is an unmissable part of the experience.
𓇼 Embrace the Bargain Hustle – Negotiating in the souks is an art, not an argument. Smile, start low, and walk away at least once before you seal the deal.
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𓇼 Support the Makers – Invest in handwoven Berber rugs, hand-dyed textiles, and brass lanterns from local artisans. Skip mass-produced souk stalls and buy directly from cooperatives or workshops where craftsmanship is preserved.
𓇼 Choose Ethical Desert Experiences – Opt for camps that honour the desert’s ecology and its nomadic communities. Ditch the touristy camel rides and go for a responsible trekking experience instead.
𓇼 Eat with Purpose – Dine at social enterprises and farm-to-table restaurants that empower local women and small-scale farmers. Your tagine tastes even better when it’s changing lives.
𓇼 Stay Where It Matters – Book riads and boutique stays that reinvest into heritage restoration, community initiatives, or environmental conservation. Every dirham spent thoughtfully helps sustain Morocco’s cultural fabric.
𓇼 Give Without Disrupting – Instead of handing out money or gifts to children in the streets, support grassroots NGOs working in education, women’s empowerment, and rural development. A well-placed donation has lasting impact.
𓇼 Tread Lightly in the Sahara – The desert is fragile—stick to eco-conscious camps, leave no trace, and swap plastic bottles for a reusable flask (many riads have filtered water stations).
𓇼 Honour the Hands Behind the Craft – From tanneries in Fes to pottery studios in Safi, seek out artisans who are keeping centuries-old techniques alive. Many rely on direct trade to sustain their families and traditions.

