Authenticity — it best describes both the Kingdom of Morocco, as well the justification to visit this enchanted land, the gatekeeper of Africa and Europe. In a time when travel landscapes and experiences often blur, and where what I like to call the ‘McDonald’s standardisation’ is sweeping the globe, Morocco flies the flag high, as a bastion of character and culture.
Just last year, I had the pleasure of visiting the trans-continental city of Istanbul, which straddles the blue waters of the Bosphorus Strait, making itself both European and Asian in one swoop. It was in this city that I fell in love with the captivating melting pot of trans-continental culture, thus making Morocco a forgone conclusion for the next trip my husband and I took.
As a place to travel, Morocco calls out to you, right from the start. Even something as mundane as booking tickets set my heart racing as I chose ‘Casablanca’ from the destination dropdown of the Etihad website. Flight booking was followed by happy confusion — of choosing destinations within Morocco.
As we did Google searches and thumbed through guides, instead of clarity, the options just got vaster and wilder. Deserts with golden sand dunes, ancient imperial cities, mythical mountain ranges, and quaint seaside towns — I wanted to visit them all! Luckily Morocco’s geography allowed us to sample a variety of its delights.
Our nine-day trip started with a touchdown in Casablanca, from where we took the train to the former capital Marrakesh. After three glorious days in the Red City, we drove to the Atlas Mountains for two days. We rounded off our time in Morocco in the fortified port city of Essaouira, where we spent three lazy summer days by the Atlantic.
As I mentioned at the get-go, Morocco exudes authenticity. Everything is in accordance with time-old rituals and rhythms, with minimal infusion of all that is new, shiny and global.
Whether it is the fact that an ordinance in Marrakesh prevents any buildings from being built higher that an 800-year-old mosque, the fact that daily bread is still baked in community ovens, that communal bath houses or hammams are the best spots for neighbourhood gossip or that high in the Atlas Mountains, despite being less than two hours away from a bustling metropolis of a million people, the old way of life, sans modern comforts, is the preferred way to live.
This was a snippet from our guide Rashid, as we trekked beaten paths to see some of Africa’s highest inhabited villages. As we stopped to take in the panoramic views, Rashid turned to me and said, “I lived away for two years, but I couldn’t any longer, the mountains never let you go!”
Authenticity apart, Morocco is an assault on your senses. From its delicacies(?) of snail and sheep’s eye, you can sample, the soulful folk musicians who play on street corners, the aroma of spices and mint tea that permeate the air, or the riotous colours of the Berber carpets that are sold in the old souks or marketplaces. It is a place where everything is an experience.
Despite all this goodness, the ultimate delight in Morocco was its people. Our trip, which coincided with the holy month of Ramadan was filled with their smiles, generosity and legendary Berber hospitality. It is no small wonder that it was with joyous and full hearts we bid adieu to this Arabian Nights fantasy come true, and cannot wait for the opportunity to say Salam Aleikum, Maroc (official French name of Morocco), once again!
Getting there: All middle-eastern carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar have flights from major Indian cities to Morocco's main hub — Casablanca, with a single stopover. The flights range between 12 to 20 hours and tickets cost between 37,000 to Rs 50,000 per person.
Visas: Moroccan visas are slightly tricky to obtain, but with all documents in place and a good travel agent, there shouldn't be too much trouble. A travel agent is essential for this part of the trip as you can't obtain the visa by yourself (unless you live in New Delhi) or through VFS.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). MAD 1 = approximately Rs 7. There are ATMs and money exchange facilities available in all big cities.
Best time to visit: September to May/ early June. July and August are the peak of summer, and very hot. Due to the Atlantic Coast and Sahara Desert, Morocco has extremities in climate such as very hot days and at the same time cold nights. The mountains are cold and snow covered from October to April.
Language: Moroccan Arabic, French, Amazigh (Berber) and English in most cities.
Getting around: Between big cities such as Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Fes, there are internal flights, trains and bus facilities available at reasonable costs. If you want a bit more flexibility or wish to go to places off the beaten track, consider hiring a taxi at a higher cost.
Accommodation: Morocco has a wide range of accommodation for every budget. Make sure you stay in a Riad — which is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard. Our recommendations are the quaint and wonderfully located RiadAlwachma in Marrakesh and the beautifully restored and refurbished RiadMalaika in Essaouira.
Buy: Moroccan spices, Berber carpets, metal work lamps and lanterns, handmade ceramics and pottery, tagines (traditional cooking vessels), leather articles, and argan oil which is the oil from the fruit of the argan tree found only in Morocco and is attributed with wonderful healing properties for hair and skin.
Budget: Morocco is one of those countries which allows for huge budget elasticity. Accommodation and entrances to attractions in Morocco gives you great value for money, however food and activities are on the higher side.
The writer is a lover of all things food, art and travel as well as a legal policy researcher at Daksh, a Bengaluru-based civil society organisation.
