Destination Morocco Podcast

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/8c83YIlxYqc

Here at Destination Morocco, we receive questions all the time about how to prepare for a trip to Morocco and what to expect. We love being able to help out our fellow travellers and help you avoid the sense of shock, while preserving the sense of adventure, once you arrive in our homeland.

This episode is the first of a series that will answer travel questions about Morocco, grouped together in various themes. Today, we are focusing on what to prepare before-hand, whether it's packing, medication, passports and documents, and so much more. As well as some of the initial steps to take once you arrive, particularly finding cash and bottled water.

We talk about the best times to visit, what languages to expect, and the country's tipping etiquette. No more awkward moments wondering if you should tip your cab driver or your tour guide!

Morocco is a tremendously photogenic country, and the temptation to bring your drone is very high. We break down Morocco's photography rules and drone regulations, ensuring you capture stunning views without breaking any laws. Plus, we'll tackle the topic of travel insurance—when to get it, why it's crucial, and what coverage to look for for your trip.

When it comes to food, should you just dive right in? Or maybe pace yourself and allow your stomach to adjust? Azdean has a great recommendation for adapting to the cuisine, particularly when it comes to sampling meat dishes.

And no adventure is complete without knowing where to rest your weary head. We guide you through the differences in accommodation,  from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious four-star riads and hotels.

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Don't forget our Live Q&A sessions with Azdean,  the 2nd Wednesday of each month, starting at 9 am PT/12 noon ET. Upcoming dates include October 11, November 8 and December 13. We're keen to get more interaction with our listeners and answer live more of your questions about tour planning to Morocco.

Visit destinationsmorocco.com and click the button at the top to find the link to this live event. You can send questions in advance, observe as an "Audience" member, and even request to join us live on the show!

If you are picturing your own Moroccan adventure and have important, urgent questions about anything from costs and safety to food and accommodation, get them answered with Azdean at our live Q&A's.

https://destinationsmorocco.com/live-qa

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Ceasha Micallef had her dream tour to Morocco booked months in advance, with a departure date of Friday, September 8, 2023.

As she was in-flight over the Atlantic, heading for a stopover in Paris before going on to Casablanca, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Morocco. She arrived at the airport to text messages and missed calls from family and friends, wondering if she was still able to go. In truth, she wasn't sure herself.

Back and forth texts with the Destination Morocco team in Marrakech, particularly with her driver, Mohammed, quickly confirmed that the country was safe, the trip was still on and they would make any adjustments necessary. Ceasha boarded the connecting flight and carried on to Casablanca, and it turned into one of the greatest, most meaningful trips this veteran of 20+ countries has ever experienced.

Now, Ceasha is back home in Toronto and chatting with Azdean about her time in Morocco, the exhilarating adventure in Merzouga Desert, the beautiful drives through the High Atlas Mountains, incredible food and wonderful, warm hospitality.

Ceasha's vivid description of her time there - the zenith of tranquility, spiritual connections symbolized by green orbs, the raw thrill of quad rides in the sand dunes, and immersing herself in the local culture through a cooking class - will leave you wanting to follow in her footsteps. Tourism is the best way for the country and its economy to get back on its feet.

She and Azdean also break down the tipping etiquette in Morocco, offering practical advice on this often tricky subject.

But it's not just about the sights and sounds of exotic locales. It's the people who make the journey unforgettable. Hear Ceasha recount the special bond formed with her driver Mohammed and the camaraderie they built over the span of her trip. They also visit Le Patron/Deux Ciels restaurant, featured in one of our recent walking tour episodes of Marrakech.

After the blur of the past three weeks, Ceasha helps us make sense of the earthquake's impact on southern Morocco with her first-hand knowledge and insight, confirming that it is open and safe: a tremendous reassurance for everyone.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Unearth the mesmerizing allure of Morocco, as Sam, our Destination Morocco insider, guides us through the highlights of a typical Northern and Southern Tour.

In this episode of Destination Morocco, we put particular emphasis on the entrance fees to these famous sights and attractions, including which ones are free. Sam is careful to convert from Moroccan Dirhams into US Dollars which, as it turns out, is a pretty straightforward process.

Our route takes us from Marrakech to Essaouira, then Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Meknes, Ouarzazate and the Atlas Studios, Merzouga Desert, the Canyons of the south, hiking villages of the High Atlas Mountains, particularly Midelt, then back to Tangier, Chefchaouen and neighboring Akchour.

We deliver insider tips and insights into these must-see sights that are sure to make your Moroccan adventure truly unforgettable.

And beyond just the regular tourist highlights, we tap into activities and options, their costs and how much time they take, for when you have more than just a day or two at a particular stop. One can absolutely spend 3 or 4 days in Merzouga or Chefchaouen, Tangier or Rabat, and find lots to discover and explore. These are the cultural immersions and off-the-beaten-path secrets that most tourists don't get to.

We conclude this episode on a poignant note, as Sam shares his deeply moving experience delivering aid to villages affected by the recent earthquake. His heartfelt retelling of the gratitude expressed by the locals is a powerful reminder of the spirit of community and resilience in Morocco.

We'll continue to have more earthquake updates over the coming weeks, as Morocco gets back on its feet. But in the meantime, the most important message is: come! Come visit Morocco, bring your energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. Nothing will help recovery more than having your presence with us.

You can donate to Destionation Morocco's earthquake relief here:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/relief

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode is the audio replay of our first Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

You can find the video version here.

Visit our Relief page to find out how you can donate to earthquake recovery efforts.

As you may know, we had been planning this event for the past few weeks, with a focus on how to plan your bucket list of things to see and do in Morocco.

The earthquake near Marrakech on Sept. 8 immediately turned our focus to sharing as much information as possible on the state of recovery, on whether people can still travel to Morocco and what they can expect there.

The short answer is: yes! People are still travelling in and to Morocco, and most of the country has been unaffected. Even in Marrakech, 5 days after the disaster, streets are already being cleared and businesses are reopening, if they closed at all. Most of the new city was only minimally damaged. The older, brick and mortar buildings of the Medina were much more susceptible to damage, but most of the riads remain open. 

Destination Morocco's office manager in Marrakech, Sam, joins the call today with a report on-location, filling us in on the state of recovery, and how the company and its tours are adapting.

This conversation is also about the extraordinary unity and generosity that emerges from adversity. Hear firsthand how Berber/Amazigh people from around the world have came together to provide aid. Also, you'll get an inside look at the relief efforts orchestrated by the Destination Morocco team. We touch on the cultural respect and etiquette, vital to understand if you're planning a visit during the recovery period.

As we round off the discussion, we explore the rebuilding efforts, particularly in the mountainous regions of Morocco. We highlight the role of technology in visualizing the impact and the importance of donations in this phase. If Morocco is on your travel wish list, we assure you of its safety and rich cultural experiences waiting to be explored. From its unique architectural styles to stunning landscapes, Morocco beckons you with its captivating charm.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Friday night's earthquake in Morocco was sudden and unexpected, and hit home for us here at Destination Morocco. Our office is based in Marrakech and sustained damage, and many of our staff are now homeless. Azdean, based in Houston, felt stuck and helpless, trying to figure out what he could do from so far away.

Many of our podcast listeners and former clients have reached out with their condolences and offers of help, for which we are very thankful and appreciative.

As we come to terms with this disaster, we know that the Moroccan people are very strong and resilient, will help each other to recover, and will rebuild. We know that tourism will continue, and we encourage people to keep planning their trips and bucket lists. Although Marrakech sustained a lot of damage, being closer to the epicentre, most of the country was untouched. The spirit and energy of travellers will help us enormously with the recovery in the weeks and months ahead.

Azdean is joined in today's quick episode by producer Ted to share the latest news and updates that he is aware of from Morocco. The situation is changing and evolving with every passing hour. We'll be making the most of the podcast platform to share updates as we receive them, and keep you apprised of ways to help.

Earthquake Relief for Moroccan Communities (Donate button)

As you may be aware, we have had a live Q&A session with Azdean scheduled for this Wednesday, September 13th at 9 AM Pacific Time, 12 noon Eastern, to answer questions on planning a memorable itinerary to Morocco.

We will continue with this event, but understandably our focus will change to answering your questions on the latest earthquake updates and response, how it will impact travel, what remains open, and what people can do to help.

We are in a privileged position at Destination Morocco in having direct access to aid workers and community organizations on the ground, and can coordinate funding and supplies to them quickly and efficiently.

Azdean has been working the phones day and night to put the pieces in place and pass the details along to you. Please join us Wednesday if you can, to learn more and have your questions answered directly. Simply follow the link below to join us live, or you can click here to RSVP and add a reminder to your calendar.

The event will be recorded, and of course we will have continuing updates on the website and the podcast.

Direct link for Wednesday's live event (session opens at 12 noon EDT):

riverside.fm/studio/destination-morocco-live-qas

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Azdean spent the summer of 2023 researching attractions, riads, hotels, restaurants and activities in Morocco, gathering information to give Destination Morocco clients an even better, more authentic experience.

He and his team also captured hours of audio and video footage, which is being rolled out on the Destination Morocco podcast and the new YouTube channel.

All in all, it was a lot of logistical planning that put him in the shoes of his clients: figuring out where to go, what to see and for how long.

Today Azdean and Ted Cragg, the podcast producer, chat about the tour experience and how listeners can relate when it comes to making the choices for their own tours. From food stops, temperature, driving times, everyday costs, to famous sights and more obscure ones, there is lots in this episode to help you gather ideas and suggestions for your own itinerary, and get a behind the scenes look at Destination Morocco.

We're also excited to announce our first Live Q&A session with Azdean, coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 9 am PDT/12 noon EDT. We're keen to get more interaction with our listeners and hear your questions about tour planning to Morocco.

Visit destinationsmorocco.com and click the button at the top to find the link to this live event. You can send questions in advance, observe as an "Audience" member, and even request to join us live on the show!

It's the first of recurring monthly events, taking place the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you are picturing your own Moroccan adventure and have important, urgent questions about anything from costs and safety to food and accommodation, get them answered with Azdean at our live Q&A's.

https://destinationsmorocco.com/live-qa

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

In today's episode, we continue our wandering through the medina of Marrakech, as Azdean visits artisanal workshops, souks and a particularly delectable seafood restaurant.

Picture yourself in a bustling wool and cotton workshop, the air thick with stories of craftsmanship as we learn how natural colors like indigo, orange, and even black breathe life into the fabric. You'll almost feel the soft touch of cactus silk while we dig into the secrets of these age-old crafts, by chatting with passionate shop owners.

Spinning wheels and looms give way to chisels and saws as we pop into a wood shop, where they make intricate wood carvings for all kinds of useful and decorative items. You'll hear the craftsman talk about his preparation methods and the different types of wood he uses, and we get our microphones right in there as he's chipping, sawing and sanding his next creation.

At this point, we're ready for a meal, and fortunately one of Destination Morocco's valued partners is just a few minutes' walk from the medina. Azdean and Sam visit the remarkable seafood restaurant, le Patron de la Mer, where fresh seafood arrives daily by truck from the Atlantic coast, hundreds of kilometres away. The focus is on Mediterranean cuisine, and the decor and entertainment are a blend of European and Moroccan influences.

Azdean chats with the delightful manager, Kenza, who generously shares her experiences and takes us on an audio tour of the restaurant. You'll practically taste the seafood, feel the warmth of the hospitality, and be swept up in the rhythm of life in Marrakech.

From wool shawls to wood carvings to seafood tastings, imagine yourself on location with us at Destination Morocco podcast, exploring the fabulous medina of Marrakech.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Our Marrakech walking tour continues in today's episode, as Azdean and local guide Youssef explore the historic Medina, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa and conclude with a visit to the famous Majorelle Garden.

In Part One, we made three stops, focusing around three sights on the south side of the Medina, or city centre: the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the El Badi Palace, a stunning ruin that was once full of jewels, art and precious stones, and the Bahia Palace, which is still standing, and is one of the absolute must-sees of Marrakech. 

Click here to find Part One of the audio tour!

In Part Two, Youssef explains to us how medinas are organized, including their six essential components. He delves into the significance of Koranic schools, and describes the still-active public fountain and communal oven. 

Then, the winding path leads us to the lush embrace of the Majorelle Garden, which so many of our listeners and clients are keen to visit. It is truly an oasis amongst the hustle and energy of Marrakech. Youssef tells us who founded the gardens, the connection to Yves St-Laurent (who was not the founder but whose name is often attached to it), some tips for photography and the best visiting times. 

Did you know that the medina in Marrakech is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the country, dating back to the 11th Century, and was built to cater to the caravan trade, coming in across the mountains from the Sahara Desert? Imagine the mix of cultures, languages, food and goods that was all happening right here. 

And it still does, just in a more modern way! You can follow in the footsteps of ancient traders and contemporary tourists by booking a tour with Destination Morocco. Make sure you tell us which of Marrakech's highlights you don't want to miss, and we will add it to your custom-built itinerary.

Simply visit our website, destinationsmorocco.com, and you'll see the big button at the top: "Let's Plan Your Trip."

Come along with us, let's uncover the mysteries of Morocco together!

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Prepare to embark on a journey through the vibrant energy and rich history of Marrakech in today's episode. Azdean teams up with local guide Youssef to explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter known as the Mellah - a testament to integration and cooperation between diverse religions and cultures. As we wander through this neighborhood, the ruins of the 16th-century Badia (Badi) Palace and the stunning Bahia Palace showcase the intricate Moorish architecture and the historical context that shaped them.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the gates, as Youssef leads us into the private quarters of the Bahia Palace itself, where we are granted access to record and document the tour. Here, we learn the marvels of Moorish architectural innovation that incorporates local materials, along with pre-industrial air conditioning! 

The serene garden, a distinct feature of this architectural style, beautifully encapsulates the tranquility and grandeur of the palace. Journey with us into the central courtyard, featured in the cover photo of this episode, and learn the history of why it has a specific number of rooms, all laid out in symmetrical style, and what they were used for.

Our immersive audio tour unravels the unique story of the Grand Vizier of the Bahia Palace, who made the intriguing decision to employ only blind musicians! And listen closely as we wander through, when the call to prayer starts in the background.

On our walk today, you'll hear some of the tourists and big groups in the background, being hustled along. But like Azdean, you'll have your own private guide. Our tours always go at your own pace, sidestepping the crowds and taking the time to explore. 

Our next episode will follow up on today with part two of our walking tour, which takes us over through the old Medina and to the famous Marjorelle Gardens.  But now, imagine, you're standing with Azdean along the Rue Bahia Bab Mellah, the main street connecting the two palaces, with the Mellah in between, as Youssef starts his tour, amongst the lively energy and excitement of Marrakech.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, we continue on our southern tour of Morocco, and arrive in what is often considered the highlight of a traveller's time in Morocco: the Merzouga Desert itself. Our host is Said, manager and co-owner of Sahara Sky Luxury Camp, located in the heart of the desert, yet just 38 km from the town of Erfoud, the local service centre. 

Said and Azdean sit down to talk about how he founded his camp, how they maintain their own animals and gardens in the desert, their emphasis on organic ingredients in their incredible food, and how the food itself is different than your standard Moroccan fare. When you're ready to go beyond the tagines and couscous, Said and his kitchen have wonderful, original recipes for you to try.

Said gives us a glimpse into daily life at the camp, and shares fascinating perspective on his family history. Said's own grandparents were traditional nomads, and Said himself is not far removed from that reality.

All this in addition to a surprising number of activities, located on-site or a short drive away. The desert is about more than just camel rides and dune buggies, although you shouldn't miss out on doing them either! But the Merzouga area has a number of important cultural sites, some dating back hundreds or thousands of years, that connect the area to Berber and North African history, and Said can easily arrange for you a tour. Or you can take part in cooking classes and musical performances at the camp itself, before relaxing under the stars. This is Merzouga, and nothing compares to the show that is put on by the night sky.

You'll hear peacocks and cats in the background as we chat, and close your eyes to imagine yourself in this beautiful desert paradise. Because of course, you yourself can experience all this too! 

Contact us at Destination Morocco and learn about our custom-built itineraries and tour packages. We love to profile our partners and attractions in our episodes, which you can then be sure to request as part of your own tour.

Visit destinationsmorocco.com to learn more and add a stay in Merzouga Desert to your itinerary.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.