Destination Morocco Podcast

Imagine getting to Marrakech,  your own private van waiting, driving up and over the High Atlas Mountains, across deserts and rocky outcroppings, little villages lining the hills along the way, and arriving in the gorgeous Dadès Valley: a sliver of green amongst the dry landscape. 

Your destination: an authentic Berber riad, recently renovated, overlooking the lush valley below. A cup of hot mint tea awaits, and your comfortable room, while your host Mehdi and his staff stand ready to take your order for dinner.

Labyrinth Kasbah is the scene for today's episode, recorded live on location from Dadès Valley itself, 200 miles from Marrakech in the shadow of the High Atlas. Host and owner Mehdi chats with Azdean about his story: returning to his home village with a university degree in tourism, to create a welcoming, authentic riad destination out of the original family home. 

Azdean and Mehdi discuss activities to do in Dadès Valley, including hiking and visiting waterfalls, and Mehdi suggests going for a "sand hammam:" instead of water, immersing yourself in the healing sand of the desert.

Labyrinth Kasbah is a place to truly feel the Berber culture on your visit through the south of Morocco. As Mehdi says, why fly hours and hours to Morocco to stay in a generic 5-star hotel, when you could have just as much comfort at a genuine Moroccan riad, at a better price, with more personal attention and authentic Moroccan hospitality? Especially when you're also surrounded by a stunning natural environment.

Berber culture at its best: visit destinationsmorocco.com to learn more and add a stay at Labyrinth Kasbah to your itinerary.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You've heard him share his passion for Morocco, tell stories of his childhood and Berber culture, interview riad owners and restauranteurs, and chat with his own clients who have been to Morocco over the past couple years, including even podcast producer Ted.

In all that time, our host Azdean has been at home, in Houston, patiently waiting for his turn to go back. Countless times since 2019, plans have fallen through, reservations have changed, intended trips have been pushed back. 2021 became 2022, and then 2023, making it four long years since he had seen family and friends, visited his home village, wandered the medina of Marrakech and sipped tea at his favorite hangout overlooking the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Today marks the beginning of Azdean and family's long-awaited return to their home country. Leaving from Houston, they must first make a stopover in Frankfurt, Germany, before connecting a few hours later to their flight to Casablanca. It is from Frankfurt that we catch up with Azdean, including a cameo from Imran, sharing with us live this special moment for them that has finally arrived.

Feel the palpable excitement as Azdean talks about the plans for their return, the reunions and introductions, and the plans to document it all for the podcast. In the coming weeks, we'll be visiting Berber villages and hearing the Ahwash style of drumming and dancing, heading back to Essaouira to check in on Xavier at his stunning riad and to visit the vibrant fish market, and touring the souks of Marrakech to chat with shop owners and tour guides.

This and so much more. Camera and audio crews will be accompanying Azdean throughout Morocco to document a typical Destination Morocco tour, showcasing the best of what the country has to offer.

We wish Azdean and his family a safe and happy return to their native land, and Destination Morocco podcast will be there throughout the adventure.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Nancy Crann visited Morocco for the first time at the end of 2022, in a trip that was about more than just adventure and discovery. It was also about loss and hope, pain and recovery. A cathartic release to ponder the next phase of her life. Little did she know the effect that Morocco would have on this journey.

Through the safety and ease of a guided tour, Nancy met fellow travellers from around the world, and discovered the kindness and generosity of native Moroccans, keen to welcome her into their homes and shops. 

Deep conversations and genuine interactions illuminated everything from food to music, language and architecture: stories of grief and joy that Nancy shares with Azdean on today's episode.

An avid photographer, throughout her trip Nancy rediscovered her passion for light, framing and perspective. In fact, this would then drive her decision to return to Morocco later this year, and embark on an even longer adventure. 

In their conversation today, Nancy shares what she has learned about travelling in Morocco: how to dress, what food to order, how to connect with locals and how to become a confident, assertive Moroccan traveller. Her and Azdean talk about responsible tourism and giving back, including a special project that Azdean is working on for his home village. 

Tune in for this inspiring episode about warmth and inclusion, community, storytelling and discovering all this and more when you travel to Morocco.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

One of Morocco's defining characteristics is its riads: homestays with a traditional twist. Riads give travellers everything from convenience and comfort to cultural immersion, all presented in a unique, distinctive package. 

Many listeners have inquired about what is the exact nature of a riad, what to expect when staying in one, how did they evolve in Morocco, how do they compare to hotels and why do they come so highly recommended.

Azdean is here today to share lots of info and get you excited to discover myriad riads yourself. Each one is different, which is inherent to the idea and concept. Each offer authenticity, space, privacy and modern amenities, typically within walking distance to the medina and souks.

Riads are an amazing option for families thanks to their warm, welcoming nature, in a safe and secure environment. Indeed, the owners/hosts of a riad typically live there themselves, so what better way to learn more about the Moroccan home and society.

Why stay anywhere else? Genuinely: you are far better served staying in a unique, comfortable and convenient riad in any Moroccan city rather than a generic hotel in the outskirts, far from the action and activities and well beyond walking distance from the medina.

It's a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to look for and what to request for accommodation, when you book your Destination Morocco tour. Let Azdean and his team know what you're looking for in a riad, and they'll put their resources and connections to work to find something that meets your criteria, including activities like cooking classes or in-house hammam spa treatments. Many riads offer these and more. 

After a busy day sightseeing, there is nothing better than relaxing on a comfy couch in a peaceful inner courtyard, sipping on mint tea and enjoying genuine Moroccan hospitality at a traditional riad.

You're about to learn:

• How riads different from AirBnb's.
• How a riad can offer personalized, individual service designed around your interests and needs.
• The history of riads, why they were built, who they were for and their impact upon Moroccan society.
• Comparing costs between riads and hotels, and the difference in value.
• Some of the activities available at a riad, or that can be organized by your hosts.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4: "Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them"

Book your riad via destinationsmorocco.com

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

In a first for Destination Morocco, we take you along on an authentic, immersive walking tour of the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira.

Walk with us as we explore the Medina, the ramparts, fishing harbour and market, artisan craftworks, and learn how the pluralistic, welcoming spirit of Essaouira made it a haven for multiple religions and languages, all living side by side. 

The audio is live, authentic and captured on-site. You'll hear street music, waves crashing, seagulls hunting for scraps, footsteps down quiet alleys and traders selling their wares. It's a genuine example of the type of local tour you can expect when you go with Destination Morocco.

Podcast producer Ted Cragg and his family has the chance to visit Morocco themselves in February of this year. Ted chatted with Azdean about it on our March 15 episode, particularly from the angle of travelling in Morocco with young kids. 

Essaouira was the final stop on their tour, and being a quieter, more laid-back place, it presented a perfect opportunity to do this live recording. The tour was led by a local guide, in this case Ait Bahadou Zaid, a veteran of Essaouira tours who typically escorts groups of 40-50 people at a time. 

However, being a Destination Morocco tour, Ted and family had Zaid for a private tour, and you’ll hear the full range of interactive questions and personalized commentary. 

As Ted explains, as a listener himself, it was the pinch-me moment he had dreamed of since learning about Essaouira in Episode 7. Of all the fabulous sights in Morocco, it was this small oceanside city with its sweeping sandy beach, moderate climate and relaxed feel that was the place he was most excited to see.

To capture its charm and spirit was the goal of this episode, and it will undoubtedly inspire you to go and discover it yourself.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Essaouira, Morroco

Episode Blog post with more photos of the tour.

Episode 7: "Discover Essaouira, Morocco's Coastal Gem"

Episode 25: "Family Travel in Morocco"

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Casablanca and Rabat, separated by scarcely an hour's drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast, are Morocco's twin cities of misconception.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, the wealthiest, the economic driver: the largest port in Morocco, immortalized by Hollywood and home to the country's principal international airport.

Rabat is the country's capital, an imperial city, full of grand boulevards, parks and beaches. In a country full of royal palaces, this is the one where the King actually lives most of the time.

And yet, they are the two major cities often passed over by travellers, or at best given an hour or two before heading out towards Chefchaouen, Fès or Marrakech.

Azdean and Sam chat today about that reality, as it does often feature on Destination Morocco tours. It comes down to how much time you have, and what your priorities are.

Casablanca has a historic Jewish Quarter, great public squares for people-watching, art galleries, restaurants and the best night life in the country.

Rabat has beautiful museums, reflecting its stature as national capital and a stately city. It offers a more calm, quiet ambience than Morocco's other big cities, and that alone is a nice change of pace.

Our episode today is an overview of things to see and do in these two cities, whether you have a short amount of time or can add an extra day or two to your itinerary. You won't regret it.

Sights Mentioned in this episode:

CASABLANCA:
Hassan II Mosque

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Royal Palace of Casablanca

Mohammed V Square

Villa des Arts museum and cultural centre

Rick's Café

Jewish Quarter

RABAT:
Medina

Royal Palace of Rabat

Mohammed V Mausoleum/Hassan Tower

Kasbah of the Udayas/Andalusian Gardens

Amazing viewpoint

Bab Rouah Gate and Art Gallery

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Marrakech is often the top destination in mind for travellers planning a trip to Morocco, and in today's episode Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco's Operations Manager, Sam, live from Marrakech, to chat about all kinds of activities and recommendations that make a visit there more complete.

The central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace, the medina and the Majorelle Gardens are all wonderful starting points. What are some options though after you've spent some quality time in those places, and are ready to see more?

Marrakech is a great home base for everything from day hikes in the Atlas Mountains, to exciting desert activities in Agafay, hot air balloon rides from the nearby plains or a day trip to Essaouira.

Or you can stay in town and check out the many fascinating museums, which shine a light on Berber culture. Food tours and cooking classes are another great option to keep you busy. Find some new skills to take home with you and make your own tagines!

It's a fun conversation with our man on the ground in Marrakech, bringing this vibrant city closer to home for our listeners.

Here are some of the activities we cover today:

• Taking a Moroccan cooking class or cooking tour
• Going on a food tour, and/or a street food tour specifically
• Enjoying an early morning hot air balloon ride
• Visiting Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains
• Hiking in the mountains
• Discovering four of the premier museums in Marrkech
• Visiting the Sahara Desert and kasbahs
• Making a side trip to Essaouira
• Getting out to the Agafay Desert

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode: Balloon Rides over Marrakech and Mountains

Imlil (the popular Atlas hiking starting base)

Aroumd (another Atlas hiking base) 

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Berber Museum at Majorelle Gardens

Tiskiwin Museum, Marrakech

Photography Museum

Dar El Bacha Museum

Taghazout, fishing and surfing spot near Agadir

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Families are frequent guests on Destination Morocco tours, and we have been keen to shine a light on that experience here on the podcast, and the particular advantages and challenges therein.

And what better opportunity to do so than the one we had in February of this year! If you remember back to our episode of January 1st, 2023, Azdean and Ted, the producer of Destination Morocco podcast, mentioned that there was a possiblity of Ted and his family actually going to Morocco in the near future. 

The key was to factor in the needs and interests of the kids. At 5 and 7 years old, Ted and his wife Emilie's kids are certainly in the younger range of guests. Everything from safety, health and cleanliness, crowds and motorbikes, long-distance driving, meals, activities, restrooms, walking tours and more had to be seen through their eyes. This is what makes family travel different from your standard tour for adults.

Here today to tell the story and provide an overview of the experience is Ted himself, joining Azdean to chat about their wonderful tour. They discuss logistics, timing, accommodation, planning and the mentality you need to approach family travel to Morocco. It's a stunning and unique country, but it can be intense too: 

• How did the kids handle the crowds, the noise, the traffic, the food? 
• Would the family have been able to go by themselves, even as experienced travellers? 
• And how was the tour able to adapt and be spontaneous as energy levels, hunger and bathroom needs evolved?

If you are considering heading to Morocco with your young kids, or have already booked your tickets, tune in to this episode for a great overview of information and inspiration!

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode: Live and Immersive Walking Tour of Essaouira

Episode: Exploring the South of Morocco, with Driss

Episode: Exciting Plans for the Podcast in 2023, with Ted

Ted Cragg Podcasting

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

One of the highlights of a visit to Morocco is getting a henna art design, something as authentically Moroccan as tagines and desert camping. More than just a decorative activity, henna has deep cultural roots in Morocco, particularly for women.

Our guest today is an expert henna artist, offering design experiences to travellers from around the world out of her home studio in Marrakech. Many listeners and guests on the podcast have had this experience themselves.

But few of us have known her remarkable true life story, until now. Born in a mountain village in the High Atlas mountains, Siham was put into an arranged marriage in the mid-2000's, and became pregnant at the age of 19. Despite being worldly and well-educated, she was facing a bleak future in a society of pre-determined roles and customs.

In today's episode, Siham shares how she took control of her and her daughter's lives, making bold choices and becoming self sufficient. Key to this achievement was her ability as an artist, which opened doors and opportunities in tourism and beyond.

Azdean and Siham talk about the power and strength of women in Morocco, the many barriers that still exist, yet the inspiring examples of Siham and others like her.

We learn about the history of henna, and the many occasions where it is used. Siham explains how henna parties are a part of a bride's wedding preparation: more than just an art session, it's a major event!

And being so popular an activity, scams to hook tourists in will inevitably abound, at the Jamma el Fna square in Marrakech in particular. There are numerous reasons to avoid these and other scams, and Siham shares some horror stories of "tattoos" gone wrong and exorbitant fees charged.

If and when you're in Marrakech, go for the real deal: an all-natural, custom-designed henna experience from an authentic artist. Siham is a wonderful artist, host, cook, guide and more, and will welcome you into her home with open arms.

You're about to learn:

• What exactly is henna, the plant.
• How henna differs around the world, and the Moroccan interpretation of it.
• How henna paste is made, and when it should be made.
• Why authentic, hand-mixed henna paste is not just better quality but will last much longer than what you find in the square, where it is chemical and cheap.
• Can you buy the hand-mixed paste and do it yourself?
• What tool Siham uses to create her designs.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Today's episode marks the beginning of our shift towards the south of Morocco here on Destination Morocco podcast.

If you are looking for a Moroccan experience a little more rugged and raw, a little less touristy, and very authentic, you will find the southern half of Morocco fascinating.

Starting from Marrakech as a base, a typical tour will cover deserts, high mountains, deep gorges, genuine Berber villages dating back centuries, and plenty of local culture, with a touch of Hollywood along the way.

Come with us in search of spices, fresh dates, saffron, henna, fossils and mint tea.

Taking us on our tour today is one of Destination Morocco's guides, Driss Maaza, who traces some of the historical connections amongst trading peoples and royalty, over many hundreds of years. We'll be travelling along the same historic caravan route from Timbuktu to Marrakech that still exists today.

Azdean and Driss uncover all kinds of activities, stunning views, places to go hiking, unique museums, and an area that traditionally does not get quite as much attention as the north.

You'll hear why Driss is the perfect person to describe this area and inspire you to visit.

Sights and highlights mentioned in this episode (with Google Maps links):

Marrakech

Telouet/Onila Valley

Ouarzazate

Aït Benhaddou

Skoura

Kasbah Amridil (Museum featured in Lawrence of Arabia and on the 50 Dirham bank note)

Dadès Valley/Gorge

Tinejdad

Ksar Elkhorbat (Ancient village and Berber museum)

Rissani

Nkob

Ziz Valley

Agdz

Solar Power station near Ouarzazate (Incredible satellite view)

Imlil village (Hiking base)

Toubkal mtn., highest in North Africa

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.