5 Things that Make Morocco a Unique Place to Travel?

Morocco is a unique place to visit for many reasons. In this post, we will explore some of the apsects that make Morocco stand out from other travel destinations.

#1 THE LANDSCAPE

What comes to mind when yout think of Moroccan landscape? Crowded cities with busy medinas? Or the sand dunes of the Sahara? Both are prevalent aspects of Morocco's vast beauty. But the landscape is hugely diverse.

One region mimic Switerland as the rolling green hills cover miles of land. You can also see the beautiful green Oasis parts of the desert. These areas are the lifeblood of some desert dwellers. Here, you can find and eat fresh dates found on palm trees.

But the most majestic, and perhaps lesser known type of landscape are the mountains of the High Atlas. Comparable to Utah's Zion National park, the cliffs of Toudra Gorge rise high above the turquoise colored river, making a nice, cool hom to nomad families in summer months. You can see layers of vibrant orange and brown as you admire the endless mountain tops of the Atlas range.

#2 THE NOMADIC LIFESTYLE

The people who live nomadic lifestyles live the most fascinating, and awe inspiring lives. Even since the days of old, these people carry on traditions of thier fathers that were established thousands of years ago.

The people live in blanketed dwellings they have established near places of water. And when the water or vegetation gets too scarce, they move to another place. They move with their families, and with thier animals. And then they adapt to a new place.

"Water is life" as the desert dwellers say. For the nomads, it is quite literal. Sadly, the nomadic lifestyle consistantly faces certain threats such as less and less water in the region, and people becoming less tolerable of the way of life. But to me, it's one of the most beautiful examples of life I've ever encountered.

The self sustainablility, and the deep cultural traditions the people use to survive have lived on for centuries. It's a type of culture imbedded deep within them. The nomads don't veer from what they've been taught becuase they know what they were taught is what is keeping them alive.

Visitors can have the most unique experience with nomad families. Some of the nomads welcome tourists into their dwellilngs, offering tea or berber pizza. It's the perfect opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves into an eye opening, life changing culture. This is a chance to see first hand that it takes only requires little for a person to find happiness.

#3 THE ARCHITECTURE

You won't find yourself sitting in a recognizable setting when you eat your meals. every restaurant you eat at, every Riad you sleep in, and every street you walk will have interesting things to look at.

The unique Moroccan architecture is a type that attracts photographers from around the world. But you wouldn't necessarily know the the beauty from the outside. And here's why...

The buildings are made to seem basic from the outer appearance. You might walk down the isle of a medina, and not notice anything special. However, when you walk inside, you will be blown away by the beauty, and detail of the building. This mimics a beautiful belief the people adhere to, that "It's not what's on the outside that matters, but what is on the inside."

One special, and even more eye appealing place in Morocco is of course the blue city, or Chefchaouen. If you enjoy taking photos, this is your place. Around every corner and wall is another unique site. You won't get very far in the tiny city becaue you will be stopping for photos every few feet.

Morocco is also home to many Kasbah villages. These are fortresses, beautifully constructed of clay. You will see many as you drive over the vast landscape.

Lastly, the medias of areas like Fes and Marrakech have many beautiful buildings. If you have an eye for detail, you will love even walking the parts of the medinas. Although the outside of the beautiful buildings aren't built for show, you will find beautiful colors, interesting doors, and unique ally ways everywhere you go.

Morocco is a place where you can look and look for days, and never get bored of what you're seeing.

#4

THE CULTURE

Your favorite spot in Morocco might be the place Moroccans don't care for as much, the medina. The hustle and bustle of the main square of Marrakech creates a sight for the outsider. Snake charmers, performers, and motorcyclists in a hurry will stop you before you enter into the rich walls of the medina. Inside, you will find endless shops with souvenirs to take home. Items tourists go crazy over are things like argon oil, pottery, and leather to name a few. You'll want to bring extra luggage to fit all of your take home treasures.

But perhaps Morocco's most enriching offer requires a closer look. you might find yourself sitting with the hotel worker who pours you a cup of tea from 2 feet above. Or inside a tent with a nomad who has prepared a glass for you.

You may find the rug shop, where the owner explains exactly how the wool is collected, and flowers gathered to make the deep, rich colors in the rug. You'll sit and watch the Berber ladies hand weave the rug, as she and her team create the most fascinating designs.

If you're extra lucky, you might find an authentic ceramic shop, where you'll see people placing each tiny piece perfectly, making no mistakes. Or possibly the man who shows you how he makes clay from dirt, and then sculpts items from hand.

As you walk the streets, you'll find interesting stands with beautiful, colorful food such as fruit, bread or fish. And when you enter some towns, your guide might explaind to you the community ovens that have scheduled timesfor the community women to have their bread baked.

There are endless aspects of the Moroccan culture that will seem interesting and new. And if you know how to embrace culture not of your own, you will never get bored.

#5 THE PEOPLE

The final reason I keep going back to Morocco has to do with the people there. The welcoming and nurturing nature of the people I come in contact with, leaves me with a feeling of gratitude for that type of connection. The example of familial communities and the support the people give to each other is something that is rare to find.

Along your way in Morocco you will meet your guides, hotel workers, shop owners, camel guides, and the workers at the camp. All with leave you with a lasting impression and a feeling you will want to stay forever. A feeling you'll search for in your own community, and want to share with others around you.

Perhaps my most favorite connections though are the ones I make with the nomad families. Even though little to no communication is verbalized due to the language barrier, their simple nature and way of living instantly fills me with admiration. They will possibly invite you into their dwelling (hut or cave), and it will remind you what it's like to care for those around you. In Merzouga, you can experience the tourist part of the Nomad village, where the Berber people will welcome you with open arms in to their dwelling for tea. You will get to experience their bright smiles, and keen friendship. And this will be a memory you will never forget.