Morocco

Okay so my original plan for this blog was to go in order starting from the first trip I did & ending with the last, but omg you guys I just can’t wait that long to write about this trip. I think I learned more in my two days in Morocco than I have in all my 21 years combined. This country & these people have simultaneously left me at a loss for words while also filling me to the brim with light & love & laughter. (Disclaimer: this was written while my mind was actively exploding in Morocco)

Morocco has been my number one must see place for so many years now. I’m so happy to say that it did not disappoint what so ever. A huge part of this was because of the tour we did and I 1000% recommend them to anyone who is hoping to explore this country. We went through saharatrips.com and did the 2 day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga!

After one night in Morocco on our own, we got picked up at 6am to begin our journey into the Sahara. After an hour or so in the car and once we had climbed to the top of the High Atlas Mountains, we reached our first stop. Breakfast, consisting of berber omelets (the best eggs of my life), homemade bread and oj. Next door we were able to watch as local women made Argan oil and it was absolutely incredible. Some more time in the car and we were able to see the infamous Aït Benhaddou which has been the backdrop for many films including parts of Game Of Thrones! The landscape in this area of the country was super lush and I was surprised by how much agriculture took place there. Roses are a big product in this area and because of that, our next stop allowed us to watch as rose water was produced! The smells on this first leg of the trip are something I hope to never forget. My favorite pit stop came next! Beautiful Moroccan ladies dressed each of us up in traditional Moroccan dresses, scarfs and jewelry. To say I felt like the coolest person in the world is an understatement. The love these people have for their culture is contagious and it was fascinating to be welcomed so lovingly.

I can’t lie, this trip consisted of lotsssss of time in the car but it really goes by much quicker than you would expect. 11 hours passed by like the blink of an eye and before I knew it, we were in sight of the Saharan sand dunes.

Every inch of this landscape is mind blowing and the people make it even better. We had the opportunity to explore a nomad camp and meet people who actually grew up traveling around the desert with no permanent home. The most insane part is that one of our guides lived as a nomad for the first part of his life. He has no idea when he was born or how old he is and has never been to school a day in his life but speaks something like 7 different languages and is one of the most genuinely fulfilled people I have yet to meet in this lifetime. This is something I felt was really important to note because the knowledge and pure happiness he possessed was inspirational to all of us.

As if the day needed any more excitement, it was time for a camel ride! These guys were way bigger than I had expected. Just being on them as they stood up and down felt like a rollercoaster. I’d like to give my camel a shoutout for being the sassiest of the bunch. Her beautiful smile is featured below.

Our 4 legged friends brought us right to the stunning grounds of Palmyra Luxury Camp in the middle of the desert. Another 10 out of 10 stars goes out to this place. Not only was our tent luxurious to the max, but we were served a delicious 4 course meal for dinner.

And don’t worry, the fun doesn’t end there. A bonfire with music, dancing and tea brought our first day to a close. Even writing about this a week later I can’t help but smiling so large.

If you thought we had embarked on a vacation, you are poorly misunderstood. Wake up call was at 6am again the next day for sunrise. Beautiful, tear jerking, and serene doesn’t begin to describe how it felt to watch the sun rise over the Sahara.

Saying goodbye to our little oasis was very hard. Pretty sure we would have all voted to stay for another week if it had been possible. However, more adventure awaited as we began the trek back to Marrakech. It’s crazy how 26 hours in the car with people can turn them from practical strangers into best friends! The ride home was just as incredible as the way there and call me crazy, but I think even more laughs were had on the way back. You could say we were overcome by amazement, or delusion, but I wouldn’t change a single moment.

What would Morocco be without exploring the famous Marrakech medina? Calm. Lol, jk? If you plan on visiting the city on your own, just be prepared to feel a little overwhelmed. If you’re in the mood to get up close and personal with some monkeys or cobras, this is totally the place for you! It was definitely a lot to take in but I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to feel so immersed.

Hehe, hoping my gushing over this trip on here helps the magic live on forever. So much love for Morocco and each person we met along the way! Keeping my fingers crossed oh so tightly in hopes that we meet again soon.