Morocco Travel Guide: Marrakech, Fes, the Atlas & the Sahara

Morocco packs astonishing variety into a manageable trip: imperial cities with UNESCO-listed medinas, Berber villages in the High Atlas, Atlantic coastal towns and the dunes of the Sahara. Its riads, palaces and hotels are among the most beautiful in Africa, and its cooking — tagines, couscous, pastilla and fresh mint tea — is reason enough to go.

It is also easy to combine with Europe. Flights from Paris, London, Madrid and Lisbon are short, so Morocco works as a stand-alone trip or an exotic extension to Paris or Madrid.

Most first trips focus on Marrakech, Fes and one night or two in the desert, with the Atlas as a bridge between them.

The best way is with a private driver and licensed local guides in each city. A classic loop runs from Casablanca or Rabat to Chefchaouen and Fes, across the Middle Atlas to the Sahara, through the southern valleys and over the High Atlas to Marrakech. Domestic flights and the high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca can shorten the journey.

Choose riads for atmosphere and palace hotels for space and pools; many travelers do both in Marrakech. Desert camps range from simple to genuinely luxurious, with en-suite tents and private dining under the stars.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring warm days and comfortable evenings across the country. Summer is very hot in Marrakech, Fes and the desert, though the coast stays milder. Winter (December to February) is sunny but cool, with cold desert nights and snow on the Atlas — pleasant for city touring if you pack layers.

Ramadan dates shift each year. Travel continues normally and the evening atmosphere can be special, but some restaurants close during daylight hours and opening times vary. See our where to go in October ideas for fall timing.