I had always wanted to travel to the Islamic countries, but—to be completely honest—my mental association between Muslims and terrorist attacks didn’t encourage me at all. However, after a short visit to the Arab Emirates, I decided to set aside my assumptions about other Islamic countries too.

Morocco had a good reputation as a tourist country and seemed a safe choice for a woman traveling by herself. I was still afraid and felt uncertain when I started my journey, but I was prepared mentally and had backup plans, which made me feel more comfortable.

Here are my top 11 tips for female solo travel to Morocco. I hope you will find them useful and that my own experience here will show you how to travel as a woman in Morocco.

1. Plan The First Days In Advance

Venturing without plans into the unknown of a foreign country might be a great challenge and a good way to boost your self-confidence—if this is what you’re hoping to get out of travel—but you will have plenty of time to do that and be more flexible after you first get used to the local customs and atmosphere.

Travelers especially enjoy Morocco for the cultural shock they have to face and for the different traditions they’re not used to. During the first days in Morocco, you won’t understand what’s happening around you, so it’s better to plan the first few days of your itinerary beforehand.

When I landed in the city of Fes, a taxi driver waited for me at the airport and drove me directly to the accommodation that I had booked beforehand. This way, I avoided unpleasant incidents at the beginning of my trip and allowed enough time to adapt to the new Moroccan lifestyle.

2. Ask For Advice From The Local Women

The local women will admire your courage to venture by yourself to a new country. Many of them have never traveled, so their traveling experiences are a bit different than ours (in fact, many of them will have gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca at some point in their lives).

Despite this difference, they will be sincerely willing to help and assist you in any problem you might have.

Ask the local woman how to stay safe in their country. Before I left Fes, the town where I had landed several days before, I asked the landlady of my guesthouse if there were places I should avoid because of the fact I was doing female solo travel to Morocco and, obviously, wanted to remain safe.

She said that I was safe in Morocco and that I could go anywhere—I felt such a sense of relief at that moment.

3. Go With An Official Guide In The Desert

Obviously, you cannot go by yourself everywhere (for example, a camel desert trek!) Search for local trips, always negotiate the price or book a trip on the internet.

For more information, you can read the article I have written about everything you should know about desert tours in Morocco.

When I went to the desert, I used a local guide, and out of the huge range of travel companies, I preferred the one recommended to me by a friend. I had the pleasant surprise to discover a humorous, good-hearted Berber, who knew each sand dune of the desert like the back of his hand.

4. Book A Riad (But Read The Reviews Beforehand)

When you book accommodation on the internet, carefully read the reviews from other travelers (e.g. on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or Google Maps) before completing a reservation.

Remember to not miss the local accommodation called riad or dar. The term designates a traditional palace or a house, elaborately decorated with zelij (local colorful mosaics), with a spacious patio, and in most cases, with a rooftop terrace from where you can have terrific views of the surroundings.

5. Stay Only With Local Women Hosts

If you plan to find local hosts on internet platforms (i.e. Couchsurfing, BeWelcome, or even Airbnb, etc.), you should only send requests to women hosts who have positive references from other guests.

VERY IMPORTANT: male hosts have been known in the past to have had sex with women visitors, so it is very important to remember that you are in a country where this subject is viewed differently. So stay only with local women hosts!

Finding the right hosts on internet platforms was a long process for me. I sent all my requests before arriving in Morocco, got several answers back, and had more time to enjoy myself when I arrived instead of searching for ‘safe’ hosts.

6. Wear A Wedding Ring

This one is already a cliché but I will still mention it because it is very useful for female solo travel to Morocco.

When men ask you if you are alone, be quick to mention ‘your husband’ and show them your ‘wedding ring.’ Even if they don’t really believe you, they will still most likely be too concerned about where your husband is and so won’t focus on you. If a man seemed too interested in me or just stared at me, it was enough to make my wedding ring visible.

In the worst-case scenario, a man insistently approached me when I stopped the car at the traffic lights. I had to be a bit aggressive and mention the police. After that, he disappeared right away. Everybody understands the word “police.”

7. Dress Modestly

In the bigger towns like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat, you will see women wearing jeans and no scarves covering their heads. However, I didn’t see women wearing shorts or mini skirts, so if you do that, realize that everybody will have a good reason to look at you.

In the more religious towns and in the countryside, women wear long overcoats and cotton headscarves even when outside in over 40℃ / 104°F heat. They hide every aspect of their female figure and they will also hide their face if you take pictures of them. Make sure to respect their culture and religion.

8. Avoid Walking Alone At Night

Don’t go out by yourself at night, especially if your accommodation is situated in a medina (the old part of town) where the winding narrow streets create a real labyrinth.

I always planned to come back ‘home’ before dusk and simply enjoyed my evenings talking with other guests, planning my next days or just thinking about what a beautiful day I’d had.

Like solo travel elsewhere, female solo travel to Morocco comes with a few compromises.

9. Do Not Drink Alcohol In Public

Avoid drinking alcohol in public places unless you are at the restaurant of your hotel where they serve alcoholic drinks for tourists.

For all the Muslims, alcohol is prohibited, and most of them respect this rule very strictly. You won’t find alcohol in the local shops and eateries, so you’ll experience what life is like without this ‘magic liquid.’

During my six-week trip through Morocco, I didn’t drink alcohol at all. I discovered I can have even more fun without drinking beer or wine.

10. Be Aware Of Fake Guides

In the medinas (the old part of the towns), you will often hear young boys pointing to you in the direction that you’re heading while saying, “It’s closed. Don’t go there.” In actual fact, nobody has closed the medina, but the local people know that the Moroccan medinas have a maze of winding, narrow streets where a visitor can easily get lost (even with a GPS).

This is their chance to be your local guide in exchange for a little money.

During my first days in Morocco, I was fooled by some fake guides and had to follow them to ‘save’ me out of the medina. In the evening, my landlord confirmed to me they were just taking advantage of confused visitors and taught me how to turn them down, saying “La, la, shokran” (No, no, thank you).

11. Negotiate Everything You Buy

Negotiate everything, especially all the prices in the medinas (old towns) and souqs (covered markets). Moroccans have a long history and experience in trading goods.

Usually, the prices are not displayed so it is better to ask in several places and figure out what the average price might be. Nobody will push you to buy something but keep in mind that bidding while sipping a glass of mint tea is part of the selling process in Morocco.

If you haven’t traveled there yet, female solo travel to Morocco is a safe and realistic option. In fact, it’s possible you could even start here to gain experience traveling solo. After visiting Morocco on my own for six weeks, I became more confident in myself and many other solo trips soon followed. Nothing is as bad as it seems.

Suggested next reading: 8 Top Sights In Morocco That’ll Make You Want To Visit ASAP

The post 11 Super Important Tips For People Who Are Traveling Solo To Morocco appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If most of the Moroccan cities have a traditional feel (especially when you enter the old part of a town—the medina), then Casablanca stands out mostly as a cosmopolitan city. Standing on the Atlantic Coast, the economic hub of Casablanca is one of its most prosperous cities and features elements from many different parts of Morocco, and even from Europe.

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Casablanca deserves to be explored at a slow pace as it has some terrific places that should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Morocco.

The Top 5 Things To Do In Casablanca Are:

1. King Hasan II Mosque
2. Ancient Medina
3. Quartier Habous
4. Cathédrale Sacré Coeur
5. Colonial Architecture Of Casablanca

1. King Hasan II Mosque

Built by the end of the 20^th Century, the Hassan II Mosque sits on a rocky outcrop reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the world’s largest mosques and its 201m-high minaret is the tallest in the world. The mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshipers inside and 80,000 more in the courtyards around. Additionally, the compound houses an Islamic media center and a library.  

The Hassan II Mosque is the only mosque in Morocco that is open to non-Muslim visitors. Once you arrive there, go down to the basement floor in the courtyard and buy your ticket. Every two hours (except on Friday mornings), guided tours take place inside the mosque. You’ll be required to respect the Muslim dressing code and remove your shoes when you enter their holy place.

The tour will take you to the main prayer hall, decorated with traditional tile-work (zellij) and stucco molding. When I visited the mosque, I was lucky to see the retractable roof gently open up. The guide told us it was a unique occasion in honor for the King Mohammed VI of Morocco who was planning a visit that day to the mosque.

Further on, the tour goes to the underground floors where you can see the rooms for ablutions and even a hammam (public bath).

Before leaving the mosque’s compound, don’t forget to tour the grounds too. There are many courtyards and the exterior of the mosque is impressively decorated in white marble and colorful mosaics.

2. Ancient Medina

You may think that going to a modern city such as Casablanca would mean that you won’t find traces of the old city center. However, Casa (how Casablanca is dubbed by locals) has a small medina built in the 19^th Century and located between the modern part of Casablanca and the old port.

The walled medina features many of the authentic elements of a Moroccan old town, such as mighty fortification walls, narrow winding lanes, and storefronts lining the streets. Enter the medina next to the Place des Nations Square and you’ll see the old clock tower—a good landmark to ask for in case you get lost in the medina (which is pretty likely to happen).

On the boulevard facing the port, an old bastion of the medina’s fortifications has been refurbished as the Skala Restaurant. If you dine in the garden of the restaurant in the shade of the trees while listening to the water fountains, you will notice the complex fortification system of the old medina.

The ancient medina is also one of the top things to do in Casablanca at night since you will not be hounded by salesmen, and moreover, it will look slightly eerie and spooky!

3. Quartier Habous

The gentrified market district Quartier Habous is also called the Nouvelle Medina (meaning the New Medina). The picturesque quarter was built by the French to resemble the traditional architecture of an old Moroccan medina using modern colonial elements.

The quarter features streets with shops, bazaars, and cafés and it’s definitely more sanitized than the ancient versions of Moroccan medinas.

Habous is located 1km from the city center and it’s pretty easy to walk throughout the quarter once you get there. The imposing Muhammadi Mosque with its minarets stands in the heart of the quarter, surrounded by a park with palm trees and fountains. Nearby, the magnificent Royal Palace features whitewashed towers and high walls of stone.

4. Cathédrale Sacré Coeur

On the northwest edge of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Cathédrale Sacré Coeur is a good example of modern architecture with neo-Gothic elements. The graceful cathedral was designed by Paul Tournon and built at the beginning of the 20^th Century as proof of the French Colonization in Morocco.

The surrounding park also features colorful arches built to resemble a portico of a Christian monastery. Visiting a Christian place in an Islamic landscape is one of the more unusual things to do in Casablanca, but this impressive cathedral features an austere interior, with tall white pillars and colorfully stained glass windows in the altar.

One of the highlights of this landmark is the possibility to climb up one of its bell towers and have expansive views of the modern part of Casablanca. If you carefully look toward the ocean, you’ll even be able to spot the imposing minaret of the above-mentioned King Hassan II Mosque.

5. Colonial Architecture Of Casablanca

Casablanca has a rich architectural heritage dating back to the beginning of the 20^th Century. While local motifs had a powerful influence and led to the so-called Mauresque style, colonial architecture can be found in abundance in Casablanca. Due to its high architectural value, the city center was even suggested as a tentative addition to the exclusive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The grand centerpiece of the French building scheme spreads out between Mohammed V Boulevard and Mohamed V Square. Most of the buildings are hotels or administrative offices built during the French protectorate under the signature of some of the most famous French architects of the time, Robert Marrast and Henri Prost.

Moreover, the main Post Office, the Law Courts, or the old Police Headquarters are also fine examples of modern colonial architecture in Casablanca. Wander the streets of this neighborhood and admire the art déco paneling or the colonial motifs on the buildings.

Once you get to Mohamed V Boulevard, look out for the Petit Poucet bar and pavement café. The place was once frequented by important names such as Édith Piaf and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

Here were our top 5 things to do in Casablanca, Morocco, but we could have listed a few more such as La Corniche, Mahkama du Pacha, Notre Dame de Lourdes, and even the Morocco Mall!

Let us know how you get on and please feel free to share any of your own tips or ideas in the comments below!

Suggested next reading: 11 Super Important Tips For People Who Are Traveling Solo To Morocco

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1. The Four Imperial Cities

The historical capitals of Morocco—Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat, feature the most famous medinas, the local term that designates the old part of a town. Medinas have a maze of narrow winding streets where one can find everything, from mules carrying heavy gas tanks to elegant riads with elaborately decorated courtyards. You will stumble upon public fountains with colorful zellij (mosaic), religious complexes with mosques, shrines, and madrassas (Koranic schools) as well as local hammams (public baths) and souqs (markets) selling pottery, jewelry, Berber carpets, and herbal remedies.

The largest medina in the world, Fes-el-Bali, is a 9th-century labyrinth of 9000 lanes and alleyways, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and certainly one of the top sights in Morocco. The medina of Marrakesh is dominated by the animated Djemaa el-Fna Square, a public place where something happens at any time of the day—from snake charmers to women making henna tattoos and vendors selling fresh orange juice. A one-hour drive from Fes, Meknes is less visited, but its Imperial City features immense granaries and stables, once home to 12,000 horses. From all the historic capitals of the country, Rabat is presently the current capital and calls attention to lush Andalusian gardens, a perfectly preserved kasbah (mud-brick fortress), and the Roman ruins with the Merenid necropolis of the Chellah.

2. The Desert Sand Dunes

Morocco features two desert regions with golden, scenic sand dunes: Merzouga and Zagora-M’Hamid. While Merzouga is easily accessible for a day trip with camels in the desert, Zagora-M’Hamid spans over a larger desert region and requires a multi-day trip if you want to explore its wilderness. You can tailor any tour in the desert according to your needs, from jeep tours that require a shorter amount of time to camel treks that last longer and offer a unique, authentic experience. Plan a bit in advance for your desert tour as there are a few things that you should know before going into the Sahara Desert.

3. The Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas Mountains run across Morocco for almost 1000km and Mount Toubkal (4167 meters altitude) is the most climbed mountain in the country. The highest peak in North Africa and the Arab World, Jebel Toubkal is called the “rooftop of North Africa.” However, climbing Toubkal is a demanding and technical ascent so, unless you have a good physical condition, there are countless multi-day treks at the foot of the mountains. Imlil small town (1740m) is the main trekking base for summiting Jebel Toubkal but also for other easier treks exploring Berber traditional villages.

When I went to the High Atlas Mountains, I was able to hike along the Ait Mizane Valley only half of the way to Toubkal. I stopped at Marabout Sidi Chamharouch (2310m)—a shrine where Muslim pilgrims hike to pray—but I gave up the ascent because of the cold (10°C / 50°F at noon, in late May). From my own experience, don’t underestimate the temperatures in Morocco, especially when you plan an ascent to higher elevations.

4. The Argan Oil Cooperatives

 

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In South-Western Morocco is the paradise of the Argan tree, which is unique to this part of the world and one of the top sights in Morocco. Argan oil has been a mainstay for the local Berbers but has gained a reputation worldwide after being designated by UNESCO in 1999. Nowadays, the organic Argan oil is the world’s most expensive edible oil (approximately $300 USD per liter). It takes 30 kilograms of Argan nuts and 15 hours of manual labor to produce one liter of oil.

If you see goats climbing into the branches of a tree between Essaouira and Marrakesh, you will know it’s an Argan tree. Stop there and explore one of the numerous Argan oil cooperatives in the Souss Valley. The Argan oil is harvested only by women’s cooperatives and you will have the chance to witness the whole process of production there. Also, don’t forget to try the tasty amlou, a hearty mix of Argan oil, ground almonds, and honey.

5. The Mosque of King Hassan II, Casablanca

One of the top sights in Morocco, Casablanca is the most cosmopolitan city in Morocco, where modern French architecture meets the local Moroccan traditions. Built on a rocky outcrop from the Atlantic Ocean, the enormous Mosque of King Hassan II was completed in 1993. In fact, it is a vast religious complex, with a mosque, rooms for ablutions, hammam, Islamic center, and library. The world’s third largest mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshipers and has the tallest minaret in the world (210 meters high).

This is the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. You cannot enter the mosque on your own and once you are there, you will have to wait for the next guided tour (every two hours). I was one of those lucky persons who had the chance to visit the big mosque right at the moment when the retractable roof was opened. The guide was explaining to us the modern technologies used to build the mosque, and at that moment, the roof started to move and we could see the sky. It doesn’t happen all the time but if you visit it on Friday, you might be lucky.

6. Chefchaouen

Perched beneath the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (or the Blue City) was once the hidden gem of Northern Morocco. However, it has become so famous for its blue-washed houses lining the winding narrow lanes that you cannot say you have been to Morocco without seeing Chefchaouen. The name of the town actually means “Look at the Peaks.” Wandering the old medina, you’ll experience a unique blend of Moroccan and Andalusian influence, possibly meet the “Berber car” (the mules), and—to give you a heads up—may even be asked if you want to try marijuana. Half-an-hour walk from the medina, the fascinating Spanish Mosque sits in an outstanding location on one of the surrounding hills. Not only does it have an intriguing history, but it’s also the preferred lookout point for locals. From there one can see the whole medina, the Ras el-Maa waterfalls, and the mysterious nearby Rif mountains.

7. The Kasbahs of the Draa Valley

 

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Built along the former caravan routes from Mali to Marrakesh, the kasbahs (mud-brick fortresses) line the 200-kilometer-long Draa Valley in the southern part of Morocco. Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, and Agdz are among the most popular kasbahs that you can visit. But there are many other smaller ones signposted along the road and you can even stay overnight in a refurbished kasbah. This way, you will experience a part of the caravans’ lifestyle, hear old stories, experience some of the top sights in Morocco, and even bake bread on a rooftop oven or pick dates in the nearby palm oasis.

8. Volubilis Archaeological Site

Morocco truly has a bit of everything, including Roman leftovers since this part of the territory was under the rule of the Roman Empire. Sitting in the middle of a fertile plain, the remains of Volubilis are the best preserved archaeological site in Morocco, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Volubilis features original mosaics preserved in situ in the ancient Roman houses, old columns of the basilica and forum, as well as on public fountains and baths. As an extra tip, if you want to see one of the only Roman aqueducts preserved in Morocco, from the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, drive along the course of the Oued Lkhammane River. After a few kilometers, you will see a huge aqueduct on the right riverbank.

Suggested next reading: Moroccan Desert Tours: Everything You Need To Know

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Situated at the northern limit of the African continent, Morocco spreads from the snow-capped high peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. A big part of the country’s territory was crossed by trading caravan routes connecting the Mediterranean to the famous Timbuktu, Mali—the terminus of a trans-Saharan caravan route. Nowadays, various trails in the desert include different sections of those old caravan routes. This way, avid travelers or explorers can get a feel for the wild and unwritten rules of life in the desert.

While it might seem challenging and intriguing to go on your own in the desert (unless you’re an expert), it’s far better to pay a tour agency and an official guide to safely take you into the middle of the wilderness. There are numerous tours that drive visitors to popular or remote parts of the desert. However, not all of them are official, professional, or quality tours. A Moroccan desert tour usually includes transportation (jeep and/or camel—it depends on the tour you’ve booked), food (three meals per day), bottled water, and staying in a camp overnight (tent, showers, and rudimentary restrooms). Different terms and conditions may apply, though, and this totally depends on your knowledge and negotiation skills.

With all this in mind, here are the 6 most important things you should know about Moroccan desert tours — and how to choose the right one before rushing off to the desert.

1. Morocco has two desert regions to choose from

Morocco actually features two desert regions with sand dunes—Merzouga and Zagora-M’Hamid. Merzouga’s desert is situated approximately in the middle of the country, near the border with Algeria. It mainly features sand dunes spread over a limited area (a surface of nearly 100 square kilometers). Merzouga is easily accessible from the touristic Todra Gorges and the Ziz Valley—approximately 40km from Rissani, a small town in Eastern Morocco which is located at the crossroads between these two key sights. Merzouga’s desert features one of the most fascinating sand dunes in Morocco, the famous Erg Chebbi (160m in height). One or two days spent in the area are enough to get a fair feel of the desert atmosphere.

On the flip side, a vast desert region lies between Zagora and M’Hamid (300km south of Merzouga), near the border of Algeria. This is the gateway to the Sahara Desert and it features a unique combination of isolated sand dunes and extremely dry and rocky areas. Zagora is more difficult to access—400km from Marrakesh, from which the last 100km snake slowly along the windy Draa Valley. However, Zagora’s desert features the largest and wildest sand dunes in Morocco, the famed Erg Chigaga (300m in height). Once you are there, it would be great to consider spending at least a couple of days in the area, so that you have enough time to experience the true beauties of this remote part of the country.

 2. You can do jeep tours as well as camel trekking

If you don’t have too much time to invest in your desert adventure, then a jeep tour is the best option for you. You can reach remoter parts of the desert faster and can even stay in a camp with tents overnight. In terms of time management, a jeep tour is more recommended for the Zagora-M’Hamid’s dunes, while a camel trek is preferred for Merzouga’s ones.

However, if you want to truly experience an authentic tour, a camel trek is the best choice you can make—and Erg Chigaga makes that a worthy challenge. Camels will carry everything you need in the desert. You can walk or ride a camel—very painful at times but you quickly get used to it. Along the way, you will have to stay in several camps, in oases or nearby different water sources such as wells or springs. This way, you will experience the real life of a camel caravan (without goods to trade, of course). In the same time, you will be surprised to see how fast and constant a camel can walk, covering even 40km per day.

3. Research the Moroccan desert tours market in advance

There are a lot of official travel agencies that organize tours in the desert. But there are fake guides that will try to gain your confidence as well, promoting great discounts and promotional prices. If you see a jeep following your car in Zagora and trying to sell you a tour when you stop at the traffic lights—as happened to me—ignore it. To choose the best tour for you, consider researching the market a bit before you go. Google “Moroccan desert tours” and see the range of tours in terms of duration, length, costs, and complexity. Having this kind of information will then help you to negotiate a better deal.

As a general idea, most of the tours around the Zagora-M’Hamid region include Erg Chigaga in the route. You will need a two-day trip if you take a jeep tour and a four-to-five-day one if you decide to ride a camel. From Merzouga, tours include Erg Chebbi and you will need only one or two days if you go on a camel and stay overnight in a desert camp.

4. Don’t underestimate the challenges of the desert

Wind, water, insects, and not least walking in the sand, the desert can be tough. Days in the desert are very hot even during fall (86-95°F / 30-35℃), while nights can be very cold (less than 50°F / 10℃). Once the sun sets, a wind continuously blows during the night, challenging even the most professional of tents. If you bring along your own tent, make sure to anchor it well in the sand or in the rocky terrain.

Despite all the myths, there is enough water in the desert and good guides know the location of water sources (wells, springs, oasis, etc.) However, this water is only good for camels, showers, and cooking (if well boiled). Bring your bottled water along the way (and negotiate this with the agency beforehand) or use a filter and pills to purify the water. Your stomach won’t be used to the local bacteria so take care.

I know it’s a pleasure to walk barefooted in the soft, orange sand (especially after a long day of trekking), but be aware that local insects and even scorpions might bite your toes. I got a swollen toe once because I ignored this basic rule. It took me several days of antibiotics to be able to walk again. Since then, I have always worn trekking boots (more comfortable to walk in) or at least sneakers in the desert. Forget the sandals!

Also, even if it seems amusing and apparently easy to hike the dunes, walking in the sand is rather difficult. Hiking a sand dune may be a true challenge for a beginner. You will take a step forward and two steps back and have the feeling you are never approaching that top of the dune.

5. Don’t miss stopping at a nomads’ camp

Nomads stay in the mountains during summer when it’s hot, and come down to the desert in winter when it’s pleasant to live there. More likely than not you’ll book on the Moroccan desert tours that depart in autumn or spring when the temperatures are acceptable. In that case, nomad families with their goats and camels will be there, so make sure to ask your guide to stop in one of the camps along the way (or maybe make a short detour). Nomads usually settle near an oasis or a spring for a couple of months. This way, you will have the chance to get an insight into their lives and feel like you’re in a National Geographic documentary.

6. Don’t forget to enjoy the mint tea and traditional tajine

The Moroccan mint tea is a widespread tradition all over the country. You are offered hot tea in Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains as well as in nomads’ camps in the desert. The hot tea rises your body’s temperature and helps it to adapt and resist the high temperatures. And that double spoon of sugar put in your glass of tea will give you more energy than you can imagine.

Besides the mint tea, the tajine is the most well known Moroccan traditional dish. Every region has its own tajine recipe but no matter where you eat it, it is cooked in a special ceramic pot that is shut close. The dish has a special taste when cooked on a wood fire in the desert. And if your guide is a true local, he will bake you a flatbread in the hot sand. You will be surprised to see how tasty this bread is.

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Africa

The post Moroccan Desert Tours: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Victoria Falls, Zambia/ Zimbabwe Border

I recently asked one of my friends who has traveled Africa extensively to choose one location on the continent he would go back to. Without hesitation, he named Victoria Falls. The waterfall, considered the largest one in the world with a length of one kilometer and a height of one hundred meters, is breathtaking. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is worth a visit for several reasons. First of all, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in the late 1990’s so you know that Victoria Falls is truly one of the most spectacular sights you can see. Interestingly enough, Victoria Falls was previously never a tourist attraction. That all changed in 1905 when construction on a railway was complete and rapidly become a hotspot for adventurous visitors. In the 1960’s, violence broke out in Zimbabwe, but now that the violence has settled, tourists are coming back. If you can only visit one spot in Africa, be sure to head to Victoria Falls.

2. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids Of Giza are among the most iconic monuments on the continent and they are considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza were built 4,500 years ago by the Pharaoh Khufu to have a burial site for the royal family. The project was completed by Khufu’s son, Khafre. The engineering of the buildings and statues still baffles scientists to this day. The findings from the site have revealed a highly complex and sophisticated society that was organized and ran efficiently. The tombs have paintings depicting scenes from everyday life and which tell us a lot of information about how Egyptians used to live. Visiting the Pyramids is a must for any traveler interested in ancient cultures and it happens to be one of the most stunning locations in Africa.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is an island located off the coast of Tanzania. It is actually apart of Tanzania. Its beaches are considered some of the best in the world, but it is so much more than just an idyllic place to relax, snorkel, or dive. Zanzibar has influences from many different places including Europe, India, Africa, and Arabia. In the 19^th Century, it was a major trading port for traders from all over and it made Stone Town one of the busiest economic hubs worldwide. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town was given the designation for its beautiful colonial and Arabian architecture that still stands to this day. It is also the home of all things Swahili, so it’s a great place to learn more about the local culture and how the town developed. While Zanzibar may not be the first place you think of in Africa, it is well worth the visit for an interesting history lesson.

4. Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic Of Congo

Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth with over half of all biodiversity on the continent found in the national park. Located in Congo, Virunga was created in 1925 with over 5,000 square kilometers of preserved land and is Africa’s oldest national park. For much of its existence, the area has been threatened by armed conflicts in the region and caught in the crossfire is Virunga’s Mountain Gorilla population. The gorilla population dipped down to 300 in 1997 due to instability and violence in the region, but thanks to aggressive conservation efforts and support of the local communities, there are now over 1,000 gorillas in the park. Unfortunately, Virunga is closed to visitors until 2019 due to violence within the park and the status of Virunga is currently uncertain. It is only a temporary situation and the park looks to thrive again in 2019 and, since it is on the more stunning locations in Africa, we certainly hope this is the case.

5. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has it all. From beaches to mountains to harbors to a proper city, whatever you desire, Cape Town provides. It is picturesque and has great year-round weather. Think San Diego weather with a New Orleans style party street in Africa. The city is known for the stunning Table Mountain acting as a backdrop to daily life. The mountain is easily accessible by cable car, but the more adventurous travelers can climb up the mountain on a beautiful hike. Of course, nearby Boulders Beach is a must visit. The beach is stunning by itself, but add in its penguin residents and you have yourself quite the view. We haven’t even mentioned all of the small neighborhoods that Cape Town has to explore. Be sure to check out the gorgeous, colorful homes of Bo-Kaap. Cape Town may be at the very southern tip of Africa, but it is well worth the visit.

6. Djemaa El Far, Morocco

Marrakech’s Djemaa El Far is one of Morocco’s largest markets but is more well known for its live theatre that plays out every night. You’ll likely see Berbers with snakes or others with monkeys for entertainment. The shows have been going on since 1050 AD and are now a Moroccan tradition known around the world. Its unique culture alone is worth visiting the Djemaa El Far market.

7. Ts’enhlanyane National Park, Lesotho 

The small country of Lesotho located within South Africa holds one of Africa’s most beautiful national parks and one of the least visited. The park is only 56 kilometers of land, but it has over 220 species of plants and animals within its limits. As one of Africa’s best kept secrets, it is great for budget travelers as its prices are very reasonable. Did I mention that it was stunning too? Visit Ts’enhlanyane National Park, you won’t be disappointed.

Suggested next reading: How To Best Enjoy Mauritius & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget

The post 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Africa appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Mauritius is an incredible place for a trip to remember as, basically, it has it all! This island, off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, an independent republic since 1968, is a successful mix of different tastes and cultures you definitely don’t want to miss!

In fact, the official languages are French and English, but everyone speaks Creole, the streets are lined with churches, mosques, and pagodas, and the diversity of represented cultures includes Indian, European, African and Chinese.

The sea is a different story: that’s as tropical as a postcard. And, perhaps, the sea is the only thing that is exactly how it appears at first glance—Mauritius sure is diverse and multifaceted!

The cliché is that Mauritius only attracts rich vacationers and couples on their honeymoon, but that’s a mistake: this place deserves to be discovered by everyone because everyone can find something special in its beautiful nature and witty blend of Indian, African and European influences.

The golden rule when planning for what to see in Mauritius is to go for all the incredibly authentic, cultural and traditional features beyond the common touristic paths and itineraries. As always, when it comes to traveling the world, try to find out what is hiding beyond that touristy beach and be constantly surprised by how long the list is of what to see in Mauritius!

Let’s begin then learning something more about all the amazing things Mauritius has to offer to its visitors!

What to see in Mauritius: starting from Grand Bay

We start from the north. The almost obligatory point of reference is Grand Bay, the place that, with the boldness that comes with optimism, many define as the local version of Saint Tropez.

Well, do not believe it. It’s better. Grand Bay is pretty, the sea is beautiful and there are many bars, restaurants, and hotels. And the atmosphere, fortunately, is Mauritian and you will never be overwhelmed by the clamor. This is a perfect choice for accommodation with luxurious options not too far from the small and beautiful local hotels at more affordable prices.

From here it is easy to embark on an adventure of the island that almost always starts with Cap Malheureux, the point further north of the island. It is here that commander John Abercromby landed with his troops when the British attacked the island for the second time in 1810, but today it’s famous for the little church that is seen in every catalog of the island: it is called Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, but all they know it as the “red-roofed church”. A selfie here is almost mandatory.

If nature and gardening is your secret passion, you can get your fix by stopping off at Labourdonnais for a walk through the anturio, bougainvilleas, and hibiscus. Check out the video below to see all the other great things you can do here.

What to see in Mauritius: tropical gardens

Less naîve but always present in every guide that tells what to see Mauritius is the botanical garden of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, more simply known as Pamplemousses. It is a famous place among botanists all over the world for the large collection of exotic plants growing there, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and numerous palm species.

Like all other mysterious places, there is an old saying and a legend here: a palm tree that is said to flower only once every fifty-seventy years. If you see it, you’ll know you’ve been lucky. Tired? We’re just getting started.

So let’s turn our backs to the sea and aim toward the plateau that is between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. And it offers unexpected discoveries. One of these is Trou of Cerfs, an extinct volcano that offers a splendid view of the interior of the country.

But it is not the only volcano that sleeps: there is also Ganga Talao which is also considered to be a sacred place by Hindus. The lake born in the cone is special for the Hindus who come here on a pilgrimage. Every year, in the month of February, during the week in which the feast of Maha Shivaratri is celebrated, thousands of faithful walk several miles on foot, arriving from every corner of the island to offer their gifts.

Then the routes multiply: if you want to discover the colonial past of the island, stop at the Maison Creole Eureka, built in 1830 which is proud of its 109 doors. It’s proof that the settlers were really doing well as the Tea Route developed here, a path in the green hinterland between plantations from which the five-ounce drink is made for the English. The point of arrival is at the Bois Cherì plant where you can watch all the processing from harvesting in the fields to the finished tea bag, as well as taste all the variations.

But do not worry: if you don’t like tea there is much more on offer. And if the list of what to see in Mauritius is long, the list on what to taste is even longer. Here it is, in fact, possible to make similar routes dedicated to vanilla, sugar, or even rum: the Rhumerie de Chamarel is one of the rare distilleries still active in this part of the world that grows its own sugar cane to produce liqueurs.

What to see in Mauritius: the beaches

It’s time to soak in the sun, bathe, and head back to the blue. The choice falls on the area of Le Morne Brabant, the heart of high-level tourism in Mauritius. There are multi-star hotels, beautiful seas, golf courses and everything you could ever dream of including a peninsula that has become a UNESCO heritage site for its beauty, of course, but also for its history: here, escaping into the woods, slaves made a dash for freedom—which also makes this place a symbol of a terribly dark past.

But one last effort will take us to see one of the areas symbolizing the beauty of Mauritius: the Chamarel area hosts spectacular landscapes nestled between hills. The famous lands of seven colors are only the first stop and you cannot miss a stop to admire the centuries-old giant turtles that live right next door.

But we are on a paradise of an island, after all, and while we want to find out what to see in Mauritius we—at this point above all—really want to find out what to see around Mauritius, namely its gorgeous beaches: our ultimate destination is the Ile aux Cerf, an island within the island just five minutes from the coast.

You arrive by boat and then you can stay immersed in snorkeling, playing golf, or by visiting one of the many excellent restaurants. There is only one hotel: it is five-star and is considered among the best in the world. But, at the end of the day, just one day is probably enough to discover this particular beauty of sand, nature and sea and so, come evening, you can head back to the main island.

To explore more of Ile aux Cerf, check out this video:

Mauritius is an incredible place where you can both explore and relax while keeping things original and fun. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Suggested next reading: 7 Stunning Locations You Need To Experience In Africa

The post How To Best Enjoy Mauritius & Make It A Trip You Won’t Forget appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Naturally, however, after the wedding hype fizzled down following Saturday’s event, the next questions on so many peoples minds were, “Where will they be honeymooning?”

An answer, no doubt, that generated contradictory answers from various sources. We can almost confirm that, after a quick “mini-moon” in Ireland, the most likely honeymoon destination of Harry and Meghan is—drum roll, please—Namibia!

So, how does one honeymoon like Harry and Meghan? Let’s see what they’ll be doing so we can find out!

Where Will They Stay?

Rumor has it that Harry and Meghan will be staying at the luxury Hoanib Valley Camp in Kaokoland, northwestern Namibia.

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This luxurious spot is entirely solar powered and the tents sit on decks made of a wood and 70% recycled-material composite. Moreover, this spot is completely emersed in the natural environment of the Hoabnib valley. That means lots of wildlife such as giraffes and elephants, and—remarkably—the region is home to the largest population of critically endangered black rhino.

Harry and Meghan have already spent time in Botswana while courting since, as Harry explains, “We were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other.”

This makes tons of sense. After all, when the world is watching you all the time you must yearn for some alone time. The two have a history of going to Africa to seek that alone time.

So, step one if you want to honeymoon like Harry and Meghan: find an extremely exclusive and luxurious spot that you both have a shared history together (i.e. be ROMANTIC!) while, all at the same time, being environmentally conscious and wildlife lovers. Simple! 

What Will They Do?

Information on this is A LOT harder to come by. But, judging by their apparent location, they will have the options of exploring the beautiful rugged scenery, discovering the desert-adapted wildlife, and even having the opportunity to meet the nomadic Himba tribes who live in the region.

According to Travel and Leisure, a source confirmed that they chose this region because it is “filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences”—judging by these photos we agree!

There is little doubt that Prince Harry and Meghan, at some point, will camp out under the stars at night. Can you think of anything much more romantic?

Who knows what they’ll be discussing illuminated by starlight,  but, most importantly, it’ll be a place where they can talk for hours on end without fearing paparazzi or being quoted out of context! So, step two if you want to honeymoon like Harry and Meghan: make lots of room for “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences—don’t just do what you could do at home!

What Will They Eat?

In the spirit of “once-in-a-lifetime-experiences”, one might expect that Prince Harry and Meghan won’t be shy of trying some local Namibian cuisine. Namibian cuisine is really a blend of two primary cultures; the indigenous people such as the Himba, Herero and San, and Germanic cultures that settled during the colonial period, such as people of German, Afrikaner and British descent.

The vegetarian diet consists of fruits, nuts, bulbs and leaves, whereas the meats can even include crocodile, kudu and oryx. Perhaps Harry and Meghan will be eating a plate not too dissimilar to this?

To add to their palate, Harry and Meghan may try Omaruru wine—Namibia’s best-kept secret. Omaruru wine is a local dry wine (yes, grapes really do grow in that dessert!) that has Catholic-roots, given that the only person to make wine in the region for years was a Catholic priest who died in the 1960s.

The wine was discontinued for a time but made a reappearance in the 1990s and is now considered a delicacy by wine connoisseurs.

Given Harry and Meghan’s propensity for new experiences and local color, we’d not put it past them trying some of these local delicacies! Though, of course, being royals they can probably source whatever they want! Perhaps one night they’ll even order a pizza (Prince Harry’s favorite food as a kid) or, even, turkey meatloaf if Meghan starts to miss home!

So, are you ready to honeymoon like Harry and Meghan? Where will you go? And what “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences will you and your special someone have?

Here are some more awesome honeymoon destinations to help get you inspired!

The post How To Honeymoon Like Harry And Meghan appeared first on Modern Trekker.