5 Ways Morocco Will Captivate You

There are many regions around the world that I’ve travelled and lived in as one of B&amp;R’s Experience Designers, perhaps none more memorable than <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/africa/morocco">Morocco</a>. I’ve had years to immerse myself in the incomparable country of Morocco. From twinkling desert nights to sumptuous feasts, the Berber culture and the sweeping grandeur of the Atlas Mountains, the country is just as spectacular as it was when we first started coming here decades ago. Here are just a few of the reasons why Morocco remains a place of wonder and discovery.

<h2>The Atmosphere</h2>Once you get to Morocco, you will be plunged into a world that involves all of your senses. From the whirling energy of Marrakech and the famous Jemaa-el-Fna square to its narrow alleys, the saturated colour of spice markets and high-end boutiques, sun-bleached buildings. To the sounds of the adhan, the daily call to prayer for Muslims echoing throughout the city, soaring from the minarets five times a day, everything is infused with a sort of dreamlike otherworldliness. Time takes on a different quality here. Leave your preconceptions behind to embrace a new world, and Morocco will reward you with her charms.

<h2>Berber People &amp; Culture</h2>The original dwellers of the desert and the mountains, the Berber people (or Amazighs), have inhabited northwestern Africa from at least 10,000 years BCE. Arabization of the Berbers (most are Sunni Muslims, but in the pre-Muslim days, many Berbers were Christian or otherwise) occurred during the middle of the 7thC with the Muslim conquest of northern Africa. From couscous to the tajine, traditional woven kilims to carpets, kaftans, silver and more, Berber culture is the backbone of Morocco. Stop for a traditional mint tea, linger over conversation and the hospitality of the desert!<h2>Soaring Mountains</h2>Morocco’s diverse landscapes showcase the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll find remote Berber villages, exceptional walks and hiking without the press of the crowd (imagine the throng of people at the central markets!) Stretching 2,500 kilometres (1,600 mi.) across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, the Atlas Mountain range serves as a natural barrier between the coast and the Sahara Desert. Morocco has the tallest two peaks in North Africa, Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 metres (13,671 ft.), and Ighil m’Goun, at 4,071 metres (13,356 ft.)

<h2>Shopping &amp; Crafts</h2>From traditional crafts like silverwork, leatherwork, ceramics, weaving (of almost anything: textiles or baskets and leather), many of Morocco’s talented artisans are making both classic/traditional and contemporary-styled items. From soaps to homewares, jewelry or antiques of all sorts, Morocco is a true boon for fashionistas and talented decorators with a flair for the truly unique.<h2>Desert Days &amp; Nights</h2>The spectacular stillness, silence, and isolation of the desert is something that everyone should experience, especially when dusk shifts to the pitch black of night. Time seems to stretch on forever, and it’s something you may wish for, especially when your ‘hotel’ for the night is a luxury desert camp. From a canopy of twinkling stars on a cloud-free night to the moon shining over an endless sea of rippling sand dunes, the desert is full of mystery and wonder. During the day, there’s much to experience: joining a camel caravan, sand-surfing, dune-buggying or exploring the green miracle of an oasis.&nbsp;From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara, Morocco delivers at every turn. Explore our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/ultimate-morocco-biking">Ultimate Morocco Biking</a> trip or contact our Expereince Designer <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/orsolya-kako">Orsolya Kako</a> to plan your perfect itinerary.

Discover five unforgettable reasons to love Morocco, from vibrant souks and Berber culture to the Atlas Mountains and luxury desert camps. Explore why Morocco continues to captivate travellers.

Morocco

Morocco offers a strikingly varied landscape—ranging from golden dunes and deserts, dry rocky plains to the snowy Atlas Mountains, lush cedar forests, and deep blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;Situated in the Northwest corner of Africa, this region is steeped in rich culture and colourful tradition. It is here that you’ll explore magical Marrakech, the Sahara Desert and its stunning oases. Go from the bustling Souks to Amazigh villages and crumbling kasbahs, and feast on incredible Moroccan cuisine.&nbsp;Morocco is magic unlocked.

In the Northwest corner of Africa, magic lives

Discover the Atlas Mountains and Sahara dunes on a luxury small group or private Morocco tour. Marrakech souks, Amazigh villages and extraordinary cuisine with expert guides.

Luxury Biking & Hiking in Morocco | Butterfield & Robinson

Though small in size, Morocco offers a strikingly varied landscape, ranging from golden dunes and dry plains to the Atlas Mountains, cedar forests and deep blue waves of the Atlantic. Thanks to our incredible local team (with whom we've been working since the nineties), you'll experience the best of it. Explore the Sahara Desert and stunning oases by foot, bike and camel, and discover the Souks, museums and incredible dining of its dynamic cities on a bespoke trip in Morocco.

Local Connections

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Breathtaking Landscapes

Morocco is colour, contrast and a whole lot of soul. Trek the Atlas, ride camels into Saharan silence and sip mint tea with Amazigh guides (no, that's not a typo—but yes, they're also capital-a Amazing). From riads to kasbahs, souks to sand dunes, this is travel that stirs the senses—and lingers long after the last call to prayer. Adventure here is anything but ordinary.

Explore the stunning contrasts of Morocco

Marvel at Morocco's stunning beauty

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to create your tailor-made trip.

Bike the Atlas Mountains, hike Berber trails and get lost in Fès's ancient medina on a custom Morocco itinerary. Private access throughout, built for you.

Morocco Private Tours: Atlas Mountains, Berber Trails & Fès Medina Access

The heart of Morocco is off the beaten path – and we’ve weaved together breathtaking walks that lead right to it. Hike along the Plateau du Kik and drink in the views of the High Atlas Mountains. Sip mint tea in Berber villages at the foot of Jbel Toubkal. Stroll the fragrant Valley of Roses. And put your feet up at exquisite hotels – just in case the heart of Morocco is hiding out by the pool.

Have the experience of a lifetime on a bike or, if you prefer, an amicable camel. Go from bustling&nbsp;souks&nbsp;to Berber villages and crumbling&nbsp;kasbahs. Lose yourself overnight in the silky Saharan dunes at a breathtaking tented camp, and luxuriate at Kasbah Tamadot, Dar Ahlam and Riad Farnatchi (exclusive to us). You’ll think you’re walking toward a mirage, but trust us, it’s all real.Please note! For the October departure, you will stay at Kasbah Tamadot instead of Olinto.&nbsp;For information about the hotels assigned to your departure, kindly contact your Travel Advisor. You can also download the detailed itinerary to view the complete hotel lineup.

Unforgettable Experiences

Incredible Rides

From dining beneath the stars to cycling through palm-lined oases, Morocco brings the magic. Pedal desert trails, hike to a hidden Amazigh village, dine under Saharan stars, and explore Marrakech with our friend Mohammed. With luxe camps, ancient souks, and tagines that will linger in your dreams, this adventure is as bold and unforgettable as the land itself.

Journey into the Sahara

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Can’t find your dates? 

Go Bespoke

Experience Designer

Have the experience of a lifetime on a bike or, if you prefer, an amicable camel. Go from bustling&nbsp;souks&nbsp;to Berber villages and crumbling&nbsp;kasbahs. Lose yourself overnight in the silky Saharan dunes at a breathtaking tented camp, and luxuriate at Kasbah Tamadot, Dar Ahlam and Riad Farnatchi (exclusive to us). You’ll think you’re walking toward a mirage, but trust us, it’s all real.

Spend 6 nights biking into the Sahara in a small group. Golden dunes, ancient kasbahs and one desert camp night under the clearest sky on earth.

Morocco Bike Tour: Into the Sahara, Ancient Kasbahs & Desert Camp Under Stars

Morocco is one of our oldest friends—the land, in fact, where the idea of a B&amp;R expedition was born. We saw a stunning country beautifully suited to our penchant for pedalling, and knew we absolutely had to introduce it to our travellers. Today, we give you the very best that a luxury Morocco bike tour has to offer—magical Marrakech, Berber villages, stunning oases, fabulous food, a Kasbah hotel, the High Atlas Mountains and an absolutely unforgettable riad stay in incredible Essaouira.

Insider Access

Morocco serves up a varied array of mountains, deserts, and coastlines so readily, you'll swear it’s showing off. Pedal from the snow-dusted High Atlas to surfer-chill Sidi Kaouki, through crimson valleys, sacred villages, and candlelit desert dinners. Along the way, meet locals who’ll happily share their stories, their mint tea, and the kind of magic that can’t be Googled.

From the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic

Authentic Food

Morocco does anniversaries like it does everything else—spectacularly (and often over mint tea). Hike Atlas foothills, lunch with Amazigh locals (and yes, they’re amazing), and trade stories in remote villages. Cruise the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, watch a Sahara sunset by camel, and toast it all with a private charter finale to Casablanca. For our 60th, we’re not just doing Morocco—we’re doing Morocco at its most memorable.

Spend 5 nights in Morocco in a small group for B&R's 60th. Atlas mountain trails, hidden kasbahs and a night under the Sahara's vast desert sky.

5 Ways Morocco Will Captivate You

By Orsolya Kako

Morocco

Company

Essentials

Connect