Morocco

Morocco offers a complete change of scene from East and Southern Africa – a North African kingdom where ancient traditions meet dramatic landscapes. Start in Marrakech, the ochre‑red city of souks, palaces, and the famous Djemaa el‑Fna square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls come alive at night. From there, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping in Berber villages. The Sahara Desert awaits near Merzouga or Zagora – ride a camel across rolling golden dunes, spend the night in a desert camp under a blanket of stars, and wake to see the sunrise paint the sand in shades of orange and pink. For nature lovers, the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley offer spectacular hiking and rock climbing. Northward, the blue‑washed city of Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream, nestled in the Rif Mountains. The coastal town of Essaouira delivers fresh seafood, windsurfing, and a laid‑back atmosphere with Portuguese fortifications. Morocco is also a food lover’s paradise – tagines, couscous, mint tea, and pastilla are unforgettable. With good infrastructure, a wide range of accommodation from riads to luxury hotels, and easy flights from Europe, Morocco works beautifully as a standalone trip or as a cultural add‑on to an African safari.