Step into another world! Markets, Mountains, and the Majestic Sahara!
By Emilie Soda
In this big, wide world of ours, the question often on our lips is – where to next?
I’m Emilie, a new consultant with WeExplored, focusing adventure travel bookings. Our
coaching business, Driven By Adventure, has partnered with WeExplored to make booking
travel adventures seamless for our clients - encouraging them to get out there and explore!
I’ve traveled solo, joined guided tours, and explored much of Europe, Southeast Asia,
Northwest United States, Canada, and more. My most recent overseas adventure was
tackling the Kokoda Trail in the breathtaking jungle of Papua New Guinea.
I only spent eight days in Morocco, but from the moment I left, I wanted to return. I joined an
On the Go tour, which took the stress out of navigating a new and vastly different country,
especially one with a unique culture, customs, and language. (French is a commonly spoken
language after Arabic and Berber)
Marrakech is a vibrant and ornate city, its cozy alleyways filled with woven rugs, lanterns,
and spices in every shade—from vivid blues to deep reds. Djemaa el-Fna, the main market,
is one of those places that must be seen to be believed. It’s entirely hectic, packed with
snake charmers, delicious Arabic pastries, and stalls overflowing with traditional Moroccan
lamps, rugs, woven bags, and other treasures. While the market is a delight, it is a unique
experience, so an open mind is key to navigating cultural and societal differences (think
sales tactics, animal welfare, and hygiene standards).
While Marrakech isn’t huge compared to other major cities (with a population of
approximately 1.3 million), it’s always refreshing to escape the urban buzz and head to the
countryside.
The Atlas Mountains are breathtaking -peaceful valleys, gorges, farmland, and mountain
vistas dotted with date palms. (I didn’t eat dates at the time of visiting, so I missed out big
time.) We visited a traditional Berber home, where we watched skilled locals weave intricate
rugs - a true art form. Many of the Berbers wore colourful knitted beanies, which make for a
great souvenir!
The absolute highlight of my trip was a camel ride into the iconic sand dunes at Erg Chebbi
(the gateway to the Sahara), followed by camping under the stars. I never expected the
desert to be this stunning (I mean, it’s just piles of sand, right?) But the way the light shifts
across the dunes, the silence, the fun of our four-legged transport, and the special cheche
(head wraps) to keep the sand off our faces made it an unforgettable experience. While
sandboarding is not a traditional activity it was fun to slide down some dunes. We watched
the desert transform from day into night under the stars in a fun camping style experience.
Everything in Morocco is beautiful and ornate - every doorway, every floor, covered in
intricate tiles and designs. Some areas look straight out of a movie... because they are!
Ouarzazate is where parts of Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy were filmed.
Morocco is an unforgettable adventure, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Come with an
open mind, a respect for cultural differences, and a curiosity for new ways of living and you’ll
leave with an experience you’ll never forget (and a craving for more delicious tagines!).
Next on my Morocco list? Essaouira, to see the famous tree-climbing goats and maybe learn
to surf, the Blue City of Chefchaouen, and stops in Fez and Casablanca to see what they’re
all about.
Where will your next adventure take you?
Join WeExplored’s Nicky and Intrepid on Moroccan Pottery and Textile Tour in October 2025.
Find out more.
Book your next adventure travel trip with Emilie.
Emilie Soda
0413 697 658
留言