Road trippin’ in Morocco
One month into a six month YOLO adventure, Mr LML and I find ourselves sitting in a Turkish cafe in Istanbul, drinking apple tea and discussing where we should head next. Being a surfing enthusiast, Mr LML wants to go anywhere that’ll enable him to get in the ‘green room’ (that’s inside the wave barrel, for everyone reading at home.) So, we get on the net and choose Morocco, and keeping with the YOLO spirit, book flights leaving in two days time-excitement!
We decide to get around Morocco by car, apart from a $30 speeding fine (that’s another story, we weren’t speeding, I swear!), we’re glad because everything is accessible.
If Morocco’s on your bucket list- here’s a road tripper’s guide of things to do and places to visit:
1. Surf camp in Agadir
A must do for the avid surfer, or anyone who has ‘learn to surf’ on their bucket list. We book a week’s stay at a well known surf camp based in Agadir which caters for professional surfers through to beginners and organises all accommodation, transfers, food, surf equipment and surf lessons. One of my daily highlights is eating the delicious Moroccan chicken sandwiches prepared for us- yumbones! By the end of the week, I consider myself an expert surfer to the extent of casually dropping surf lingo into regular conversations and saying “yeow” while doing the shaka like it’s nobody’s business.
First day – learning the basics
The Mint Surf Morocco crew
Getting into the drums in the beach shack
Having drinks with the crew after a big day of surfing
Our riad where we stay at the surf
2. Trek to an Oasis…do it!
One very hot afternoon during our stay in Agadir, we decide to go on a hike to an oasis. It’s an hour and a half drive inland till we arrive at the start of the track. After one hour of trekking through the hot, dusty, Moroccan dessert- absolutely melting in the heat- we arrive at the most amazing oasis complete with water hole and palm trees (tick), I think it’s time to go swimming- watch out everyone- “cannonball!”
Starting the trek..
We’ve reached the Oasis!
3. Day trip to Essaouira
Essaouira is one of my favourite places in Morocco. It’s a chilled out coastal town built around an 18th century fortified seaport. This gorgeous town is known for its fresh fish markets and rustic cobbled streets. It has a fun but serene vibe and its French heritage means there’s delicious crepes. 😀
Rooftop meal in Essaouira
18th century fort
Another view of the fort
4. Shop at the Medina in Marrakech (watch out for the snake charmers!)
If you’re anything like me and love grabbing a bargain or “bargs” as I call it, you’ll love the Medina in Marrakech. Think markets on steroids with all of your favourite things (leather, jewellery, silk scarfs, shoes, bags etc) but at a quarter of the price you’d pay anywhere else. For example, I snag a gorgeous real silk scarf for approximately AU $10… did someone say “bargs?” Also, note to self, the Medina is a dry zone, meaning no alcohol. Mr LML and I are 6 weeks into our holiday at this stage and have a daily ritual of starting lunch with a beer (him) and cocktail (me) and we’re both shocked when we can’t find a restaurant in the area to quench our thirsty mouths.
Mr LML being a big kid in the Medina
5. Eat tagine…anywhere!
Om nom nom- does this one really need explaining? Morocco is famous for tagine and rightly so- it’s delicious. Most traditional restaurants in Morocco offer tagine and I must say I haven’t tried a bad one; my favourite combinations include chicken and olive or lamb and date- delish!
Have you ever been to Morocco? Tell us your tips in the comments!
Love this blog. Talented writer and photographer!
Awesome blog! This makes me really want to go to Morroco.