How to see the city, desert, and countryside in one go in Morocco
Journalist Imani Bashir takes us to Marrakech, a glamping site in the Agafay Desert, a Berber village, and more
In our Where To series, we tag along as 12 fascinating travel influencers jaunt around the world in search of the best meals, experiences, and more, all inspired by our Travelers’ Choice Awards. Browse all of the itineraries on our Where To hub.
Washington, D.C.–based journalist and digital creator Imani Bashir (@sheisimanib) is always looking to go deeper when globetrotting. “It’s about immersing yourself in the language, the food, the customs—that’s the way that I feel travelers should travel,” she says. Over the course of five days, Bashir did just that in vibrant Marrakech, Morocco—a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best destination. Below, she shares how you can, too.
Day one: Get settled
Locating the Travelers’ Choice Award–winning Riad Luciano Hotel & Spa is half the fun. When your taxi drops you off on the nearby street, look for the hotel employee with a cart. They will lead you and your bags down narrow, winding pedestrian corridors until you reach a carved wooden door, which opens to reveal an atrium with a pool, low sofas, Moroccan lanterns, and floor-to-ceiling mosaics. You have officially arrived in Marrakech.
After enjoying a complimentary cup of mint tea, drop your bags in your cozy but well-appointed room. Then, check out the rooftop patio or squeeze in a treatment at the on-site spa before dinner at Dar Zellij. You can’t go wrong with the beef tagine, accompanied by couscous, live music, and, occasionally, belly dancers.
Day two: Go glamping
Enjoy a breakfast of bread and fruit before hopping in a private car and making the two-and-a-half-hour journey to Dar InaCamp, an ecologically minded campsite in the Agafay Desert. A true oasis, the property takes glamping to a new level with wood-floor tents outfitted with marble, leather, and even fur-wrapped mirrors. Read a book in your attached sitting room or take a (surprisingly) hot shower following a trek through the desert. Book in advance if you’d like to experience the surrounding landscape via ATV or camel.
When the sun sets, the real party starts with a multi-course meal, traditional Berber music, and out-of-this-world stargazing around a communal fire pit. Come bedtime, use your small heater to better control the temperature inside your tent, and know that each room comes with an extra comforter for particularly chilly nights.
Day three: Soak up style and design
Upon your return to Marrakech, head back to the Riad Luciano or check in to yet another stunning riad like the Travelers’ Choice Award–winning 72 Riad Living. It sets itself apart with sophisticated decor and suites featuring private balconies and Jacuzzi tubs. Grab lunch at the chic pool bar, then head to Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, located on Yves Saint Laurent Street.
Through sketches, photographs and, of course, clothes, the modern museum pays tribute to the African-born fashion designer, who often used Morocco as his muse. Learn about his early days as the head of Dior (a role he assumed in 1957 at just 21 years old) and his tremendous influence on women’s wear at his eponymous label. And don’t miss the gift shop, with its impressive collection of postcards and coffee table books.
A short walk from the museum, you’ll find Jardin Majorelle, a lush garden with exotic plants and Art Deco and Moorish-style architecture. Originally owned by French painter Jacques Majorelle, it was later home to Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. The Travelers’ Choice Award–winning attraction is popular, so purchase tickets in advance.
Dinner is at Lao Marrakech, a trendy spot known for its sushi, Instagrammable cocktails (and mocktails), and unobstructed views of the city.
Day four: Take a hike
Rise early and dress comfortably (sturdy shoes are a must) for a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Led by Ando Travel, the experience starts with a visit to a small Berber village, where you can buy handicrafts, Argan oil, or a glass of fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice. Next, you’ll pass olive groves and other breathtaking vistas as you descend to the base of the falls.
Board a small boat for an even closer look at the cascade; just be prepared to get wet. Afterward, refuel with chicken kebabs and French fries at a restaurant overlooking the falls. The drive back to Marrakech can take upward of three hours, so keep your evening low key with dinner at the hotel or, if you’re up for it, at nearby restaurant Terrasses Des Arts.
Day five: See the historic sights
Grab a cup of coffee and a Moroccan-style pancake at Cafe de France before meeting your guide for a historical and cultural tour of Marrakech’s famous medina. First stop? The Travelers’ Choice Award–winning Bahia Palace. With its masterful mosaics and breathtaking architecture, it’s akin to the Alhambra in Spain, but smaller and a few centuries younger. Other stops on the tour include the Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs—both Travelers’ Choice Award winners in their own right.
After spending so much time in the sun, cool off with lunch at My Taher. Then, head out for one more tour at Ben Youssef Madrasa, yet another beautifully decorated historical site that was formerly the largest Islamic college in Morocco.
For your last meal of the trip, look no further than the on-site restaurant at Jnane Mansma, the first Black-owned hotel in Marrakech. It’s run by a mother-daughter duo with an eye for design and a love of al fresco dining. The restaurant serves a mix of African and Mediterranean flavors and offers the perfect way to bid Morocco goodbye.
Imani’s picks:
Best place for a moment of zen: “There was a point on our hike to the Ouzoud Waterfalls that stopped me in my tracks. I let the group go on ahead so I could look out over the mountainous terrain and take in the view.”
Best bite of food: “Dar Zellij had an assortment of complimentary vegetable appetizers they bring out for all of the tables. They were so different and really flavorful.”
Most useful piece of gear: “Aside from the little handheld battery-powered electric fan that I take with me everywhere, I’d say bring cash because not all cards are accepted and make sure you have access to Google Maps because it’s harder than you think to navigate the passageways.”
