Discover My Journey: A Bus Adventure Through Northern Morocco

Deepa Lakshmin, Dinogo Planet's social media director, explored Morocco on a bus tour that highlighted the country's vibrant flavors and attractions. She offers valuable tips and insights for those considering a similar journey.

Rabat is often overlooked as a first stop in Morocco.

Many travelers tend to favor the vibrant streets of Marrakesh or the bustling Casablanca, which has an international airport connecting to the US, Europe, and Africa. However, as the capital city, Rabat provides a rich experience of all that Morocco has to offer.

The country is currently in a recovery phase after the 6.8-magnitude earthquake on September 8, 2023, which impacted Marrakesh and caused significant damage in the High Atlas Mountains. Visiting Morocco now is a great way to contribute to its recovery efforts.

I traveled across the Atlantic to spend a few days in Rabat, then took a private car to Casablanca, where I joined a G Adventures bus tour that whisked me away to Chefchaouen, Fez, and Marrakesh for an exciting week filled with tagines, mint tea, and enchanting medinas that stimulated all the senses.

What was the most touristy activity you experienced?

I visited Chefchaouen, often referred to as the 'blue pearl' of Morocco nestled in the Rif Mountains, famous for its blue-washed old town. I snapped countless photos in front of its blue doors, walls, and steps; the pervasive blue symbolizes the sky, making it essential to catch the stunning sunrise or sunset over the city.

We enjoyed a rooftop dinner at Casa Aladin in the heart of Plaza Uta El Hammam, taking in stunning views of the sea of blue rooftops. Although more tourist-oriented restaurants typically serve alcohol, my visit coincided with a religious holiday, Hijri (Islamic New Year), making it tricky to find places offering alcoholic cocktails. One order of rosé turned out to be a mix of juice, but my freshly squeezed orange juice was delightful.

What was your favorite activity during the trip?

The sunrise over Chefchaouen is even more breathtaking than the sunset. We rose at 4:45 am to hike up to the Spanish Mosque for the spectacular view. It was refreshing to stroll through the usually lively medina during the serene morning hours, as locals began their day and set up their shops. The path was well-lit with street lamps, and I was accompanied by three other women—one of whom spoke Arabic, which proved useful when a man approached us but eventually left after she conversed with him. A friendly street dog tagged along, settling down at our feet once we arrived at our destination.

How did you navigate your travels? What were the costs involved?

G Adventures is a budget travel company that primarily caters to young adults, and I've been traveling with them since my early twenties. I booked their 7-day tour, 'Northern Morocco: Blue Cities & Bustling Marrakesh,' which came to a total of US$692.55 after a 5% discount for being a repeat traveler.

Our group consisted of just 12 travelers, which meant we rode in a purple van adorned with the G Adventures logo. It made spotting our vehicle in the parking lot a breeze! The initial cost covered all intercity transportation, basic accommodations, and breakfasts. I find trip planning overwhelming and prefer to leave it to those who know the local areas better than I do.

With G Adventures, you get what you pay for—don't anticipate luxury resorts or extravagant transportation—but I don't require much to have a good time on the journey. (Perhaps one day, with a bigger budget, I'll opt for a more upscale tour with Elsewhere by Dinogo Planet!).

Where did you stay? What was the atmosphere like?

We opted for 3-star budget hotels that provided the essentials: a bed free of bed bugs, an (occasionally) hot shower, and mostly functional air conditioning. The most striking decor was at Chefchaouen’s Hotel Madrid, featuring beautiful Moroccan tiles and intricate mirrors throughout the hallways.

Upon arriving at Marrakesh’s Hotel Residence Amalou, my group and I, eager to escape the sweltering 100°F heat, jumped straight into the pool. In Fez, Hotel Mounia offered an outdoor terrace that was more of a basic balcony with a few chairs, suitable for backpackers who don't spend much time in their rooms.

In Rabat, the 5-star Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé provided a much more luxurious experience, a serene escape where I even slept in until 2 PM one day due to jet lag—the bed was incredibly comfortable. A refreshing swim in the infinity pool and light bites at the rooftop bar finally helped me unwind. For added relaxation, they also have a spa.

I never anticipated enjoying sushi in Morocco, but the chef at their restaurant Le Deck excels in Peruvian and Japanese fusion dishes. It was so delicious that I found myself dining there every day. The desserts were extravagant in presentation, texture, and flavor—exactly what my sweet tooth craves!

What was your favorite hidden gem activity?

I was genuinely impressed by Rabat. It's a destination that deserves more attention from tourists, especially in July when the coastal climate is much more pleasant compared to the inland hotspots like Marrakesh or Fez.

The city showcases a distinct division between its historic and modern sides along the Bou Regreg river. The medina’s white walls evoke the charm of Santorini, while a leisurely boat ride reveals the striking Mohammed VI Tower and the impressive Grand Theatre of Rabat, a contemporary amphitheater designed to resemble the river’s flowing waves. The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is the city’s main attraction, featuring intricate zellige (mosaic tiles) and the final resting places of several Moroccan royal families. Entry is free, but remember that it’s a sacred area, particularly during Ramadan, so dress and act with respect. I made sure to carry a scarf for coverage whenever needed.

Rabat offers a much more tranquil atmosphere compared to other cities. You won't find yourself squeezed between strangers in narrow alleyways. It's a refreshing change from the hustle of Marrakesh and Fez.

What’s your best advice for someone planning a similar journey?

For shopping, be prepared for some tough negotiations. With all the beautifully crafted rugs and vibrant ceramics, I was tempted to buy everything! However, haggling can be daunting for me, especially in traditional medinas like Fez. I followed the golden rule from Dinogo Planet’s guidebook: I determined what the item was worth to me and offered a fair price to the vendor, setting that as my final offer.

What caught you off guard?

I was amazed at how quickly I could reach Morocco from New York City! The flight took less than 7 hours each way from JFK to Casablanca, which is even faster than going to Los Angeles. I traveled with Royal Air Maroc, and while their check-in was oddly slow and the food left much to be desired, there were no delays, and my luggage arrived safely. The direct flight makes it tempting to plan another visit to explore more of the country. Even if I can't manage a whole week, I often take long weekends in LA, so why not Morocco instead?