Traveler Type: Adventure
Welcome to Morocco
Morocco has a way of exceeding expectations even when they’re already high. From the sensory overload of the medina’s ancient souks to standing on top of massive orange sand dunes in the Sahara Desert, this country delivers at every turn.
Whether you’re here for the history, the adventure, or both, Morocco will give you a trip worth talking about for years.
Morocco
Did you know the Sahara Desert wasn't always a desert?
About 8,000 years ago, the land that is now the world’s largest hot desert was a lush, green savanna teeming with lakes, grasslands, and wildlife. The shift to desert conditions happened gradually over thousands of years due to changes in Earth’s orbit and monsoon patterns, transforming one of the most fertile regions in Africa into the iconic landscape of endless golden dunes we know today.
The Sahara covers nearly 3.6 million square miles across 11 countries — roughly the size of the entire United States. And yet, only about 20% of it is actually sand. The rest is rocky terrain, ancient riverbeds, and mountain ranges that tell the story of a completely different world.
To experience the Sahara for yourself, check out my full guide below
Black Traveler Friendly Couples Trip
Khamila
Black Culture Spotlight
Khamila Village
The Gnawa are descendants of enslaved Africans brought to Morocco from Senegal, Chad, and Sudan centuries ago. Their music blends African, Berber, and Islamic influences and carries themes of ancestry, resistance, and spirituality. We caught a live performance during our 3-days in the Sahara Desert. It was brief but genuinely moving, especially if you have any connection to the African diaspora. This is Black history in North Africa, alive and being kept in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco Safe for Americans?
As an American traveler, I felt generally safe in Morocco. The country values tourism, and most people were welcoming and helpful.
I never felt threatened during my visit, though market vendors can be persistent. A firm but polite “La, shukran” (“No, thank you” in Arabic) usually works.
Is Morocco Safe for Black travelers?
In my experience, yes. I experienced a few stares but nothing intruding & felt safe the entire time. Basic travel precautions apply.
Marrakech Dress Code for Women?
Morocco is a Muslim country, so the dress code is more modest. You aren’t expected to be dressed super modestly, but it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees in public. Since it was a bit chilly when I was there, I mainly wore long-sleeved shirts and flowy pants. Locals tend to appreciate the effort. More conservative in religious sites and more relaxed at hotel pools.
How Many Days to Spend in Marrakech?
You can see the main highlights in 2-3 days, but if you want to really explore the city, especially if you plan a Sahara Desert excursion from Marrakech, 4-5 days is ideal. Also, give yourself a day to adjust to the jetlag if you come from the U.S.
What currency is used?
Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash is KING, especially in the medina. There are ATMs everywhere to pull out more cash.
Best time to visit Marrakech?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Summer is extremely hot and winter evenings can be cool. We went in Febuaray and it was the perfect temperature for me as someone who gets hot fast.
Do Americans need a visa?
U.S. citizens can enter Morocco without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Getting Around Marrakech?
Walking: The medina is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. Most riads are in pedestrian-only areas. Download offline Google Maps before your trip – it works surprisingly well in the maze-like medina.
Taxis: Your best bet is to hail a taxi whenever you see one. Some taxi drivers will try to charge you more than the trip costs.
Ride apps: Uber is not available in Marrakech. They have a Careem app, but I don’t recommend using it.
Hotel transfers: Worth it for airport arrival/departure. If you arrive with luggage, have your riad arrange to meet you at a drop-off point. Finding addresses on your own can be challenging, even with Google Maps.