With stunning mountains, buzzing cities and endless deserts, the country has so much to offer and seems to change with every visit. A fascinating melting pot of cultures and religions, you’ll be immersed in cultural influences from around the world, architectural marvels and tons of historical intrigue. Magical, mysterious and utterly captivating. Morocco has something for everyone, read ahead to be inspired.

The Tree Goats of Tamri

From a distance, your eyes may mistake it for a mirage but get a little closer and you will see hundreds of berry-munching goats hanging out in the Argan trees. The native Tamri goats are found in the small village of Tamri in Morocco and over time have developed a taste for the juicy argan berries. The goats seem to have mastered the acrobatic skill of tree climbing, traipsing confidently on the narrow branches making sure not to fall. It’s a truly bizarre thing to behold. Not only is it a delicious snack for the Tamri goats, but there is also a secondary benefit that comes from their poop! After the goats finish eating the fruit and nuts off the tree, they pass valuable clumps of seeds which are then pressed to create the sought-after Argan oil. The same oil I use in my hair everyday to keep it soft and shiny!

Chouara Leather Tannery

I have to admit, the tanneries of Chouara are not for the weak-stomached, the pungent smell hits you instantly before you’ve even had chance to enter. Sprigs of mint are offered out at the doors before entering and I seriously suggest you accept it, however once inside you are met with an incredible view. Animal hides are prepared the old fashioned way: soaked in limestone vats of pigeon poop and donkey urine, hand/foot-beaten to a pulp and coloured with all-natural dyes. The yellow leather dyed with saffron is considered the most valued and is traditionally used to make pointy-toed slippers called babouche.

Erg Chebbi

A forever shifting flame, the impressive Erg Chebbi dune is the highest and largest sand dune found in Morocco. Measuring 22km long and 5km wide, the glowing orange dune is often used as the backdrop for films including James Bond’s Spectre, Prince of Persia and one of my favourites, The Mummy. There’s nothing quite like riding a camel out into the desert and sitting on a big sand dune while slowly watching the sunset over the horizon. So peaceful and tranquil, definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Chefchaouen

Originally founded as a refugee camp, the charming city of Chefchaouen is now a popular tourist spot. The stunning mountain city is awash with blue-rinsed houses that attract thousands of visitors each year, but it wasn’t until an influx of Jews came at the start of the Second World War that it got its colour. For the Jews, the colour blue represents the sky, which reminded people of heaven and God. Today, residents of Chefchaouen still regularly paint their houses, keeping the blue city fresh and the lost tradition alive. Let your nose guide you through the famous narrow winding alleyways in search of freshly baked breads, sweet treats and aromatic moroccan tagines, it’s truly a taste sensation. Not only that, but due to its unique geographical position it is the perfect starting point to hike through the scenic Rif Mountains.

The Ouzoud Falls

High in the Atlas Mountains you will find the largest and most impressive waterfalls in North Africa, The Ouzoud Falls. These tall waterfalls, which are located about 100 miles northeast of Marrakech, empty into the El-Abid River gorge are perhaps the most magnificent of all cascades. This can be owed to the fact that they stand out against the arid landscapes of the region. Visitors can walk around the falls, while enjoying the sights and sounds of the falls’s permanent residents – a troop of cheeky macaque monkeys. These mischievous monkeys are found all round the area and are incredibly playful and fun to watch, just remember to keep a hold of your belongings if you don’t want to see a monkey looking better in your sunglasses than you! A trip to the Ouzoud Falls is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

This is the ultimate trip if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and memories to treasure for years ahead. If you are curious to learn more about this vibrant country, check out our amazing Morocco Experiences here.

Written by Lucy Kaufmann, Untravelled Paths