Destination Morocco Podcast

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Create the Tour YOU Want in Morocco"When you're the type of traveller, particularly to Morocco, who would like to get past the overwhelm and uncertainties of crafting your own trip around the country and take a guided tour instead, it's easy to then get bombarded by the various discount trips, package deals without a lot of detail, rushed itineraries and tightly controlled schedules.There are better ways to see Morocco, in a safe, comfortable, relaxed and personalized way, without the crowds, or waiting around for all 47 passengers to board the bus. Destination Morocco specializes in private and small group tours. We love being able to dart past the big groups waiting in line at the group entrance and instead head straight inside.We always partner with small, family-run riads, the type that only have an 8 or 12-person capacity, and only default to a hotel when that's the sole option (a rare occasion).We get you that table at a hidden gem restaurant, the one that only locals know about. Because it's your own local guide who's taking you there. Explore the medina at your own pace, add a museum to a rainy afternoon, or make that extra stop at the argan oil cooperative or an unexpected winery along the way.Destination Morocco has a new promotions magazine coming out soon, with many beautiful images, background info on Morocco's diverse cities, options for immersive cultural experiences and sample itineraries. Azdean and podcast producer Ted are here today to flip through it, digitally speaking, to inspire you with ideas.Morocco is getting busier than ever, it's an exciting time! All kinds of big events are coming up, this year and in the coming years, which means more people will be discovering the country, and some of those secret places will become a little less hidden. Azdean and Ted talk about a couple of these for instance, such as the stunning mountainside town of Taroudant, on the southern slopes of the High Atlas mountains, between Marrakech and Agadir. You won't find it on any regular tour itineraries, but with Destination Morocco you can add it to yours! Now's your chance to get there before it becomes the next big thing.Today's episode is full of ideas and inspiration. Follow along on our YouTube channel to catch all the images and visual references, you don't want to miss this one! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Why Chefchaouen is a Unique Gem Within Morocco"Azdean sits down on-location with local guide Hamid to learn about the history of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of northern Morocco.This small town roughly 4 hours north of Fes, or 2 hours south of Tangier, has been attracting tourists for decades and, in the age of Instagram, gets more popular every year.As Hamid and Azdean emphasize, Chefchaouen is not just about the stunning colours, but the beautiful architecture, historic Medina and kasbah, and its natural setting in the Rif mountains. Gentle creeks of water wind their way through the town, artisans and craftsmakers line the paths and lane ways, and fresh orange juice vendors squeeze delicious nectar to help you on the climb up to the Spanish mosque, where you get stunning views of the mountains, valleys and the rolling hills of blue. Hamid explains the historic founding of Chefchaouen as a refuge for both Muslim and Jewish refugees during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. The town is a perfect snapshot of Morocco's welcoming and tolerant nature.And we finally get a definitive answer as to why the city is blue. Although you may expect that this is something dating back centuries, the reality may surprise you!Chefchaouen is a calm and quiet jewel of Morocco, with many wonderful features to attract travellers looking for the exotic and colorful, as well as peaceful retreats, fresh mountain air, tremendous hiking and a laid-back spirit and hospitality. We previously posted this recording as audio-only, but now have a beautiful video version to share with you. We know that it won't take much to convince you to add it to your Morocco itinerary! Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

You can also watch this episode on video, where you'll see some of John's fabulous photos! You can find it on our YouTube channel here:A Morocco Travel Itinerary That's Made for Photographers!----Photographer and dedicated world traveller John Hernandez joins Azdean today to share his inspiring travel experience to Morocco, with an emphasis on photography. John recently travelled from Tangier, down through Chefchaouen, Fes (visiting Volubilis on the way), then Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, Essaouira and the Agafay Desert. This two week trip gave him enough time to get to know a few different places throughout the country, while not feeling rushed, something helped in turn by flying from Fes to Marrakech and thus saving the six hour drive.John delves into rich cultural interactions, including playing with musicians in the desert, captivating street scenes and amazing street food, staying in stunning riads (particularly in Fes), discovering pleasantly surprising local wine, incredible coffee, fresh olives and olive oil, leather goods and crafts, and picturesque landscapes that are a photographer's dream. A key concern for any photographer or videographer is of course the safety and security of their gear. John felt very safe throughout Morocco, particularly in Fes, which had a more relaxed vibe, and is less subjected to the buzz of motorbikes everywhere. Marrakech is however well-known for this scourge, and Azdean does include a warning to hold your items a little closer when you're in the souks there, lest they get snapped off your shoulder as a scooter whizzes by!Ultimately, John emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture to truly appreciate and capture the essence of Morocco through photography. Take the time to chat with locals, wander at your own pace, give yourself free time and flexibility in your itinerary. Hire a local guide with the instructions to really get past the tourist stereotypes and uncover the true story of a place. As John says, "The only way this planet's gonna survive if we can get out of our own way and start connecting with folks from different cultures and learning. Because ultimately we all want the same thing. Cover photo credit: John Hernandez Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Meet a Marrakesh wood carver who crafts intricate boxes, game boards and inlaid pieces using a three-limb technique. Meet a wool cooperative artisan who hand-dyes wool with natural pigments like indigo and turns it into scarves, pashminas and carpets. They demonstrate tools, dyeing steps, spinning and drying, and show finished products while touring the vibrant souk.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "From Texas to Marrakech: American Impressions of Morocco"----One evening in Marrakech, at the conclusion of their tour, Azdean sat down with three of Destination Morocco's tour guests from Texas: Eric, Allison and her brother Matt, to chat about their tour experience, and their impressions and reflections upon visiting Morocco.If you're wondering what it's really like to experience Morocco for the first time, this fascinating conversation gives you a window into their discoveries.The setting: the beautiful Safran rooftop restaurant, overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque, and around the corner from the Royal Mansour Hotel and the famous Marrakech medina.The conversation revolves around the deep cultural exposure that the group experienced during their tour, highlighted by the enduring nomadic traditions within the Berber culture. Even in this modern day world, that attachment to the land and lifestyle is never far removed.The group discuss the importance of personal connections, warm hospitality, and the unique, sensory-rich encounters that transcend what can be captured in photos or videos. They emphasize the value of using personalized tours by Destination Morocco, which allowed them to explore the country intimately and safely, leading to a profound appreciation for the country's diversity, history, and daily life. Their itinerary was crafted in collaboration with Azdean and his team, and so it is not a, "Go here, do this," style of tour, but rather one that incorporates the interests, priorities and pace of each individual guest.Eric, Allison and Matt also touch on their preconceived notions before arriving in Morocco, versus the reality of actually being there, with a focus on the welcoming nature of the people, the unexpected joy found in local traditions like mint tea, and the genuine hospitality and warmth that was found.Allison: "The feeling I'll take home with me, and it's at the heart of the people of Morocco, is on a day to day basis I will think about how can I receive people and show that heart to the people in my life." Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "What Travel in Morocco Was Like in 1989"----World traveller Cathy Nesbitt joins Azdean on today's episode with a special story of visiting Morocco way back in 1989.Cathy and her future husband arrived off the boat in Ceuta, thinking they were already in Morocco, but a crash course in geopolitics and navigation quickly got them to the actual border within a few minutes.From there, they found themselves in Tetouan, with a local guide, being hussled to a carpet emporium. Sounds like your classic tourist scam, right? Cathy shares with us a twist though in the story, and her memories and feelings about the encounter, from over 35 years later.Fortunately for her, and for us, they continued on into Morocco to visit many familiar sites that were only just starting to show signs of tourism fame. It was a different time to travel, without technology and easy translation, credit cards and bank machines, or the kind of transport and comforts that we are used to now. And yet it was a trip that left many indellible memories, which she shares with us today. Azdean, in turn, talks about how places like Marrakech, Chefchaouen and Casablanca have changed since Cathy visited: in some ways a lot, in others, Morocco remains timeless.Cathy is a yoga teacher who offers free online yoga sessions every Tuesday morning, you can check her out here:http://cathysclub.com/ Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Discover the vibrant celebrations of Ramadan in Morocco! From the joyous communal Iftar gatherings to the spiritual depth of nightly Taraweeh prayers, it’s a time of togetherness. Learn about the importance of fasting, charity, and Quran recitation in strengthening community bonds. Curious about traveling during this sacred month? It’s a special experience, with opportunities to join locals for meals and witness festive traditions firsthand. Dive into the heart of Moroccan culture during this unique celebration!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Buy a Moroccan Rug and Support the Work of Local Women"Today's episode features the Akhnif Lglaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech.Akhnif Lglaoui Carpet Co-OpLearn about rugmaking in an informative, curious, no-pressure environment that supports the work of the local women who work so hard to make these amazing yet functional pieces of art.We meet Sarah, host and guide of the facility, who gave Azdean and family a tour and shows them the incredible weaving and rugmaking that is done there, all by hand.This Women's Co-op is groundbreaking, and crucially important not just to the local economy, but to women's recognition and self-sufficiency. Instead of relying on others, typically men, to sell their detailed and complex creations, products of hours of hard work and labour (which are then often resold at even higher prices, for which the women don't see an extra dime) - at the co-op, each weaver has a say in the price and value of their rug, and when it's sold they get a very generous and appropriate percentage.Imran and Azdean sat down with Sarah to learn about her story and what brought her back to Aït Benhaddou, now working to showcase the co-op and its efforts, as well as teaching the women some English!Sarah explains the shopping experience there, which puts an emphasis on removing the stress and pressure to buy that you typically find elsewhere. At Akhnif Lglaoui, you are free to browse, learn about rugs and carpets, and perhaps even order one later from back home, once you've made the correct measurements in your house.It's a breath of fresh air when it comes to shopping in Morocco, which you'll appreciate after our episode on Tipping in Morocco, and our Q&A on bartering and avoiding touts, which talked about safety and security, especially while shopping. It is refreshing to find a place that allows you to really appreciate the craft and work that goes into these unique, individual creations.The Akhnif Glaoui has a bright future and we are pleased to support them and send our guests their way. Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Exploring Hiking & Berber Culture in Telouet, the High Atlas mountains of Morocco" Combine outstanding hiking and trekking with authentic Amazigh (Berber) cultural experiences by visiting the town of Telouet, in the heart of the stunning High Atlas Mountains. Our episode today features a conversation between Azdean and local guide & historian Ali el-Haddadi, who leads trekking tours and escorts groups through the region. Telouet is located about a three hour drive from Marrakech, on the south slope of the mountains heading down towards Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Ali tells us about Berber history and influence in this part of Morocco, where even until very recent times (in the past 30 years) there was minimal electricity, people lived off the land and used techniques passed down for centuries to preserve food, build their homes and make their clothing. You can see this amazing and authentic culture still to this day, especially through a certified and trustworthy tour operator like Destination Morocco, who can match you with local families, find safe and exciting activities and organize truly immersive experiences. This episode is like a living guidebook, recorded on location with a true local. For Ali, a lifelong interest in languages has made him an impressive polyglot, English alone being his 3rd or 4th language. We've added some subtitles to the video to help you follow along! But when you meet someone like Mr. Ali in person, you truly see the impact and importance of modern tourism on the locals, opening up opportunities that never existed before, and broadening cultural understanding for everyone. We previously posted this recording as audio-only, but now have a beautiful video version to share with you. If trekking and cultural immersion are on your Morocco bucket list, consider adding Telouet to your itinerary. This episode will give you some further inspiration and encouragement to do so!TelouetGuide Ali AhdadiVideo Episode credits:Youssef and FattahMusic credits: Edward Karl Hanson / Moroccan Marketplace / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Travel to Morocco in 2025: Travel Highlights to Help Your Planning"Or stay here for the audio version - your choice!---Morocco had a banner year in 2024, with tourist numbers reaching over 17 million, a number predicted for 2026 and yet reached two years ahead of time.With new air routes getting underway, both international and domestic, and new hotels and luxury brands setting up in the country, Morocco is very much on the up and up. For the first time, it outdrew Egypt as the top destination for travellers in Africa. Tourist numbers are predicted to reach 26 million per year by 2030, the year Morocco co-hosts the World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal.All of which means, now is the time to go! Azdean and Destination Morocco podcast producer Ted Cragg discuss, in today's episode, what to prepare for in 2025, particularly events and prices that could affect your travels.They highlight some of the numerous large festivals that take place throughout the year, including the Gnawa Music Festival in Essaouira in June, and the Marrakech International Film Festival in December. These are annual events that always draw large crowds, but equally are exciting and prestigious events to witness.Adding to the excitement though in 2025, and in a preview of what's to come 5 years from now, are some major international football/soccer tournaments that will take place in Morocco.The U-17 Africa Cup of Nations will be held from March 30 to April 19, followed by the Women's Africa Cup of Nations from July 5 to 26. Then, FIFA's U-17 Women's World Cup will take place from October 17 to November 8, expanded to 24 teams for the first time.And in the largest of them all, Morocco will host for the second time ever the Africa Cup of Nations, starting towards the end of the year, December 21, 2025 and running to January 18, 2026. This major tournament will be spread amongst six cities across the country: Tangier, Agadir, Rabat, Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca.Therefore, if you are planning a visit during one of these festivals or tournaments, make sure you do your research! Prices will likely be inflated, and accommodation will be less available and flexible as the dates draw near. Alternatively, knowing when these events are taking place may help you decide exactly when to go, if you would rather avoid the crowds and the hype and go at a quieter pace. Either way, we have lots to look forward to in Morocco in 2025, an exciting year in and of itself, but also a prelude of what to expect for the rest of the decade. Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.