We continue our exploration of Berber/Amazigh culture with a visit to Telouet, a small village deep in the High Atlas Mountains, known for its kasbah, trekking and beautiful scenery. Azdean met with local guide and historian Ali Ahdadi to delve into Berber influence in the area and activities for travellers passing through. Telouet is a bit off the beaten path, hence why it was largely a secret until recently. But in reality it's only a 2.5 hour drive from Marrakech, an hour south to Aït...

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean, Hiba and Sam expand on the historical canvas and cultural fabric formed by the Amazigh, or Berber, tribes across North Africa. Our focus is an overview of some of the more prominent tribes and communities, who have had a long and lasting impact on the region. Long before modern political borders, invaders and settlers, and contemporary languages and culture, these Amazigh peoples were laying down cultural roots still seen today. Our...

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. You can find the video version here on our YouTube channel. In this month's session, Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, navigate the labyrinth of traveller scams in the bustling streets and markets of Morocco. With a focus that is as practical as it is necessary, they will equip you with the knowledge to sidestep common pitfalls that many an unwary traveller might stumble...

Who are the Moroccans? To a large extent, the native population of Morocco are the Amazigh people, whose presence and influence date back thousands of years. Commonly known as “Berbers,” in fact their preferred term, “Amazigh,” is a more positive, inclusive name that means “the free people.”  Speaking the Tamazight language, and pronounced similar to “A-ma-zirgh,” (with the “rgh” a soft guttural sound) Amazigh roots spread far beyond just the borders of Morocco, which as you’ll learn in...

You’ve spent a lot of money to get to Morocco, especially to see it thoroughly and comprehensively. And even more importantly, your trip is the culmination of months or years of dreaming, planning, research and preparation.  We all know that unexpected things can happen, from getting sick to breakdowns or even just surprisingly poor customer service. But to sort out these problems, you’ll want to be in the hands of experienced professionals who see you as more than a number or a confirmation...

One of the great travel stories we’ve heard from a guest on the podcast was just over a year ago now. It was with Rachel Metcalfe, for whom Morocco went from being a remote, distant idea to, a month later, sitting on the airplane on her way to Casablanca. Destination Morocco took on the challenge of organizing her last-minute trip, and in this episode Rachel explains how that made all the difference in having an enjoyable, complete tour that covered the sights she wanted to see. This is our...

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Dec. 13. You can find the video version here on our YouTube channel, with lots of visuals that go with the conversation. In this month's session, Azdean and Sam answered your questions about Morocco's fabulous food and cuisine. You've likely heard at least a bit about tagines, pastillas, mint tea and of course, couscous. But this episode will really fill in the blanks and help you place your...

Over the course of many episodes of the podcast, we’ve often mentioned a certain guide based in Casablanca. He has had a lasting and indelible impact on those who have had the pleasure of meeting him. Our guests on the podcast, from Chantal to Pablo and even Ted have remarked on his knowledge, warmth and spirit. Khalil Nejjary is his name, and when Azdean visited Casablanca and the incredible Hassan II Mosque this past summer, he finally had the chance to invite him on the podcast, in...

Today's episode of Destination Morocco ponders the question of "What makes Morocco appealing?" What attracts people to Morocco, and what are their perceptions of the country before going there? Naturally there are always stereotypes and assumptions that build up over time, and as Azdean points out in this episode, Europeans are inevitably more familiar with Morocco than North Americans due to their proximity, and the ease of getting there, perhaps even for a quick long weekend. But for many...

Continuing our recent theme of shopping, tipping and travelling safely in Morocco, today's episode features the Akhnif Glaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech. Azdean visited this wonderful, genuine boutique back in June of this year, during the summer trip to Morocco, while on the Southern Morocco tour. It was here where he met Sarah, host and guide of the facility, who gave Azdean and family a tour and showed them...

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Nov. 15. You can find the video version here. We get a lot of questions about safety and security in Morocco, once you are there and making your way through the souks, squares and even the restaurants. Your Destination Morocco tour director is always there for guidance and advice, as well as your local guide, for when you're first exploring a new city. But we always want to encourage people to...

The culture of tipping in Morocco is something we get a lot of questions about, and indeed many people aren't sure if they should tip at all, or when, and how much. It can quickly get overwhelming and a little awkward, if you don't know what to expect. Azdean is here today to set out a comprehensive guide to tipping when you're travelling in Morocco. The short answer is yes, tipping applies in many cases across the country, in many different situations. The culture has evolved to something...

You've heard his baritone podcast voice for the past year and a half, and picked up bits and pieces of his story. But as we approach our 50th episode of Destination Morocco podcast, have you wondered, "How did Azdean come to live in Houston, and how did Destination Morocco get its beginnings?” Azdean did in fact grow up in Marrakech, never imagining that he would wind up in the United States, raise a family, start businesses and build connections around the world. It's an inspiring story of...

Take yourself on a tour and gain new understanding for the beautiful country of Morocco on the Destination Morocco Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.  Our goal is to introduce you to the real Morocco, showing you how to prepare, what to see, what to expect and how to make the most of your time. Join host Azdean Elmoustaquim as we meet locals and guides, learn about costs and prices, safety, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, what languages to expect,...

One year ago exactly, Pablo Juarez and his partner Harmony were touring Morocco with Destination Morocco, experiencing incredible variety from Fès, Merzouga Desert, over the Atlas Mountains, through Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou, and ending up in Marrakech.  After they got back home to Ottawa, Canada, we had Pablo on the podcast to talk about their trip, the amazing sights, and some surprising and unexpected discoveries along the way.  It was such a great episode that we felt we should do it...

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Oct. 11. You can find the video version here. In today's conversation with Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, we'll focus on what's included in a typical Destination Morocco tour, how we go about building itineraries, and how we build from your preferences and priorities to shape a tour that works for you, and is specific to you. This is a big part of what makes Destination Morocco an ideal...

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/8c83YIlxYqc Here at Destination Morocco, we receive questions all the time about how to prepare for a trip to Morocco and what to expect. We love being able to help out our fellow travellers and help you avoid the sense of shock, while preserving the sense of adventure, once you arrive in our homeland. This episode is the first of a series that will answer travel questions about Morocco, grouped together in various themes....

Ceasha Micallef had her dream tour to Morocco booked months in advance, with a departure date of Friday, September 8, 2023. As she was in-flight over the Atlantic, heading for a stopover in Paris before going on to Casablanca, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Morocco. She arrived at the airport to text messages and missed calls from family and friends, wondering if she was still able to go. In truth, she wasn't sure herself. Back and forth texts with the Destination Morocco team...

Unearth the mesmerizing allure of Morocco, as Sam, our Destination Morocco insider, guides us through the highlights of a typical Northern and Southern Tour. In this episode of Destination Morocco, we put particular emphasis on the entrance fees to these famous sights and attractions, including which ones are free. Sam is careful to convert from Moroccan Dirhams into US Dollars which, as it turns out, is a pretty straightforward process. Our route takes us from Marrakech to Essaouira, then...

This episode is the audio replay of our first Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Sept. 13. You can find the video version here. Visit our Relief page to find out how you can donate to earthquake recovery efforts. As you may know, we had been planning this event for the past few weeks, with a focus on how to plan your bucket list of things to see and do in Morocco. The earthquake near Marrakech on Sept. 8 immediately turned our focus to sharing as much information as...

Friday night's earthquake in Morocco was sudden and unexpected, and hit home for us here at Destination Morocco. Our office is based in Marrakech and sustained damage, and many of our staff are now homeless. Azdean, based in Houston, felt stuck and helpless, trying to figure out what he could do from so far away. Many of our podcast listeners and former clients have reached out with their condolences and offers of help, for which we are very thankful and appreciative. As we come to terms...

Azdean spent the summer of 2023 researching attractions, riads, hotels, restaurants and activities in Morocco, gathering information to give Destination Morocco clients an even better, more authentic experience. He and his team also captured hours of audio and video footage, which is being rolled out on the Destination Morocco podcast and the new YouTube channel. All in all, it was a lot of logistical planning that put him in the shoes of his clients: figuring out where to go, what to see...

In today's episode, we continue our wandering through the medina of Marrakech, as Azdean visits artisanal workshops, souks and a particularly delectable seafood restaurant. Picture yourself in a bustling wool and cotton workshop, the air thick with stories of craftsmanship as we learn how natural colors like indigo, orange, and even black breathe life into the fabric. You'll almost feel the soft touch of cactus silk while we dig into the secrets of these age-old crafts, by chatting with...

Our Marrakech walking tour continues in today's episode, as Azdean and local guide Youssef explore the historic Medina, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa and conclude with a visit to the famous Majorelle Garden. In Part One, we made three stops, focusing around three sights on the south side of the Medina, or city centre: the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the El Badi Palace, a stunning ruin that was once full of jewels, art and precious stones, and the Bahia Palace, which is still standing, and is...

Prepare to embark on a journey through the vibrant energy and rich history of Marrakech in today's episode. Azdean teams up with local guide Youssef to explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter known as the Mellah - a testament to integration and cooperation between diverse religions and cultures. As we wander through this neighborhood, the ruins of the 16th-century Badia (Badi) Palace and the stunning Bahia Palace showcase the intricate Moorish architecture and the historical context that...