Morocco is a fascinating place to visit, especially if you like countries with a rich history and lots of culture to explore. From mingling with the nomadic Berber people to feasting on traditional Moroccan cuisine in a busy marketplace, there is so much to see and do. While the country certainly has modern luxuries to enjoy, the heart of Morocco lies in its traditions and culture. We explore the top 8 things to do in Morocco, with a traditional twist.
Marrakech is one of the most well-known cities in Morocco, and it’s particularly famous for its souks. Souks are bustling marketplaces set in narrow alleyways, making them feel like a labyrinth of sights, smells and sounds. Bring some local currency with you, because you’ll want to pick up some handmade crafts, jewellery, spices and much more. You can even enjoy the experience of haggling with local market stall owners.
The Berbers are indigenous people of North Africa, and they live a mostly nomadic existence. Their way of life hasn’t changed for centuries, and you can learn all about how they live by visiting a traditional Berber village. You’ll meet some locals and even learn how to make traditional dishes. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even try your hand at some weaving or other crafts. Getting a taste of Berber life is essential when understanding Morocco’s rich history.
Most cultures around the world have traditional forms of bathing, and Morocco is no exception. A traditional Moroccan bathhouse is known as a hammam, but it’s more than just a place to wash. It’s about relaxation too, and a typical hammam visit usually includes a steam bath, traditional exfoliation and massage. The perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s exploring.
The Sahara Desert is vast and seemingly unending, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a guided camel ride through its stunning dunes. It’s one of the best things to do in Morocco, because you’ll also get to see various aspects of nomadic Berber life along the way. A camel trek also usually includes a night in a desert camp where the starlit skies are breathtaking.
What is any culture without its traditional food? Most people would recognise Moroccan cuisine as being rich in flavour and spices, and that’s pretty accurate. Traditional dishes include tagine, a slow-cooked stew, couscous and pastila, which is a sweet savoury pie. There are plenty more of course, and a Crooked Compass Morocco tour gives you the chance to sample and even learn how to prepare many of them.
Remember we mentioned Morocco’s souks? Medinas are similar, but on a much larger scale. Instead of being a maze of market stalls, medinas are like small cities. They include a network of narrow streets, historic buildings and busy marketplaces. There are several popular medinas to explore in Morocco, including those in Fes and Marrakech. Strolling through the ancient medinas in Morocco is like taking a step back in time, and a great way to soak up the culture and history.
Dance and music have always been important parts of Moroccan culture. Some of the best things to do in Morocco incorporate dance and music in traditional ways. For example, dance forms like Chaabi are always performed at festivals, often accompanied by traditional Gnawa music. It’s not all about thumping beats though, as Andalusian classical music still remains popular throughout the country. Souks and medinas are great places to check out local music and dance performances.
If you love ancient history, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore Morocco’s landscapes. Beautiful surroundings are littered with ancient kasbahs and fortresses. Kasbahs are fortified buildings or cities used throughout Morocco’s history, and many are still standing today.
Ait Benhaddou, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous kasbahs. But there are many more to see, each with its own piece of significance in Morocco’s long and rich history.
When Crooked Compass takes you travelling, it’s all about immersive, educational and perspective-shifting adventures. Exploring Morocco’s rich traditions is the best way to discover the essence of the country. So, while amazing landmarks and tourist attractions are great too, we give you the chance to meet locals and learn more about your destination’s history and culture. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Morocco, we’ve got plenty of them. Speak to our friendly team of travel experts today, and let’s find your next life-changing experience.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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