Morocco is one of North Africa’s true gems, with rugged coastlines, bustling cities, breathtaking mountains and a rich cultural history. This sprawling country includes buildings, cities and architecture that must be seen to be believed, all nestled against a desert and mountain backdrop. Whether you want to experience Morocco’s famous markets and souks or watch a sunrise over the Sahara desert, there is no shortage of things to see and do in beautiful Morocco.
Morocco is located in the north-western corner of Africa. Its unique position along the coast means it is home to beautiful coastal towns, deserts and mountains. Morocco’s main neighbours are Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south.
Morocco has a rich and diverse cultural history that combines Arab, Berber, and Andalusi influences. Like most countries, Morocco has been under different rule throughout history, which is one of the reasons it is so culturally diverse. Today, the country is home to over 37 million people, mostly of either Arab or Berber backgrounds. For the record, Berbers are the region’s indigenous people, with many still living nomadic lifestyles.
As far as religion goes, around 99% of the population identifies as Muslim. You only need to look as far as the country’s architecture to understand its diversity. Depending on where you travel within Morocco, you’ll likely find ancient Roman sites, historic Islamic sites, French colonial architecture, and much more.
The language in Morocco is either Moroccan Arabic or Berber. However, suggesting that only two languages are spoken is a little misleading. The main dialect is called Darja, and around 90% of the population can communicate in modern Arabic. The Berber language, though, has three major dialects for different regions. French is also popular, but if you’re a bit of a linguistics junkie, it’s worth checking which languages are primarily spoken in each region.
When you travel Morocco, you’ll be treated to some delectable cuisine. One of the most common dishes is known as ‘tagine’. The name actually refers to the clay cooking pot in which the food is prepared. Typically, it is a spiced meat stew with vegetables, and you’ll find them almost everywhere in Morocco.
Another highlight is pastilla, a traditional North African meat or seafood pie. It is made with warqa dough, which is similar to filo pastry. There are numerous local variations of the dish, using a range of different spices and fillings. If you want to try some of the best Moroccan cuisine, a trip to the medina in Marrakech is essential!
If you love the outdoors, the Atlas Mountains are unmissable. The mountain range extends for around 2400 kilometres, also forming part of Algeria and Tunisia. The highest peak is Toubkal Mountain, rising to approximately 4,000m. There are several species of plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else. Through deep valleys, you’ll find small villages that have existed for centuries, and you can even meet some of the locals.
Hiking through the Atlas Mountains is a life-changing experience as you take in all of the natural beauty around you. Keen hikers can tackle the walk to Sidi Chamarouch, an ancient shrine that also offers awe-inspiring views of the mountains and valleys around you.
One of the most iconic cities in Morocco is Chefchaouen. It’s often referred to as ‘the blue city’, and you’ll see why as soon as you arrive. The town itself is quite isolated, sitting at the base of the Rif mountains. You can enjoy a photography tour of the city, with a local guide showing you all of the best photo spots.
The medina in Chefchaouen features houses and buildings in all shades of blue. Many of them have artistic and ornate decorations on the doorways, and the red-tiled roofs provide an amazing contrast. There is a big Spanish influence here, and it is certainly recognised as one of the prettiest towns in Morocco.
Another site that shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Morocco is the UNESCO-listed city of Marrakech. In Marrakech, you’ll find the largest traditional Berber market and one of the world’s busiest squares, Djemaa el Fna. If you enjoy food, the Marrakech Medina is the place to try some local treats and learn more about Moroccan cuisine.
Marrakech isn’t all about trade though, as many people visit to enjoy the breathtaking architecture on display. Some highlights include Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and the Saadian Tombs. The Jardin Majorelle is a spectacularly curated botanical garden that was built over forty years.
Crooked Compass offers a range of tours through Morocco, with something suitable for everybody. From exploring the Atlas Mountains to dining on mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine, we show you parts of the world that are less travelled. If you’d like to immerse yourself in a journey through some of North Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, it’s time to visit Morocco. Contact the Crooked Compass team today, and prepare for an immersive adventure like no other.
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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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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