Anxious but Adventurous - My First Trip to Morocco

I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into when one of my closest friends and fellow travel enthusiasts suggested Morocco during one of our many long phone chats about our next destination. Morocco felt like a world away from everything I knew, and to be honest, I knew very little about it other than what I had seen on Instagram. Its bustling souks, winding medina streets, and desert landscapes seemed exciting but also intimidating. As someone who often travels with a hint of anxiety, the unknown can feel overwhelming.

And yet, the more research we did, the more excited I became. It was so different from anywhere I had travelled before, and I knew I needed this trip, not just for the adventure, but as a form of self-care. Travelling, for me, has always been more than ticking destinations off a bucket list. It’s about stepping out of my comfort zone, facing discomfort, and finding moments of calm and clarity in unfamiliar places.

This was my first time in North Africa, and it came with all the uncertainty that made me nervous to even pack my suitcase. But Morocco had a way of showing me that anxiety doesn’t have to stop the joy of discovery. From the vibrant chaos of Marrakech to the peaceful silence of the Sahara, this journey reminded me that self-care can be found in the most unexpected places.

We spent a total of 15 days exploring Morocco. While we packed a lot in, it still wasn’t enough, but I feel that way everywhere I go.

Casablanca: First Impressions

Landing in Casablanca was exciting and slightly intimidating. Coming from Australia, border control was simple, and our hotel-arranged airport pickup made everything smooth. The modern city is bustling but not overwhelming, which made it a gentle introduction to Morocco.

We arrived in the afternoon, ate dinner, and crashed. The next day, we joined a “Medina and Beyond” tour offered by Intrepid, which ran over five hours with a friendly guide and driver. We explored the historic streets of the Casablanca Medina, Habous (the New Medina), Mohammed V Square, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Lunch at the central market, sampling local street food, was a highlight. Later, we visited the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Words don’t do justice to its awe-inspiring beauty, both inside and out. That evening, we departed Casablanca, stopping briefly at Rabat on our way to Meknes, more for a quick break than sightseeing.

Hassan II Mosque Casablanca

Meknes & Fez: History and Labyrinths  

Next, we visited Meknes, with its grand gates and imperial history, and Fes, a city of winding medina streets. At first, the narrow alleys and crowds made me anxious, but slowing down and taking in the architecture helped me feel grounded.

We had a guide to ensure we didn’t get lost, but I could honestly have spent days wandering the medina streets. Highlights included the Chouara Tannery, the ancient University of al-Qarawiyyin, Bou Jekoud Gardens, and the Royal Palace. We browsed souks, visited the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), admired pottery and crafts, and stayed in a beautiful Riad.

Choura Tannery Fes

Erfoud & Khemliya: Stepping into the Desert

Erfoud and Khemliya were our gateways to the Sahara. The vastness of the landscape was intimidating but awe-inspiring. Visiting the Sahara had always been a dream of mine. Staying in at the Erg Chebbi desert camp, riding camels over the dunes, gazing at the crystal-clear night sky around a campfire, and watching the sunrise and sunset felt like meditation. The silence and space gave me a profound sense of calm and presence.\

On our way to Erg Chebbi Desert Camp

Todra Gorge: Nature’s Therapy

Walking through Todra Gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs, was exhilarating. Nature has a way of putting worries in perspective, and the cool shade of the gorge offered a physical and mental pause.

Todra Gorge

Skoura: The Magic of Kasbahs

On our way through Skoura, we visited the beautiful Kasbah Amridil, the largest and most iconic kasbah in the region. This 17th-century “living museum,” built by the Nassiri family, is steeped in history and was even featured on the Moroccan 50-dirham note. Wandering through its courtyards and rooms transported me to another time. 

Kasbah Amridil

Ait Benhaddou: History and Films Magic

Visiting the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou felt like stepping into another world. Touring the historic mud-brick village, famous from films like Gladiator, reminded me that wonder often comes from exploring the unknown. We were lucky to see parts of the set for the second Gladiator movie, which added a fun, unexpected layer to our visit.

Ait Benhaddou

Ourika Valley: Mountains and Villages

The Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains offered a lush escape, with rivers and small Berber villages. Walking along the trails and enjoying the cooler mountain air was refreshing and grounding. We hiked up to a viewpoint to see Mt. Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak, beautifully capped with snow and then had lunch with the locals in a small Berber village called Imlil.

Looking towards Mt. Toubkal

Marrakech: Chaos and Colour

Marrakech was a whirlwind of souks, vibrant gardens, and lively squares. Initially, the energy was overwhelming, but quiet moments in riads, sipping mint tea, and observing street life helped me reconnect with my calm.

We wandered through the bustling Medina and Souks, enjoyed a walking foodie tour in Jemaa el-Fnaa, took a tagine cooking class, and discovered Le Jardin Secret, a hidden garden oasis. Staying in a traditional Riad for three nights, including one final reflective evening, was the perfect way to process our journey and appreciate how far we’d come.

Marrakech at Sunset

Essaouira: Ocean Breeze and out of this world Sunsets

Finally, Essaouira offered a slower pace, with coastal charm, fresh seafood, and wind-swept beaches. Sitting by the ocean and reflecting on our time in Morocco was magical. We even went horseback riding at sunset along the beach, a freeing, joyful experience that felt like the perfect way to close our adventure.

Viewing the Sunset from the Essaouira Ramparts

Lessons and Reflections

Looking back, Morocco was more than a trip; it was a journey in self-care and personal growth. Traveling with anxiety can feel daunting, but this experience reminded me that stepping into the unknown often leads to the most rewarding moments.

Some key lessons I took from this adventure:

• Embrace the discomfort: Feeling anxious in a new place is normal. Leaning into it allowed me to grow.

• Find calm in chaos: Whether in the bustling souks of Marrakech or the vast silence of the Sahara, pausing, breathing, and observing made a huge difference.

• Nature heals: Todra Gorge, the Atlas Mountains, and the desert dunes helped me reset and reconnect with myself.

• Trust your instincts and accept help: Guides and local insights kept me safe and confident while exploring.

• Reflect and process: Journaling, pausing to take in views, or sipping mint tea gave me space to enjoy the journey fully.

Travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how it changes you along the way. Morocco changed me in ways I’ll carry forever.

xx

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