Destination Morocco Podcast
Destination Morocco Podcast is where real trip-planning happens. Hosted by Azdean Elmoustaquim, a native Moroccan who's spent years showing travelers his country beyond the postcard version, each episode digs into the details that actually matter when you're planning a trip — what a private riad costs versus a hotel, how much a night in the Sahara really runs, which mountain towns are worth the detour, and how to avoid the mistakes first-time visitors make. With over 120+ episodes and counting, Azdean talks directly with hotel owners, desert camp operators, local guides, and fellow travelers to bring you honest, on-the-ground insight you won't find in a glossy brochure or a generic travel blog. Whether you're mapping out your first trip to Morocco or refining an itinerary you've been dreaming about for years, this podcast is built to help you plan smarter — and if you want hands-on help, every episode links to a free 30-minute consultation to start planning your own custom trip.
Choose your favorite podcast player
Apple Podcasts 
Amazon Music 
Castro 
Spotify 
RSS Feed 
iHeartRadio Explore, Discover, Experience Morocco
Destination Morocco Podcast
Destination Morocco Podcast invites listeners to explore the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the vibrant history of Morocco with native guide Azdean Elmoustaquim. Each episode is packed with essential tips, local insights, and personal experiences to help you travel like a native.
Recent Episodes
116
Sept. 1, 2026
Sharing the Heart of Morocco Through Adventure, with Cat Caldwell Myers (The Adventure Paradox podcast)
Azdean had the pleasure earlier this summer of chatting with Cat Caldwell Myers, host of the Adventure Paradox podcast, a show that empowers motherhood through adventure, building relationships and being in the moment. We love having the opportunity to introduce people to Morocco, to fill in some of the gaps in information, to inspire their curiosity and learn more about the country, and ultimately: to visit. Cat was a great example of this, someone who blends outdoor adventure with entreprene
115
Aug. 15, 2026
“Morocco isn't Recovering. It is Breaking its Own Record Every Single Quarter.”
Why is Morocco becoming an easier, more profitable destination for travel advisors to sell right now? Today Azdean is speaking to travel agents and advisors directly, especially those who are new to Morocco, or have only sent a client or two, focusing on the hard numbers, the latest improvements and the momentum that keeps building for tourism in Morocco. We look at different client types, activities, best seasons to travel, booking windows and time frames, and the incredible diversity that ma
114
Aug. 1, 2026
What to Prepare After you Book Your Trip
You've done the research, asked around, made some calls and booked the trip. It's happening! You're going to Morocco! Okay - what happens next? Today our focus is on the steps to complete after you've reserved the trip, and can shift into preparation mode. What to expect, what to plan, who to talk to and important things to prepare. Azdean and podcast producer Ted cover topics such as travel documentation, safety measures, special accommodation considerations like access and mobility, health ...
113
July 15, 2026
Typical Travel Costs in Morocco
It can be hard to get a clear picture, so our episode today is here to help: "How much do things cost in Morocco?" As much as there's the standard answer, "It depends," we go a little deeper than that and try to frame costs around certain standards and levels of service. Whether that means different types of accommodation, the cost of meals at sit-down restaurants, do desert camps vary greatly in price, how much are activities such as a Hot Air Balloon ride, and lots more. There are a couple ...
112
July 1, 2026
The Luxury Resort in the High Atlas Mountains
Nestled in the High Atlas mountains northeast of Marrakech is the Bin el-Ouidane reservoir, one of the largest lakes in Morocco. Surrounded by foothills, ravines and gorges, waterfalls and snowy peaks, this is one of the most visually stunning yet accessible areas in the country, with easy hiking trails and water activities. You might think therefore that it's a prominent stop on Morocco's tourist path, but it's not. Yet. Although well-located between Marrakech and Casablanca, it does represen
111
June 15, 2026
How to Find Authentic Argan Oil in Morocco
Discover the versatile and distinctly Moroccan product of Argan Oil in this episode of Destination Morocco podcast, recorded live at the Zin Cooperative, just outside of Essaouira. Argan oil can be pressed into both edible or cosmetic use, and our guest Chiadma explains the different methods of production, and how they know which is which. But we also talk about how to find authentic argan oil, because there are a lot of fake rip offs. Chiadma shares a story of how, before she started working
110
June 1, 2026
A Group Tour That's Small and Affordable!
You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "Get the Best of Independent and Group Travel" --- Come to Morocco this year, with our small group tour in November, and experience the best of Morocco in safety, comfort and convenience, while sharing a wonderful experience with new friends! November 8-15, 2026: we want to bring you to Morocco! This is no 50-person coach tour that is hustled along from stop to stop, with constant waiting and delays, forc...
109
May 15, 2026
Booking Travel to Morocco? What You Need to Know
You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "Booking Travel to Morocco? What You Need to Know" --- Whether you're a travel agent fielding questions from your clients, or an independent traveller fielding concerns from family and friends, Morocco's a destination that is still overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions, some of which have been around for decades. The recent exposure to the country, in particular thanks to big soccer results and events, not t...
108
May 1, 2026
"Every Carpet Has a Story" - Local Travel in Morocco, with Kristy Burns (Small Town Travel podcast)
Azdean visits Kristy Burns' Small Town Travels podcast to talk about how travellers can have a unique, and authentic, local experience in Morocco, on private and small group tours, like the ones offered by Destinations Morocco. Travel Small Towns takes the hook of travelling to small towns and integrates it with themes of things to see and do off the beaten path, away from big touristy sites, while exploring the lifestyle of small towns, and more accessible living. The notion of having ...
107
April 15, 2026
Staying Warm, Staying Comfortable in Morocco
You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "Staying Warm, Staying Comfortable in Morocco" --- A destination like Morocco is instantly one that inspires adventure, excitement and discovery. Pushing your comfort zone and experiencing something new and different. But it's one thing to try some new food or sleep in a luxury tent in the desert, it's another to have not known to bring warm enough clothes, or to be stuck climbing multiple flights of stai...
106
April 1, 2026
Is Morocco Safe to Travel Right Now?
You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "April, 2026: Is Morocco Safe for Travel?" --- With the conflict happening between Iran and the US/Israel, and travel routes and logistics facing all kind of upheaval, we recognized here at Destinations Morocco that it's important to address what's happening and how it could impact Morocco. Is it still safe to travel to Morocco? How close is the country to the conflict? Has anything changed on the ground?...
105
March 15, 2026
A Great Way to Experience Morocco for the First Time
You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "A Great Way to Experience Morocco for the First Time" --- Kyle Elizabeth Freeman travelled to Morocco on a solo trip over the Christmas holidays 2025, a potentially tricky time to go! As Azdean always says, things over Christmas/New Year's can be booked up months in advance, and not just accommodation, but tours, guides and attractions as well. And on top of that, this was right in the middle of Morocco ...
Listen On
About the Host
Azdean Elmoustaquim
Co-Founder
Meet Azdean Elmoustaquim: Your Native Guide to the Real Morocco!
Marhaba! I'm Azdean Elmoustaquim. My story begins in the heart of Morocco, the vibrant Imperial city of Marrakech where I was born and raised. My family roots trace back to the small Berber village of Telouet, nestled in the High Atlas mountains near Ouarzazate – a place of deep tradition and connection to the land that I often visited during childhood summers. Though life led me to the United States in 1995, settling in Houston, Texas, my homeland never left my heart. After years in the hospitality industry, the call to share the authentic beauty, rich culture, and unparalleled warmth of Morocco became too strong to ignore. This wasn't about showcasing tourist traps; it was about revealing the real Morocco, the one I knew and loved.