Episodes

In today's episode, podcast listener, professional photographer and seasoned traveller Maxx Walske fulfills a dream by visiting Morocco. Maxx is a planner who loves to research and learn about her upcoming destinations. Typically she travels independently, but this time, having listened to the podcast, she went for the peace of mind and comfort of a private, guided tour, organized by Destination Morocco. In our episode today, Maxx chats with Azdean about her trip, about culture shock, the real...

Podcast listener Angel Nair and her husband travelled to Morocco in May of 2022, their first time in the country. She joins Azdean today to talk about her trip and what she learned. Angel shares her perceptions of Morocco, drawn from movies, film locations and cultural expectations, and how those perceptions changed after just two weeks in the country. Although yes, they did explore classic movie locations in Casablanca and elsewhere, they packed so much more into their journey, from Marrakech ...

In today's episode, Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco Podcast producer Ted Cragg for an important conversation that tackles some of the first questions any traveller has about going to Morocco: What should I bring, and what should I wear? Morocco bridges the divide between Europe and Africa, is a gateway to the Muslim world, and features everything from ocean beaches to deserts and high mountains. Whether culturally or environmentally, it can be an intimidating challenge to pack the right...

There are few activities more evocative and memorable than a hot air balloon ride, no matter where in the world. Drifting up from the earth in the calm of early morning, the sound of birds and breeze interspersed with puffs from the burner. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to float over the medina towards the High Atlas mountains is an undoubted highlight of anyone's trip to Morocco. Sherif is the owner of Adventure Balloon Marrakech, which launched in 2018 and just 4 years later is...

Siham Nkonda joins us today to share her insight as a wedding and events planner, based out of Marrakech with her company, La Perle Bespoke Events. Morocco is consistently named one of the world's top wedding destinations (Harper's Bazaar, Brides.com, Pinterest Magazine and more), being a country with so many options for vibrant locations, cultural activities and stunning photographs. As an overseas excursion for most, it is the type of wedding that will likely require the knowledge and expert...

Welcome to the stunning oceanside city of Essaouira, located southwest of Casablanca, due west of Marrakesh, and midway down the Atlantic coast of Morocco. In this episode, Azdean welcomes Xavier Panadés, owner of the riad "Riad Zahra," which sits but one block from Essaouira's stunning beach and oceanfront promenade. Xavier has Moroccan roots, but grew up in Barcelona, before returning to Morocco, settling in Essaouira and opening his Riad about 16 years ago. Essaouira has many claims to fame...

Come with us on a history and cultural journey, and learn the story and meaning of Ramadan, which in 2022 begins on April 3. If you find yourself travelling in Morocco during Ramadan, what might you expect to see and experience? As Azdean explains, different Muslim countries often have their own variances on certain dates and traditions, and Morocco is no exception. Many travellers may have the perception that during Ramadan, destinations and attractions are closed down, or much quieter. In f...

It may be your first time to Morocco, or you simply may want to cover as much as you can on your trip, in an organized, hassle-free way. Many travellers to Morocco choose a guided tour as the best way to see the country and come away with a real, vivid understanding for what they've experienced. There are of course all kinds of options available, from focusing on specific areas of Morocco, to pursuing certain themes like perhaps food or outdoor activities, and lengths of a few days to two weeks...

Travellers love Morocco for its exotic appeal, culture, stunning landscapes, distinct cuisine, and for its charms. Yes, these charms can include scams, a regular feature of life as a tourist in Morocco, as elsewhere. And as Azdean will tell you, natives like him are far from exempt! Most of what you'll hear in this episode has happened to him at some point. With touches of humor, detail and vivid descriptions that carry you away to the streets, taxi cabs, markets and restaurants of Marrakesh, ...

Marrakesh is one of the most famous destinations in Morocco, one of the "imperial cities" (one-time capital cities), and a place immortalized in popular culture and romantic images. When you think of a Moroccan city, and ancient markets, spices, mosques, vibrant colours and winding, narrow alleyways come to mind, it is likely Marrakesh that you're thinking of. Azdean welcomes his friend and local tour guide Youssef Kharroubi to the podcast, to give us an overview of the city and its many sight...

As we begin our exploration of Morocco, Azdean invites his producer, Ted Cragg, onto the podcast, to chat about what listeners can expect from the show over the coming episodes. Imagine us sitting in a nice café, or maybe drinking some fresh Moroccan mint tea, as Azdean gives us an overview of Morocco for those just beginning to learn about the country. We talk about some of the fundamentals: population, languages, climate, distances, costs, potable water, security and more. Azdean gets us sta...

Destination Morocco launches its podcast, with an introduction to the show and a greeting from our host, Azdean. Azdean and his family hail from the small village of Telouet, Morocco, about 40 miles (in a straight line; much longer by road!) southeast of Marrakesh. After finishing school in Marrakesh, he moved to the United States in 1995, settling in Houston. Azdean and his wife Khadija Elomari then took their passion for sharing their homeland and created the Destination Morocco tour company,...

Morocco: Beautiful, wild, colorful, romantic, exotic. It is an enticing destination: a place that impels you to visit, a place that triggers your curiosity. A mix of the modern and traditional, the Gateway to Africa. Join host Azdean Elmoustaquim, native Moroccan and head of inspiration at Destination Morocco tour company, as he takes you on an exploration of his country's distinct culture, vibrant history and stunning attractions. We'll meet locals and guides, and experienced travellers t...