Destination Morocco Podcast
Azdean Elmoustaquim
1 Creator
1 Creator
Destination Morocco Travel Agency offers customized tours to Morocco, including private tours and small group tours, complete with private guides and drivers.
Our goal is for you to experience Morocco like a native, while providing personal service and customized itineraries at an affordable price.
On our podcast, join Destination Morocco's Azdean Elmoustaquim as he takes you on an exploration of his country's distinct culture, vibrant history and stunning attractions. Azdean prepares you for the real Morocco, with suggestions of places to see, exciting activities and attractions, what to expect and what to include on your itinerary.
We meet locals and guides, fellow travellers, learn about costs and prices, safety, especially for female travellers, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, useful phrases in local languages, and so much more.
Our podcast unpacks the mystery, opening up discovery of an amazing land. We invite you along for the journey.
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Top 10 Destination Morocco Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Destination Morocco Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Destination Morocco Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Destination Morocco Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Language Phrases for Travellers in Morocco. Live Q&A
Destination Morocco Podcast
02/15/24 • 23 min
This episode is the audio replay of part our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.
You can find the full video version here on our YouTube channel.Our live Q&A session this month focused on identifying useful phrases in Moroccan languages that travellers can use while in the country. As a very multilingual country, this means doing so in more than one language, which as we explore today essentially means Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Berber (or Tamazight, the original indigenous language), and French, which is still in very common use and may be at least a bit more familiar to many travellers.
The best way to follow this episode is by watching it on our YouTube channel, where you will see the visuals as we spell each word or phrase in Darija, French and Berber.
However, interspersed with our language lesson, and particularly in the first 20 minutes, is some background and contextual information on languages in Morocco, where you'll hear each one, and in what situation.
We have a fun conversation on language identity, and talk about examples when Azdean, Sam and Hiba had to figure out themselves which language to use, and how their accents were interpreted. It turns out that the dialects alone amongst Berber speakers can be quite distinct!
It's not just travellers but locals as well who navigate this linguistic landscape. But in a place where exposure to multiple languages on a daily basis is a common occurrence, there is far less awkwardness or embarrassment as a result. So if you're listening in your car, on the bus, cooking, going for a walk etc., check out this audio excerpt of our live recording for the fascinating background info on languages.
Then, you can jump over to the YouTube channel and at the 20 minute mark, you'll see our language lesson begin!
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
Understanding Ramadan in Moroccan Culture
Destination Morocco Podcast
03/01/24 • 29 min
You can also watch this video episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/FhPkzzzYjns
Ramadan in 2024 starts on the evening of Sunday, March 10th and goes until Tuesday, April 9th, followed by the feast of Eid al-Fitr, or the ‘Feast of Fast-Breaking.' Despite its perhaps solemn reputation, Ramadan is a joyful time for Muslims around the world, Morocco being no exception. As Azdean, Hiba and Sam explain in today's episode, the food is unique and better, families and community frequently come together, and it is a time for celebration and collective spirit, where sacrifice and diligence go hand in hand with helping others and giving back.
The question though is often raised by non-Muslim travellers, "Can I travel to Morocco during Ramadan? Is it worth it, is it a good idea?"
Our episode today is to counter that view and establish that, although routines and schedules are undeniably different during Ramadan, it is still very much possible to travel to and around Morocco during the holy month, and in fact it is quite a special experience.
Hiba, Sam and Azdean discuss the spiritual meaning and practices of Ramadan for Moroccan Muslims, which includes fasting, Zakat (charitable giving), communal traditions such as Iftar (breaking of the fast), and increased recitation of the Quran. Because if you are in Morocco during Ramadan, you'll want to understand what the traditions are, why they're important, and what to look for, to give you a better appreciation for what's happening around you.
Then there is some practical travel advice for tourists, including suggested itineraries, cultural etiquette, and meal planning, which is key. Fundamentally, everything remains open in Morocco during Ramadan, from restaurants to shops to riads. The defining difference is the availability of food.
It is easier to find western-catering restaurants in the big cities, but since travel around Morocco involves a lot of driving through the rural countryside, restaurants are fewer anyway and during Ramadan they may be closed during the day. You can plan ahead with snacks and packed lunches, and your tour guide, driver and riad hosts will all help you stay prepared.
Traveling to Morocco during Ramadan is a unique and immersive cultural experience. As Azdean points out, you only have the chance one month out of the entire year, so if you have the opportunity, make the most of it and enjoy this special time!
Music credits:
Min Wahi El-Lami / Ali Sabah / courtesy of www.epidemicsound
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
Top Things to Do and See in Fez!
Destination Morocco Podcast
03/11/24 • 29 min
We have dabbled in Fès since the start of the Destination Morocco podcast, as it has made an appearance in episodes such as our tour overview of Morocco, our discovery of famous Moroccan food, or in particular from our guests' stories, such as with Chantal and her family, who spent some memorable days in and around the city:
- Episode 4: A Guided Tour Around Morocco
- Episode 14: Dig Into Genuine Moroccan Dishes in Fès
- Episode 22: Comfortable and Safe Family Travel in Morocco
Now, we enter into our first dedicated series of episodes on this fabulous city, starting with a general overview of the main sights to see, and a sample itinerary for a typical four-day visit.
Crucial to planning your trip to Fès is knowing how much time you should spend there, as it is not like any other destination in Morocco. The medina's maze of labyrinthine streets and alleys alone could keep you occupied for a week or more, simply by checking out different corners, craft studios, shops, tanneries, cafés and restaurants.
And that's without seeing some of the city's other highlights including the great observation points that look out over the valley, the pottery and ceramics studios that are further to the edge, the Fes Jdid (or "New Fez," which expands beyond the old medina and in fact dates from 1276), or of course the New City (la Nouvelle Cité), which offers a modern, dynamic contrast to the ancient streets.
Hiba serves as our guest host for today's episode, with Azdean and Sam as the guests, primarily because they reflect on their own trip to Fès in 2023 as tourists themselves. Although they have visited often, Fez far enough from their home base in Marrakech to be a special trip and experience, even for them. They can thus draw from the itinerary they followed last year where, like many of Destination Morocco's guests, four days was the allotted time.
In four days, one can start with a visit to the iconic Bab Bujlud gate and a guided tour of the Medina. Other highlights include the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, Madrasa Bu 'an Aniyah, and the famous, colorful Chouara tannery. That still leaves time for activities, including taking a cooking class, trying a distinct Fes hammam, visiting the Dar Batha Museum, or relaxing in Jnan Sbil Gardens.
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
The Highlights of Marrakesh
Destination Morocco Podcast
02/01/22 • 23 min
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 sights and activities. We talk a bit about the history of the city and its place in Morocco, and Youssef introduces highlights such as the city gardens, the Bahia Palace, the souk (marketplace), the Kutubiyya mosque (nearly 900 years old) and the Bab Agnaou gates. Most of this is encapsulated in the medina (city centre), named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
And then there's the food! You may be familiar with the cone-shaped tagine cooking pot, great for cooking vegetables and couscous. Youssef also introduces the tangiya, which is a similar concept, but more of a deep, oval-shaped clay pot often used for cooking lamb dishes, and immersed in coals to slow-cook for 8-10 hours.
Each topic could be an episode in itself, and so Youssef helps to orient us and set the stage for the discovery of Marrakesh. This episode will get your travel juices flowing!
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
A Moroccan souk (market)
A traditional Moroccan tagine cooking pot
Stunning Moroccan gardens
Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakesh, built in 1158
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Download the stunning Destination Morocco magazine!Follow the podcast and help us grow.
Fès: The Roots of Moroccan Culture - Ep. 8
Destination Morocco Podcast
04/15/22 • 51 min
Fès: The original. Where everything started.
The first imperial capital, the roots of Moroccan culture, famous for its mixing of religious and cultural heritage.
The capital city of Moroccan crafts, from carvings and jewellery to tanneries, and a former political capital as one of the four Imperial cities of Moroccan royalty.
Our episode today explores the medina, the souks, madrassas and Jewish heritage sites of Fès, a city reknowned for its multicultural influences. It's always at the top of the list for any international traveller, and indeed part of the charm is in its mystique and labyrinthian streets.
But we don't want you to get too lost, so our episode today helps you prepare and get your bearings, before you start to wander.
You're about to learn:
- The three principal tourist areas of Fès:
Fès el Bali (the old city).
- Fès el Jdid (the new city) and the neighbouring Jewish Quarter.
- La Ville nouvelle (the modern city).
- Why the houses may seem plain on the outside, but are so beautiful on the inside.
- Fès' Jewish heritage, and how Berber, Jewish and Arab cuisines mixed together.
- Some of the local delicacies, particularly cooked salads and Moroccan pastilla.
- The traditional black ovens used to cook bread and filo pastries.
- The importance of madrassas (Koranic schools), and how you can visit them.
For more show notes, including Azdean's recommendations of souks, madrassas and museums to visit when you're in Fès, go to the episode page:
https://www.destinationmoroccopodcast.com/fes-the-roots-of-moroccan-culture-ep-8/
This Episode is sponsored by:
Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.
https://www.travelanywhere.travel/
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Fès, Morocco
Mellah (Jewish Quarter) of Fès
Follow, Share and Participate:
Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website
Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!
Help people find us: Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
Coming February 1st, 2022: Destination Morocco Podcast
Destination Morocco Podcast
03/31/21 • 3 min
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 too, as they share their stories of unlocking this fascinating territory.
Azdean prepares you for the real Morocco, showing how to travel there, how to get around, what to expect and how to make the most of your time. We learn about costs and prices, safety, especially for female travellers, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, what languages to expect, and so much more.
Destination Morocco unpacks the mystery, opening up discovery of an amazing land. We invite you along for the journey.
"You'll Never Feel as Small as You Do When You're in the Sahara Desert."
Destination Morocco Podcast
08/01/22 • 52 min
On today's episode, Azdean chats with a colleague from the travel industry, Laura Ericson, who organizes small guided tours to exotic destinations like Colombia and Peru.
Laura was recently on her first trip to Morocco, and her enthusiasm and evocative storytelling inspired Azdean to invite her on the podcast to share what she learned.
A big part of the experience of Morocco is the journey itself around the country, the rapidly changing scenery and complete shifts in landscape and people. Laura pointed out to her guide, "I feel like I'm in a movie scene!" To which he replied, "You are!" Many popular films and shows have been made in Morocco, and you can tour everything from the Atlas Studios to the streetscapes of Essaouira, following in their footsteps.
Laura shares stories from her journey through Marrakech, Fès and in particular, the Sahara desert, where the shifting sands create a constantly changing landscape. It was actually raining through most of her time in the Sahara, and they even got trapped on the wrong side of a flooded road, and had to figure their way out.
The Berber locals, friendly and welcoming as always, were keen to show their camps in the desert, and Laura reflects on how remarkable this life is in this day and age.
And then there's the silence: the eerie yet beautiful silence of the desert. It is a peaceful place that inspires reflection and contemplation, as you ride a camel to go watch the sunset.
Laura shares her experiences as a woman travelling, whether solo or with a friend, and being prepared for what can happen. How to blend in and not look like a tourist, and how to be assertive and confident. She and Azdean chat about important safety tips and advice, and the merits of guided trips to places like Morocco, giving you safety and security, a chance to become friends with someone local, and even saving you money in the long run.
You're about to learn:
- How glad Laura was to have chosen to stay two nights in the Sahara instead of just one.
- The experience of a Sahara desert tour by 4x4, on no roads.
- How Fèz is great for shopping and finding unique local artisan crafts, maybe even better than Marrakech.
- The story of how Laura was having breakfast, on her riad's rooftop terrace, put her foot down on what she thought was a rock, but it was in fact their pet turtle!
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Download the stunning Destination Morocco magazine!Follow the podcast and help us grow.
Tales of Adventure From a Moroccan Tour Director - Ep. 12
Destination Morocco Podcast
06/15/22 • 37 min
Many travellers to Morocco, especially for the first time, place their trip into the care of a certified Tour Director. Someone who will accompany them throughout, make sure things run as smoothly as possible, that they are prepared for what's next and, ultimately, will show them a good time.
Meet Ilyas Baayay, a certified Moroccan guide, tour director, storyteller and passionate host. Ilyas joins Azdean today to talk about touring Morocco from a guide's perspective, in an uplifting conversation that showcases his personality and his story.
Ilyas grew up in a small remote Moroccan village, a one hour walk from the nearest water supply, and an hour and a half walk to school.
Moving with his family to the town of Ouzoud, home to the second-highest waterfall in Africa, gave him exposure to tourists and languages from around the world, and created a love for learning and storytelling.
Ilyas and Azdean chat about Moroccan hospitality, with inspiring stories about Moroccans and tourists alike. You'll learn tidbits like Morocco's three names, and the source of the name "Morocco" itself, how given names in the United States have been unknowingly influenced by the Berber language, and how the importance of hospitality to Moroccans reflects an inherently generous, giving and welcoming people.
Join us for a truly local perspective on the Moroccan people and their values. Ilyas' joyful spirit and generosity will make you want to come and discover this beautiful land.
You're about to learn:
- Why tour directors in Morocco are required to run a marathon to become officially certified.
- About the process of arriving in Morocco, at the international airport in Casablanca: when do you meet your tour director, what is their role and what should you expect.
- Background of the Berber language, and how it differs from Moroccan Arabic.
- The diverse religious foundations of the Berber culture, which has resulted in a very open and accepting society.
- What to expect from hotel standards, as Morocco is still a developing country.
- The surprising prevalence of Moroccan-source dinosaur fossils.
- The important simplicity of asking for permission.
This Episode is sponsored by:
Travel Anywhere - One stop for all your travel needs.
https://www.travelanywhere.travel/
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Ouzoud waterfall
InstagramGoogle Maps
Follow, Share and Participate:
Learn more about the show on our Podcast Website
Find beautiful pictures on our Instagram!
Help people find us: Leave a Review in Apple Podcasts
All About Riads: Why staying in Morocco's unique accommodation is a must for your trip (replay)
Destination Morocco Podcast
11/15/24 • 27 min
Riads are a wonderful way to experience Morocco, and we highly recommend you include them in your itinerary as much as possible.
This episode is a replay of a popular episode devoted to riads, and talks about what exactly are riads, their history and development, how they have evolved as options for travellers, what to expect in terms of service and amenities, and so much more.
Shortcut your research and get your notebook ready: this episode will have you dreaming of exotic Moroccan nights!
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(From the original description) One of Morocco's defining characteristics is its riads: homestays with a traditional twist. Riads give travellers everything from convenience and comfort to cultural immersion, all presented in a unique, distinctive package.
Azdean is here today to share lots of info and get you excited to discover myriad riads yourself. Each one is different, which is inherent to the idea and concept. Each offer authenticity, space, privacy and modern amenities, typically within walking distance to the medina and souks.
Riads are an amazing option for families thanks to their warm, welcoming nature, in a safe and secure environment. Indeed, the owners/hosts of a riad typically live there themselves, so what better way to learn more about the Moroccan home and society.
Why stay anywhere else? Genuinely: you are far better served staying in a unique, comfortable and convenient riad in any Moroccan city rather than a generic hotel in the outskirts, far from the action and activities and well beyond walking distance from the medina.
It's a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to look for and what to request for accommodation, when you book your Destination Morocco tour. Let Azdean and his team know what you're looking for in a riad, and they'll put their resources and connections to work to find something that meets your criteria, including activities like cooking classes or in-house hammam spa treatments. Many riads offer these and more.
After a busy day sightseeing, there is nothing better than relaxing on a comfy couch in a peaceful inner courtyard, sipping on mint tea and enjoying genuine Moroccan hospitality at a traditional riad.
You're about to learn:
- How riads different from AirBnb's.
- How a riad can offer personalized, individual service designed around your interests and needs.
- The history of riads, why they were built, who they were for and their impact upon Moroccan society.
- Comparing costs between riads and hotels, and the difference in value.
- Some of the activities available at a riad, or that can be organized by your hosts.
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 3: "Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them"
Book your riad via destinationsmorocco.com
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
How a Blind Tour Guide Shows Tourists the Best of Casablanca
Destination Morocco Podcast
12/11/23 • 31 min
Over the course of many episodes of the podcast, we’ve often mentioned a certain guide based in Casablanca. He has had a lasting and indelible impact on those who have had the pleasure of meeting him. Our guests on the podcast, from Chantal to Pablo and even Ted have remarked on his knowledge, warmth and spirit.
Khalil Nejjary is his name, and when Azdean visited Casablanca and the incredible Hassan II Mosque this past summer, he finally had the chance to invite him on the podcast, in person.
If you remember his story, you'll know that not only is Khalil a fabulous guide with an encyclopedic memory, but he is also in fact blind. Today he'll tell us the story of how this happened and how he has been able to continue his career. Khalil's ability to describe in detail, from memory, the features of the mosque is just remarkable.
We met Khalil at the entrance hall to the mosque complex, where visitors can get tickets for the guided tours and visit the small museum with photos of the mosque's construction. Khalil and other guides meet their guests here, then escort them across the massive courtyard, or esplanade, to the mosque's entrance. It was during this walk that we were able to record our conversation, and Khalil talks about the mosque's architecture, the materials used and why they were chosen, and the long path from King Hassan II's initial dream of building a great mosque to its eventual completion.
Khalil also tells us about the history of Casablanca and its influence on the world, and outlines a typical tour of the city, which would take in many of the famous and important sights.
We've touched on Casablanca a bit throughout the podcast, but if you remember back to the episode on April 15 that was an overview of Casablanca and Rabat, one of the themes was how Morocco's biggest city is often bypassed, aside from the mosque of course!, so that travellers have more time in other locations.
So in today's episode Khalil really gives Casablanca its due, and you'll come away with a better understanding and appreciation for the city.
It was truly a joy meeting up with Khalil in person, at last, and we're so happy to be able to share his insight with you. In fact, Khalil had just returned from the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, so was quite busy at the time with family and people visiting. But he took the time to meet with us, for which we were very appreciative.
Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?
Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.
If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.
Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Destination Morocco Podcast have?
Destination Morocco Podcast currently has 94 episodes available.
What topics does Destination Morocco Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Personal Journals, Podcasts, Tours, Travel Podcast and Travel.
What is the most popular episode on Destination Morocco Podcast?
The episode title 'Things to Pack and Prepare for Your Trip to Morocco' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Destination Morocco Podcast?
The average episode length on Destination Morocco Podcast is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Destination Morocco Podcast released?
Episodes of Destination Morocco Podcast are typically released every 13 days, 19 hours.
When was the first episode of Destination Morocco Podcast?
The first episode of Destination Morocco Podcast was released on Mar 31, 2021.
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