WIN Wild Guide Morocco: Review and Giveaway

After more than 10 visits to Morocco, we feel we know the country pretty well, having ticked off many of its main sights multiple times, as well as plenty of beautiful spots away from the beaten tourist trail. Whilst this fond familiarity with Morocco is what keeps drawing us back, we are starting to crave new adventures that take us far from the narrow alleyways of Marrakech’s medina and the undulating dunes of the southern deserts. As much as we love these places, we’re ready for something different. Somewhere the crowds would never find, whether that’s little-known archaeological sites, hidden rivers for swimming, or mountain views that stretch for miles in directions we’ve yet to discover.

So we were delighted when the newly published Wild Guide Morocco landed on our doormat this week, having been sent by the lovely folks at Wild Things Publishing (such a cool name!). It’s packed with ideas for new and unusual places to visit in Morocco, including clifftop fortresses, secret canyons, and remote beaches that most visitors have never heard of. Which is right up our street!

We were already fans of the Wild Guides series, and have all of the UK books sitting pretty on our shelves. In fact, many of our recent adventures in Northumberland, Scotland and Cornwall have included places from the books – spots that we’d otherwise not have known about. So we’re super excited to be planning our next trip to Morocco and exploring areas we never knew existed, with plenty of swimming in scenic coves and scrambling around crumbling kasbahs on the cards.

Authors Lola, John and Danny spent several months travelling by campervan around all corners of Morocco, searching for the best swimming spots, hiking trails and historic ruins they could find. Their resulting book is a treasure trove of possibilities, showing off the country’s wild side with adventurous suggestions for places to explore, eat, and sleep.

It’s a great book for the first-time adventurer to the country too, with handy driving tips, pointers on getting around by public transport, advice on customs and what to wear, plus a note about the etiquette of haggling in Morocco, something that took us a few attempts to get right. Traditional guidebooks are becoming a thing of the past, since there’s so much information available on the internet these days. Yet nowhere online have I ever found such a comprehensive collection of off-the-beaten-track sights in our favourite north African country.

Here’s just a little taste of what the guide book holds, from sandblasted palaces to dreamy waterfalls perfect for cooling afternoon dips:

Chellah – Rabat

If you’re visiting Rabat, make sure you leave time to explore the Chellah Necropolis just outside the city. This ancient archaeological site takes you on a fascinating journey through history, with Roman and Islamic architecture still present. The former Roman fort was later used by the Marinid dynasty, before falling to ruin in more recent times. You’ll see old Roman temples, a forum and, of course, the obligatory triumphal arch. There’s also a mosque, royal tombs, and even a minaret that’s survived the ravages of the ages and remains remarkably in tact. If you climb one of the towers you’ll be treated to superb views across the river valley, and it’s a great vantage point for stork spotting too.

Akchour Waterfalls – Rif Region

These stunning falls offer a rewarding place for a swim at the end of a hike through Talassemtane National Park in the Rif region of Morocco, not far from the blue city of Chefchaouen. Here, you’ll discover a series of waterfalls, with the main event being the famous ‘Grand Cascade’ which tumbles over the rock into a beautiful turquoise plunge pool. The trail leading to the falls is just as scenic as the destination, with paths taking you through the mountains, passing bubbling streams and wooden bridges along the way.

Tin Mal Mosque – High Atlas Mountains

This is a fabulous stop-off on a road trip over the Tizi n Test, and one you’re likely to have for yourselves. The setting is dramatic, with the mosque ruins keeping watch over the valley below. Built in the 12th century using reddish-coloured local stone, this grand mosque was a significant religious centre during the days of the Almohad Dynasty. Its a photographer’s dream, with vanishing points and sweeping geometric arches all converging to form the perfect picture. Tin Mal was sadly damaged during the earthquake in 2023 but reconstruction is now underway.

Royal stables – Meknes

The photogenic Arab arches at this 17th century UNESCO World Heritage site remind me of the beautiful symmetrical lines at the Tin Mal Mosque on the Tizi n Test. Definitely one for fans of ancient architecture! These royal stables were built during the time of Sultan Moulay Ismail, and they were once one of the most significant stables in the world. Despite their name, the stables were instead used as a granary where grain for the residents (and horses!) of Meknes was stored.

Painted Rocks – Tafraoute region

This one’s a bit of an unusual stop-off if you’re road tripping around the Tafraoute region – it’s a great spot for wild camping and enjoying a scramble. Painted in 1984 by a Belgian artist in tribute to his late wife, these enormous blue and pink boulders are like nothing else we’ve ever seen. Apparently the local fire department gave a helping hand with the painting, which must have been no mean feat. We couldn’t decide whether the Painted Rocks were a work of art, touching in its origin, or frankly a bit of an eyesore in this rugged, natural landscape. The jury’s still out on that, so you’ll just have to go and make up your own mind.

Ait Mansour Gorge – Tafraoute region

This dramatic gorge runs for 25km through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, carving a path through the towering cliffs on either side. Flanked by palm trees, the river irrigates this otherwise arid region, and there are plenty of scenic shady spots to enjoy on a hot afternoon. It’s fun to drive through the gorge, which is little visited so you’ll likely only come across a local farmer and maybe a donkey or two during your visit. The Painted Rocks aren’t far away so it makes sense to visit both on the same day.

Cistern – El Jadida

This ancient cistern was built by the Portuguese back in 1514, and today is one of Morocco’s most intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites. Said to have been used as an armoury or granary before being converted to hold water for the city, the cistern in El Jadida is a subterranean world of arches, vaulted ceilings and pillars. The cistern was also used for a filming a scene in Orson Welles’ Othello, and even today it paints an eerie, and somewhat mystical scene. If you get your timing right, you’ll see the sunlight shining through the roof holes and reflecting in the water – a magical sight.

Unique Accommodation

The guide has lots of great accommodation tips too, with suggestions for out-of-the-way guest houses, dramatic kasbah hotels, and rural retreats surrounded by dramatic scenery. We’ve stayed at a few, like The Capaldi Hotel, with its glorious Atlas Mountains backdrop, and the welcoming Auberge Chez Amaliya in the stunning Ameln Valley. But there are also a whole lot of other amazing looking places we’ve never even heard of, and that’s saying something considering we have a bit of an obsession with quirky places to stay in Morocco.

For more tips on amazing secret places to explore in Morocco, check out the Wild and Hidden Facebook page or the Wild and Hidden Instagram page.

*** Giveaway – WIN a copy of Wild Guide Morocco ***

The authors of Wild Guide Morocco have kindly offered a copy of the book as a giveaway prize, so this is your chance to get your hands on one, hot off the press.

Open to UK entrants (or anyone with a UK postal address).

Giveaway runs from 19th May 2025 to midnight on 16th June 2025.

How to Enter

Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, completing as many of the options as you like. Make sure you select your entries on this Rafflecopter widget to validate your entry!

Terms and Conditions

No purchase is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. The prize is provided by the authors of Wild Guide Morocco and is a copy of the Wild Guide Morocco book. This prize is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. There will be one winner.

The prize is not refundable or exchangeable for cash, and no change will be given. This giveaway is open to entrants with a UK postal address. The giveaway will run from 19th May 2025 and end at midnight on 16th June 2025. The winner will be determined on or around the 17th June 2025 by a random drawing of eligible entries received. Your chances of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries. Winner must respond within 30 days of receiving the notification email, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

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Our Wild Guide Morocco and the giveaway prize have kindly been gifted by the authors. As always, thoughts and opinions remain our own.