Best Azdean Elmoustaquim Podcasts (2025)

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How to Find Authentic Cultural Experiences in Morocco 36:22

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8d ago36:22

36:22

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "How to Find Authentic Cultural Experiences in Morocco" Azdean is joined again by producer Ted to chat about the rich variety of cultural activities available to visitors, something that is often requested by Destination Morocco's guests. Travellers want to experience …

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Morocco's Getting Busy: Book Your Trip Early! 38:25

24d ago38:25

38:25

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "Morocco's Getting Busy: Book Your Trip Early!" Azdean is joined today by Destination Morocco producer Ted Cragg for an update on current travel trends and predictions for tourism in Morocco, as we head towards the end of 2025, with an eye on 2026. Morocco is getting b…

1
Discover Casablanca Through the Eyes of a Blind Tour Guide 30:34

1M ago30:34

30:34

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "How a Blind Tour Guide Shows Tourists the Best of Casablanca" Khalil Nejjary is a blind tour guide in Casablanca, and when Azdean visited the city and the incredible Hassan II Mosque, he finally had the chance to invite him on the podcast, in pers…

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A Unique Merzouga Desert Camp Experience 22:09

2M ago22:09

22:09

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Discover a Unique Merzouga Desert Camp Experience" Azdean sits down with Mr. Said, manager and co-owner of Sahara Sky Luxury Camp, located in the heart of the desert, yet just 23 miles from the town of Erfoud, the local service centre. Said and Az…

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Discover Gnawa: Morocco's Indigenous Music 26:42

2M ago26:42

26:42

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: Discover Gnawa: Morocco's Indigenous Music (YouTube) --- Gnaoua (also spelled Gnawa) music is known as Morocco's indigenous music, brought to the modern-day country over centuries from nomads across north Africa, and gradually adapted to various re…

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A Food Tasting Tour in the Heart of Marrakech! 35:09

3M ago35:09

35:09

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: A Food Tasting Tour in the Heart of Marrakech! (YouTube) ---- Today's live episode takes you on a culinary food tour through the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, in the heart of Marrakech, with Azdean and local guide Mr. Ahmed. Together, they delve int…

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Where you can find genuine Argan oil, from an ethical source 17:57

3M ago17:57

17:57

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: Where you can find genuine Argan oil, from an ethical source (YouTube) ---- Discover the versatile and distinctly Moroccan product of Argan Oil in today's conversation, recorded live at the Zin Cooperative, just outside of Essaouira. Argan oil can …

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The Magic of Meknes! Morocco's Imperial Secret 31:23

4M ago31:23

31:23

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: The Magic of Meknes! Morocco's Imperial Secret (YouTube) Today we feature the imperial city of Meknes, which has a prominent place in Morocco's history and culture, particularly as it relates to the Alaouite Dynasty, who continue to reign as the ru…

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How to Avoid the Generic, Cookie-Cutter Tours of Morocco 41:27

4M ago41:27

41:27

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Create the Tour YOU Want in Morocco" When you're the type of traveller, particularly to Morocco, who would like to get past the overwhelm and uncertainties of crafting your own trip around the country and take a guided tour instead, it's easy to t…

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Why Chefchaouen is a Unique Gem Within Morocco 37:48

5M ago37:48

37:48

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Why Chefchaouen is a Unique Gem Within Morocco" Azdean sits down on-location with local guide Hamid to learn about the history of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of northern Morocco. This small town roughly 4 hours north of Fes, or 2 hours south…

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A Morocco Travel Itinerary That's Made for Photographers! 58:57

5M ago58:57

58:57

You can also watch this episode on video, where you'll see some of John's fabulous photos! You can find it on our YouTube channel here: A Morocco Travel Itinerary That's Made for Photographers! ---- Photographer and dedicated world traveller John Hernandez joins Azdean today to share his inspiring travel experience to Morocco, with an emphasis on p…

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Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech: An Insider's Tour! 28:18

6M ago28:18

28:18

We recommend watching this episode on video, on our YouTube channel. You can find it here: Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech: An Insider's Tour! ---- If you want to see what it's like visiting the souk, going into a real artisan shop: the sales pitch, the bartering, the valuable information and explanations, the language barriers and yet finding c…

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From Texas to Marrakech: American Impressions of Morocco 17:41

6M ago17:41

17:41

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "From Texas to Marrakech: American Impressions of Morocco" ---- One evening in Marrakech, at the conclusion of their tour, Azdean sat down with three of Destination Morocco's tour guests from Texas: Eric, Allison and her brother Matt, to chat about their tour…

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What Travel in Morocco Was Like in 1989, with Cathy Nesbitt 31:48

7M ago31:48

31:48

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "What Travel in Morocco Was Like in 1989" ---- World traveller Cathy Nesbitt joins Azdean on today's episode with a special story of visiting Morocco way back in 1989. Cathy and her future husband arrived off the boat in Ceuta, thinking they were already in M…

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How do Moroccans Celebrate Ramadan? 30:15

8M ago30:15

30:15

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: How do Moroccans Celebrate Ramadan? ---- Ramadan in 2025 starts on the evening of Friday, February 28th and goes until Saturday, March 29th, followed by the feast of Eid al-Fitr, or the ‘Feast of Fast-Breaking.' Despite its perhaps solemn reputation, Ramadan …

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Buy a Moroccan Rug and Enjoy the Experience! 28:51

8M ago28:51

28:51

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Buy a Moroccan Rug and Support the Work of Local Women" Today's episode features the Akhnif Lglaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech. Akhnif Lglaoui Carpet Co-Op Learn abou…

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Exploring Hiking & Berber Culture in Telouet, the High Atlas mountains of Morocco 33:30

8M ago33:30

33:30

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Exploring Hiking & Berber Culture in Telouet, the High Atlas mountains of Morocco" Combine outstanding hiking and trekking with authentic Amazigh (Berber) cultural experiences by visiting the town of Telouet, in the heart of the stunning High Atla…

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Travel to Morocco in 2025: Travel Highlights to Help Your Planning 37:55

9M ago37:55

37:55

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Travel to Morocco in 2025: Travel Highlights to Help Your Planning" Or stay here for the audio version - your choice! --- Morocco had a banner year in 2024, with tourist numbers reaching over 17 million, a number predicted for 2026 and yet reached two years ahead o…

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Visiting Morocco in January, February and March (replay) 23:27

9M ago23:27

23:27

Palm trees and snow? T-shirts in the afternoon, winter coats in the evening? This is Morocco in winter, and it's a fun time to explore! As we head into 2025, if you are thinking of putting together a quick winter trip to Morocco, especially for those of our listeners in Europe, this replay episode gives you some useful info on what to expect and ho…

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Live Street Food Tour of Marrakech 35:42

10M ago35:42

35:42

Come with us and discover some of Morocco's amazing local food, direct from the source in this dynamic live-recorded walking tour of the food stalls in Marrakech. Azdean is joined by local food guide Ahmed, who takes us through the sweet and the savory, from dishes that are common across the country to those only found, or perfected, in Marrakech s…

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"The Amazigh Chronicles" - Understanding the Amazigh Language and Flag (Part 4) 24:52

11M ago24:52

24:52

We continue our series on the history of the Amazigh (Berber) people, with part four of the conversation between Azdean, co-host Sam and our researcher, Hiba. In this episode, we delve into the Amazigh language, its importance to cultural identity, and the role of the Amazigh flag. Azdean, Hiba and Sam discuss the Tifinagh script, its ancient origi…

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All About Riads: Why staying in Morocco's unique accommodation is a must for your trip (replay) 26:40

11M ago26:40

26:40

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 an…

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Travel Agents' Special! How to talk about Morocco to your clients 35:20

12M ago35:20

35:20

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Travel Agents' Special! How to talk about Morocco to your clients" Or stay here for the audio version - your choice! --- We take a behind-the-scenes look in today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, with a different theme and focus than our usual series. Azde…

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From Capitals to Afterthoughts and Back Again: The Stories of Meknes & Volubilis (live walking tour) 42:57

12M ago42:57

42:57

Today we visit the imperial city of Meknes, which has a prominent place in Morocco's history and culture, particularly as it relates to the Alaouite Dynasty, who continue to reign as the ruling family of Morocco today. In the mid-17th Century, sultan Moulay Isma'il chose Meknes as his capital. Over the next 50 years, he rebuilt the city on a monume…

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"The Amazigh Chronicles" - The Ancient Amazigh Civilization and Their Contribution to History (Part 3) 41:56

1y ago41:56

41:56

We return to our series on the history of the Amazigh (Berber) people, with part three of the conversation between Azdean, co-host Sam and our researcher, Hiba. Our first two episodes covered an overview of Amazigh culture and history ("The Amazigh Chronicles" - The Berber History of Morocco, Part 1), followed by an in-depth look at the various tri…

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Exploring Unique Moroccan Cultural Experiences 44:53

1y ago44:53

44:53

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "What Are Some of Morocco's Unique Cultural Experiences?" Or stay here for the audio version - your choice! --- Morocco offers many unique cultural experiences and attractions, including many you might be aware of, but with their own distinct Moroccan twist. This po…

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Discover Morocco's Amazing Selection of Luxury Accommodation. Live Q&A 58:33

1y ago58:33

58:33

This is a replay of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, September 6, "Discover Morocco's Amazing Selection of Luxury Accommodation." Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there! "Discover Morocco's Amazing…

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Introduction to Rabat & Tangier 31:23

1y ago31:23

31:23

Today we have a two-part episode with some excerpts of audio recordings on location from Azdean and Sam's tour around Morocco in 2023. It continues the theme from our previous episode (#67), where we were in Chefchaouen on the same trip. Today, we are still in northern Morocco. We start off in Rabat, looking out over the ocean from the Kasbah Ouday…

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A Visit to Chefchaouen, the Blue City 37:48

1y ago37:48

37:48

Azdean sits down on location with local guide Hamid to learn about the history of Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of northern Morocco. This small town roughly 4 hours north of Fes, or 2 hours south of Tangier, has been attracting tourists for decades and, in the age of Instagram, gets more popular every year. As Hamid and Azdean emphasize, Chefch…

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Just how easy is it to travel to, and around, Morocco? 27:17

1y ago27:17

27:17

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: Just how easy is it to travel to, and around, Morocco? or stay here for the audio version - your choice! -- In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean and Sam respond to a common question they receive: Just how easy is it to travel to Morocco? This is…

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How Discount Tours in Morocco End Up Costing You 3X More (Or Worse) 59:50

1y ago59:50

59:50

This episode also has a video version on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: How Discount Tours in Morocco End Up Costing You 3X More (Or Worse), or stay here for the audio version - your choice! -- Our good friend Siham (Ep. 24) returns to continue the discussion with Azdean and Sam from Ep. 62 (May 15, 2024) about dangerous scams and unsee…

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Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How to Visit the Locations). Live Q&A 1:18:06

1+ y ago1:18:06

1:18:06

This is a replay of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, July 5, "Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How to Visit the Locations)." Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there! Movies Filmed in Morocco (And How t…

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Top Misconceptions about Morocco 35:42

1+ y ago35:42

35:42

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean and Sam discuss common misconceptions about traveling to Morocco. They debunk myths related to the dress code, safety, LGBTQ+ community, and whether there's more to see in Morocco than just Marrakech (!). They also address the availability of Western amenities, the use of credit cards, and t…

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Shopping in Morocco: Knowing What to Buy and How to Buy it! Live Q&A 51:18

1+ y ago51:18

51:18

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, June 7, "Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy and How to Buy It." Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there! Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy and How…

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"The Best Way to Experience Morocco" - Seeing Morocco Your Way, with Dan & Cierra 52:55

1+ y ago52:55

52:55

Dan & Cierra McPherson travelled to Morocco with Destination Morocco and discovered far more than a generic tour experience. From secret stops to amazing cubbyhole restaurants, they received an authentic, unique exposure to Morocco’s people and culture. Cierra & Dan had a tall order for Destination Morocco when they got in touch with Azdean, lookin…

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How to Recognize a Dangerous, Life-Altering Scam 1:13:20

1+ y ago1:13:20

1:13:20

We've talked about scams in Morocco a few times on the podcast, from one of our early episodes (Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them) to one of our recent Live Q&A sessions, (Latest Scams: Staying Safe While Traveling in Morocco). It's a topic we often circle back to, because we want to make sure that all tourists, whether they travel with Desti…

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Finding a Morocco Tour at an Affordable Price. Live Q&A 41:40

1+ y ago41:40

41:40

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, May 8, "Finding a Morocco Tour at an Affordable Price." Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there! Finding Morocco Private-Style Tours at an Affo…

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Avoid These Cultural Gaffes When Traveling in Morocco 49:18

1+ y ago49:18

49:18

Hop down after the episode description for an update on our podcast schedule and our new donor link! --- You've heard that Morocco is a modern, plural, largely Westernized country and, well, that is largely true. Dress or behave, within reason, as you would in most of Europe or North America and you won't feel out of place at all. But as always, th…

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Visiting Morocco's Secret Lake Resort 26:27

1+ y ago26:27

26:27

In our recent Live Q&A session on secret places in Morocco off the tourist path, one such location is a stunning lake located east of Marrakech, a roughly three hour drive from the city. Perhaps because of this distance, and the fact that it is not on the main tourist routes, it is still largely known only to locals and the occasional informed tour…

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Getting Off the Tourist Path in Morocco. Live Q&A 52:49

1+ y ago52:49

52:49

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Wednesday, April 10, "Getting off the tourist path in Morocco." Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there! Getting Off the Tourist Path in Morocco (YouTu…

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Navigating Travel Fails in Morocco: Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Journey! 33:44

1+ y ago33:44

33:44

"Travel Fails:" a popular theme in this era of do's, don't's and travel research, comes to the Destination Morocco podcast with today's episode, featuring Azdean, Hiba and Sam. They share their knowledge of travel in Morocco, as well as first-hand experience as travellers themselves in their country, to give you some useful tips of what to do (and …

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Fes Walking Tour Part 2: Visiting the Famous Fes Pottery Studio 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

Azdean and his local Fes guide extraordinaire, Moulay Hafid Alami, conclude their tour of the old city with a visit to the pottery and ceramic studio, "Mosaique et Poterie de Fes." Located just to the east of the medina, this is more than a simple shop selling their beautiful craftwork (and there is a lot of it!). When you arrive, you get a guided …

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Fes Walking Tour Part 1: The Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter and the Tannery 37:12

1+ y ago37:12

37:12

Experience the sounds and ambience of Fes in this live walking tour of the medina, during Azdean's tour in 2023. Accompanied by expert guide Moulay Hafid Alami, we start in Fes el Jdid, the 14th century quarter, learning about the Royal Palace of Fes and its seven golden doors (only created in the 1960's), and the importance of the neighboring Jewi…

1
Exploring the Magical City of Fez. Live Q&A 33:56

1+ y ago33:56

33:56

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Wednesday, March 13, exploring the vibrant city of Fez. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there! Exploring the Magical City of Fez, video replay Azdean…

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Top Things to Do and See in Fez! 27:28

1+ y ago27:28

27:28

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 Tou…

1
Understanding Ramadan in Moroccan Culture 27:56

1+ y ago27:56

27:56

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 w…

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Live Gnaoua Music: Discover Morocco's Powerful Musical Heritage 26:21

1+ y ago26:21

26:21

We conclude our cultural tour of Morocco with a performance of Gnaoua (also spelled Gnawa) music, recorded live on location at a Merzouga desert camp and at a Marrakech restaurant. In between performances, Azdean sits down with Mohamed, a musician and member of the Gnaoua performers in Qser el Khamliya, a small village just south of Merzouga. Moham…

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Language Phrases for Travellers in Morocco. Live Q&A 23:17

1+ y ago23:17

23:17

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, thi…

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Multilingual Insights: Conversations with Mr Mustapha in Aït Ben Haddou 17:44

1+ y ago17:44

17:44

Continuing on a bit further south from our last episode in Telouet, we follow Azdean on his summer tour down to Aït Ben Haddou, southern gateway to the High Atlas mountains and their stunning scenery and hiking. Aït Ben Haddou is a small town but is known for its traveller services, restaurants and accommodation, and its welcoming hospitality. In t…

1
Exploring Telouet's Berber Legacy with Local Historian Ali Ahdadi 33:15

1+ y ago33:15

33:15

We continue our exploration of Berber/Amazigh culture with a visit to Telouet, a small village deep in the High Atlas Mountains, known for its kasbah, trekking and beautiful scenery. Azdean met with local guide and historian Ali Ahdadi to delve into Berber influence in the area and activities for travellers passing through. Telouet is a bit off the…