Tangier: Private Day Tour with Kasbah, Caves & Camel Ride

4.99

(144 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to smell like oranges and salt. The first thing I remember from our Tangier day trip was stepping out of the car near Cap Spartel—the wind was wild, almost playful, and our guide Youssef grinned as he pointed to where the Atlantic crashes into the Mediterranean. “You can see Spain on a clear day,” he said. I squinted (no luck), but standing there with my hair in my eyes felt oddly freeing. The cliffs were rough under my hand—cool stone warmed just at the edges by morning sun.

We bounced along in the van (private transport is a blessing here), stopping at the Villa Perdicaris for a quick wander—Youssef told us a story about an American kidnapping that sounded half movie, half history. Then came the camel ride. I thought it’d be awkward but honestly? It was hilarious. My camel made this deep snorting sound every time I shifted; Youssef laughed and gave me tips (“Lean back when he stands!”). The sea air mixed with something sweet—maybe wild herbs?—and for a second it felt like being in someone else’s dream.

The Hercules Caves were next, echoey and cool inside, with that famous opening shaped like Africa. Youssef explained some old legends (I only caught half—I got distracted by little kids selling shells outside). After that we hit Grand Socco square: chaos in the best way. Women in bright scarves haggling over fruit, men sipping coffee and arguing football scores. In the Kasbah, we ducked through archways and found ourselves in silent courtyards where you could almost hear old stories clinging to the walls. I tried to pronounce “Kasbah” properly; Li laughed at my accent.

Café Hafa was our last stop before heading back to port—a terrace above blue water where we drank glass after glass of mint tea so sweet it made my teeth ache (worth it). There were old men playing cards, teenagers flirting quietly in corners, and that endless view westward over the Atlantic. I still think about that light on the water sometimes—you know how some places just stick with you?