North Africa has long since been the destination for attracting people from all walks of life, like backpackers, pensioners and even Honeymooners. It’s not surprising that Morocco is one of the most travelled to tourist attractions in Africa, with no lack of breath-taking landscapes, mouth waters flavouring from age-old recipes and rural and urban adventures to immerse yourself in to. Here’s why Morocco should be next on your travel bucket list!
City walls lined with history and character that keeps being discovered!
Morocco is home to four massively historical cities, Marrakesh, Rabat, Meknes and Fes. Rabat as the capitol, holding wondrous secrets that can only be spotted by a keen eye. Its urban landscape should not fool you, as beneath its exterior a captivating story of imperial triumphs, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas; a fascinating architectural attraction that transports you back to ancient times, with an excellent view over the Atlantic Ocean. The narrows streets that line the Hassan Tower tell a story so deeply engrained into its walls, it’s as if the old world was never lost. In contrast, the Royal Mausoleum boasts simplistic elegance and grandeur, certainly worth a visit.
The ‘’Red City’’, as its famously called, is a magical place, that holds much of the old medinas character yet pays homage to its historical roots with vast souks, that are much like colourful bazaars filled with trinkets, leather goods, spices, fruits and beautiful ornaments that would instil inner peace and serenity into any home. Ancient grounds such as the Badi and Bahia palace, are brimming with an air of excellent and rusticity that acts only as a complement to the buzzing ambience of the Djemaa el-Fna.
The city of Fes will take you on a journey of striking beauty, from its awe-inspiring architecture all the way through to its expansive tanneries, which is also the birthplace of one of the world’s oldest universities. Meknes is home to the Bab el-Mansour, a huge, and perhaps the grandest of all the imperial gates that Morocco preserves, is lined with intricate mosaic tilework and Arabic inscriptions across the upper part. To truly experience this atmospheric city in its original marvel, horse-drawn carriages are a great way to explore the city in a charming and relaxed manner.
Wonderful beaches in the stretch of the coast that you don’t want to miss
Unlike other countries, Morocco has beaches that span across both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. With an abundance of beaches to choose from, the potential for relaxation is endless. Popular resort destinations for foreign visitors include Agadir and Tangier which fulfil your widest water sporting adventures, or the more chilled and little picturesque port town of Essaouira to unwind and sink into the serenity.
Places like El Jadida and El Jebha are seldom visited by international tourists, perhaps because they’re unaware of the gorgeous cascading rural landscape that would enlighten even the savviest of travellers. These places see a significant number of domestic tourists in the summer, as they’re also clued in on its peaceful vibes.
Diverse Mountain Ranges Cater to Outdoor Fanatics
The Atlas Mountains, constructed of the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Anti Atlas, offers a plethora of hiking and orienteering experience for people of all levels and skills sets. Jbel Toubkal is the countries highest mountain is found in the centre of the High Atlas Mountains. Easy to reach from Marrakesh, this soaring attraction brings many outdoor lovers and curious explorers alike, flocking to its summit each year.
The Rif Mountains, residing in the northern city of Chefchaouen, is also a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors. Outdoor activities are never shortcoming in this country, with hiking, mountain biking, horse riding as well as animal and bird spotting with the local Berber Villagers.
Unforgettable experiences in the Stunning Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is a must-see when visiting Morocco, with an array of activities to choose from that seem almost never-ending. Expeditions into the vast desert are accommodated by many a tour company, hospitable and informative, they allow you to explore its avid landscape by foot, camel trekking, or quad bikes! You’ll have complete freedom to climb the orange dunes, dine under the stars, watch the sunset and sunrise and enjoying the frequent drum parties that are held around a campfire.
Many holidaymakers decide to camp in out in the Sahara due to the serenity that comes with sleeping out under a clear night sky full of dazzling stars, a world away from the rush of city life. The expansive landscape often fills one with wonder, a feeling that remains for a lifetime. Popular starting points for adventures across the Sahara often begin in places like Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Chegaga, and Zagora. Ouarzazate is commonly referred to as “Morocco’s little Hollywood”, aptly named as its been the set of some big Hollywood blockbusters and was featured in Game of Thrones! Culture and movies lovers will be impressed by the ancient Kasbah, an unbelievably peaceful place that echoes across the valley.
Majestic architecture too surreal to be, well – real!
Much of Morocco’s stunning and distinct styles originate to the Berber tribe, whose traditions and cultures practised are still observed in modern-day. This becomes strikingly obvious when looking at the unique architecture that can be found all over the country. From mosques with intricate geometric patterns that cover entire walls to palaces so grand and elaborate.
You will even find simpler more old-style riads that exude a humble aesthetic, Morocco truly has many varied buildings and structures to admire. Most buildings feature traditional tilework, known as zellige, with additional carvings, and engravings into the wood and plaster. Some of Morocco’s arguably most beautiful structures include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh, the Grand Mosque in Tangier, and the Mosque and the University of al Quaraouiyine in Fes.
Shopping for all tastes, markets that are as wondrous as they are endless
Souks are a staple piece of Moroccan cultural identity, with at least every major town and city having one, if not more! These dazzling displays of culture and design where you can find absolutely anything, a place where locals and travellers come together to browse and buy an array of items from spices to carpets, musical instruments to furniture.
Souks are popular with tourists as there almost elusive settings and evocative colours really draw in even the least curious of us to revel in the exotic blending of cultures. As any good tour guide will tell you an intrinsic part of the souk experience is haggling, which will often land you with a bargain too good to be true.
Delicious cuisine that accommodates any palette
There are nothing more synonyms with Morocco that tasty food. Although spices are a staple piece to typical Moroccan cooking, it does not mean that your dish will be too hot to handle, as many spices are deep and earthy as oppose to hot and spicy. With plenty of flavours to wrap your lips around, some dishes worth trying to include, Pastilla, Harira, Tajine and Cous-Cous.
Meat is also a central ingredient to Moroccan cuisines, with lamb, beef and chicken used in most dishes. Seafood and fish are also key ingredients in coastal areas, with freshly caught fried sardines always an option to nibble on when you’re exploring the twists and turns of a souk.
Sleeping in a palace or camping under the stars
Whether your budget permits staying at one of the many plushes and luxurious 5-star hotels, or whether you’re more comfortable camping in a tent by the mountains, Morocco offers somewhere to stay that fits all expectations, budgets and comfort levels. The locals have also made it possible to stay at rented accommodation knows as riads or dars.
These reside in the old media and are a perfect way to experience Morocco, living as authentically as the locals do.
Popular options amongst some travellers are self-catering apartments, which are best suited for large families or groups of friends. Staying at an apartment would also allow you to try your hand at cooking some traditional Moroccan dishes with the wholesome ingredients readily available from the souk.
Or perhaps you can take a cooking class and learn how to masters some of the most traditional authentic Moroccans meals. Many large home and villas come with an array of facilities like pools, gyms, restaurants, bars and kids play areas.
Open-minded society and hospitable people
Morocco is known for being one of the most forward-thinking countries amongst the Arab nations, being known for its relatively safe and peaceful streets. Moroccans people are celebrated for their warm friendly nature and their hospitality towards newcomers just as they would friends and family. As a tourist, you may receive curious glances in more rural areas, but this will soon change to smiling waves and attempts to start a conversation. As a former French colony, you’ll find that French is almost a second language for most, with communication rarely being a problem for visitors as locals and nationals are happy to help.
Morocco really has something for everyone, when are you planning to visit?
