Morocco is located in North West Africa and covers an area of 446,550 sq. km and shares land borders with Spain through the Strait of Gibraltar and two enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta to the northeast, Algeria to the east, and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south. Morocco has two coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean sea to the north.
The country is divided into three geographical regions which include Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and the coastal areas. The Moroccan Sahara desert covers 31% of the total land area and encompasses the south and southeastern parts of the country. Those intending to experience desert safari can visit places such as Quarzazate city, Merzouga town, and the Dades Valley. The Atlas Mountains span diagonally across Morocco from southwest to northeast and are subdivided into High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Anti-Atlas. Places such as Mt. Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa and the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh are part of the ranges. The coastal areas of Morocco include those along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea including Essaouira, the coastal city famous for windsurfing and seafood.
Morocco has designated at least 4,364,000 hectares which is almost 10% of her total land area for conservation purposes including 10 national parks, 18 natural parks, 8 nature reserves,12 biological reserves, 3 marine protected areas, and 24 wetlands recognized as international Ramsar sites. The protected areas of Morocco are rich in biodiversity including over 560 species of birds including Atlas Mountains endemics which include Barbary partridge, Moussier’s redstart, and Maghreb owl; 118 mammal species; 90 reptile species, and 600 endemic vascular plants. Morocco is the 2nd most visited country in Africa due to several reasons including diverse tourism attractions, close proximity to Europe, political stability, and good hospitality.
People and culture
The cultural heritage of Morocco has been shaped by interactions between the indigenous Amazigh (Berbers) and the Arabs who introduced Islam, Moors, and Andalusia. As such, they share a cultural identity that unites the country based on religion, language among other traditions that have been preserved. For instance, ancient crafts have been preserved from handicrafts such as woven carpets in Medina of Marrakesh, to the ceramics of Fez, the leatherwork of Marrakesh, and the Damascening metalwork and lanterns of Meknes. The official languages of Morocco include Arabic and Tamazight Berber language. However, French is widely spoken due to the colonial legacy. Some Moroccans also speak Spanish, especially in Tangier. The main religion is Islam and it is where daily life revolves around praying five times a day among other special holidays like Ramadan. Such are known to foster unity as people gather for prayers and meals. Visitors are offered mint tea as a gesture of hospitality.
Best time to visit Morocco
The best months to go to Morocco are March to May during Spring and in Autumn from September to November. These months offer warm and cool weather that is ideal for doing a wide range of outdoor activities. For instance, during the Spring season in Morocco, temperature ranges between 20°C to 28° C (68-83°F) during the day and 10-13°C (50-55F). Due to minimal rainfall, Spring is the best time to go trekking in Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest mountain and camel trekking in the Sahara desert town of Merzouga.
During Autumn the weather is mild with temperature ranging between 17°C and 26°C which is ideal time to explore the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh, and Rabat. Due to minimal rainfall, Autumn is also ideal to go to the beach in coastal cities including Essaouira famous for windsurfing and seafood. Agadir town is famous for its beach resort and gateway to Souss-Massa National Park found along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Autumn is harvest season for dates which offers an opportunity for travelers to participate in the harvest and learn about date cultivation in the Draa Valley in the High Atlas Mountains.
Places to visit
The city of Fez
One of the four imperial cities of Morocco, Fez is 201 km (2h-drive) southeast of Rabat capital city and 320 km (3h-drive) northeast of Casablanca. The city can also be reached by train from Rabat. The Fez River flows through the city which covers an area of sq. 320 km and has a population of 1.256 million (2024) and is divided into two districts which include Medina of Fez and Ville Nouvelle. The Medina of Fez consists of two old towns which include Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid marked by unique monuments and structures dating back between the 9th and 15th centuries including fondouks, the ancient inns known as caravanserais, residences, palaces, madrasas known as higher educational centers, mosques and fountains. Due to the unique architecture and cultural landscape that has been maintained, the Medina of Fez was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1981 and is recognized as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. The Medina of Fez Morocco is also the largest car-free zone in the world due to the ancient, narrow, and winding streets which are too narrow for cars to pass through. As such, tourists can only explore the city on foot with a professional guide. Nouvelle Ville is the commercial and administrative center of Fez and contains modern buildings, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shopping centers. Morocco was colonized by France and the French established Nouvelle Ville as a new separate, modern urban space to serve their colonial interests. Those intending to visit Fez Morocco the best things to see and do read more..
The city of Meknes
Meknes is one of the four major imperial cities of Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the Almoravids during the 11th century, the city began as an outpost and later transformed into a capital city of Morocco under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Sultan Moulay built the city surrounding it with high walls and imposing gates. Most of the structures built at the time including mosques, mausoleums, and Royal stables which keep horses that pull carriages are still operational today. Having been founded by the Berber people, the city bears their cultural heritage, however, the city’s heritage was also influenced by Europeans. As a result, Meknes offers an opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage of various cultures. It takes 2 days to explore the city and also take day trips to the nearby attractions such as the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis and the city of Moulay Adriss. There are two unique parts of Meknes which include the Souk and the old city and the modern area. The old city of Meknes is famous for Damascene, an ancient decorative art technique used for decorating metals. There are also spectacular gates that surround the city of which Bab Mansour Laleuj is most spectacular. The old city also includes a market and the main square where you can experience the city’s most lively scenes. The modern part of Meknes contains gardens, bars, and restaurants and offers a vibrant nightlife. Read more…
Marrakesh City
Marrakesh, one of Morocco’s four former imperial cities, attracts visitors due the rich historical and cultural heritage. The historic old town of Marrakesh nicknamed as the “Red City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the unique earthen architecture and the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa, a lively central square and marketplace. In addition to the medina, Marrakesh has a modern side with spectacular lush green spaces, including the serene Jardin Majorelle. Over 4 million tourists visited Marrakesh in 2024 meaning that the city is safe to visit for both tourists and locals alike. Marrakesh is the most visited city in Morocco Read more…
Rabat Capital City
Rabat capital city is the only of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, opposite Sale the city’s main commuter town in the northwest of the country. The city is 87 km (1-hour drive) north of Casablanca, 251 km (6-hour drive), 207 km (4-hour drive) and 160 km (2-hour drive) west of Fez and Meknes. Being the political and administrative capital, Rabat offers a wide range of tourism experiences from its ancient monuments to contemporary museums.
The history of Rabat dates back to the 12th century with the fall of the Almoravids and the rise of the Almohad dynasty. Abd al-Mu’min the Almohad’s first ruler took over major territories, made Marrakesh their capital and spread their influence over other areas including Rabat. A large military fortress named as Ribāṭ al-Fatḥ, an Arabic term meaning “the fortress of victory” was established marking the foundation of Rabat. Read more…
Quarzazate, The Hollywood of Morocco
Quarzazate city spans 350 sq. km in southern Morocco in theDraa River Valley the country’s longest river which is at an average elevation of 1,160 metres (3,810 ft). Spanning an area of 350 sq. km the city lies on a rocky plateau south of the Atlas Mountains and consists of lush palms, grooves and oasis valleys. It serves as a gateway to the Morocco Sahara Desert. Among the first people to settle in Quarzazate were the Berbers known for their unique architecture Kasbahs which are fortified structures built with rammed earth and mud-brick. These fortifications were built with defensive high walls to protect inhabitants and also serve as strategic administrative centers. Quarzazate became an important trading post along the camel caravan trade routes across the Sahara desert where salt from the north and gold from the south got traded. During the 17th century a royal Imzwarn royal family established Taourirt Kasbah as a royal residence and its one of the most spectacular and well preserved buildings of the Berber architecture in Quarzazate city. Due to the unique Kasbah architecture, spectacular landscape, and aesthetics Quarzazate became an attractive location for film making and designated a UNESCO creative city of film. Top Hollywood movies have been filmed there including the Old Guard 2, Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Mummy, and Vikings. As a result, the city was nicknamed the “Hollywood of Morocco” and is one of the best destinations for film tourism where visitors can explore the movie-making process firsthand. This status has helped to boost tourism and sustainable development of Quarzazate city through local crafts and folk arts. Those intending to explore Quarzazate can plan to stay for two days, however day tours are available for booking through a tour operator or a local tour guide. The city serves as the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara desert and offers a wide range of things to see and do. Read more…
Merzouga town
For a desert safari in Morocco head to Merzouga, a remote village in the northwest part of the Moroccan Sahara Desert near the border with Algeria. Merzouga is 8 km south of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, a major attraction in the area famous for offering the best desert safari activities including camel trekking, sand boarding, ATV biking and camping out in the desert with local storytellers around the campfire. As such, Merzouga town serves as the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara desert. The town offers a wide range of accommodation to stay and then embark on day tours to the desert and back. There’s an option to stay overnight in the desert as there are luxury camps on the edge of Erg Chebbi. The town has an estimated population of 400 people of which being a desert area, most of the communities live along the natural aquifers that provide a permanent source of water for their livelihoods. People in the area rear livestock such as sheep and goats and cultivate wheat and barley, olives and fig trees. Farming and tourism drive the local economy, and Merzouga stands out as one of Morocco’s top destinations for those intending to experience the magic of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. A 2 night stay in Merzouga is ideal and offers an opportunity to explore the area fully as part of a trip to Morocco.
Things to do in Merzouga town
Desert safari in Erg Chebbi sand dunes
Erg Chebbi sand dunes reach a height of 160-300 meters and are the highest dunes in Morocco. They stretch 5 km wide and 17 km long and experience strong winds that have shaped the Erg Chebbi dunes into spectacular pyramid and star-like shapes. The dunes also reflect light and offer some of the spectacular desert sunrises and sunsets. The main activities that form part of the desert safari in Erg Chebbi include camel trekking, sand boarding and ATV quad biking.
Lake Dayet Srji
Dayet Srji is a salt lake located 4 km west of Merzouga and can be visited for a birding excursion from the town. The lake is seasonal and fills up during the rainy season in Autumn between October and April and attracts a variety of migratory bird species including Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). Among other bird species found on the lake include African desert warblers.
Kem Kem Beds in Erfoud town
Erfoud town is 55 km northeast of Merzouga and can be reached by car for a day round trip. The place is worth visiting for those interested in geological formations such as the Kem Kem Beds which are fossilized sedimentary rock formations that contain fossils of ancient creatures including the large carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived in Northwest Africa from about 100 to 94 million years ago during the Mesozoic Epoch.
Where to stay
There are luxury camps on the northern edge of the sand dunes of Merzouga which offer great accommodation facilities including en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold showers, and spacious beds, shared lounge, bar and restaurant which ensure great comfort in the desert. Some camps offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and barbecue. For instance, DWO Golden Camp Merzouga offers 2 tents of which one accommodates 3 and the other 4 people. Each tent comes with a king size double bed or two single beds, sofa beds, bathroom with shower, and adjustable air conditioning.
Dades Valley
Dades valley is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Morocco. The Valley contains several gorges formed due to the process of downcutting as the Dades River that flows from the High Atlas Mountains cuts through sedimentary rocks made of sandstone, feldspar and limestone to form deep narrow valleys and steep walls measuring between 500-1,600 feet in height in some places. There are several gorges in the area including the larger Dades Gorge and the smaller Todra Gorge which are major attractions in the area. The Dades Gorge is in the central Dades Valley and consists of unique rocks and cliffs shaped like those called “monkey fingers.” A zig zag road called the Dades Gorge Road was constructed through the gorge and driving on that road is a thrilling adventure and offers spectacular views of the Dades Valley. The Todra Gorge is located at the eastern edge of the Dades Valley and consists of many narrower valleys and steep cliffs that reach up to 500 feet tall and are great for rock climbing. The Dades Gorge Road is 180 km long starting from the town of Boumalne Dades to Agoudal village of which some sections contain gravel. Along the road there are Kashbahs of which some have been renovated and turned into lodges that offer accommodation to stay and explore the Dades Valley by foot, camel trek or car. Dades valley guided tours are available for booking through a tour operator.
Things to do in Dades Valley
There’s a wide range of activities to do in the Dades Valley including rock climbing, hiking, camel trekking, nature walks and cultural encounters with the friendly indigenous communities that live in the fertile valleys around oases and in towns.
Stay in the traditional Moroccan Kashbash
There are several Kashbahs along the Dades Gorge Road which have been turned into lodges including Hotel Riad Bahammou. Staying in such a property offers an opportunity to experience the traditional ways of living of the Berber people by indulging into local cuisine and hospitality.
Enjoy spectacular views from Hotel Restaurant Timzzillite
Hotel Restaurant Timzzillite is located atop a high cliff in the Dades Gorge with spectacular views of many sharp turns of the Dades Gorge Road. The hotel offers a restaurant and terraces which allows day visitors to stopover and enjoy a cup of mint tea.
Visit the Monkey “Fingers”
Monkey fingers are unique rock formations located in the Dades Gorge 8 km from the town of Boumalne Dades and are worth visiting for a keen photographer. Roadside view points offer spectacular views of the rocks and the valley. Moderate and intermediate trails are available for those intending to hike into the valley. The loop trail that starts and ends at Auberge Kasbah Ait Marghad winds along a riverbed beneath towering cliffs. Among other hiking options include trails that wind through rock masses to the top of the cliffs.
Explore the Todra Gorge
Todra Gorge is 15 km (20-min drive) away from Tinerhir town which serves as the base to the gorge. Day hikes into the gorge start early in the morning from the town as you walk on the trails that winds through steep-sided cliffs along the river to the top of the cliffs where the views are most spectacular. The town of Tinerhir has an estimated population of 36,000 residents which increases to almost 90,000 during the summer holiday months. As a result, visitors can visit Dades Valley during the winter season from December to February. There are relatively fewer visitors due to the annual snowfall. Generally, the best time to visit the Dades Valley is during Spring and Autumn between March to May and September to November respectively.
Where to stay
Dades Valley offers a wide range of accommodation including renovated Kashbahs that offer an opportunity to experience the historical setting of fortified buildings.
Ifrane city, “the Switzerland of Morocco”
Ifrane city is located in the Fez Meknes region in the middle Atlas Mountains at 1,650 (5,400 feet) meters above sea level. The middle Atlas range found entirely within northern Morocco is volcanic and contains unique volcanic features including over 100 extinct volcanic craters that were formed between the Pliocene and the Quaternary period about 2.5-5.4 million years ago. Source: Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines and Environment or Geological Survey of Morocco. The vegetation in Ifrane contains tree species including Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), evergreen Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) which support biodiversity including the endangered Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus) which depend on cedar trees for food and shelter. Among other wildlife include over 142 bird species including Middle Atlas endemics including Barbary Partidge and the Maghreb Sparrow. According to Birdlife International, Ifrane national park was established in 2004 and designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) to protect biodiversity and promote tourism. Due to the high altitude and location in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane experiences a warm summer Mediterranean climate with four seasons which include summer, winter, spring and autumn. Winter season in Ifrane happens between November to March and is characterized by high snowfall with temperature ranging between 8°C-10°C (46°F to 50°F) during the day and can reach as low as -5°C (23°F) at night. As such, Ifrane is an ideal skiing destination offering alpine skiing resorts with ski runs and winter activities including snowboarding. In addition to skiing, Ifrane national park offers a wide range of things to do including birding, hiking, nature walks and trout fishing.
Things to do in Ifrane city
Watching Barbary macaques
The Cedar Forest of Gouraud is 8 km east of Azrou town and is famous for harboring the endangered Barbary macaques. The primates are the only macaque species found outside of the continent of Asia. They’re endemic to North Africa mainly in Morocco and Algeria. Visitors in Ifrane can take a daytrip to the destination. Watching the primates in their natural forest requires one to take a nature walk.
Lake Dait Aoua
The spectacular Lake Dait Aoua is 20 km north of Ifrane city making for a convenient day trip for those intending to do paddle boat rides, horse riding, biking, and birding. At an altitude of 1,460 meters the lake is surrounded by unique ecosystems including shallow water of 4-5 meters in depth, wet meadow, emergent marsh, mudflats, and forest each supporting different flora and fauna. Forests surrounding the lake contain
Atlas cedar, and evergreen oak (Quercus rotundifolia). The edge of the lake contains willow species such as white willow and grey willow. A variety of aquatic flora are found in the lake including Juncus bufonius, Schoenoplectus lacustris Myriophyllum spicatum, carex sp, Persicaria amphibia, Phragmites australis, and Ranunculus millifoliatus. Due to a variety of habitats, the lake attracts over 40 bird species including Atlas flycatcher, firecrest, redknobbed coot. Birds of prey such as the booted eagle roam the skies above the lake.
Camping and family picnics
In addition to water spots and birding, the lake’s cool environment is good for family picnics. There are also cultural experiences as follows:-
Visit Al Akhawayn University
A beautiful campus reflecting Ifrane’s modern architecture, Al Akhawayn University is a modern American style liberal arts campus in Ifrane city.
Lion Stone Statue
The stone lion was carved by a World War 2 German soldier to commemorate the last Barbary lion which was shot in Ifrane during the 1920s. It is located in Ifrane city near Le Chamonix Hotel making for a convenient landmark to visit for photoshoots.
Local souks in Azrou town
Those intending to go shopping, the souks in Azrou town include those selling fresh food and Moroccan handicrafts. As such, markets in Azrou are worth visiting for the variety offered.
Where to stay
Ifrane offers a wide range of accommodation including ski and non-ski resorts found in different areas. Staying in Ifrane offers convinient access to skiing activities. In addition to Ifrane, visitors can find where to stay in other towns. For instance midrange priced traditional Moroccan riads and local inns are found in Azrou town located at 1,204 meters above sea level and 19 km (11 miles) south of Ifrane city. Local guesthouses are found in Imouzzer Kandar mountain town located 40 km north of Ifrane. Those intending to have extended travel time in Morocco can base themselves in the larger cities of Fès or Meknès.
Michlifen Ski Station is 20 km southeast of Ifrane. The 5-star resort is all inclusive with facilities such as restaurant, bar, spa, tennis court and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities such as ATV quad bikes, sledding, and horseback riding.
Ski resort Oukaïmeden is an all-inclusive resort located in the high Atlas mountains 80 km south of Marrakesh and 402 km north of Ifrane. The resort is located at an altitude ranging from 2,600 to 3,200 and is the highest ski resort in Africa. The resort offers six ski lifts that transport visitors to several points on the higher slopes of the mountain. With 10 km of blue and black ski runs Oukaimeden offers skiing opportunities for both experts and beginners alike.
How to get there
Ifrane is 71 km (2-hour drive) south of Fez, 64 km (1-hour drive) south of Meknes, 514 km (7-hour drive) northeast of Marrakesh, 290 km (4-hour drive) east of Casablanca, 199 km south east of Rabat capital city.
Trekking High Atlas Mountains in Toubkal National Park
Toubkal National Park is 70 km (2-hour drive) south of Marrakesh. The protected area is found in the High Atlas Mountains with Mount Toubkal 4,167m, the highest summit in Morocco and North Africa. Hiking to the summit of Toubkal lasts for two days and is considered to be the main trail for the majority of hikers. However, the larger High Atlas Mountains offer 3 more off-the-beaten track hiking trails that wind through spectacular Berber villages.
Vegetation
The vegetation in Toubkal National Park is influenced by altitude where the lower elevations below 2,500 m.a.s.l in the undulating valleys and gorges are dominated by Atlas cedar, holm oak, and Aleppo pine tree species. Among other shrub species including Barbary thuya and Carob. From 2,500-3,000 m.a.s.l there are forests containing Juniperus thurifera, an evergreen tree with a narrowly pyramidal crown when young, becoming wider with age. The tree usually grows 9-12 metres tall with some reaching up to 20 metres. With the increase in altitude the nature of rocks become hard characterised by basalts, andesites, and rhyolites which limit vegetation growth and allow for sparse vegetation characterized by tree-less alpine meadows and thorny xerophyte. Due to the variety of habitats, the protected area is rich in biodiversity including the endemic Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). Toubkal National Park is famous for harboring over 500 Barbary sheep, making for the highest population living in their natural habitat. The park was designated as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International due to the presence of endemic species including Barbary partridge, golden eagle, and Alpine accentor (Prunella collaris). There are over 70 butterfly species including the Moroccan copper (Lycaena phoebus).
High Atlas Mountains were formed during the Jurassic Era about 201-174 million years ago due to the rifting apart of the supercontinent of Pangea. Which separated the African, Eurasian and North American plates. In the later Cenozoic Era about 66 million years ago, the African and Eurasian tectonic plate collision led to the uplifting of the mountains through the process of contraction and basin inversion. Source: NASA Observatory. During and after the rifting, the region experienced volcanic eruptions which created various features including edifices and extensive basalt plateaus such as the Azrou-Timahdite plateau. Among other spectacular geological formations in the High Atlas Mountains Toubkal National Park include as follows:
Deep narrow valleys including Mizane Valley, Ouanoukrim’s twin peaks, Lac D’Ifni, the high plateau of Tazaghart (3,995 meters).
Trekking routes in the High Atlas Mountains
Jbel M’Goun traverse
Mount M’Goun (4,071 m.a.s.l) is the second highest summit in Morocco. Covering part of central High Atlas Mountains, the hiking route to the summit involves ascent and descent across gorges, rock formations, and valleys such as Arous valley and M’Goun gorge. As such, trekking can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. However, there are donkeys and guides used to carry the bags for hikers. Visitors can walk freely and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Ait Bougmez valley serves as the starting point from where it takes 4-6 days to reach the summit and descend back to the valley. Along the route the available accommodation includes camping, guesthouses, and homestays in the Barber communities. This offers an opportunity to explore the cultural heritage that has been passed down from generations.
Mount Toubkal circuit
This route offers an off-the-beaten path hiking adventure to the summit of Mount Toubkal. The circular trail winds through spectacular features of the High Atlas Mountains including Tizi n’ououraine climb (3,120m) and Lake Ifni, where hikers can relax along the shore. In addition to the scenic landscape, there are cultural sights such as the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd village.