Morocco is located in North West Africa and covers an area of 446,550 sq. km of which 10% (4,364,000 hectares) is for conservation including 10 national parks and 4 biosphere reserves. which are a haven for wildlife including over 560 species of birds.Morocco offers some of the wildest landscapes such as the Sahara Desert, the Rift and Atlas Mountains, and unique coastlines both along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. However, the country is famous for her unique cultural and historical heritage including ancient architecture, customs, and cuisine. 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.
Best places to visit
Fez
Fez is the cultural and spiritual capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Founded in the 9th century, the city still holds evidence of the earliest civilization of the first inhabitants of Morocco incl Barber people. The most important part of the city includes the Medina of Fez, where ancient monuments are still preserved such as mosques, palaces, madrasas, and fountains, a typical Arab Andalusia style architecture. Visit the Dar Batha, a former Royal Palace of Sultan Hassan I of Morocco is considered the heartland of Fez’s oldest town. It was built in the late 19th century for entertainment purposes with beautiful gardens and unique art décor. Dara Batha was turned into a national museum of art in 1915. It has over 6,000 of artifacts including the blue pottery of Fez that dates back to the 10th century. Among other wonders include traditional ceramics and zellige tiles, woodcarvings, astrolabes, Barber carpets, and old coins. Among iconic attraction in Madina of Fez include the University of Al-Karaouine located in Fes el-Bali. According to UNESCO and Guinness World Records, University of Al-Karaouine is regarded as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Fes el-Bali is the world’s largest car free urban zone due to its narrow streets.
Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
Morocco’s Sahara Desert offers spectacular sand dunes in Erg Chebbi area. Located in the country’s south east corner near the border with Algeria 414 km (7-hour drive) west of Marrakech. Erg Chebbi offers a wide range of desert safari experiences including camel trekking and sand baths. The town of Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi over 70 hotels which offer luxury camping in the desert.
Toubkal National Park
The 380 sq.km protected area is located in the High Atlas Mountain Range and includes Mount Jbel Toubkal 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) the highest peak in Morocco. Among other peaks in the park include Mount. Ouanoukrim (4,089m), Azrou Tamadout (3,664 m), Plateau de Tazarhart (3,995m), Le tichki (3,753m), and Ineghmar (3,892m). Due to a variety of peaks, Toubkal national park offers incredible hiking opportunities for both experienced, intermediate and beginners alike. According to Martin Scorsese’s film Kundun, the scenery can be compared to the Himalayan landscape. Imlil village serves as the start and end point for hiking routes to Toubkal national park. It takes about 2-4 day to climb Mount Jbel Toubkal.
Moroccan Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddous
Ait Ben Haddous is one of the fortified ancient cities with Kasbahs nestled at the foothills of southern High Atlas mountain range in Quarzazate Province. The Kasbahs are fortified traditional houses that were built with mud, wood, and straws by the Berbers during the Early Middle Ages between 5th and the 10h centuries. This period marked the rise of Islam in North Africa and there were a series of conflicts between the Arab dynasties and the Byzantine Empire of the ‘New Rome’. As such, the Kasbahs were built on the edge of hills with high defensive walls and towers to shield against attackers. Inside the walls are collective structures. Narrow alleys, open spaces and courtyards that may have served as safe havens for royals and their guards. Some contain spectacular architectural designs such as curved wooden doors, stucco and tile mosaic art reflecting the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Among other structures within the village include lofty grain stores on top of the hills, mosques, and Caravanserai which are roadside inns that served as accommodation for traders. Ait Ben was one of th camel caravan routes across the Sahara trading in salt from the north and gold from the south. Most of the Kasbahs are now a desolate settlement of mud buildings, however. They’re a living example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. For instance, the Kasbah Telouet is the most spectacular. It was the former Royal home of Thami El Glaoui, who was a local Berber Chief of Marrakesh from 1909-1912. The Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou were designated a UNESCO heritage site. Their authenticity has been maintained by only clay and wood renovations. Visitors can walk to the top of the hills for sunset and sunrise viewing and explore the alleys of Kashbahs.
Quarzazate, Morocco’s Hollywood
Situated 30 km south east of Ait Ben Haddous, Quarzazate can be visited on the same day tour to Ait Ben Haddous. Quarzazate city lies in the Draa River Valley, where oases and groove palms offer a refreshing natural environment. The city contains unique Kasbahs that have been used as filming locations for various Hollywood movies and TV series. For instance, the Gladiator, Mummy, Vikings, Jewel of the Nile, Game of Thrones, Aladdin, the Old Guard, Amazing Race 10. These film set, designs, and themes are preserved by Atlas Corporation Studios, making for one of the iconic filming locations.
Todra Gorge
The gorge has steep cliffs of up to 400 meters high and is 168 km (2-hour drive) northeast of Quarzazate. Activities to do in and around Todra Gorge include hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The nearby town of Tinghir 2 km from the Gorge, offers a weekly market and a wide range of accommodations. You can explore Todra Gorge and the surrounding attractions which include lush palm grove oases known as Palmeraie includ. There are also fruit and vegetable gardens and plantations containing desert dates, olives, orchards, and pomegranates.
Ouzoud waterfalls
Located in Azilal province 160 kilometers (2 hours’ drive) east of Marrakech, the Ouzoud waterfalls are a great day trip destination for nature lovers. EI-Abid River Gorge is the source of Ouzoud waterfalls and contains 3 different cascades of which the tallest is 110 meters (360 ft) tall. It is the tallest waterfalls in Morocco and North Africa. Visitors can explore the falls by boat ride and nature walks. The main Ouzoud waterfalls hiking trail starts in the village of Ouzoud. It winds through cultivated olive fields to the base of the falls where boat rides begin from. The trees along this trail are home to Barbary macaque, the tailless monkeys. Those intending to enjoy a longer hike should choose the Circular Trail which circles around the falls. This trail offers panoramic views of the falls and the valley below the hill.