Lying 13 kilometers, or 8 miles, from the coast of Spain, the North African country mixes Middle Eastern magic, Berber tradition and European flair.
Tourism has more than doubled since 2002, to nearly 10 million visitors in 2011. King Mohammed VI wants to increase the annual visitor numbers to 18 million by 2020.
The royal ruler's strategy is underpinned by infrastructure development, making traveling around the country even easier.
Add to this a program of ongoing social, political and economic reforms, It is one of the most moderate and peaceful countries in the region.
Morocco is an enchanted wonderland, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, and the African, Arab, and European civilizations converge. Known around the world for its grand, ornate architecture and bustling markets, Morocco also boasts immense natural beauty. You may find yourself camping alongside Saharan dunes or biking through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Perhaps you prefer a long walk along the golden beaches of Agadir or a picnic in the lush gardens of Marrakech. Morocco has it all.
Though largely untold in the West, Morocco also has a fascinating history, having been the home of countless cultures and the muse of some of the world’s most accomplished artists.
Comfort Travel Morocco private Tours can assist you in discovering the treasures of Morocco, by choosing one of well prepared tours from years of tailored made itineraries, our special relationship with Riads, hotels and suppliers put us in better position to negotiate better rates and especial attention to our customers through our extensive relationships with local tour guides focused on sharing their own flavor and experience.
Nearly 99% of the population is Muslim, and hearing the muezzin's melodic call to prayer for the first time is a spine-tingling moment.
While very few Moroccan mosques are open to non-Muslims, one exception is the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
Located on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque was completed in 1993 and can hold 105,000 worshipers inside and out.
Tradition and technology sit side by side, with colorful zellij (mosaic tiles), intricate stucco and carved cedar complementing the retractable roof and heated flooring.
Moroccans switch languages mid-sentence, reflecting the cultures -- Berber, Arab, French and Spanish -- that have crisscrossed the country.
Arabic is the official language, and you'll hear the Moroccan dialect, Darija, spoken on the street.
French continues to be widely spoken in cities; foreigners are often addressed in this first. Spanish is still spoken in Tangier.
There are also three main dialects spoken by the country's Berber majority: Tashelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit.
You'll be able to get by with English in the main tourist hubs, although "La, shukran" ("No, thank you" in Arabic) is one phrase to master.
Morocco's souks are not for the faint-hearted. The narrow streets teem with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
Rule No. 1 is to step aside when you hear "Balak!" It means there's a heavily laden handcart or mule bearing down on you.
You'll inevitably get lost, as maps don't usually include the warren of small alleys that make up the medina.
A guide can help you get your bearings and fend off touts, but be aware that anything you buy will have his commission built in to the price.
Alternatively, taking snaps of landmarks with your smartphone can help you find your way back to your accommodation.
It's not weird to be bathed by a stranger.
There are plenty of posh hotel hammams, but nothing beats a visit to a no-frills public bathhouse.
Spotting the entrance can be tricky, as most signs are written in Arabic. Look for a shop selling toiletries or a mosque, as these are usually nearby.
It's advisable to stock up on black olive oil soap, ghassoul (clay used as hair conditioner), a kiis (exfoliating glove) and a mat to sit on. Visitors need to take their own towels, comb and flip-flops.
Women strip to their knickers (no bra), and men wear underpants. Then you'll be steamed, scrubbed and pummeled until you're squeaky clean.
Morocco’s second-largest city, Fes nevertheless still possesses all the unique charm and character of a much smaller town. The city features two ancient medinas, one of which – Fes el Bali – has been designated a Unesco World Heritage site for its intricate winding architecture of alleys, souks, courtyards, as well as for featuring the world’s oldest university.
The city, as a whole, features many outstanding examples of Islamic architecture, from ancient madrasas to monumental mosques, all beautifully decorated with tiling and arabesque patterns, making the city akin to an open-air museum.
Morocco’s strength lies in its integral position for trade with the rest of Africa; as such, the country has seen many influences infused with its own Berber traditions. From French to Spanish and others in between, each of Morocco’s cities – whether they be cosmopolitan metropolises or traditional medieval towns – are ready for you to discover.
One of the most beautiful and top visited Moroccan cities is Chefchaouen, also known as the blue pearl of Morocco. Located in the dramatic Rif mountains in the north of Morocco, Chefchaouen is known for its striking blue houses nestled against the rough green and brown of the mountain scenery.
The city cascades down the mountainside, each new level revealing more unique buildings, colourful plants and charming cafes. The old quarter of the town is heavily influenced by Islamic and Andalusian architecture – the city was founded in 1471 be Jews and Moors fleeing Spain – from the blue-washed walls and red-tiled roofs, to iconic keyhole-shaped doorways and tiled passages winding through the city. Despite its recent increasing popularity and expanding tourist trade, Chefchaouen remains an ideal place to experience an unspoilt and unique Morocco.
Asilah is also another charming town in the northern part of the country, 93 miles away from the blue town, A gorgeous seaside town on the north coast, Asilah has a rich and varied history. With roots as far back as the 16th century BC, when it was on the main trade route used by the Phoenicians, it was a notorious centre for piracy and later captured by the Portuguese before coming under Moroccan rule in the 17th century. Each successive culture and society has left its mark on the town, making modern-day Asilah a fascinating display of Morocco’s unique heritage. A Portuguese fortress leans precariously over the cliffs, while charming blue-and-white Moroccan houses line the streets.
Morocco's great Sahara desert.
It’s a major bucket list item when in Morocco , you cannot deny the call of the Sahara desert.
Even with the sizzle of the Saharan heat, the 9,200,00 square kilometres of majestic desert terrain will send shivers down your body. There’s little that’s as surreal as first laying eyes on the dunes; their various hues of orange and yellow set against the endless horizon.
Sitting perched on a camel, you’re led into the vast desert for a night camping under the starry African sky. This is adventure at its finest, a highlight of any North African adventure.
Few places on earth compare to the Sahara Desert, a natural wonder of vast plains and sun-baked dunes that dominates the south and east of Morocco. The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara stretches a staggering 5.6 million square miles (9 million square kilometers) over several countries. Hemmed in by the Atlas mountain range, the Saharan sands are one of Morocco’s many highlights.
It’s a journey that’ll feed your adventurous spirit, yet the idea of heading into the scorching, remote desert can seem a bit daunting at first. To combat this, I’ve put together a few tips I learned along the way so you can focus on taking in the dazzling Sahara.
The upside to the journey is that there’s beautiful scenery as you cross the high Atlas mountains when departing from Marrakech, with remote Berber villages wedged between the hills. Watching the mountain landscape gradually morph from its rocky formation into the speckled sand dunes through the window is quite the distraction.
For your trek from Merzouga into the desert, the key is to pack light. You should also maintain your modest dressing as Morocco is a conservative country, especially in the more remote regions. This means that to respect local culture you should keep your shoulders and knees covered.
In July and August, temperatures climb above 122 degrees fahrenheit, but nights can still be cold.
So think of bringing some especially if you’re travelling during winter months.
The ups and downs of riding a camel while getting into the depths of the desert by camel is the quintessential experience. From its high-up vantage point, a camel is a prime way of looking out onto the Sahara and will give you that majestic, Lawrence of Arabia feel as you ease your way over the rolling dunes into the depths of the desert.
Getting into the depths of the desert by camel is the quintessential experience. From its high-up vantage point, a camel is a prime way of looking out onto the Sahara and will give you that majestic, Lawrence of Arabia feel as you ease your way over the rolling dunes into the depths of the desert.
The trek itself to the desert camp will take about one hour from Merzouga. It will be late afternoon when your trek leaves, so the heat won’t be such a burden to your journey, but it’s super important to cover your head as the desert sun remains strong, even if you’re drinking enough water. For the ride, stick your water bottle close by and keep your camera handy for photos of the chain of the camels’ shadows on the the sand.
Definitely wear long pants to avoid chafing on the inside of your legs, plus bring closed-toe shoes. Bringing a pair of open-toe shoes also came in handy when I arrived at the camp. They let my feet breathe while protecting them from the sand that was still quite hot.
Being seating on a camel may be uncomfortable on your backside so don’t hesitate for the alternative of walking alongside your camel. Or do what I did and prop your feet up on the handles intermittently to give yourself a bit of a stretch to reduce soreness. Expect to be a bit tender the next day from riding the camel, but what’s to follow will make it all well worth your while.
Berber hospitality
Spending the night in a desert camp under the stars. Now that’s something you won’t forget in a hurry. And, fortunately, it’s an included activity on Intrepid’s ‘Best of Morocco’ tour. As the sun goes down over the dunes it’s easy to feel like you’re in a dream.
Your hosts will prepare a hearty feast, so the only thing you need to worry about is soaking up the atmosphere and gazing at the gorgeous, ever-changing shades.
Sip mint tea (known as Berber whiskey) over dinner and then get settled in for the night.
Sahara tour MoroccoGetting to grips with Moroccan music
It’s likely your camp will be a simple affair, with both bedding and basic toilet facilities, but little else. Blankets provided are usually sufficient for most visitors between April and October. You may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March.
The feeling of being awe-struck
A stay in the desert is an occasion you won’t forget. A little discomfort may arise, but it’s up to you to accept the challenges and embrace your sense of adventure. As your desert experience comes to a close, you’ll be woken up the morning of your departure before the sun comes up. Climb up a dune to see the sunrise light up the grains of sand and transform them into creamy dunes. Mother Nature’s magic knows no bounds.
By the time you hop back on your camel into the desert and watch Merzouga slowly come into sight, your desert trek will seem like a blissful mirage.
Morocco's south is also known as the Hollywood of Africa: this is the name used by the press to describe the city of Ouarzazate in particular, because of its role as the filming location for many producers and managers. Ouarzazate is a Moroccan city in the southeast with beautiful and diverse scenery. Behind its initial calmness hides a bustling film industry. In various spots, especially in the city's outskirts, there is a lot of commotion emanating from the making of a movie that will end up winning an Oscar. In this piece, I will take you on a journey through the city of Ouarzazate’s film industry. All the places I mention here are open to the public, with some small fees.
The city of Ouarzazate lies in the Draa-Tafilalet region, south of the High Atlas Mountains. The caramel-colored oasis’s name comes from the Amazigh (Berber) words “ouar,” which means without, and “zazate,” meaning noise, resulting in the meaning, “without noise.” Ouarzazate is also nicknamed “the door of the desert” or “the gateway to the Sahara.”
Ouarzazate continues to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in Morocco, with its attractive elements such as large mountains, oases, dunes, deserts, and alluring Kasbahs and ksours that astonish visitors with their historic designs.
Also known as “the valley of thousands of Kasbahs,” Ouarzazate is home to the Kasbah Taourirt and the UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Ben-Haddou.
Kasbahs are emblems of Morocco’s cultural heritage. Seven Kasbahs in Ouarzazate have been restored and are now listed as tourist attractions.
One of the most famous Kasbahs in the city is Kasbah Taourirt was built in the 17th century for Pasha El Glaoui, in1912, Pasha El Glaoui was the governor of Marrakech, Ouarzazate and most of the south during the time Morocco was under French rule. The Kasbah is considered the heart of Ouarzazate and an important historical monument. The Kasbah was a sign of wealth of the Pasha El Glaoui but also served as a fort to defend the city from attackers. The kasbah is built on a rock base, with high thick walls and very narrow windows to protect against arrow attacks. The palace has 300 rooms, with many towers and turrets rising out. Within the Kasbah, are more than 20 riads, or traditional Moroccan houses built around a central courtyard.
The Ksar of Ait Ben-Haddou is located in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains in the Ouarzazate province, Morocco. The Ksar consists of a group of earthen dwellings protected by high walls, a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou has preserved its earthen construction, which made it perfectly adaptable to the shifting climate and environmental conditions.
In 1987, the Ksar was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list for its impressive history and photogenic southern Moroccan architecture, gaining the status of the most famous Ksar in the Ounila Valley.
Just five kilometers west of Ouarzazate stands Morocco's Atlas Film Studios. Moroccan entrepreneur Mohamed Belghmi established the film making destination in 1983 after seeing the potential of the area. The 322,000-square-feet filming location is filled with old movie sets ranging from the giant prop jet plane that was used in “Jewel of The Nile” to massive Egyptian tomb statues around the entrance and exit. These are six of the most famous movies and TV shows shot at Ouarzazate:
Lawrence of Arabia
Game of Thrones
Gladiator
The Mummy 1 & 2
the last temptation of christ
Kundun
