At a crossroads between two continents and two cultures,
Morocco reveals itself to artists as an artistic or personal experience conducive to introspection.
Morocco deserves better than a simple trip to discover its
variety and splendour. The following are must see for those who have little time available or who wish to visit
the main attractions.
The Mountain Ranges and passes of Morocco are particularly attractive for their contrast in
nature and diversity. The diversity of the land makes it possible to adopt an approach, according to the season,
that corresponds to everyone's capacity. Toubkal (4165m) is the highest summit in Northern Africa and its ascent
remains by far the most appreciated. The ochre or bluish massifs of the Anti-Atlas offer the most unusual
scenery and have been recently discovered by western trekkers. Possibilities for treks include: Mule-back,
mountain bike, or camel expeditions with overnight stays in a mountain hut or bivouac depending on the route and
the season.
The north-east trade winds that blow on the Atlantic
coast offer highly appreciated spots for surfers. Essaouira is the most well-known but there are also
Mehdia, Taghazout, Minleft and Sidi Bouzid. Along the coast, you will appreciate the slow, friendly pace of
coastal life combined with the excitement of water sports. Windsurfers will enjoy Essaouira and the Dar Bouzza
Beach south of Casablanca. And recently, Kite Surfing has gained popularity in these sleepy yet charming towns.
Skiing the Atlas of Oukaimden (75km from Marrakesh).
Morocco is renowned for its beautiful golf courses
where regular international tournaments are organised. For amateurs, it is an occasion to combine sport and
discovery all year long. With the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by Palm Trees, the serenity of
the landscape serves to calm the nerves after that occasional miss hit.
A stroll in the maze of the souks (shops and merchant
stalls) can sometimes prove to be a challenge but getting lost in them is a pleasure. Try to barter if you
want to do some shopping. It is a well-rooted tradition in the Arab countries but may turn into a nightmare if
you are unaware of the usual prices. A preliminary visit to a cooperative or good advice of a local will prove
useful to avoid being taken for a fool.
Music is folklore but also tradition and has undergone various
influences (Andalousian, African or rural). Music is omnipresent at celebrations and ceremonies but also in the
street. Let yourself get under the spell of poetry or jerking the rhythm of music that can be enjoyed at
festivals, parties and in public squares.
The richness of the Moroccan cuisine, reputed to be
one of the best in the world, is a sheer joy of the senses. The multiple ingredients of the tagines and the
sweetness of the cakes are staples of the Moroccan cuisine that never lacks creativity.
One can enjoy small restaurants and famous tables with a wide
range of prices. Places that attract too many tourists are to be avoided for they may leave you with an insipid
souvenir of Moroccan cuisine.
Morocco is a land of mountains. Its high-level grounds cover
more than 100.000 Sq Km and include a dozen summits exceeding 4000 meters. In the south, the mountains give way
to the great Sahara Desert, which stretches until sub-Saharan Africa. Mule tracks are often the only link
between the Berber villages, which lay hidden in the valleys, or between the settlements in each oasis. The only
way to visit these regions and to learn about the proud and welcoming population, which has kept its ancestral
traditions, is by Land Rover and by foot.
|