Morocco

Overview

Morocco ( Arabic : المغرب, Al-Maghrib ; Berber : ⵍⵎⴰⵖⵔⵉⴱ, Elmaɣrib ; French : Maroc ) is the northwesternmost country in Africa . Morocco has, for most people, been the gateway to Africa . With plenty of attractive locations, historical sights, and unique cultural traditions, there's lots to see and do in this beautiful, mesmerising country. At just a few hours from the main European cities, Morocco has everything to overwhelm you with the amazing colours, smells and sounds of Islamic Africa. Imagine bustling souqs and spice markets, stunning mosques, white-washed sea side towns and medieval city centres. With panoramic views varying from snow-covered peaks in the High Atlas to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara, no-one ever has to be bored in this beautiful country.

The only constitutional monarchy in North Africa , the Kingdom of Morocco is made up of 12 regions. It has one of the largest economies in Africa, and is an important player in Arab affairs.

From the 1st century BCE, Morocco was part of the Roman Empire as Mauretania Tingitana . Christianity was introduced in the 2nd century CE and gained converts in the Roman towns, among slaves and Berber farmers.

In the 5th century CE, as the Roman Empire declined, the region was invaded from the north by the Vandals and later the Visigoths. In the 6th century, northern Morocco became part of the Byzantine Empire. Throughout this time, however, the Berber inhabitants in the high mountains of the interior remained independent.

Sights and landscapes

For a more laid-back experience of medina life, catch a sea breeze at the coastal towns of Asilah or lovely Essaouira . The blue-washed town of Chefchaouen is an old time travellers' favourite and a great starting point to explore the Rif Mountains. Other impressive mountain scenery can be in found in the Atlas Mountains.

On your way to the desert, make sure not to miss the stunning Todra gorge near Tinghir . The ancient fortified city of Aït-Benhaddou is another must-see sight. Although rainstorms damage the mud-brick kasbahs time and again, this mostly abandoned village remains an impressive sight and has been the décor for a range of movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator .

The Kingdom of Morocco retains a number of royal residential palaces dating to the late 12th century. They are often known as Dar al-Makhzen , in reference to its monarchical institution.

Experiences

Climb North Africa's highest mountain Mt. Toubkal ( Jebel Toubkal ) from Imlil , passing lovely adobe villages and exploring the gorgeous Ourika and Amizmiz valleys on the way. Or just trek the High Atlas mountains. The stunning panoramic views from the top will make it worth every bit of your effort to get there. Other praised hiking routes lead through the beautiful Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas and the forests of the Middle Atlas .

Marrakech can make a good base for tours all over Morocco, from exploring the High Atlas , over riding the camel or quad, to 1-4 days Sahara treks. A sheer endless number of tour providers are waiting for the willing-to-pay tourist.

Hop on a camel back for a trip through the golden Sahara sand dunes at Erg Chebbi , near Merzouga . Spend the night in a desert tent, under the incredibly starred sky. Somewhat less easy to reach but therefor also less crowded are the dunes of Erg Chigaga near M'hamid .

The first is the tourist hammam , where you can go and be pampered and scrubbed by an experienced staff member. As these are promoted only to tourists, they are the more expensive option with pricing usually around 150 dirham for a hammam. They are not proper hammams, but they are nonetheless enjoyable, especially for the timid. Your hotel can recommend a good one.

Culture and food

Moroccan cuisine is often reputed to be some of the best in the world, with countless dishes and variations proudly bearing the country's colonial and Arabic influences; see French cuisine and Middle Eastern cuisine . Unfortunately as a tourist through Morocco, especially if you're on a budget, you'll be limited to the handful of dishes that seem to have a monopoly on cafe and restaurant menus throughout the country. Most restaurants serve dishes foreign to Morocco considering that Moroccans can eat their domestic dishes at home. Apart from major cities, Moroccans do not generally eat out in restaurants so choice is generally limited to international fare such as French, Italian and Chinese cuisine.

Planning your route

With an area of 446,300 square kilometres (172,300 sq mi), Morocco is a relatively easy country to get around in. A trip from Taroudant to Rabat will easily take you 5½ hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Trains are generally the best option because of their speed, frequency and comfort. However, the network is limited, though it travels to many of the main tourist destinations. Two of the main lines, which both operate hourly most of the day are the following:

The rail network is operated by ONCF . Tickets can be purchased both online and at stations and they are very cheap compared to Europe. For examples, Casablanca to Marrakech: 146 dirham for second class, 180 first, 2 hours 39 minutes. The only drawback with Moroccan trains are that they are very frequently delayed, so don't count on the timetables if you are in a hurry.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.