The Sahara is the world's largest desert. Only a small part of the Sahara is fertile, where corn, dates and other fruits grow, these parts are fed by underground rivers and oases. The Sahara can be an inspirational experience at night, with the air being crisp, clean and clear, the stars being so close you can almost touch them and a silence that is deafening.
The Sahara desert stretches accross much of North Africa covering over 9 000 000 square kilometers (roughly the size of the United States). In fact, the Sahara covers some 30% of the entire African continent. It is the hottest place in the world with summer temperatures that often exceeds 57 degrees Celsius. It has an annual rainfall of 0 - 25 millimeters, and is very windy, with windstorms sweeping up the sand up to 1000 meters high and moving the sand dunes constantly.
The Sahara consists of one quarter volcanic mountains, one quarter sand, rocks and gravel-covered plains and small areas of vast permanent vegetation. The vegetation includes shrubs, grasses, and trees in the highland and in the oases along the river beds. Some of the plants are well adjusted to the climate and sprout within three days of rain and sow their seeds within two weeks after that. Only a small part of the Sahara is fertile, where corn, dates and other fruits grow, these parts are fed by underground rivers and oases.
Animals in the Sahara are mainly gerbils, cape hare, deer, weasels, baboons, jackals, sand foxes, mongooses, desert hedgehogs and over 300 bird species.
The Sahara can be an inspirational experience at night, with the air being crisp, clean and clear, the stars being so close you can almost touch them and a silence that is deafening.
High Atlas
The High Atlas covers some of the most beautiful regions of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The High Atlas is the highest with Toubkal stretching to 4.165 meters. The Middle Atlas reaches up to 3,350 meters and the Anti Atlas reaches up to 2.531 meters.
The High Atlas has walks to suit all abilities, but mules and horses are also available for riding in the villages. The villages in the High Atlas are small but thriving and are home to the Berbers - enduring, hospitable and very friendly people. The villages offer stylish accommodation in the local houses and there are established guides available. The high peaks force the clouds to give high quantities of rainfall; therefore the High Atlas has many fertile valleys surrounded by rivers and waterfalls. Mineral deposits found in the Atlas range are gold, silver, lead, iron, phosphates lead and zinc.
Regions / Morocco
Morocco is divided into several regions or provinces. Some of them, such as Agadir and Casablanca are fairly well known. Others, such as Al Hoceima and Khouribga are somewhat less visited by tourists and therefore lesser known. However this does not mean they have nothing to offer. Below is a list of the regions in Morocco.
Agadir - Agadir is a city in southwest Morocco. It is situated on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains .
Al Hoceima - Al Hoceima is a harbor in the Rif, and its main city.
Casablanca - Casablanca is Morocco's biggest city; and also the principal port.
Essaouira - Essaouira is a city and tourist resort in Morocco, near Marrakesh .
Fez - Fez is the third largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca and Rabat.
Kenitra - Kenitra is a town of Morocco, previously known as Port Lyautey. It is a port on the Sebou River.
Khouribga - Khourigba is the main metropolitan of a Phosphates-rich area.
Laayoune - This city has a population of around 197,200 and is the biggest city in Western Sahara.
Marrakesh - Marrakesh is a city in southwestern Morocco at foot of the Atlas Mountains .
Meknes - Meknes is a city in northern Morocco 120 km from Rabat and 60 km from Fez .
Ouarzazate - Ourzazat is a city sittuated in central Morocco that hosts the largest movie studio in the world.
Oujda - Oujda is a city in eastern Morocco with a population of 500 000 inhabitants.
Rabat - Rabat is the governmental capital of Morocco.
Tangier - Tangier is a city of northern Morocco with a population of 350,000 inhibitants.
Tan-Tan - Tan-Tan is a town in Morocco, in Province de Tan-Tan.
Tetouan - Tetouan has a population of 320 000 inhabitants and is the capital and cultural centre of the province Tanga.
Tiznit - Tiznit, is a city in southern Morocco.
Beaches & Coast
Enjoy the sand between your toes and the warm Moroccan breeze through your hair. Morocco has plenty beaches for you to work on your tan or take a long walk. Check the guide below to find the nearest beach.
Grottes d'Hercules
The beach at Grottes d'Hercules is generally clean and pleasant and tends to be very full during the holiday months of July and August. The only drawback is that the water here is noticeably colder than the Mediterranean beaches of Tangier.Dakhla
This beach is mainly used by fisherman, and is simply too littered for bathing or sun tanning. Although there are beautiful sights of colorful wooden fishermen boats.Plage Quemada, Al Hoceima
This beach has a reputation for always being busy and crowded; however this is no reason to stay away. It is a very clean and friendly beachAsfiha, Al Hoceima
Asfiha beach is not recommended for swimming or beach walks, the water is very shallow (about 1 meter) and the sand dirty and sticky. Although it has a nice view of the Spanish Island a few hundred meters from the shore.El Jadida
The beach is close to town, it is clean and pleasant, and the people are friendly and outgoing.Lalla Fatma
This is the cleanest and most popular beach in Morocco, although swimming is not very safe, the tourists enjoy the sand, sun tanning and the tranquility.Larache
This beach is very clean, popular, friendly and wonderful for swimming, although the waves can be a bit dangerous. There are lifeguards on duty all day.Tangier Town Beach
This beautiful beach is surrounded by mountains and the white washed houses of Tangier. Unfortunately it's not exceptionally clean, but still it is very popular.
National Parks
Visit one of the National Parks shows below to get close up to all that nature has to offer. A huge variety of birds and mammal-life will ensure that you won't leave disappointed.
Birds
210 Species of Birds including woodpecker, flamingo, spoonbills, storks, ducks, waders, coots and 11 other threatened species.
Mammals
105 Species including golden jackal, red fox, crane, leopard, Egyptian cobra and 18 other threatened species.
Wetland Wildlife
Neighboring the Moulay Bousselham lagoon is a large wetland area, recently given a protected wildlife status, known as Merdja Zerga. This open unproductive space is used for grazing by wandering herds of sheep, cattle and goats, while around the margin are lines of dwarf palm and the giant succulent agave. This variety of habitat, and the huge extent of the site, ensures satisfying bird watching all year round. There are large numbers of waders, including a large colony of flamingoes, plus little ringed plovers, black-winged stilts and black tailed godwits.
Cedar Forest Wildlife
The cedar forest which lies to the south of Azrou is a unique habitat in Morocco; it has a luxuriant atmosphere and is surrounded by the Middle Atlas range. The cedar forest shelters many troupes of Barbary apes, which is one of the wildlife highlights in Morocco. They can be found feeding along the forest margins, they are shy animals and any excessive intrusion will send them directly to the utmost top of the branches of the cedar forest.
High Atlas Wildlife
The High Atlas has unique fauna and flora, which are accessible even to the most unenthusiastic hiker if you base yourself at Oukaimeden, Imlil or Ouirgane. Butterflies which brave these heights include the Moroccan copper and desert orange tip. Other inhabitants range from the almost invisible praying mantis to the scampering ground squirrel and the rare elephant shrew.
Mountains
There are several fantastic mountain ranges in Morocco. You can climb, hike, ski and ride mules in the area. Regardless of what mode of transport you choose, you will likely be completely captivated by the amazing variety of foliage, natural water features and picturesque peaks.
Amtoudi Peak
You can either climb the 20 ? 30 centimeter narrow trail along the edge or hire a mule to do the job for you. A Spectacular view awaits you at the top.
Chefchaouen Mountains
The Chefchaouen Mountains has two peaks, Jebel Meggou at 1625 meters above sea level and Jebel Tisouka with a mosque at the top, at 2050 meters above sea level.
Setti Fatma
Setti Fatma is at the end of the Ourika Valley in Marrakesh. It has seven beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views and mountain trails that require a pair of good hiking shoes.
Tafraoute Mountains
The rocky, pink mountains here are unarguably the main attractions. A Belgian artist Jean Verame painted some of the rocks in the mountains blue in 1984, although these have faded, they still remain interesting.
Oregano Mountains, Taliouine
These mountains are covered with oregano and transmit the scent when you pass the plants or step on them. At the top of these mountains (1500 meters above sea level) are two caves used by goats for shelter nowadays.
Tan Tan Mountains
Known for its very flat peak and hollowness at some parts of the mountain.
Sarhro Mountains
The Sarhro Mountains is the most charming mountain area in the whole of Morocco, with spectacular views and beautiful waterfalls and rivers.
Atlantic Coast
The sea provides a large amount of income for Morocoo, whether through tourism, fishing or shipping. Many colorful cities are based on the coast and you can easily make your way down to the docks to share some maritime stories with the locals. You could also take up windsurfing or simply have a refreshing swim in the sea.
Full of industry, culture and character, the Atlantic Coast of Morocco is a small section of coastline that definitely deserves a visit. As you idly make your way to the docks to buy fresh fish, you can visit and chat with the local fishermen who're always willing to share a 'fishermans tale' of wild adventures at sea! Or you can take a refreshing swim. The choice is up to you.
The cold Atlantic coast of Morocco plays a big roll in the touirism industry as well as provides shipping ports and cater for the fishing industry. The coastal towns and cities in Morocco on the Atlantic Coast are Essaouira - a tourism mecca, Skhirat - a small fishing community with panoramic beaches, and the chief fishing centres - Agadir, Safi and Casablanca . They catch pilchard, tuna mackerel, anchovies and shellfish in this area. You can try your hand at fishing amongst the locals, or cast from the shore line.
If fishing is not quite your thing, however, you can choose to go to Agadir to soak up some sun. This part of the world gets over 300 days of sunshine every year so you're plans are not likely to get washed out. There are beautiful sandy beaches and pristine blue seas to help you relax.
Perhaps you are a more adventurous person? Then you might try surfing or wind surfing. Morocco's location makes it very popular with Europeans as it is only a short distance away and it provides some renowned surfing and windsurfing spots. Essaouria is one of the most popular wind surfing spots in Morocco. Just North of Agadir and some distance South of Essaouria, you will find some amazing surf spots made famous by Jimmy Hendrix who fell in love with the area. Anchor Point, Mysteries, Dog Steps, Source and Killer Point are surfing spots that can all be found in this area. They provide anything from 4ft to 14ft waves and the water temperature stays constant at around 17'C.
Why not check out this part of Morocco and soak up some sun? You never know, you may enjoy it just as much as Jimmy Hendrix did!
Full of industry, culture and character, its a small section of coastline that definately deserves a visit. Visit and chat with the local fishermen who're always willing to share a 'fishermans tale' of wild adventures at sea!
The cold Atlantic coast of Morocco plays a big roll in tourist attractions , ports and the fishing industry. The coastal towns and cities in Morocco on the Atlantic Coast are Essaouira - a tourism mecca, Skhirat - a small fishing community with panoramic beaches, and the chief fishing centres - Agadir , Safi and Casablanca . They catch pilchard, tuna mackerel, anchovies and shellfish in this area.