Travel Guide to Morocco
When thinking of Morocco, many things come to mind. The famous Casablanca, never ending sand, hot weather and mirages were some of the things I first thought of. However, Morocco is far from being just that. Beautiful in its own right, its culture and diversity is something you’ll be truly immersed in the moment you set foot on their land.
Unlike most countries, Morocco isn’t anywhere near being a wealthy place with ultra modern skyscrapers. Though their bigger cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir do have their modern centers and buildings, the outskirts is where real Morocco seems to lie.
One way to experience Morocco apart from being in the city would be trekking through the High Atlas Mountains. Seeing it from afar, one usually gawks in awe at the never ending hills with snowy tops and fog, greenery surrounding the foot of the mountains. To some it presents a challenge, to others its excitement. Whichever way you see it, you’ll remember the experience for life. Head for the popular Toubkal Mountain in the High Atlas, which has the highest peak of 4167m, a view which will make all the steep slopes and unbelievably long walks worthwhile.
Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains are the famous Berber tribes. The indigenous people of North Africa, you’ll find they’re rarely bothered with outside life but are ever so heartwarming when you stop by for a chat. Something not to be missed as you’re trekking through the Atlas Mountains, these people live a way of life you’ll deem simplistic, yet charming.
If mountains don’t do it for you, there is always the opposite extreme, the Sahara. Amazingly though, only a little bit of morocco is covered with dunes and such. The most famous would be the Erg Chebbi dunes, located near the city of Merzouga. Getting to the dunes is in itself a trek. Walking across the flattest land with what seems like miles before you get to the actual dunes. If you spend the night out in the Sahara, you’ll be in for a real treat. Cooling temperatures at night and a blanket of the most beautiful night sky you’ve ever seen. Sleeping under the stars is literally what you will be doing, with the feeling of being in a totally different world.
Though Morocco is said to be one country, the many experiences you get from all over make it seem like you are in two or more different places at once. From the mix of the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans, the high Atlas Mountains to the beautiful dunes of the Sahara, Morocco is a place where it all comes together perfectly.
By: Orson Johnson
