Getting off the beaten path into a country’s natural places is a great way to see, do, and experience a place in a way that most tourists do not. If you are planning an escape to Morocco, you’ll have plenty of these natural escapes from which to choose. Morocco is a hot destination and one sure place to experience both culture and adventure. If you long for a natural escape in the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert or wish to tackle North Africa’s highest peak that soars above 4000 meters, then you’ve come to the right place. Morocco is truly a destination where natural escapes abound around every mountain pass.
Venture into the Sahara Desert
Climbing Saharan sand dunes and seeking refuge in desert oases have captured the imaginations of travelers for centuries. For many, a trip to Morocco wouldn’t be complete without riding a camel and camping out beneath the stars. The most easily accessible region of the Sahara Desert in Morocco are the dunes located in picturesque Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Located past Erg Chebbi, the Dayet Srji salt lake, west of Merzouga, is home to ducks and migrating flamingos, while the oases outside of Erfoud boasts a picture-perfect palm grove. For those who wish to truly explore Morocco’s wild side, a trip south of Zagora and Mhamid to the Erg Chigaga region of the Sahara Desert is not to be missed. Exploring the desert from Marrakesh or Fez can take multiple days and it’s a good idea to arrange your Morocco tour with a local travel company such as Journey Beyond Travel who has been in business for over a decade. Trips into the actual desert can last from a half-day trip to a multiple-day caravan trek, typically by camel or 4×4 vehicle.
Discover the Atlas Mountains
Morocco has four major mountain ranges and from north to south, those include: the Rif, the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas. The higher Atlas ranges attract most visitors, in particular, Mount Toukbal, which is the highest peak in North Africa. This leaves the rest of the mountains comparatively neglected, while offering plenty of adventure for even the most experienced trekkers. Bouhachem and Talassemtane National Parks, easily accessible from Chefchaouen, form part of UNESCO’s Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean. Wildlife includes the Barbary macaque and a variety of birds, including kites, buzzards and golden eagles.
In the Middle Atlas Mountains, the traditional Berber city of Azrou functions as a good base for visiting the nearby cedar forests. Nearby, Ifrane was set up by the French as a ski resort during a protectorate slash colonial period that lasted from 1912 until 1956. In winter, with its alpine-style buildings and snow-covered forests, Ifrane is said to resemble a Swiss village, although expert skiers might find the slopes lacking. Toubkal National Park, in the High Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh, is the country’s most popular hiking spot. Trekkers often start from Imlil or the ski-resort of Oukaïmeden. To avoid groups of day trippers, treks can be started from Ouirgane, a Berber village in the lower foothills of the High Atlas and in the heart of the park.
Serious mountain climbers shouldn’t miss the sheer cliffs of the Anti-Atlas Mountains near Tafraoute. The area also boasts amazing rock formations and prehistoric rock carvings.
Soak Up Some Sun
Agadir, the seaside resort in south-western Morocco, enjoys over 300 days of sun per year. Unfortunately, this legendary sunshine also brings loads of tourists. However, finding peace and quiet is easy, particularly at eco-lodges like the Atlas Kasbah, 15 minutes’ drive east of Agadir in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Taghazout, popular with surfers, lies just north of Agadir. Here, various companies offer surf camps, lessons and yoga classes.
Further south, the towns of Mirleft and Sidi Ifni have a off-the-beaten path and natural vibe found no where else in the country. Pristine beaches and rolling hills in the backdrop inspire surfers and world wayfarers alike. Much farther south in Western Sahara lies Dakhla, a sunny, bohemian village perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing or just sunbathing on the lagoon’s sandy shores.
Located north of Agadir is the neo-hippie and artsy town of Essaouira. A few days here really takes you away as does its beaches, port, and ramparts worthy of an afternoon stroll. Further afield is Oualidia, located on the Atlantic coast two hours from Casablanca. It is justifiably famous for a large tidal lagoon, which yields delicious oysters and serves as a home for migrating pink flamingos.
Photo Credit: elrentaplats
About the Author:
Thomas Hollowell is a professional travel writer with four books to his name. Recently, he aided the Rough Guides for their 2013 Morocco guidebook and runs a travel company in Morocco called Journey Beyond Travel at http://www.
