The Mawazine World Rhythms Festival is entering its 11th year on the music scene of Morocco from May 18-26. This festival, held yearly in Rabat, pays tribute to Moroccan musicians and celebrates the musical talents of the world. The concerts are presented free of charge except for the area directly in front of the stage, where the fee varies depending on the performance. A card is available for 3000DH that gives access to the front stage area of any of the concerts.

The Mawazine festival has come under criticism from many Moroccans who feel the production is a waste of resources that could be better spent improving the everyday lives of Moroccans. Wherever someone stands on the issue, this music festival brings together some of the biggest names for nine days of fun.

Free concerts are held on four open air stages and three paying venues hold more traditional world music around the city of Rabat. Each stage features a specific genre of music ranging from rock-and-roll to classical music, from traditional African beats to Arab and Persian pop. This year’s event will pay tribute to three Moroccan musicians. The first tribute is the 1960s rock musical Abdelghafour Mohcine, whose sounds are similar to those of Stevie Wonder and Otis Redding. Next Mohamed Rouicha, a famous outar (a music like a flute and commonly found in Berber music) musician will be honored, and his son will play in concert. Lastly the 1970s avant-garde Lemchaheb Band, which blends traditional Berber music with western influence, will be honored.

Along with musical performances, panel discussions will occur with Moroccan and foreign professionals of culture. These panels will focus on the music industry in Morocco and especially address piracy and financial aspects of the industry. Also occurring throughout the event are street shows of acrobat troupes, skilled dancing, and dance and music combinations. Workshops will also be occurring to allow beginners to get to know more about the stars on display and their career paths. Workshops on music video production, musical production, percussion and contemporary dance will be offered.

Some of the performers who will be included this year are LMFAO, Mariah Carey, Pitbull, DJ Abdel, Fire of Anatolia, Nancy Ajram, Marwan Khoury, Wael Kfoury, Outlandish, Fnaire, Gloria Gaynor, Moroccan Royal Symphony and many, many more.

If your journey finds you in Rabat during this time, expect accommodations and transportation to be much more crowded and scarce. If you have no interest in the festival it may make sense to take a day trip or two away from Rabat at this time, perhaps to Casablanca, Kenitra or Meknes, which offer a good diversion. However, if you love music, you’re in the right place. If it is in your budget, purchase space closer to the stage to ensure a good view and less congestion, but, most importantly, enjoy this festival!

Written by Amanda Mouttaki.

Photo by Achraf AMINE

A visit to Morocco is not complete unless you’ve enjoyed a glass—make that several glasses—of the country’s iconic mint tea. Fortunately, the opportunities to enjoy this refreshing drink are numerous.

Mint tea is part of Morocco’s lifeblood; and, in fact, is popular throughout North Africa. If you are fortunate enough to be invited into someone’s home while you’re there, you can look forward to being offered this drink of hospitality. If it’s offered to you, be sure to accept—not only does it possess a pleasantly sweet taste, but it is impolite to refuse it.

Traditionally, the tea is prepared by the male head of the family; however, it is culturally acceptable for women to serve it as well. Typically, your host will come out of the kitchen carrying a tray adorned with a long-spouted, silver teapot and several small glasses. Observe carefully as your host pours the tea from at least a foot above the small drinking glass to create a thin layer of foam on the surface.

The most commonly consumed version of this drink is a green tea prepared with mint leaves and several lumps of sugar. Regional variations also exist; for instance, tea in the north typically tastes sweeter, while some areas of the country add pine nuts to it.

Regardless of whether you get a chance to enjoy Moroccan tea in someone’s home, you can seek it out at tea houses and restaurants. Tea houses in large cities have a reputation for serving high quality tea, providing a relaxing setting and offering a selection of local pastries. Many restaurants make an ideal place for tea sipping and people watching, since they commonly arrange their tables and chairs to face out toward the bustling streets. At a restaurant, you might receive your tea in a small teapot with small drinking glasses, or they might simply give you one larger, pre-poured glass mug of tea—sometimes with the mint leaves right in the glass. Since this national drink is enjoyed throughout the day, with meals and between meals, tea is available to order any time of the day.

Merchants often offer tea—sometimes fondly referring to it as Berber whiskey—to browsing shoppers in the souks. If you plan to peruse the merchandise for awhile, feel free to accept the offer. Accepting tea does not obligate you to buy anything. Who knows, it may even help you feel more at ease if you do decide to make a purchase and engage in a heated negotiation over its price.

Written by Shelley A. Gable, instructional designer and freelance writer.

Photo by Cocoabiscuit.

Dehydration is a major concern for Westerners visiting Morocco’s dry and hot climate. Luckily, the country has a variety of beverages to quench a traveler’s thirst and acclimate them to the Arabic and African culture of Morocco. Whether you want something sweet, cold, fresh, alcoholic (though that won’t help with dehydration!) or unique, Morocco has enough drinks to keep even the thirstiest camel happy.

Mint Tea

Drinking mint tea is a national pastime in Morocco. It’s served at meal times and throughout the day in an ornate silver teapot with a matching set of short tea glasses. Mint tea is the drink of hospitality, and is offered to guests in private homes, hotels, riads and shops. Refusing mint tea is considered rude. Mint tea is made from gunpowder green tea, boiled with fresh mint and flavored with lots of sugar. Highly addicting and strangely cooling, even in the heat.

Beer

Though Morocco is mostly Muslim, the country isn’t dry, though drinking alcohol in public is not a smart idea and should never be done near a mosque. Bars in Morocco are called brasseries and cater to males. Single females will find them very uncomfortable, as they will be considered prostitutes. In a group, this wouldn’t be a problem. A better option for a safe place to have a drink is an upscale restaurant or the hotel you’re staying at. Morocco has three local brands of beer: Stork, Flag Special and Casablanca, a full flavored lager. Imported Heineken is a favorite for locals.

Bottled Water

Cheap bottled water is available everywhere in Morocco. Vendors even hike to the highest mountain peaks, knowing thirsty trekkers will be happy to buy. The most popular water brands are Ciel and Oulmes, both sparkling and flat. Sparkling is best enjoyed with a meal while flat is better for quenching thirst. Check to make sure the water cap seal isn’t broken. While tap water in Morocco is generally potable, travelers should stick to bottled water just to be safe.

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

A glass of fresh squeezed orange juice is the perfect drink for an overheated, weary traveler. Public squares and outdoor markets will usually have clusters of orange juice stands, carts piled high with bright oranges, squeezed right in front of you in a juice press.

Coffee

Moroccans are just as serious about their coffee as the caffeine-addicted Italians. Instant coffee would be a last resort in Morocco, and considered very déclassé. For coffee lovers, or those who need a break from mint tea, espresso machines, frothy cappuccinos and cafe au lait are available day or night in most restaurants and snack stands.

Wine

Because of the country’s high mountains and French/Spanish influence, Morocco grows grapes for wine, mostly red. The country is divided into five wine regions and produces cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Local wines to watch out for are Gris de Guerrouane and Chateau Roslane.

Where to Drink:

For culture, mint tea, coffee and orange juice are best enjoyed outdoors and with Moroccans either in the medinas or with a shopkeeper while you negotiate the price of Berber rugs or handcrafted shoes. To stock up on bottled water or soft drinks, supermarket chains Acima and Marjane are scattered throughout the country, especially in larger cities. These chains also stock liquor and beer, even during Ramadan for non-Muslims. Drinking alcohol shouldn’t be done in the medinas and women should be cautious about drinking with Moroccan men. Teapots and glass sets are popular souvenirs.

Written by Megan Wood.

Photos by thebittenword.com.

For the past 18 years, the city of Fez, Morocco, has put on the Festival of World Sacred Music, dedicated to the traditions of knowledge, art and spirituality of the city. It began as a peace initiative following the first Gulf War but has since become an established part of the world music and art scene. This year’s event runs from June 8-16 at different venues in the city of Fez. The theme is “Re-enchanting the World,” and pays tribute to Persian poet Omar Khayyam.

Acts from around the world converge on Fez along with thousands of attendees there to pay homage to sacred music from around the globe. There is a heavy focus on Sufi music, however, music from all over the globe is represented. This year’s acts hail Hungary, Romania, Central Europe, Lebanon, Tunisia, India, Cuba, Pakistan, Iceland, Iran, Guinea, France, Morocco and the United States. Along with musical acts there are several poetry readings, poetry set to music and dancing troupes.

The 2012 event starts with the opening concert that features artists from around the world to “re-enchant” the poems of Omar Khayyam. Every day has fantastic acts that will be occurring at one of the following locations: in the medina, the Batha Museum, Bab al Makina, Dar Mokhi or Dar Adyel. Performances are in the evenings beginning at 4:00 p.m. and are scattered throughout the night at each of the venues.

This year’s “headline” artists are the Icelandic singer, Bjork, who achieved musical success in the 1990s and has transformed with her latest album Biophilia, a project that combines music with technological innovation and the themes of science and nature. Also headlining is Joan Baez, American folk singer, songwriter and activist. Joan’s work spans nearly seven decades and she is well known not only for her music but for her work with social justice issues.

If your journey finds you in Morocco for this festival, be prepared. Reservations for accommodations should be made well ahead of time and tickets purchased before attending. Transportation into and around the city will likely be more crowded than normal. While it’s possible to show up in Fez during this time and find lodging and tickets, it’s best to plan ahead as early as possible. That said, this festival truly is a uniting of cultures, religions and people from around the world for one common purpose, and there’s no price tag that can be put on an experience like that.

Written by Amanda Mouttaki.

Photo by josh.weiss.

Ouirgane is a Berber village situated in the Atlas Mountains. It sits 1500 meters above the sea, at the heart of the Toubkal National Park and is only one hour south of the red city, Marrakesh. It is a typical Berber village. A local market or souq gathers the villagers every Thursday and plays an important role in the village’s social fabric. Donkeys are used as the main means of transportation. The village inhabitants are as welcoming as the natural environment surrounding them.

Due to its proximity to Marrakesh and Taroudant, and the inviting red earth hills and oak pine forests, Ouirgane has become a famous hikers’ destination. If you are tired of the crowded city of Marrakesh, and enjoy walking through olive groves or mountain biking, this is the ideal escape.

The arid landscape in Ouirgane has become more verdant since the completion of a dam in the village. Lalla Takerskout Lake has formed as a result of that, adding more beauty to the area. Water sports such as jet skiing, swimming and kayaking, can be practiced in the lake or at the Nfis River. For those who like bird life, Ouirgane is a perfect place to relax and watch the wide variety of birds fly over the area: Storks, cuckoos, nightingales, bulbuls, and others are all frequently sighted.

Coming from Marrakesh, it is better to take the southwest road headed south to Amzmiz, through the Tizntst mountain pass then east to Ouirgane. This route goes all the way to Taroudant and is often referred to as one of Africa’s finest drives. Both buses and taxis go to Ouirgane on a daily basis.

The best time to visit Ouirgane is late spring or early autumn, both lasting about two months or less, from March to April and from September to October. Winters are mild but roads are in their worst state because of the rain and flooding. Summers in Ouirgane are cooler than Marrakesh but very crowded with tourists.

There are many accommodations to choose from during your visit to the village. There are small lodges as well as luxurious guesthouses with swimming pools, spas and more. Local guides can be hired through the hotel. They can enhance a visit by leading a daily hike to Toubkal Mountain or nearby villages with added commentary and information about the area.

Written by Ghizlane Gray.

Photo by Abdallah.

In just 30 minutes, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s souks. Where to? Tahanaout.

Set against the majestic backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains, the picturesque village of Tahanaout enthralls visitors with its landscape, architecture and history. Surrounded by a terrain dotted with olive groves, orange trees and lemon trees, you can admire the red clay constructions, built according to traditional Berber techniques.

In fact, one of the highlights of touring Tahanaout is participating in hands-on workshops, such as learning how to make jars, jugs and bowls from clay. The Berbers have opened their home to tourists, and offer cooking classes, too. Here, you’ll learn how to make homemade bread, makoda (fried potato cakes), couscous and other traditional regional dishes. Those who just want to dine or drink the local specialty, mint tea, can do so, too.

On your sugar high, you can hit the regional souk. From Berber carpets and traditional crafts to vegetables, herbs and spices, there’s plenty to taste, smell and touch. Rugs are entirely handmade, as they have been for generations. Paintings, sculptures and other artifacts, in turn, will make an everlasting keepsake of Tahanaout. If you haven’t polished up your bargaining skills, you can do so here.

In addition to the wide cultural offerings, Tahanaout is ideal for those who want to explore the outdoors. Trekking is particularly popular, including options for the less seasoned walker.

Those who enjoy bird watching should stroll along the riverbanks, where you can sight Moroccan wagtail, white stork and cattle egret. If you need a refresher, head to the Ouirgane, N’Fiss and Ourika Valleys. In the Ourika Valley, take the time to appreciate the small waterfalls in Setti Fatma.

To continue exploring, book a guide and mule. 4WDs can also be rented to get deeper into the mountain range. The best time of the year for trekking is between May and September; however, the area deserves a visit year-round. Ski buffs in particular will be glad to know that there’s snow at the summits any time of year.

After a full day of activity, kick back and relax; there’s a wide range of accommodation in all price ranges and styles. Even an authentic Berber castle has been converted to lodgings. Tahanaout has retained the remoteness and a way of life that has changed little, even with tourism arriving at its doorstep.

Written by Isabel Eva Bohrer.

Photo by krebsmaus07.

The southern port cities begin south of Kenitra and go to the Moroccan/Mauritanian border.  These cities all border the Atlantic coast and have a varied mix of colonial influence. The northern cities have heavy French/Spanish influence while the southern cities have a French/German influence. Several of these cities are best known for their ocean activities and lively nightlife.

Rabat and Sale

Rabat is the capital of Morocco and Sale is the twin city opposite Rabat. While primarily serving as the head of the government there are a few unique tourist opportunities. The Hassan II memorial and mosque on the Atlantic Ocean are a quick visit. Outside of Rabat are the Chellah and Sala Colonia. These are ruins from the Roman period. The ruins can be toured and yearly there is a jazz festival held at the site called Jazz au Chellah. If you are looking to spend some time in the area Sale might be a good place to put down roots. This city is mostly a commuter city but accommodations will be cheaper than in Rabat proper. On a historical note, Sale served as a haven for the infamous Barbary pirates who formed The Republic of Sale. Sadly, little exists documenting this time.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco and the chief port for incoming and outgoing shipments. One of the grandest sites of Casablanca is the Hassan II mosque which can hold 25,000 people on the interior and 80,000 more in the courtyard; it also boasts the world’s largest minaret. Morocco has a history of tolerance and a visit to Casablanca should include a visit to the impressive Casablanca Cathedral as well as the Jewish Museum (the only Jewish Museum in an Islamic country). Casablanca has a medina that is smaller in scale than those in Fez or Marrakech. A few unique stops in the old medina are the horsemeat market and the skala (or fortress) opposite the port. You may also encounter “Rick’s Café,” but don’t be fooled – this is not the filming location from Casablanca. You won’t find that in Casablanca as the movie was completely shot in Hollywood.

Agadir

This southernmost port on the Atlantic Ocean is most well known for its beaches. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or beach-lover this is the place to go. If not, then Agadir might not be very appealing. There are many horseback and camel riding tours that leave from the area, as well as “quad” tours. Agadir is also known for surfing and music festivals.

Safi

Safi is a small city on the Atlantic coast. If you’re a ceramics or pottery enthusiast this city is a must visit.

Essaouira

Located on the Atlantic coast directly west of Marrakech and north of Agadir is Essaouira. The medina of Essaouira is small but has fantastic ramparts. The fish market and port are known for their characteristic blue wooden boats. Much like Agadir, there are plenty of outdoor activities like horseback riding and golf to enjoy. A major draw to this area is kite surfing. While very tourist friendly it does not feel overrun like many cities.

More information about Morocco’s northern port cities.

Written by Amanda Mouttaki.

Photo by Al@in76.

Started in 1963, Tan Tan Moussem is an inter-tribal festival that brings together Saharan peoples. The festival’s main event is camel trading, but there are also wedding celebrations, inter-tribal competitions and lots of music and dancing. The most dramatic aspect of the festival is a fantasia, a reenactment of a traditional Berber attack charge on horseback.

The festival was suspended from 1979 until 2004 due to tension in the Western Sahara, but since its revival by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism and UNESCO, it has drawn nomadic peoples from Morocco, Mali, Niger and as far away as Saudi Arabia. Festival participants stay in a temporary city of more than 800 tents handmade from goat and camel hair.

Tourist facilities at the festival are limited, although there are a number of budget hotels in Tan Tan proper. The event takes places yearly in late May or early June. It’s best to contact the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism for current event dates and lodging information. In past years, a number of foreign journalists and guests have been invited courtesy of the Moroccan government.

Getting There

Tan Tan is in the far south of Morocco. If you’re traveling internationally, the most straightforward way to reach Tan Tan is to fly to Casablanca and take a domestic flight. The Royal Air Maroc flight from Casablanca to Tan Tan is about three hours and may include a technical stop. It’s not worth taking an internal flight from elsewhere in Morocco, even from cities closer to Tan Tan like Laayoune and Marrakech, because flights are routed through Casablanca.

If you’re coming from Marrakech, a bus ride of roughly ten to eleven hours will get you to Tan Tan. CTM and Supratours offer air-conditioned buses that ply the route into the Sahara several times a day. The route isn’t scenic; it’s mostly flat and dry desert. To save daylight hours consider taking the latest bus from Marrakesh and arriving in Tan Tan for morning. Arriving in Tan Tan in the middle of the night is not advisable as there are limited tourist facilities. The majority of people on the bus are likely continuing south to Laayoune, so make sure you tell the driver that you need to get off at Tan Tan.

If you find yourself stuck in Tan Tan without onward transport, hire a grand taxi to Guelmime and seek onward transport there.

Written by Heather Carreiro.

Photo by chacabuco.

As a leading player in the “green” travel industry, Morocco pays close attention to sustainable tourism. At the outset of the 20th century, the continuous growth of tourism began to take its toll on the country’s environment as well as the indigenous people. But unlike other nations, where tourism growth significantly damaged the environment, society and culture, Morocco seeks to take action to prevent harm from happening.

To visitors, the country offers a range of activities that focus on eco-tourism. While in Morocco, you have the unique opportunity to connect with local people in a meaningful way. Whether you’re interested in cooking, music, photography or art, resident instructors offers lessons in all of the above. The economic benefits, in turn, go directly to purchasing local products, or moreover, to the locals themselves.

In addition to immersing yourself in the local lifestyle and traditions, you can explore Morocco’s distinctive natural beauty in a sustainable way. There are numerous tailor-made Morocco holidays intended to protect the biodiversity of the country’s cities, mountains, deserts, plains, beaches and forests.

If you’re keen on experiencing the desert, head to Morocco’s Southern Draa Valley, where Moroccan dynasties used to settle. Once an important transit point on the trans-Saharan caravan route, the Draa Valley is now a one-of-a-kind place to pitch a tent in nature. The Oualidia region similarly offers environmental desert walks and overnight trips into the mountains as well as sea kayaking and bicycle tours. While you’re there, you’ll also get to spot migrant birds, such as flamingos, warblers, egrets and storks.

For a more personal experience with an animal, get ready to sit on a mule and head to the Atlas Mountains, accompanied by a guide, of course. Breathing in the fresh air, you’ll get to see nature in a sustainable way. But ecological friendliness doesn’t end when the sun goes down; to get a good night’s sleep, stay at the Kasbah Du Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains, considered one of the top accommodations promoting environmental awareness. The mountain retreat moreover retains very close links with the local Berber community.

If you’re up for tasting traditional Berber specialties, head to the Farm of Lalla Abouch, just south of Essaouira. Here, you can sample locally grown products such as olive oil, organic poultry and vegetables, while surrounded by sand dunes and beaches. Numerous animal species and their habitats, including the turtle breeding areas, remain unharmed in Essaouira.

That’s just a taste of all the sustainable accommodations and excursions Morocco has to offer. The country continues to work actively on conserving its natural and cultural heritage, while visitors appreciate the preservation of the country’s diversity and keep coming back for more.

Written by Isabel Eva Bohrer.

Photo by austinevan.

For the most part, Morocco is a safe country, and the majority of travelers will never encounter any trouble. But, there are some specific cons that the country is known for. It’s always smart to be prepared and cautious especially in urban cities and in the souks where visitors are easily confused and overwhelmed. The tourist police force (Brigade Touristique) have cracked down on hustlers and con men, so the harassment isn’t as bad as it was a decade ago, but a few classic cons still exist.

I’m a seasoned long-term traveler, but on my trip to Marrakech during Ramadan, I fell prey to two con artists. Nothing but my pride was hurt and I didn’t lose any money, but I learned some lessons in street smarts for Morocco.

Cons To Watch Out For:

Guides Following You

I use the term guide loosely here. What can happen is a local will approach you in a public place and politely chat with you, asking you how you like Morocco etc. If you walk away, he’ll follow you, pointing out landmarks and the best places to purchase souvenirs. Eventually, you’ll get to where you’re going and the guide will demand money for taking you there.

Guides Getting You Lost

If you stand in the souks studying a map or are overheard asking a shop owner for directions, you might be approached by a local who will tell you how to get where you want to go. At first, you might be suspicious, but nobody wants to seem rude or accusatory, so you follow your new hero. However, he walks quickly and in circles until you’re even more lost than you were originally. This is where the guide demands money in exchange for taking you back to where you originally started.

Guides Forcing You To Shop

One way to try and combat locals from following you or getting lost in the souks is to hire an official guide from your hotel. But it’s common, even customary, for that guide to take you to his relative’s rug store or aragon oil shop and pressure you into buying. The guide will receive a portion of the sale and will wait for hours until you eventually cave in and buy, just so you can get on with your day.

Guides Working With Specific Restaurants

When hiring a driver to take you trekking in the Atlas Mountains or to the beach, many drivers will stop at a restaurant where he’ll make a commission off of the food you order. This isn’t a problem, unless you really don’t want to eat or have specific restaurant criteria.

How To Play It Safe:

Travel In Groups

There is safety in numbers, especially for women. By yourself, a catcall or offensive slang can seem dangerous, but with a group of friends, that same behavior can be viewed as funny or harmless. “Guides” are less likely to approach a group of people.

Have A Map

Your hotel can provide you with a disorienting map of the souks and city. Have a staff member draw a path for you in pen, highlighting major landmarks that you can easily find such as mosques or well-signed restaurants.

Be Confident

If you look lost or disoriented, a hustler will mark you as an easy target. Even if you feel scared or lost, step into a restaurant and buy a bottle of water. Use the time to gather your wits and your bearings.

If It Happens:

Don’t Be Confrontational

If someone is following you, harassing you or making you uncomfortable in an extreme way, a polite but firm “no” without eye contact can work wonders. Don’t depend on help from strangers and don’t escalate the situation.

Get Back To Your Hotel

If it’s possible, hail a cab and have the driver get you back to your hotel. Carry the hotel address in Arabic (ask your hotel staff) with you at all times. Removing yourself from the situation quickly is often the best bet.

Call The Brigade Touristique

The tourist police speak decent English and their main job is to assist visitors. The phone number is 0524 38 46 01, and the police station is located on the edge of Djemma el Fna square near the Ketoubia mosque. For serious trouble, contact your country’s embassy.

Let It Go

If you haven’t been seriously hurt or parted from a large sum of money, let it go. Don’t beat yourself up over having been conned or let it ruin the rest of your trip. Remember that you travel for unique experiences and you’ll always have a good story to tell.

Written by Megan Wood.

Photo by stevec77.