Journey Beyond Travel...going beyond the destination

Morocco for the past several years has been trying to stop the deforestation of their lands by creating a number of bio reserves and national parks in the Ait Bougmez Valley, Rif Mountains, and High Atlas Mountains. Wildlife in Morocco has dwindled because of agricultural use of the land, pollution entering the water sources and locals annihilating various species. The government has taken this turmoil into account, and there are still many areas of Morocco which luckily still untouched.  There are eighteen species of mammals that are on the border of extinction along with eleven bird species here in Morocco. For anyone who is visiting Morocco the best places to witness the wonders of wildlife are the national parks and reserves. (more…)

Home to the highest mountain peak in N. Africa, Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains are about as high as one can stand in North Africa–4167 meters to be exact. The treks through these unforgiving mountain peaks can take trekkers over hillocks and mountains for days at a time. Additionally, two day hikes can get hikers to the summit and down again. The unique trek through Tachddirt presents a magnificent tour of the countryside. Here’s what you’ll see: (more…)

Lush valleys, spiraling streams, and rushing rivers await your Morocco holiday. For those that may not know, Morocco is situated in the North West corner of Africa. Many of us recognize the country from the well-known city of Casablanca; outdoor addicts may know of Morocco through the Hight Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal. Regions within these mountains, such as the Ait Bougmez Valley, are largely unmapped.  Such a country offers a trekking opportunity and experience not soon forgotten in this lifetime. (more…)

A trek through the High Atlas Mountains can take visitors to a number of anthropological sites filled with culture and history.  One region in the High Atlas Mountains is Ait Bougmez Valley.  Ait Bougmez Valley is characterized by the M’goun Massif, the tallest mountain in this area. This valley was not visited only a few years ago; however, today the Ait Bougmez Valley holds many secrets for the keen explorer. (more…)

The Mediterranean coastline of Morocco is from Ceuta to Melilla, which includes the red and rocky Rif Mountains. The Rif Mountains are a vibrant green juxtaposed agaisnt the red earth of the land.  They present some easy day treks or longer over night treks into the forests where cascades and wildlife reside. Many consider the coastline to look wildly savage.  The waters of the Mediterranean tend to be rough and difficult for swimming. Chefchauen is the main city in the Rif Mountains, known as one of the main starting points for most Morocco treks this far north. (more…)

Traveling from Marrakesh, visitors can easily reach the Dades Valley for a day or multi-day trip. Travelers will need to go through Ourzazate in order to get into the valley, which is located in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains.  The High Atlas Mountains is a forested region with plenty of valleys, gorges, and two of the highest mountain peaks in Morocco: the M’Goun and Jbel (Mount) Toubkal. (more…)

The Middle Atlas Mountains are just one region worthy of a trek while on holiday in Morocco.  Imagine caves where ancient tribes used to live, waterfalls rushing over plateaus of limestone, or tall gorges where a single path meanders through. Morocco is a land of diverse cultures and distinguishable landscapes. A tour around the lakes is a microcosm of what Morocco has to offer each visitor. (more…)

Have you recently said: “…part of my next holiday abroad will include a trek.”? Travelers with a sense of adventure find Trekking M’Goun to be a must, an escape from the Toubkal throngs. M’Goun is in the Ait Bougmez valley within the High Atlas Mountains. The region is largely unmapped and unknown to outsiders, so a trek here uncovers some of the “real” morocco. (more…)

Ait Bougmez in Morocco is a hidden oasis. Its sheer beauty will have you wishing to come back after your Morocco vacation is said and done.  Ait Bougmez was largely unexplored by anyone other than the Berbers who live in the village towns before this century.  It was not until 2001 that the Ait Bougmez region got its first road; one that could remain open all year round.  Up until then, the road could be closed for months at a time due to the harsh snowy winters. (more…)

Morocco is a diverse country, not only due to the natural wonders of the area but also because of the cultures which abounds here.  Morocco provides a dichotomy of Berber Villages, massive cities, to small country homes made of earth near salt mines. As a visitor, one can visit the uncharted territories or stay in the cities, soaking up the various cultures.   (more…)

Within Morocco there are numerous regions worth exploring for the different natural elements that make up the country.  The Ziz Valley is in central Morocco in desert and dunes rather than in the High Atlas Mountains where trekking is more common. The Ziz Valley still has plenty of wonders that will spark your interest.  One such place is Tafilalt and the surrounding area.  Tafilalt is a region in the Ziz Valley that hosts Rissani, a small town.  The town is at the end of the road leading from Marrakesh and through the Ziz Valley. (more…)