Journey Beyond Travel...going beyond the destination

Hollywood films have tried to encapsulate the immensity of the Sahara Desert in several genres from action/adventure to romantic tales, but it’s really one of those sites that you have to see to believe. Whether you are traveling for a vacation in Morocco or just want to know a bit more about one of the world’s most interesting deserts, here are just a few grains of information you might find interesting:

Sizing Up the Sahara Desert:

The Sahara Desert is 3.63 million square miles (9.4 million square kilometers). It runs from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean and into central and western Africa. The desert covers parts of Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Chad, Libya, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Tunisia and Sudan. (more…)

If you are thinking of visiting Morocco for the trekking opportunities in the High Atlas Mountains, there is no bad time to go. Depending on what type of trek you desire and your physical abilities, you will be able to find a trek at any time of the year.

There are a number of easy and moderate day hikes in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Some of these hikes will take a good portion of the day but should be manageable by most people. Toubkal Park and the Azaden Valley offer hikes for those with a bit more experience and stamina. If you’d like to enjoy a couple days of hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, there are tours available that allow trekkers to stay with a local family so that they don’t need to shuttle back and forth from the city day after day. (more…)

To get to the spectacular scenery of Morocco’s deserts, valleys and oases, you’ll need to get off road, either by camel or by 4×4. Here are some factors to consider before you book a night on the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a multi-day trek through the Draa Valley or even a trans-Saharan journey to the Mauritanian border.

Travel Comfort Level

For those not accustomed to riding a camel, sore bottoms should be expected. You need to be relatively fit to endure a camel ride of more than 30 minutes, and even athletes may end up wondering if sitting astride a camel works muscles never utilized before. Keep in mind that camel saddles don’t have any stirrups so there is no way to temporarily shift your body weight to get relief from a sore bum. (more…)

If you’re a woman packing for your first trip to Morocco, chances are you’ve wondered what should go in your suitcase. And once you, arrive, do you know what to do when the owner of your riad is introducing you to a male relative? What’s the appropriate greeting?

Amanda Mouttaki, a native of Wisconsin in the United States and author of Maroc Mama, a blog about Moroccan cuisine, knows a thing or two about women’s travel in Morocco. Her expertise is informed not only by the time she has spent in the country, but also by her passion for Moroccan culture and cuisine, which is inspired by her bicultural life with her Moroccan husband.

“My best advice is to dress modestly,” she says, though Hollywood would have women travelers believe otherwise. (more…)

Let’s say this up front: Riding a camel is one of the most uncomfortable experiences you can imagine.

Now that that’s out of the way, I should also tell you that riding a camel is fantastically fun and bound to be one of your favorite memories from your trip to Morocco. Not much can top watching the sun set over the Sahara as you make your way to a Berber tent astride a camel or listening to the waves crash against the rocks in Essaouira as you meander down the beach, swaying atop your steed. You’ll probably hum the theme to Lawrence of Arabia. It will be amazing.

It will also be uncomfortable. (more…)

The Ameln Valley offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in Morocco as well as some of the most picturesque villages. Nestled against the granite peaks of the Anti Atlas Mountains in southwestern Morocco, the Ameln Valley is a stunning landscape of towering cliffs, colorful granite boulder-strewn fields and unique rock formations.

This area of Morocco is incredibly fertile, and the hills are covered with argan, almond, and palm trees. Argan trees produce a fruit that is similar to the olive and are valued by the people of the Ameln Valley. A highly prized oil, valued for its nutritive and medicinal properties, is produced from the argan fruit. Locals use argan oil as a bread dip and on couscous and salads. They also export it out of the region to support reforestation projects in Ameln Valley. Since food is sparse in the region, goats have taken to climbing the argan trees in search of food. (more…)

When you travel, do you like to poke around palaces, indulge yourself in history at a museum or sip coffee at a local café? Do you prefer to take part in extreme sports or wander through the wilderness?

The beauty of Morocco is that it’s a country diverse in adventure, culture and heritage, and regardless of your travel style, you’ll find something here that suits you. Whatever your preferences when it comes to travel, here are ten good reasons you’ll want to make Morocco your next holiday destination:

1. Trekking experiences are plentiful. The main mountain ranges in Morocco are the Rif Mountains, High Atlas Mountains, Middle Atlas Mountains and Anti Atlas Mountains. The Rif Mountains, located in the northern section of the country, are covered with cascades, forested land and caves. Expert trekkers will find more challenging terrain in the High Atlas Mountains. (more…)

When planning a trip to Morocco, it’s wise to take the seasons into account. Summer brings blistering heat to the south and the plains, but can be pleasant in the High Atlas Mountains. Conversely, winter snowfalls often cut off mountain passes while areas south of Marrakech will be downright lovely. If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, though, you probably already know this.

What you may not be taking into consideration, however, is Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan changes every year. It impacts every facet of life in the Muslim world, and Morocco is no exception. The holiday commemorates the revelation of the Koran to the prophet Mohammad, and is a festive, joyous time. During Ramadan, Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking, smoking or having sex during daylight hours. In the evening, families join together, listening for the call to prayer that signals the sun has set and the fast may be broken. In Morocco, the fast is traditionally broken with a bowl of harira (a spiced lentil soup), paired with dates, shabekia (a honey-dipped sesame pastry) and, of course, tea. (more…)

Laayoune is the largest town in Western Sahara, the desert region south of Morocco’s Anti Atlas Mountains. Occupied by Spain until 1974, Western Sahara remains in legal limbo as a disputed territory. After the “Green March” of November 1975—when 350,000 Moroccans marched across the border into the Sahara—a conflict broke out between the Moroccans and the Polisario Front, a group that demanded independence for its native Sahrawi people. Talks have been underway between Morocco and Polisario since a UN-sponsored cease fire in 1991.

The town tends to serve as a stopover point for travelers going between Mauritania and southern Morocco or for those on the way to try kite surfing at Dakhla’s desert lagoon.  From Marrakech, it’s a 16-hour plus bus ride to Laayoune. Although you’ll be driving through desert, don’t expect spectacular scenery like you’ll find at Erg Chebbi; this part of the Sahara is all hamada—flat, rocky desert. (more…)

The Strait of Gibralter, the narrow strait that separates Spain from Morocco, holds a high concentration of marine animals including several species of whales and dolphins. The strait separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean and has a unique geography, which enhances phytoplankton growth and offers an overabundance of food that attracts whales to the area.

This body of water produces a very slow exchange of water between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and this results in a rich environment to sustain a diverse variety of marine life. The Strait of Gibralter is home to the pilot whale, sperm whale, orca whale and fin whale as well as the bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin and common dolphin. (more…)

You’ve decided to travel to Morocco and you’re ready to figure out how to get there. Where do you start?

If you’re like many, you start by finding out where the country’s major international airports are and search for flights from your nearest airport to those destinations.

However, a round-trip flight between your airport and the Mohammed V International Airport near Casablanca is only one of a handful of ways to get to and from the country. Depending on how much time you have and the places you intend to visit, you might find that other options better fit your interests and budget. (more…)

Tucked into the hills of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Azrou is a welcome break from the crowds and noise of the imperial cities, and, at nearly 3,940 feet (1,200 meters) in elevation, it’s also a great place to escape the heat.

Azrou, which translates literally to ‘rock’ in the local Amazigh language, is named for the large, black volcanic outcrop in the center of town. The name is fitting in more ways than one. The verdant Middle Atlas rise above Azrou, with hardscrabble cliff faces serving as the only break in the landscape. The city also serves as the foundation of regional trade and social life. Locals in mountain villages nearby make use of the bustling market as their weekly source of food, supplies and gossip. (more…)

Located in the Souss region of Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, Sidi Ifni served as a Spanish port city from the mid-19th century until it was ceded to Morocco in 1969. From the 1930s until the late 1960s, the town hosted a large Spanish population, and today visitors to Sidi Ifni can see crumbling Spanish-built fortifications, Spanish signposts and funky European art-deco architecture next to traditional Moroccan homes.

Like most of Morocco’s southern coast, Sidi Ifni has a mild climate year round. The best time for swimming, surfing and kite boarding is during the summer months when the water is warmer and the wind picks up. A rocky coastline makes Sidi Ifni and its surrounding beaches a destination for advanced kite surfers and boarders; beginners would be better off in the calm lagoon of Dakhla further south in the Western Sahara. (more…)

Morocco is home to dozens of different traditional dances and musical styles rooted in Arab, Berber and African culture. Visitors can experience Moroccan dances by attending local weddings and parties, going to dance shows at hotels and restaurants, taking cultural tours or attending music and dance festivals.

Shikat

Shikat is the dance commonly known as Moroccan ‘belly dance’ or arabesque. Professional shikat dancers wear colorful costumes with tight, midriff-baring sequined tops and long loose skirts or pants. The dance is characterized by sensual hip movements, pelvic undulations and flowing hand movements. Often a hip scarf is worn to bring attention to the movements of the lower body. Belly dance music alternates between rhythmic percussion sections – which call for quick, sharp body movements – and fluid string sections that prompt more graceful, flowing movements. (more…)

You’re fresh off the plane in Marrakech. You’ve wound your way through the city and into the medina, and you now stand in the middle of Jemaa el Fnaa. To your left is the Kotoubia Mosque; the souk beckons to your right. Before you jump in, though, you need to find a place to stay.

Without many major chains or websites available to aid in research and planning, arrival in a Moroccan city can be a seat-of-the-pants experience as you track down a room and a meal. There is a method to the madness, however, and with a little effort and know-how you’ll be showered, rested and ready to explore in no time at all. (more…)

Ecotourism is a serious buzzword in travel these days but what does it actually mean to travel eco-responsibly?

According to the International Ecotourism Society, “ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people.”

Based on this definition, ecotourism isn’t just about visiting beautiful natural areas; it is about making a positive impact to the area traveled.

As you prepare for your holiday to Morocco, here are five ways you can ensure that your trip will benefit the environment and its local people.

1. Respect the Environment

Morocco, with its mountains, valleys, gorges, deserts, plains, beaches and forests, is a land of immense and diverse natural beauty.  The land is perfect for trekking trips but it is important to follow Leave No Trace ethics to respect both the land and the people that live there.

Always remember that if you pack it in you need to pack it out.  Consider bringing your own water filter and bottle to reduce the need for plastic water bottles, which only contributes to waste problems in Morocco.  If you need to wash yourself, clothes or dishes make sure you are at least 200 feet away from rivers or lakes and use only biodegradable soap.  Every small act of conversation goes a long way in preserving Morocco’s unique ecosystems. (more…)

Whether your trip will be mostly in the High Atlas Mountains for trekking or in the major cities to explore the history and culture of Morocco, you should not miss the Sahara Desert.

Located approximately two days worth of travel away from Marrakesh, the journey from the city to the desert takes travelers through a number of interesting towns along the way. After your travels, you’ll discover Zagora, situated on the edge of the Sahara. Zagora acts as a gateway of sorts to the mighty Sahara Desert, but before you steep yourself in sand, take some time to explore this city.

Zagora‘s main attraction is Jebel Zagora, a mountain rising over the Draa Valley. Jebel Zagora can be summited, but only well-conditioned people willing to start early in the morning should attempt the summit climb. The sun is intense, and the climb will take a good portion of the day, so come prepared with sunblock and plenty of water. You may also trek to the foot of Jebel Zagora; this will take two to three hours.  (more…)

For outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience trekking in Morocco without the crowds—or for those who have been to Morocco before but are looking for new places to explore—look no further than northern Morocco.

Talassemtane National Park, a vast area with 150,000 acres of forested land, is located near the Rif Mountains, a region north of the Middle Atlas Mountains. While many people opt for tours in the High Atlas Mountains, those who set their sights on Mount Bouhachem and Mount Soukna will have the opportunity to experience Morocco’s great outdoors without rubbing elbows with countless other tour groups. (more…)

Set on the edge of the Sahara Desert, Erg Chebbi is one of two ergs (large areas of windblown sand dunes) in Morocco. Most of Morocco’s desert is made up of flat, rockier terrain known as hamada, but Erg Chebbi has sweeping dunes that reach 525 feet in height. Both the 1999 movie The Mummy and 2005’s Sahara were filmed at Erg Chebbi.

Since the dunes are located next to the village of Merzouga, they are often referred to in English as the Merzouga Dunes instead of Erg Chebbi. The most pleasant times to visit the dunes are in spring and autumn when days aren’t as hot as in summer and nights don’t get as cold as they do during winter. (more…)

Taliouine is a small village located near the city of Taroudant, in the southern Souss region of Morocco. The village is situated in the Anti Atlas Mountains, which tend to be less hospitable due to hotter temperatures, rockier terrain and the harsh desert, which lies at its base.

Despite the difficult living conditions, Morocco’s history here was written by Glaoui (or El Haj T’hami el Mezouari el Glaoui), who moved into the area and decided to become “Lord of the Atlas.” Glaoui and his brother ran the Aglawou tribe of southern Morocco. In the 1800s, they created a Kasbah in Taliouine and Telouet. Today, though the Atlas Mountains are primarily populated by the Berbers, in Taliouine, you will meet descendants of Glaoui’s servants. (more…)