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	<title>Morocco Travel Guide &#187; Marrakesh &amp; Essaouira</title>
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		<title>Souss-Massa National Park</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/souss-massa-national-park.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/souss-massa-national-park.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelley</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agadir day trips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[birdwatching Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco national park]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco nature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural areas Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Souss-Massa National Park]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Souss-Massa National Park is known for its stellar birdwatching. Even those who aren't into the activity will appreciate the diversity of wildlife found in the park.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.journeybeyondtravel.com%2Fnews%2Fmorocco-travel%2Fsouss-massa-national-park.html"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.journeybeyondtravel.com%2Fnews%2Fmorocco-travel%2Fsouss-massa-national-park.html&amp;style=normal&amp;hashtags=Agadir+day+trips,birdwatching+Morocco,Morocco+national+park,Morocco+nature,natural+areas+Morocco,Souss-Massa+National+Park&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Northern-Bald-Ibis.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3819" title="Northern Bald Ibis" src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Northern-Bald-Ibis-300x175.jpg" alt="Northern Bald Ibis Morocco" width="300" height="175" /></a>If you’re looking for an easy day trip from <strong>Agadir</strong> during your <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/">Morocco holiday</a>, travel a few kilometers south to the <strong>Souss-Massa National Park</strong>, which attracts bird watchers and offers a serene escape from the country’s bustling cities.</p>
<p>Morocco established the coastal park in 1991 to preserve the endangered northern bald ibis, which breeds on the site’s rocky cliffs. Once widespread in Africa, Asia and Europe, this declining breed now exists in few locations and has a conservation status of critically endangered. Visitors can recognize the migratory bird by its featherless red face, long bill and black-feathered body. <span id="more-3818"></span></p>
<p>Attentive observers may also catch a glimpse of another threatened bird—the marbled duck. These medium-sized ducks have light brown and off-white splotches and tend to feed in shallow water. If you encounter one, move cautiously—they startle easily.</p>
<p>The park’s diverse mix of dense forests and wetlands, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and enormous sand dunes provides habitats for more than 100 species of birds, making this area Morocco’s premier bird watching site. Gulls and warblers make up a large proportion of the area’s feathered residents, and observers are most likely to spot Audouin&#8217;s gulls, Sardinian warblers and Tristram&#8217;s warblers. Other commonly sighted birds include spoonbills, thick-billed larks, red-necked nightjars, Barbary partridges and spotless starlings.</p>
<p>Bird watchers flock to the national park October through May, though you’re likely to see the greatest range of species in March and April due to migratory patterns. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for the many predators that hover over the habitats, such as Bonelli&#8217;s eagles and peregrine and Barbary falcons.</p>
<p>Even visitors without a particular interest in birds enjoy the park for its scenic estuaries, <strong>Oued Souss</strong> and <strong>Oued Massa</strong>, which indicate the northern and southern limits of the park, respectively. The nature trail in the northern part of the park offers clear views around Oued Souss and is suitable for hikers as well visitors who prefer a casual stroll. Those who opt to explore the park thoroughly reap the rewards of panoramas of coastal cliffs and towering sand dunes.</p>
<p>Naturally, birds aren’t the only residents here; commonly sighted mammals include hedgehogs, rabbits, squirrels, foxes and weasels. Watch for movement in the flora and fauna and you might stumble upon toads, frogs, geckos, lizards and other reptiles and amphibians. Curious visitors can learn more about the national park and its residents from the visitor center at Oued Massa.</p>
<p>Written by <a href="http://shelleygable.wordpress.com/">Shelley A. Gable</a>, instructional designer and freelance writer.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44835756@N00/4653590060/" target="_blank">Michael Ransburg</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Historic Sites of Marrakesh</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/historic-sites-marrakesh-history.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/historic-sites-marrakesh-history.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:59:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ghizlane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Historical sites Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Koutoubia Mosque]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Majorelle Gardens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Place Djemaa el-Fna]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/?p=3648</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dive into Marrakesh's historical side with a tour of some of the city's most significant historic attractions.]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Koutoubia.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3649" title="Koutoubia" src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Koutoubia-210x300.jpg" alt="Koutoubia Mosque Morocco" width="210" height="300" /></a>Moroccans and tourists alike would agree that your <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/">trip to Morocco</a> is incomplete unless you visit <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-do-marrakech-morocco.html"><strong>Marrakesh</strong></a>. Imagine a cosmopolitan, yet ancient, city colored in red, with very temperate and healthy weather, located at the foot of the <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/travel/morocco-tours/trekking-morocco.html">Atlas Mountains</a>. Here you will enjoy colors and light, food and shopping, relaxing and exploring. For many, it is not enough to visit Marrakesh once and come back regularly; many Europeans and Americans, charmed by its unique atmosphere, have moved there permanently and started calling it ‘home.’ There is simply nowhere else in the world like Marrakesh.</p>
<p>The list of things you can do in Marrakesh is endless. If you are interested in visiting some historical landmarks in the red city, here are a few you should not miss:<span id="more-3648"></span></p>
<p><strong>Koutoubia Mosque</strong></p>
<p>It is hard to miss this one. Standing at the heart of the city, the Koutoubia is one of the most prominent historical sites in Morocco, and was used as a model for a number of mosques and churches around the world, such as the Giralda mosque in Seville, the churches in the red square in Moscow and the Hassan Tower in <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/travel-rabat-morocco.html">Rabat</a>.</p>
<p>Visible from most parts of the city, the Koutoubia is the biggest mosque in Marrakesh and one of the largest in the world. It covers 5,400 square meters with its tower rising nearly 70 meters high. Its six finely carved rooms, with 112 columns, can hold up to 25,000 worshipers.</p>
<p>The Koutoubia was built during the 11th century, under the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yacoub el-Mansour. After its completion, someone discovered that it was not aligned with Mecca, which resulted in its destruction and rebuilding. You can still see remains of the original mosque behind the reconstructed one. Although the interior of the mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims, you can still visit the beautiful hall and gardens outside the mosque.</p>
<p><strong>Jamaa El Fna</strong></p>
<p>From the Koutoubia mosque, you can walk to <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/place-djemma-el-fna-marrakesh-morocco-travel.html">Jamaa El Fna</a>, the most famous and vibrant place in Marrakesh. It is an open-air theater where you can enjoy storytellers, palm readers, singers, snake charmers, monkey dancers and more. Located in the old part of Marrakesh, it is surrounded by markets, cafes and restaurants. During the day, stalls sell fresh-pressed orange juice, and during the night the food carts move in, transforming the square into a big barbecue feast. You can easily spend half a day here.</p>
<p><strong>Majorelle Gardens</strong></p>
<p>This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places to go to when you need a retreat from the crowded streets of Marrakesh. The <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/majorelle-garden-the-islamic-art-museum-marrakesh-morocco.html">Majorelle Gardens</a> are named after their French founder and designer, Jacques Majorelle. After Majorelle completed the gardens in 1924, he decided to open it to the public in 1947.</p>
<p>The colors are one of the most striking features of the gardens. As you enter this urban oasis, the cobalt electric blue décor seems to leap out at you against the green of the plants and bamboo, the pink of the pathways and the red and yellow of the numerous flowers and their vibrantly colored pots. There are more than 300 plants and 15 species of birds in this space, making the gardens a photographer’s paradise.</p>
<p>The gardens include the <strong>Islamic Art Museum of Marrakesh</strong> that showcases old jewelry, ceramics, Majorelle paintings and textiles from late Yves Saint Laurent personal collection. In 1980, late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent co-purchased the gardens. After his death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the gardens in Marrakesh, which he considered his second home.</p>
<p>Written by Ghizlane Gray.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/12256182@N06/1449192194/" target="_blank">guillenperez</a>.</p>
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		<title>Day Trips from Marrakesh</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/day-trips-marrakesh-morocco.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/day-trips-marrakesh-morocco.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:57:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ghizlane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[day trips morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marrakech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco family tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[things to do morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what to do Morocco]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/?p=3627</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though there's plenty to keep people busy in Marrakesh, Morocco, if you need to escape the city, here are a few day trips to consider.]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ourika-Valley.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3628" title="Ourika Valley" src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ourika-Valley-225x300.jpg" alt="Ourika Valley Morocco" width="225" height="300" /></a>There are many short trips out of <strong>Marrakesh</strong> that will introduce you to the scenic <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/travel/morocco-tours/trekking-morocco.html">High Atlas Mountains in Morocco</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Essaouira</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/essaouira-morocco-2.html">Essaouira</a> is an easy three-hour trip from Marrakesh. Many people who visit for the day end up staying much longer though. It is difficult to resist the charms of this beautiful, friendly and relaxed town.</p>
<p>Founded in the 18th century, Essaouira was built to be a rival city to <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/agadir-morocco-travel.html">Agadir</a>. It was designed as a fortified town surrounded by Vauban-style ramparts. Essaouira played a major role as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world.</p>
<p>Today, Essaouira has become the most popular coastal town in Morocco. Car-free and clean, Essaouira is known for its fishing port and its blue fleet of wooden fishing boats. Dining is available right at the port where tables are set up to accommodate your meals. You can choose your lunch or dinner right as it is pulled out of the water.  <span id="more-3627"></span></p>
<p>The Medina of Essaouira, formerly named Mogador, meaning small fortress, is one of the best maintained medinas in Morocco. Its numerous craft shops and art galleries attract visitors from all over the world. The city is proud to count artists like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix among its biggest fans. Welles shot several scenes of his film Othello in Essaouira. If you visit in late June, you’ll be joining a big crowd who travel to Essaouira every year to attend the world-renowned Gnaoua Music Festival.</p>
<p>Do not leave Essaouira before visiting the wood souq below the ramparts. You can see local artisans at work producing amazing sculptures. Take pictures of Essaouira’s blue doors and beautiful curving beach while absorbing the scene.</p>
<p>Buses and grand taxis drive regularly to Essaouira.</p>
<p><strong>Jbel Oukaimden</strong></p>
<p>If you visit Marrakesh in winter, do not miss <strong>Jbel Oukaimden</strong> (mountain Oukaimden) and its famous skiing slopes. Only a couple of hours away from Marrakesh, <strong>Oukaimden</strong> is also a great hiking destination.</p>
<p>At altitudes ranging between 2650m and 3269m, Oukaimden is one of Africa’s major mountain resorts. The ski season runs from late January to mid-March. Because of its latitude, the station profits from a sunning duration considerably more significant than those of the European slopes. Ski passes are very cheap, and ski gear and lessons are available on-site. If you are not a skier, you can always take the ski lift and enjoy the view overlooking the plains surrounding Marrakesh.</p>
<p>During warmer seasons, Oukaimden is a beautiful trekking base, visited by those who want to reach its peak and explore the prehistoric stone carvings present throughout the area. You can have meals at one of the local restaurants or hotels, but bring your own snacks and water.</p>
<p><strong>Ourika Valley</strong></p>
<p>When the heat in Marrakesh becomes unbearable, many Moroccans and tourists run to the cool and green <strong>Ourika Valley</strong>. Located in the High Atlas Mountains, only 30 minutes away from Marrakesh, the valley stretches along a vast area from Souk Tnin Ourika to the Berber village of Setti Fatma.</p>
<p>You can picnic at the valley or hike up to the famous seven waterfalls. It is an easy hike that does not require a guide. You can take a break and eat at a cafe next to the falls. The valley is known for its pine and cedar forests. Don’t be surprised if you see some resident friendly Barbary apes on your way.</p>
<p>There are buses and grand taxis that travel between Marrakesh and the village of Setti Fatma at a very low price.</p>
<p>Written by Ghizlane Gray.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13891036@N07/4697074288/" target="_blank">krebsmaus07</a>.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Day in Mirleft</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/a-day-in-mirleft-morocco-travel.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/a-day-in-mirleft-morocco-travel.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ghizlane</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coastal towns in Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mirleft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small towns in Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surfing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things to do in Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[water sports in Morocco]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/?p=3588</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though only a short distance from Agadir, Marrakech and Essaouira, few people know about the coastal town of Mirleft, Morocco.]]></description>
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Mirleft-225x300.jpg" alt="Beach in Mirleft Morocco" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="3" />Most people <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/">travel to Morocco</a> to experience the richness of the culture, <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-eat-food-morocco.html">cuisine</a> and natural landscape. But when thinking of surfing, Morocco almost never comes to mind. People’s jaws drop when they learn that Morocco’s southern coasts are some of the best surfing spots in the world.</p>
<p>Located on the southern Atlantic coast, Mirleft is a Berber town perched between sea and desert. It is known for its beautiful beaches, unusual rock formations and comfortable weather throughout the year. It is rare when you cannot go for a swim in <strong>Mirleft</strong>, even in winter. Mirleft, once the secret hideaway of Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, is now attracting tourists from all over the world, particularly Europe. <span id="more-3588"></span></p>
<p>If you are in <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/agadir-morocco-travel.html">Agadir</a>, <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-do-marrakech-morocco.html">Marrakech</a> or <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/essaouira-morocco-2.html">Essaouira</a>, you can easily access the village of Mirleft in a couple of hours and spend a day in one a Moroccan destination few people know about. Whether you are interested in surfing, fishing, trekking or just relaxing, Mirleft’s natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere captivate visitors.</p>
<p>Mirleft has several surfing beaches including <strong>Marabout</strong>, <strong>Coquillage</strong> and <strong>Plage sauvage</strong>. For decades, fishing in these waters constituted the main source of living for people in Mirleft. However, once running water and electricity were introduced and a paved highway provided direct access to the village, more and more visitors discovered what charmed the &#8217;60s trendsetters. Today, a Moroccan surf scene has blossomed, with more Moroccans taking up the popular water sport and more international surfers spreading the word about the Berber village’s right breaks. If you are a beginner surfer, you can learn to catch the waves at a very affordable price. A number of European and local surf schools and associations have sprung up along the coastline to accommodate the growing legions of local and visiting surfers.</p>
<p>Overlooking Mirleft is the old Spanish fort. The site is a must-see, offering a spectacular view of the sea. Built in 1935, this site bears witness to the days when Morocco was colonized by the Spanish. You can see the Spanish influence in most hilly streets and Moorish buildings in the charming town. It is no wonder that Spain hung onto Mirleft for 12 years after Morocco gained independence in 1957.</p>
<p>Besides surfing and sightseeing, activities in Mirleft include paragliding, horse riding, fishing and trekking. Mirleft is a place where you will feel welcome. Your morning or afternoon coffee or tea will most probably be a social event. You will be greeted with ‘salam’ or ‘bonjour’ wherever you go and people will go out of their way to help. By accepting their hospitality, you’ll learn a lot about Moroccan culture.</p>
<p>While places like Essaouira and <strong>Chefchaouen</strong> have established an international reputation, it may be hard to believe that Mirleft, an equally beautiful town, has remained relatively unknown for so long. However, it is its raw natural beauty and quiet and laidback aura that makes Mirleft different than many other crowded destinations.</p>
<p>Written by Ghizlane Gray.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34039325@N07/3171498322/" target="_blank">si david</a>.</p>
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		<title>Visiting the Museums of Marrakech</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/museums-in-marrakesh-marrakech.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/museums-in-marrakesh-marrakech.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 04:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Erin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[culture in Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marrakech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakech culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco history]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[History and culture enthusiasts will find a wealth of museums in Marrakech, Morocco.]]></description>
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Museum-of-Marrakesh-300x225.jpg" alt="Marrkesh Marrakech Museum" hspace="5" vspace="3" align="left" />A visit to <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-do-marrakech-morocco.html">Marrakech</a>, or indeed much of Morocco, can be a dizzying experience for the senses. Luckily, this city matches its outdoor street ambiance with indoor splendor. Marrakech has a wealth of museums, sure to satisfy an enthusiast and appeal to a novice. Several are attached to or contain gardens, making them ideal destinations when needing a respite from the sun or the souks. <span id="more-3439"></span></p>
<p>Palais Dar Si Said (<strong>Museum of Moroccan Arts</strong>) is a palace, museum and garden. More intimate than its neighbor the <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/bahia-palace-marrakesh-morocco.html">Bahia Palace</a>, this 19th century home of Sidi Said (brother of Vizier Bou Ahmed) houses a sampling of Morocco’s native crafts, including an array of woodwork. Other prized exhibits are the ornate marble basin, unique in Moroccan arts for defying the Koran’s prohibition of artistic representations of living things. The palace courtyards are lush and quiet, with beautiful tile work, gazebos and fountains. The building itself is a work of art—don’t miss the carved cedar ceilings on the second floor. Many of the custodians are willing to guide you through the exhibits; ask nicely, and they may even show you the bedroom and courtyard of the harem, not normally open to the public. A tip for their help is reasonable.<br />
<a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/majorelle-garden-the-islamic-art-museum-marrakesh-morocco.html"><br />
Majorelle Garden and Islamic Art Museum</a> is another Marrakech city oasis. Founded by the French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, it is now home to the ashes of designer Yves Saint Laurent. The gardens have species from five continents, which offer a soothing contrast to the stunning signature blue of its buildings. The museum collection is also geographically diverse, with pieces from across the Islamic world: Maghreb, the Orient, Africa and Asia.</p>
<p>With only a small sign above the door, <strong>Maison Tiskiwin</strong> is easy to miss. One of Marrakech’s quiet gems, this converted Riad house is owned by Bert Flint, a Dutch anthropologist who has been in Morocco for more than 50 years. His collection from the Folk Museum of Agadir is now housed here, as well as basket works, knives, carpets, fabrics, clothes and jewelry from different Moroccan regions, including the Berbers, as well as Morocco’s sub-Saharan neighbors.</p>
<p><strong>Museum of Marrakech</strong> is well worth the combination admission ticket that includes nearby Ben Youseff Medresa and Koubba el Badiyin. The museum houses both modern and traditional Moroccan art and a collection of historical books, coins and pottery. However, since the descriptions are all in Arabic or French, your focus may turn to the building itself: the enormous chandelier, exquisite zellij tile work and the stunning covered courtyard. It is the ideal place to sit for a moment, inhale the aroma of your mint tea and imagine yourself in the world that was old Morocco.</p>
<p>Written by Erin Tolman.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36728476@N00/2104741747/" target="_blank">vtveen</a>.</p>
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		<title>Day Trips from Essaouira</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/day-trips-essaouira-morocco.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/day-trips-essaouira-morocco.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 04:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Margaret</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diabat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Imsouane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jebel Amsittine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco day trips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sidi Kaouki]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Though many people specifically travel to Essaouira, Morocco, if you need a break from the city, there are many day trip options to consider.]]></description>
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Diabat-225x300.jpg" alt="Diabat coast Morocco" hspace="5" vspace="3" align="left" />Essaouira, on the rocky southwestern coast of Morocco, is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. The constant sea breezes cool the small city in summer and warm it in the winter, providing a pleasant atmosphere year round. The winds also attract wind and kite surfers from around the globe; the beaches in and around Essaouira are considered some of the <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/water-sports-morocco.html">best kite surfing waters in the world</a>. What really draws the crowds, however, is the beautiful architecture, lovely sea views and easy going atmosphere. <span id="more-3445"></span></p>
<p>The fact remains, though, that Essaouira, for all its charms, is still a small town, and after a few days, visitors may get the itch to see what else the area has in store. Luckily, there is plenty to do and see within a few hours of Essaouira. Here are just a few of the options:</p>
<p><strong>Imsouane</strong> – A tiny coastal village two hours south of Essaouira, Imsouane has a reputation much larger than its small size would have you predict. Known best as a surfing outpost, surf shacks have sprouted all along the hill above the beach, which is surrounded on all sides by sandy cliffs hundreds of feet high. The sandy beach is also a wonderful spot for a picnic or just to spend some time alone in your thoughts. The beach is rarely busy (something that can never be said of Essaouira’s strand), and there are a few small shops on hand to provide lunch or snacks. If you have something particular in mind, however, it’s best to bring it with you. Imsouane can only provide the basics, but really, what more do you need?</p>
<p>To get there, hire a taxi from Essaouira. If you have a specific plan, or don’t mind paying extra, hire the taxi for the full day. Since Imsouane is quiet, it can sometimes be difficult to find a taxi when you want one. There are also a few hostels in the village if you decide to stay on.</p>
<p><strong>Diabat</strong> – This is an easy trip to take, and many visitors to Essaouira may even make it unknowingly! Diabat is just a few kilometers south of the city, along the beach. You can stroll through the small town and explore the ruins of both an old casbah and bridge. There is also the famous ruined stone tower a few yards out into the waters, easily seen from Essaouira.</p>
<p><strong>Sidi Kaouki</strong> – This village, about 15 kilometers south of Essaouira, is a popular campground among visitors—and even a few locals. The winds and currents along the beach converge to provide what is thought to be the best windsurfing conditions in the country. The waters can be perilous for just this reason, though, and should be handled with caution. There are plenty of Argan trees and low-lying hills around the beach, which provide fantastic scenery. There is also a small shrine to a Muslim saint.</p>
<p><strong>Jebel Amsittine</strong> – This mountain, about 60 kilometers from the city, is a great place to get away from the coast for a day while taking time to explore the southwest’s other great wonders. Covered in Argan trees and zig-zagged with shepherds’ trails, the mountain towers above the hilly landscape and provides wonderful views in all directions. The climb is mild to moderately difficult, depending upon the path you take. There is also a dirt roadway that leads to the top, should you choose to make the drive.</p>
<p>This is another situation where hiring a driver for the day would be your best solution, as the area is more isolated, and you cannot be sure of availability times for buses or taxis.</p>
<p>Written by Margaret Jackson.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40538286@N00/5015665208/" target="_blank">xoan</a>.</p>
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		<title>Cultural Activities in Marrakesh</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/cultural-activities-things-to-do-marrakesh-morocco.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Margaret</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[culture in Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco history]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[History and culture go hand-in-hand in Marrakesh, Morocco. Here are the cultural highlights in one of Morocco's most popular cities.]]></description>
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				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.journeybeyondtravel.com%2Fnews%2Fmorocco-travel%2Fcultural-activities-things-to-do-marrakesh-morocco.html&amp;style=normal&amp;hashtags=culture+in+Morocco,Marrakesh,Marrakesh+activities,Marrakesh+culture,morocco+history&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Marrakesh-souk-226x300.jpg" alt="cloth in a marrakesh morocco souk" hspace="5" vspace="3" align="left" />Filled with history and stories, the ancient city of <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-do-marrakech-morocco.html">Marrakesh</a> has been called the &#8220;Red City&#8221; for some time. As a former capital and perennially thriving trading post, it also houses some of the finest artifacts in the country. And, as the city has always served as the symbolic and physical link between north and south, mountain and plain, it is one of the best places to experience the true mélange of Moroccan culture.</p>
<p>If you want to experience all that Marrakesh’s vibrant cultural scene has to offer, make sure not to miss these outstanding spots.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/majorelle-garden-the-islamic-art-museum-marrakesh-morocco.html"><strong>Jardin Majorelle and the Museum of Islamic Art</strong></a> – A botanical garden first built by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, the grounds today host innumerable flowering plants and trees, more than 15 bird species and a series of fountains and walkways. The garden has been open to the public since 1947 and has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980. The garden is also home to the excellent Museum of Islamic Art, which houses traditional pottery, jewelry and metalwork, textiles and other art from Morocco and North Africa. <span id="more-3402"></span></p>
<p><strong>Marrakesh Film Festival</strong> – Morocco has become a go-to location for Hollywood, serving as backdrop for films like The Mummy, Black Hawk Down, Prince of Persia and Lawrence of Arabia. In 2000, Marrakesh decided to celebrate this partnership with the establishment of an annual film festival. Small at first, the fest now draws major stars and big time releases from all over the world. 2011’s edition will be held in mid-December.</p>
<p><strong>International Salsa Festival</strong> – Morocco’s proximity to Spain has always provided some cultural cross-over, which makes the annual Salsa Festival all the more vibrant. Quickly becoming a fall tradition, the festival draws dancers from all over the world and provides visitors with workshops and classes to help them start their own salsa careers.</p>
<p><strong>Marrakech Museum</strong> – Housed in the late 19th century Dar Menebhi Palace, the Marrakesh Museum holds a vide array of artifacts and artwork that span Morocco’s long history. In the center of the medina, the museum displays works from Arab, Berber and Jewish traditions. The palace itself is also a part of the exhibit, with its fine architecture restored and fine examples of traditional tile and stone work, a hammam, courtyard and private seating areas.</p>
<p><strong>Matisse Gallery</strong> – Another converted home, the Matisse Gallery is dedicated largely to modern Moroccan art and displays a number of pieces from local artists just breaking in to the scene. Since opening in 1999, the gallery has become a hot spot for the local art crowd and is well viewed within the art community.</p>
<p><strong>Medina and Souks</strong> – There is nothing more Moroccan than a stroll through a souk, and Marrakesh holds them in spades. Indeed, the medina and its marketplace have been named a <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/morocco-unesco-sites.html">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>, and for good reason; here life still goes by the rhythm of the market. You can stroll through medieval passages and alleyways, shop for gifts of nearly any sort, and experience a way of life largely unchanged for hundreds of years. Be ready to haggle, and be ready to smile.</p>
<p>Written by Margaret Jackson.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14784969@N08/2289092188/" target="_blank">twenty_questions</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Night in Marrakesh’s Place Djemaa el-Fna</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/place-djemma-el-fna-marrakesh-morocco-travel.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 15:26:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelley</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marrakech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moroccan culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moroccan entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moroccan food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Place Djemaa el-Fna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things to do in Morocco]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Food, shopping, street entertainers and games ... it's all part of the Place Djemma el-Fna experience in Marrakesh, Morocco.]]></description>
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Henna-199x300.jpg" alt="Henna in marrakesh morocco" hspace="5" vspace="3" align="left" />If you’ve read even a little bit about <strong>Marrakesh</strong> prior to your <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/">trip to Morocco</a>, you probably know that this cultural hub is bursting with activity, especially in <strong>Place Djemaa el-Fna</strong>, the city’s main square. For a first-time visitor, approaching the clamor of the square at sunset can feel disorienting. To survey the bustle before joining it, consider starting the evening with a terrace dinner.</p>
<p>Terrace restaurants surround the square, and most specialize in the traditional multi-course spread of salad, tajine or couscous and whole fruit dessert. You’ll pay a bit more to dine here than you would at ground level, but the balcony seating is absolutely worth the extra dirhams.</p>
<p>West of the square, the modestly lit minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque seems to mark a main entrance where a continuous current of silhouettes migrate toward the festivities. Motorbike headlights sprinkle the crowd, weaving through the shadows like dancing fireflies.</p>
<p>Following the migratory path leads your eye to long rows of dinner vendors under a cloud of steam. Though fuzzy from a distance, wandering toward the wafting scents of cumin later in the evening takes you down countless aisles lined with vendors on one side and tent-covered seating on the other. <span id="more-3343"></span></p>
<p>Men in white chef coats smile warmly as they invite you to dine with <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-eat-food-morocco.html">snail soup, sheep’s head and other traditional fare</a>. Telling them you’ve already eaten only inspires comments about your thin physique (regardless of whether it’s true) and appeals to eat more. If you still decline, they’ll tell you their assigned vendor number—also printed on a white card, prominently displayed on the stand—and urge you to join them the following night.</p>
<p>Much of the northern part of the square glows from the lighted alleyways of the medina and its outermost vendors. The alleys supply another steady stream of patrons flooding the square, who eventually disperse to the various circles of spectators surrounding storytellers and musicians.</p>
<p>Scattered among the circles are the female vendors of the square. Some sit on stools next to a blanket on the ground that displays incense, candles and similar wares for sale. Others approach you with small photo albums, flashing pictures of hands and ankles decorated in henna, offering to adorn your hand with your name and a personalized message in Arabic. A word of caution: If she catches your hand, she may start writing regardless of whether you’ve agreed to it.</p>
<p>From your terrace perch, you may spot dimly lit blurs deep in the square that seem to attract crowds, but are difficult to decipher from a distance. After meandering past melodies of oboes, drums, finger cymbals, chants and henna calligraphers after dinner, those blurs reveal themselves as carnival games. Pay a few dirham to try to knock down bowling pins with a soccer ball. Or, spend your dirham attempting to win a bottle of soda by lowering a rubber ring attached to a fishing line onto the bottleneck. And by the way, you’re holding a fishing pole and standing five to ten feet away from the prize.</p>
<p>Written by <a href="http://shelleygable.wordpress.com/">Shelley A. Gable</a>,  instructional designer and freelance writer.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60912828@N00/5166464336/" target="_blank">Roubicek</a>.</p>
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		<title>Morocco&#8217;s Agafay Desert</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/agafay-desert-morocco.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/agafay-desert-morocco.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amiee</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agafay Desert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deserts Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marrakech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco Deserts]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Morocco's Sahara Desert normally gets all of the press. Here's another desert in Morocco - just an hour's drive from Marrakesh - that you might want to check out.]]></description>
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Morocco-Desert-199x300.jpg" alt="desert in Morocco" hspace="5" vspace="3" align="left" />The Agafay Desert is located just an hour’s drive from the lively souks and dizzying maze-like market streets of <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/what-to-do-marrakech-morocco.html">Marrakech</a>. Literally untouched by development, the Agafay offers quite the contrast from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.</p>
<p>Visiting the Agafay Desert is a good option if you would like to gaze at some sand dunes and desert, but don’t have the time to travel all the way south to where Morocco borders the <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/sahara-desert-travel.html">Western Sahara</a>. In the spring, the Agafay is alive with blooming wildflowers. The rest of the year, the Agafay is parched and thirsting for water giving you just a taste of the aridness of the Great Sahara.</p>
<p>There are currently no train lines south of Marrakech so if you want to travel to the desert you will need to <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/renting-a-car-morocco.html">rent a car</a>, catch a bus or take an organized tour. Quite a few tour companies offer multi-day ATV tours of the Agafay hills complete with tent camping and traditional Moroccan meals. These off-the-beaten path type of tours take you across sand dunes, over rocky buttes and through hidden canyons all offering splendid views of the <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/travel/morocco-tours/trekking-morocco.html">High Atlas Mountains</a> in the background. <span id="more-3284"></span></p>
<p>Popular <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/">Morocco tours</a> include a trip to <strong>Lake Takerkoust</strong>, a manmade lake on the edge of the Agafay Desert that was built in 1929 to provide the city of Marrakech and surrounding areas with electricity. You can swim and sunbathe at one of the beaches alongside the lake or you can rent jet skis or pedal boats and explore the waters. The hills above the lake offer many hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.</p>
<p>Quite a few luxurious boutique accommodations have sprouted up alongside the Agafay Desert. <strong>La Pause</strong> is a peaceful retreat alongside an oasis of palm and olive trees. This resort offers simple luxury in the Berber tradition meaning there is no electricity, but visitors are treated to thousands of candles and exquisite meals served under tents with wide-open views of the surrounding desert and Moroccan wilderness. Visitors can enjoy a camel sunset ride, a round of cross-golf (a unique version of cross-country golf), mountain biking and horseback riding.</p>
<p>Written by <a title="Amiee Maxwell" href="http://dirtbagwriter.com/" target="_blank">Amiee Maxwell</a>.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72609409@N00/902521956/" target="_blank">Jared Kelly</a>.</p>
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		<title>Tapping Toes at the World Gnaoua Festival</title>
		<link>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/world-gnaoua-festival-morocco.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/world-gnaoua-festival-morocco.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:00:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shaun</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marrakesh & Essaouira]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[essaouira morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gnaoua Music Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco festivals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[morocco music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco traditions]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe, the World Gnaoua Festival is not only a slice of Moroccan culture but also of international musical talent.]]></description>
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<p><img src="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Gnaoua-Festival-199x300.jpg" alt="Guitar player World Gnaoua Festival" hspace="5" vspace="3" align="left" />When some visitors <a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/">travel to Morocco</a>, cultural experiences are an enticing attraction. This is why so many venture to the port city Essaouira to participate in the <strong>World Gnaoua Festival</strong>. Also known as the <strong>Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival</strong>, the event brings together global music traditions as well as those of the Gnaouas, a blend of African tribal music and Islamic rituals. The music itself incorporates drums and other instruments to bring the performers to a trance-like state.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/news/morocco-travel/essaouira-morocco-2.html">Essaouira</a> is one of those picturesque seaside places dotted with houses painted in bright white and blue. It is a popular resort location situated just below the Atlas Mountains and attracts travelers who want to indulge in its relaxing environs and take advantage of its excellent beaches. The town is a former Portuguese settlement dating back to the 18th century. While waiting for the music events to begin, you can absorb some of the local history by touring old fortresses or browse the myriad shops that house Essaouira’s many artisans and craftsmen.<br />
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The city creates a curious backdrop to the vibrancy of the Gnaoua Festival. For twelve years, the premiere music festival has drawn more than 500,000 visitors from around the world. (The event was held for the first time in 1998.) Jazz, rock and world musicians gather at approximately ten different concert sites around the town to perform in the afternoons and evening hours, which allows visitors to enjoy Essaouia’s other attractions during the daytime. It’s common to spend the day wandering the markets and souks, enjoying a lunch of fresh grilled fish. The Djemaa el-Fna, a public square, is bursting with an almost carnival-like atmosphere during the festival. Snake charmers, so-called musicians and storytellers gather to wow audiences.</p>
<p>Besides musical performers and snake charmers, the Gnaoua World Music Festival includes its share of mystics, clairvoyants, healers and religious celebrants. It is an exciting time to be in Essaouira. There is more than enough to entrance your senses and satisfy your hunger for good food and great music.</p>
<p>It shouldn’t be surprising that the town which hosts the World Gnaoua Festival has long been an inspiration to musicians from all over the world, including many classic American music legends. 1960s-era performers including the Rolling Stones, Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix have credited Essaouira’s beaches as the muse for some of their music.</p>
<p>Even today, musicians and artists from around the globe continue to flock to the whitewashed fishing town both during the Gnaoua Festival and at other times of the year to soak up Essaouira’s particular atmosphere. Visitors in the area for the festival will have ample time to spend both in the town and in surrounding areas. Following the close of the concerts, there is no reason why you can’t extend your visit to take in more of Morocco’s wonders.</p>
<p>Written by <a href="http://www.shaunkilgore.com/" target="_blank">Shaun       Kilgore</a>.</p>
<p>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10149612@N08/4752671133/" target="_blank">Vince Millett</a>.</p>
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