by Megan | Jun 4, 2012 | Essaouira, Morocco Articles
For the past 15 years Essaouira has been home to the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Every summer in June, for four days, the Gnaoua Festival welcomes famous musicians to participate, share their musical ideas and create one of the most elaborate concerts in the world....
by Shelley | May 9, 2012 | Morocco Articles
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...
by Megan | May 7, 2012 | Morocco Articles
Dehydration is a major concern for Westerners visiting Morocco’s weather – a 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...
by Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki | May 1, 2012 | Fez, Morocco Articles
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...
by Ghizlane | Apr 25, 2012 | Morocco Articles
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...
by Isabel | Apr 23, 2012 | Morocco Articles
In just 30 minutes, you can escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s souks. Where to? How about Tahanaout (a.k.a. Tahanaoute)! Set against the majestic backdrop of the High Atlas, the picturesque village of Tahanaout enthralls visitors with its landscape,...
by Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki | Apr 17, 2012 | Morocco Articles
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...
by Heather | Apr 11, 2012 | Morocco Articles
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...
by Megan | Apr 3, 2012 | Morocco Articles
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...
by Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki | Mar 28, 2012 | Asilah, Morocco Articles
Most people who venture to Morocco know about the famous port cities like Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat. The well-researched traveler (hopefully reading our blog!) has also most likely heard of Agadir, Essaouira and maybe even Safi. There are standard tourist stops in...
by Ghizlane | Mar 26, 2012 | Morocco Articles
Ifrane National Park is a superb place in Morocco to enjoy the great outdoors and one of only a few spots where you can meet the Barbary Macaque, the endangered primate. This park is probably the opposite of what a lot of people have in mind when traveling to Morocco....
by Isabel | Mar 20, 2012 | Morocco Articles
Tucked away in a small sleepy fishing village, between the historic towns of El Jadida and Safi, sits a resort that “those-in-the-know” have been flocking to for years. Oualidia (pronounced “Wa-lid-ee-ah”) overlooks an attractive natural seawater lagoon...
by Heather | Mar 14, 2012 | Marrakesh, Morocco Articles
Hot air balloon excursions from the outskirts of Marrakesh take passengers over the Western High Atlas Mountains, the Oueds Tinsift and the Al Hawuz Plain. Half-day trips start early, around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m., so the balloon can be launched before or around sunrise....
by Shelley | Mar 12, 2012 | Morocco Articles
While many travelers are most familiar with Morocco’s imperial cities, the country’s majestic mountain ranges warrant a visit from anyone who appreciates a scenic landscape. From short, easy hikes to multi-day treks, the mountain ranges offer something for almost...
by Heather | Feb 27, 2012 | Morocco Articles
Originally a quiet fishing village, Taghazout has become one of Morocco’s surfing hotspots. If you’re flying in, the quickest way to get to Taghazout is from Agadir’s international airport. Once in Agadir, you can hire a grand taxi for the thirty-minute drive, catch a...
by Ghizlane | Feb 15, 2012 | Morocco Articles
The Atlantic Ocean bathes thousands of kilometers of southern Morocco shores, offering numerous possibilities for vacation and activities. When you tour Morocco with Journey Beyond Travel, you mustn’t miss this part of the country famous for its beaches, mountains and...
by Heather | Feb 7, 2012 | Morocco Articles
As a habitat for more than 100 species of birds, Merja Zerga Nature Preserve in Morocco is one of the most important wetland sites in North Africa. The large tidal lagoon is fed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Oued Drader, a freshwater stream. The area has been...
by Shelley | Feb 2, 2012 | Morocco Articles
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Agadir during your holiday to Morocco with Journey Beyond Travel, travel a few kilometers south to the Souss-Massa National Park, which attracts bird watchers and offers a serene escape from the country’s bustling cities....
by Megan | Jan 30, 2012 | Morocco Articles
You’ve wandered the maze-like souks, trekked the sweeping Atlas Mountains, ridden a dusty camel and gorged on savory tajines. Now you’re ready to round out your Moroccan adventure with something completely unexpected: white water rafting. This guide will help you...
by Amiee | Jan 24, 2012 | Morocco Articles, Sahara Desert
Considered one of the toughest ultra marathons on the planet, runners of the Marathon des Sables travel approximately 150 miles through the rugged and arid Sahara Desert. Participants run the equivalent of six regular marathons over the course of six days with each...
by Heather | Jan 18, 2012 | Chefchaouen, Morocco Articles
Chefchaouen, the largest town in Morocco’s Rif region, is an excellent place to get away from the hubbub of Morocco’s imperial cities and enjoy an unhurried day or two. Located in northern Morocco, the town is referred to simply as “Chaouen” by the locals and is known...
by Ghizlane | Jan 16, 2012 | Morocco Articles
The Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean beaches are what make of Al Hoceima one of the most attractive and enticing cities in Morocco. Entering the city, you may think you are arriving in a very common Moroccan town with cube-like buildings, cafes and a few hotels....
by Shelley | Jan 2, 2012 | Morocco Articles, Sahara Desert
Among Morocco’s most iconic destinations, traveling to the Sahara Desert of Morocco is among Morocco’s iconic things to do. Most travelers who visit the Sahara opt for an experience among the Erg Chebbi dunes in eastern Morocco. Near Erfoud and Merzouga,...
by Amiee | Dec 21, 2011 | Morocco Articles
Although Morocco will never be a winter sports destination, there is still some winter fun to be had if you travel to Morocco. There are a few snow skiing resorts in Morocco, but don’t expect the latest in high-speed lifts or quality rental skis. Instead think 1980s...
by Heather | Dec 19, 2011 | Morocco Articles, Tangier
The short ferry ride from Europe to Tangier has made this port city a popular entry point to the country and a convenient base for exploring northern Morocco. During a day trip from Tangier you can drive along the Mediterranean coast or the Atlantic coast. Tétouan...
by Ghizlane | Dec 13, 2011 | Morocco Articles
If you are planning a trip to the Middle Atlas in Morocco, make sure you don’t miss the Berber village of Zaouia d’Ifrane. The area, located in the province of Ifrane, is known for its cedar and oak forest, waterfalls and beautiful plateaus and cliffs. The...
by Margaret | Dec 5, 2011 | Morocco Articles
From luxury resorts and beachfront spas, to mountain lodges and sand dune hikes, if you can dream it, to shine up an old cliché, chances are good that if you can dream it, you can do it. For many, that dream includes adventure in Morocco. No matter your definition,...
by Shelley | Nov 29, 2011 | Casablanca, Morocco Articles
With a population of around three million, Casablanca in Morocco attracts visitors because of its fame (thanks to its namesake movie), attractions and international airport. Although the city offers a wealth of culture, history and entertainment, some travelers like...
by Amiee | Nov 24, 2011 | Morocco Articles
With so much to see and do in Morocco, it can be difficult to find the time to relax. After a day touring the lively and sometimes chaotic Moroccan souks, you will definitely be up for a little quiet time. You can relax and rejuvenate in a Moroccoan bathhouse called a...
by Erin | Nov 22, 2011 | Morocco Articles
“Expect the unexpected”—perhaps the unofficial first rule of travel. You want to be open to horizon-broadening, life-altering, they-won’t-believe-it-when-I tell-them-back-home experiences. But you don’t want these experiences to come at the expense of your health and...