Wild Morocco: Nature and adventure
Wild Morocco: Nature and adventureIntroduction
We’ve seen Morocco’s cities and looked at some of the sports and activities that the country has to offer. But what happens when you venture off the beaten track?
This is where you find the Morocco that is all but untouched by the modern world. Landscapes whose only influences are the forces of nature. Wind-sculpted desert dunes that move inch by inch, year by year. Berber communities whose architecture, costumes, dances and customs still accord with their ancestral culture. Not all of it is habitable, but it is fascinating and respectful visitors are always welcome. Given the right equipment and the right guidance, even the wildest corners of Morocco are yours to discover.
Hiking, walking and trekking
From the sand of the Sahara to the Atlas mountains, Morocco offers an intoxicating variety of landscapes. Its natural richness and variety make it a dream destination for hikers in all seasons, and determined explorers can expect to be rewarded by hidden gorges, lush valleys, forests of cedar and cork oak, semi-desert hills and horizons that ripple with sand dunes.
In the north of Morocco, explore the green mountains of the Rif, a magnificent, relatively untouched landscape that runs right up to the edge of the Mediterranean. Its network of winding paths will bring hikers to countless quaint mountain villages, including Chefchaouen, with its distinctive whitewashed walls and blue doors.
The more demanding peaks of the High Atlas attract lovers of medium and high altitudes, and can easily be explored using Marrakech as a base. From Fez and Meknès, hiking trails take you through hills planted with majestic cedars, while further south Agadir and Ouarzazate offer ideal bases for exploring the desert. Ouarzazate is also within easy striking distance of the splendid Dadès or Todra gorges.
But it isn’t just scenery that rewards hikers. Once off the beaten track, Morocco reveals some of its innermost secrets. The ancestral culture of the Berber world, with its strong traditions and distinctive architecture, costume and dance, is best experienced at close quarters.
Getting about
4x4s and quad bikes
For longer journeys and more demanding terrain you’ll need more than your own two feet. 4x4s and quad bikes are both popular ways to explore the desert regions and navigate the stunning valleys and gorges that score Morocco’s mountainous areas. So take control of your quad or sit back and let the scenery roll by the window of your four-wheel drive. You can stop and explore the area on foot at any time…Rafting
Many rivers in the High and Middle Atlas ranges, particularly the Oum-er-Rbia, offer whitewater rafting throughout the year. The Ahanssel and Hidernal rivers in the Middle Atlas range are also popular white-water spots. Visitors are strongly advised to use experienced guides.On four legs…
Mule and camel trekking present one of the most authentic ways to see Morocco, and can also be one of the most practical. Mules’ strength and stamina make them great companions with which to explore the Atlas, while camels are naturally suited to desert conditions – and, indeed, have been integral to the lives and livelihoods of desert dwellers for hundreds if not thousands of years. You’ll have little trouble finding a guide who can take you out on one of his animals.Departure points and highlights
Azizal
East of Marrakech and north of Ouarzazate, Azilal, perched at 1,360m, is at the very heart of the central High Atlas. The greatest rivers of Morocco, which carve out magnificent canyons as they travel down the range, have their source in these peaks and will appeal to fans of white-water rafting as well as canoeing and angling. In the winter Azizal is the starting point for long cross-country skiing hikes that use the typically Moroccan mule-ski combination to cross the major summits of the High Atlas.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate, around 200m lower than Azizal in the High Atlas, is another ideal centre from which to start your adventure – whether you’re pursuing it on foot, in a vehicle, on a bike or on a camel. In this region kasbahs and open desert spaces contrast with the lush palm groves of the Drâa and Skoura valleys, perfumed by figs, dates and rosebushes. Also nearby are the remarkable Dadès and Todra gorges, whose high red earth walls will take your breath away. If there’s been sufficient rain you can also enjoy some great rafting on the Dadès river.
Beni Mellal
Beni Mellal, at the foot of the Middle Atlas, lies in a wide plain dotted with olive and orange trees. It is a perenially popular starting point for hikers. From here you can reach the Jbel Tassemite (2,248m) by a 19km hike past gorges, waterfalls and beauty spots with amazing panoramic views. Around the nearby village of Taghzirte trekkers will uncover a landscape of oak, Scots pine, dwarf palm and walnut. This is a perfect area to go shooting, angling, gliding, hiking or even pot-holing. At the end of the day, tired feet will be pleased to find that Beni Mellal and its surrounding villages are justifiably famous for their kindness and hospitality…Ouzoud waterfalls
While you’re in the region of Ouarzazate and Azizal, don’t miss the 100m-high Ouzoud waterfalls (36km west of Azizal), which are considered the finest in Morocco. They’re a great place for spotting wildlife – in particular Barbary apes – and end in a number of large natural pools in which visitors can swim freely.Al Hoceima
The clifftop town of Al Hoceima, about halfway along the Mediterranean coast, overlooks an area of tremendous natural beauty. It’s a fantastic starting point for hiking and trekking in the far north of the country. Typically of a Mediterranean town, its surrounding area offers fine sandy beaches, deep blue sea and clear skies. The area positively buzzes with animal life, including flamingos, woodpeckers and several species of dolphin. Local hiking opportunities in the area revolve around the Bokkoyas hills, whose high cliffs afford spectacular views of Morocco’s northern coast and can be easily explored on foot or at the wheel of a 4×4.Tétouan
Tétouan sits in the foothills of the Rif, and is just a few miles from the western end of the Mediterranean coast. Its location allows visitors to move easily between mountains, coastal landscapes and pristine beaches, and it is an ideal starting point for exploring the Rif. The town is characterised by its Hispano-Moorish history – notice the houses with whitewashed walls and ceramic decorations, and the restaurants that serve tapas alongside tajines. The town is also on the UNESCO world heritage list.
The Saharan oases
Oases carve their way through the outskirts of the Sahara, following streams that flow from the peaks of the Atlas mountains. Often little more than a few hundred yards across, these strange, paradisal green spaces are perfect for taking a break from your explorations. Relax under date palms and watch the mountain water meandering by. The chances are you’re enjoying a spot that has been used by travelers on the trans-Saharan trade route for hundreds of years…
Tan-Tan
Located at the heart of the stony desert of Hmada, Tan-Tan welcomes its visitors with two large stone camels. Ancient nomadic lifestyles persist in Tan-Tan, and are particularly strong during July’s Moussem, a feast that celebrates Saharan culture and heritage. Expect colourful tents as far as the eye can see, sublime songs and intricate dances. Tan-Tan’s Moussem has been declared a part of our ‘universal intangible heritage’ by Unesco since 2004.
Nature in Morocco
With geography that comprises mountains, desert, oases and thousands of miles of coast, Morocco is a perfect place to enjoy the natural world. Whether you want spectacular panoramic views or just the opportunity to watch local wildlife – or indeed both – Morocco won’t disappoint.
There are a number of wildlife reserves that are well worth a visit, including the extensive park at the mouth of the Souss and Massa oueds (near to Agadir) which provides an ideal ecosystem for flamingos, cranes and bald ibises. Over near the Mediterranean coast, a magnificent natural reserve at the mouth of the Moulaya provides another a paradise for birds and birdwatchers alike.
The ‘Blue Lagoon’
Merja Zerga (‘Blue Lagoon’) is a large tidal lagoon located about an hour’s drive south of Tangier, by the seaside resort and fishing village of Moulay Bousselham. The lagoon’s average depth is just 1.5m, which encourages waders and waterfowl to feed there, especially at low tide. It is surrounded by rough pasture and marshland and, according to BirdLife International, is regularly used by over 100 species of bird. The organisation describes it as ‘without doubt the most important wetland site in Morocco.’The argan tree
In the countryside around Essaouira there is a tree that is only found in Morocco: the argan. It produces a nut that is the source of argan oil, which is prized by the culinary and spa industries alike (and which you may remember from the previous module). Goats love the leaves and have no hesitation in climbing to the top of the trees to gorge themselves.Now try answering the following questions. Good luck!
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For more information or to request promotional material for your agency, contact the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
205 Regent Street
London
W1R 7DE
Tel: 0207 437 0073 / 74 or 0207 734 8172
Email:mnto@morocco-tourism.org.uk
Website: www.visitmorocco.org