The Facts
Capital: Rabat
Currency: Moroccan Dirham
Time Zone: GMT
www.visitmorocco.org
Introduction:
Bustling souks, story tellers and snake charmers, mingling aromas and labyrinthe medinas are all part of Morocco's intoxicating attraction. You can experience this sensory overload every day in Marrakech's central square, Jemaa El Fna, where traders, soothsayers, acrobats and rudimentary dentists meet, perform and attempt their treatments. This age-old gathering point harks back to the time when Morocco was a crossroads between continents and merchants from Africa, Europe and the Middle East came to deal in cotton, gold, silver, slaves and spices. Mountain treks into the grand vistas of the Atlas range and Rif mountains retrace some of these steps. Head south and discover the ever-advancing sands of the Sahara. Climb the highest dunes at Erg Chagaga to see the sun set on a landscape as harsh as it is magical.
Where To Go
Morocco is located in North Africa. Its western boundary flanks the Atlantic Ocean and reaches north past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco it has international borders with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait), and Mauritania to the south via its Western Saharan territories.
What To Eat & Drink:
- Tagine is one of the most common meals. A rich fragrant dish made from lamb, goat, fish or chicken with onions, olives, tomato herbs and spices and served in a clay pot.
- Couscous is widely available served with meat or vegetables.
- Khoobz is a traditional Moroccan style pitta bread sold on most street corner in the souks.
- Pastilla is traditionally a pigeon-meat pie made from flaky pastry and dusted with cinammon sugar.
- Diffa or feast is a lengthy affair of many course it often includes entertainment like belly dancing and live music.
- Sfaa is a sweet cinammon cous cous served as desert with dried fruit and nuts.
- Mint tea is made with fresh leaves and lots of sugar.
Unmissable Morocco
5 things you really should do in Morocco.
1. Sleep under the stars
Travel by 4 wheel drive to watch a mesmerising sunset over the Sahara and then sleep out in the desert in a traditional Bedouin camp. The following day you can take a camel ride over the wind sculpted sand dunes.
www.saharaservices.info
2. Try some boutique living
There has been an explosion of boutique hotels in Morocco. Stay in one of these designer 'Riads'; converted former merchant houses, usually built around an inner court yard garden. With strong wooden doors and thick walls they are the perfect place to step away from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
www.riads.co.uk
3. Get on top
Trek to the top of North Africa's highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal (4167m) in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. You can combine this with a stay at Kasbah Toubkal an extraordinary mountain lodge with sweeping views close to the village of Imil where you can experience Berber hospitality at its best.
www.kasbahdutoubkal.com
www.imliltrek.com
4. Go Shopping
Explore the thronging chaos and colour of the souk's in Marrakech's medina. From traditional babouche slippers, to ornate metalwork lanterns, there's plenty to bargain for where haggling is the norm. In the early evening take a ringside set at one of the balcony cafes and watch Jemaa El Fna, the main square, come to life as storytellers, dentists and snake charmers make way for the food stalls.
www.travelmarrakech.co.uk
5. Let off some steam
Enjoy a traditional hamam, similar to a steam bath, and have you worries scrubbed away. Most towns have at least one hamaam, many of the riads have their own for guests to use.
www.morocco-travel.com/morocco/PublicHammam/
