This kasbah, or desert fortress, is located in the Draa Valley. Kasbahs were originally built to protect the people from the marauders and the invaders that wanted to take the area. If Ait Benhaddou should seem familiar to you, that is probably because it has been featured as the backdrop to several Hollywood movies.
2.) Hiking
Morocco's varied terrain offers plenty of opportunities to trekkers who wish to see the country's natural wonders on foot. Different types of tours are available, from go-it-alone hikes to trips arranged with the Moroccan National Tourist Office, to horseback rides through the Atlas Mountains. Overnight camping treks are also to be had, complete with guide and mules, so prepare for your camping gears if this is in your itinerary.
3.) Swimming
Swimming, diving, and bathing activities are available at several towns. These include El Jadida, Agadir, Safi, and Essaouira. To the north, the Mediterranean coast offers resorts like the one at Cabonegro where swimming and diving facilities are being developed extensively there, cashing in on the yearly influx of tourists and visitors.
4.) Atlas Mountains
Morocco's mountain ranges are extensive and present opportunities to engage in several kinds of recreational activities. These activities include biking, nature tripping and bird-watching. White-water rafters are also served by the mountain rivers and is a fun way to spend a day with your loved one.
5.) Sahara
A large part of Morocco is in the Sahara, the world largest sandy desert. As such, tourists are offered two-fold opportunities when they visit the Sahara Desert. They can both experience riding on a camel and explore the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert at the same time, surely a wonderful opportunity.
6.) Jebel Toubkal
Ascents of this 4,000-meter-tall peak, the tallest in northern Africa, are popular with tourists. Trips usually start from the village of Imlil at the base of the mountain. Guides are essential if you want to go on this trip, and there are resting places available along the way for some needed breaks.
7.) Skiing
Even though it has the Sahara within its borders, Morocco also offers skiing activities in the Atlas Mountains. Skiing is available at Ouikaiden, Mischliffen, Mount Tidiquin, and at Ifrane. Ski in the morning and sleep in the desert at night, now, isn't it a grand vacation?
8.) 4x4 tours
Visitors can also opt to explore the countryside with tours conducted on all-terrain vehicles. These usually incorporate Moroccan events such as feasts and have as destinations landmarks like gorges and dunes. You also get to pretend you are participating in the Paris-Dakar rally that passes yearly through the country, and this is surely something that any visitor would want to do.
9.) Shopping
No trip to Morocco is complete without at least one visit to a souk or marketplace. Souks abound in the cities, and the largest is located in Marrakech. You can purchase everything from basketry to musical instruments in one, but do not expect a quick transaction as every purchase is a slow, sociable affair.
10.) Djemaa el Fna
This piece of real estate in Marrakech is always alive. There's always something of interest happening here, whether it's acrobats performing, food sellers hawking their wares, or musicians playing. It's a sight not to be missed and a chance that should be experienced.
This exotic North African country can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be. Here is how to get the best out of the country's luxury resort hotels, exotic souks, mountain treks and desert safaris, with 10 tips and reasons to visit Morocco to help start your holiday planning and further research.
Beaches: Take your pick from a wide choice of beaches on Morocco's Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Opt for popular resorts such as Agadir or quiet spots such as Asilah and Oualidia.
Cities: Morocco's imperial cities are resplendent with old palaces, medinas and bustling markets. Top options include Marrakech, Fes and Rabat.
Riads: Enjoy typical Moroccan hospitality with a stay at a riad, which is usually a palace or grand courtyard home that has been turned into a luxury boutique hotel or bed and breakfast.
Desert: Head into the Sahara on a camel trek or four-wheel drive excursion. Book a trip for a day or stay in a Bedouin tent.
Mountains: No matter where you choose to stay in Morocco, the mountains beckon. The Atlas range bisects the country, while the Rif Mountains sweep down to the north coast.
Food: Delicious Moroccan cuisine will have you asking for more. Try tajine, a subtly-flavoured stew using lamb, chicken or fish. Couscous dishes are also popular. Wash them down with wine, beer or refreshing mint tea.
Shopping: Get lost in the souks of Casablanca, Tangier and other towns and cities as you barter for brightly-patterned ceramics, leather goods, baskets, carpets and jewellery.
Spas: Wind down in traditional steam baths found in towns and cities throughout the country. Luxury hotels in resorts such as Essaouira have modern spas offering a wide variety of treatments.
History: Imperial cities such as Tetouan boast ancient medinas that have hardly changed in thousands of years. Head towards the desert and you'll see spectacular kasbahs built into cliff walls.
Festivals: Music, dance and Arab traditions such as storytelling and horse riding are at the fore of Morocco's moussems, held throughout the country and incorporating a fair and a religious celebration. Top picks include the rose moussem at Kelaat M'Gouna near Ouarzazate and the date festival at Erfoud on the edge of the desert.
A holiday in Morocco is full of excitement. Whether you choose to stay in a sumptuous city hotel in Morocco, or sleep under the stars in a remote Berber village, there's an atmosphere of mystique and magic, where you will take away amazing memories of snake charmers and camel trains to kasbahs and minarets.
Both Jonathan Williams & Jimi St Pierre are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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