Morocco is an exotic blend of Southern Mediterranean, Arabic and African influences, offering a captivating mix of ancient cities and Roman ruins, vast deserts and centuries-old medinas, bustling souks, elegant mosques and towering minarets. From rugged mountains and golden beaches to winding alleyways filled with colour and spice, the country is rich in culture, history and atmosphere. The Imperial Cities of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat are filled with historic architecture, museums and lively markets. Casablanca is home to one of the world’s largest mosques, while Tangier charms visitors with its Mediterranean setting and scenic bays. Travellers can sample fragrant Berber cuisine, sip mint tea at a streetside café, trek through the Sahara on camelback, or hike Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.
Taking up most of Africa’s north-western corner, the Atlas Mountains extend for roughly 2400 kilometres across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, reaching to over 4000 kilometres above sea level at their zenith, Toubkal Mountain. The Atlas range is exceptionally scenic and known for the many rare and endangered plants and animals occurring there, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. Visitors can explore some of North Africa’s most remote villages tucked away in the deep valleys of the rugged range, hike and bike through the spectacular scenery or visit the impressive kasbahs of Ouarzazate, Tifoultoute, Telouet and the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's most photogenic buildings.
Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination. Marrakesh is also home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant, and browse through exquisite carpets, spices and a myriad of other items. Art, design and architecture enthusiasts flock to the city to see its incredible artisan achievements, so beautifully expressed at the glorious Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and Saadian Tombs, as well as at several museums. The other-worldly Jardin Majorelle is also unmissable.
