Morocco

Morocco

Welcome to Morocco

Morocco is a country of deserts. You can enjoy swimming on beaches, or go on an adventurous trip to some of its highest mountain ranges like High Atlas. The magnificent waterfalls of this country will astound you. You can even witness rising dunes in t

Featured Overland Adventures in Morocco

Country Quick Facts

Country

The Arabic name of the country is al-mamlakah al-maghribiyyah, which means the kingdom of the west. It is sometimes referred to as the farthest west. Located in the Maghreb region of North Africa, it has land borders with Algeria and Western Sahara. The Mediterranean Sea ad Atlantic Ocean forms the coastline. Morocco enjoys a dominant position in Africa and Arab countries. Though Parliament is elected, the King enjoys the ultimate power in both execution and legislation. The King mostly handles military, foreign relations, and religious matters. The King can even dissolve the Parliament after consultation with the prime minister and president. The largest city in the country is Casablanca.

Area: 710,850 km2 
Population: 36,472,000 
Capital: Rabat

Weather

Morocco observes Mediterranean climates. The coastal plains experience moderate temperatures even during summer because of the current blowing over its surrounding Atlantic ocean. The high Atlas Mountains have varying weather- coastal lowlands shave a Mediterranean climate, higher altitudes start experiencing humid temperate climate. The valleys receive high precipitation such that lush green forests have developed here. At even higher elevations, Alpine climate. Central and northern Coastal plains are fertile in nature, where most of its agriculture is practiced. Morocco is a multi-climatic country exhibiting Mediterranean, sub-Mediterranean, continental, alpine, and semiarid climates.

People & Language

Moroccan people are friendly and tolerant of tourists. These easy-going people should not be offended about their religious beliefs; otherwise, they show warm hospitality to visitors. Arabic and Berber are the official languages of Morocco. Almost 90% of its population can converse in Darija- Morocco Arabic. Three dialects of Berber language exist in the country. Spain is also spoken in northern Morocco and Spanish Sahara. After independence, Arabic and French formed the main languages of the country, thereby reducing the importance of Spanish. English is also known to a smaller group of people.

Practicalities

Time: There is a single active time zone in the country. 

Morocco- Western European Summer Time (WEST) is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. (UTC +01:00)

Electricity: Electricity in Indonesia is supplied at 220V and 50 Hz. Euro plug – a two-pin plug can be fitted in the outlets. It is the most commonly used plug type in the international market. If you are from the US, Canada, or South American countries, you will need a voltage converter, as the standard voltage of your appliances would be fit for the voltage range 100-127 V.

Weight & Measurement: The metric system is enforced in Morocco.

Telecommunications: Morocco has one of the most advanced telecommunication systems in Africa. The government supports this movement of internet availability to strive towards a digital economy. Personal ADSLs are provided in the country for internet connections. It can be eve accessed from cell phones. Morocco has one of the most massive mobile penetration rates in the region.

Currency

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham, with the currency code issued by ISO 4217 as MAD. The central bank of Morocco issues it. The currency is available in the forms of coins and banknotes. The coins are made up of aluminium, copper, and nickel as main constituents. The available denominations of coins are 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 dirhams. Banknotes are available in denominations 10, 50, 100, 200. ATMs are located nearby hotels and shopping hubs. Maestro, cirrus, or plus cards are commonly valid here. Keep the change with you as much as possible.

Top Attractions

Food and Drink

Are you a fan of traveling? Do you love exploring the beaches and ioslands? In addition to this, are you an animal lover too? And are little confused about where to travel next? Then Indonesia is the perfect choice for you!

Culture & Lifestyle

Architecture has developed since primitive times in Morocco. Berbers, in the past, adopted Islamic architecture and modified it as per their convenience. The literature comes in Arabic, Berber, or French language. The music of Arabic, Berber, and Sub-Sahara is blended in the culture of Morocco. The trance music of rock band chhabi is popular. 

The most popular sport in the country is football. Since ancient times, Moroccans practiced horsemanship. Barley, wheat, and other cereals are cultivated without water here. The cultural heritage of the delicacies is also a remarkable one, as it is inspired by various interactions with the world over a long period. Though Morocco is a liberal country, where women can roam around without adorning headscarves on their heads, wearing conservative clothing with high necklines is advised.

Overlanding in Morocco

The road condition is suitable for travelling at ease; however, roads are a little narrow. If you are going on your own, make sure to fill the tank full. The fuel stations are not frequently located in Morocco. Road signs are in French and Arabic. Do follow the speed regulations if you don't want to be imposed penalty.

Avoid traveling in the dark- whether at night or in a dark alley. Keep close to people as possible. Don't go travelling on your own, especially women - form a group. Adorn sunglasses to avoid eye contact. If you want a smooth ride, you can make a trip to Tizi n'Tichka, a mountain pass from Marrakesh to Ouarzazat, passing through High Atlas Mountain Range. This route passes over the Moroccan plains and is Gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Urban Adventure in Morocco

Hercules Caves, Cape Spartel 

The Caves of Hercules is a complex of archaeological caves. Roman god Hercules is believed to have spent a night in this cave. A National Highway connects these caves. Situated below Spartel Cape, this cave was closed to the public after the rockfall took place. Later, it was reopened in 2015 by the King. The cave has both natural and manmade parts. Berber people used the manmade portion to cut wheels to make millstones, which resulted in the expansion of the cave. The rocks forming the cave are mostly limestone. You can either enter this cave free of cost or can pay a little and enter from another entrance while opting out for a guide. The cave opens to the sea and the land. Both the openings have some eye-shaped markings on the wall. The sea opening is called 'Map of Africa' as it is a belief that the sea opening, in the shape of Africa when looked from the sea, was created by Phoenicians. After reaching here, do visit Tangier, another popular tourist site, which is just 14 kilometres away from here.

Todgha Gorge, High Atlas Mountains

Todgha Gorge is a series of limestone canyons, carved out by Todgha and Dades rivers, in the eastern part of High Atlas Mountains of about 400 metres high. It was even featured in the premiere of an American reality show. The last stretch of this canyon offers the most spectacular sight as the canyon narrows down into a flat track of stones, with smooth rock walls of over 160 metres on both sides. You can even traverse the floor of this canyon during the dry seasons since a small stream of water flows through the canyon. However, the rains expand the Todgha River, covering the canyon with large amounts of water during monsoon. You can reach up to the valley by an asphalt rod from Tinerhir. A concrete road is also constructed from this valley up to the nearby villages – Ait Hani and Tamtatouchte.

Ouzoud Falls, Azilal

This most visited site of the region comprises of numerous tall cascading waterfalls in the Middle East Atlas Village- Tanaghmeilt, to the northeast of Marrakech. These multistep waterfalls are of 110 metres height. The surrounding region has many grinding mills, so this waterfall became known as Ouzoud, meaning the process of grinding grains in Berber. You can even wander into the bottom of the falls through a path shaded by olive trees. Alternatively, if you enjoy trekking, you can also take up the narrow, challenging route off Beni Mellal. You can bask in the natural beauty of the valley, which has not only waterfalls, but also lush green plantations, orchards, and Circuit formed by gorges of El Abid River (Slaves River). 

Toubkal National Park, High Atlas Mountain Range

These cliffs offer a breath-taking site mimicking the radiance of the sun by glowing with a red light at sunset. You can stand below the range to enjoy the magnificent view offered by these cliffs. You can reach here by crossing a 60 miles dirt track in the desert. However, the sand is compacted so you won't have to face jerks during the ride. But, you should take someone familiar with the route as signs are rare, and the place is a desert! These ancient cliffs, formed about 70-75 million years ago, are created by layers of sand and calcareous matter. Dinosaur eggs were first discovered here!

Ain Diab Beach, Casablanca

Ain Diab Beach is one of the most visited beaches, with the local population also visiting here. The visitors go swimming along its stretch of coastline known as Corniche, which forms the main centre of attraction to the visitors. You can enjoy delicious delicacies in the nearby restaurants. Nightlife near this beach is also happening with nightclubs and vendors at the beach. This mainland also forms a connection to Sidi Abderrahman Island via a bridge. Taking a walk over this causeway built high above gives a stunning sight to the tourists. Tables and chairs are arranged at the beach to relax and enjoy. 

Erg Chigaga Desert, Draa-Tafilalet

Do you wish to spend quality time with your partner? Or do you want to calm yourself down away from the hustle and bustle of the busy cities? Or you want to paint a landscape in a quiet place? Then this desert is the perfect place for you! This largest and wildest erg of Morocco is located to the west of Oasis town and 98 kilometres to Zagora town. Since it is difficult to access this town, the desert receives fewer visitors. You can reach this breath-taking desert by off-road motorbike. However, do take a local or ensure you are accessible to the GPS navigation system as the route is not much clear. Massive dunes are formed in this erg. Some dunes even rise to 50 metres as compared to its surrounding areas. Nearby this erg, another erg- Erb Cebbi is also located in Merzouga.

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