MOROCCO CLIMATE The distinct areas of Morocco (Coast on the west, Rif Mountains in the North, Atlas Mountains in the interior, Sahara Desert to the south & east) make for differing climates across the country, so that it is a good destination all year round, to catch the sun, experience the vibrancy of the cities, or to go walking in the mountains. Daily sunshine can range from 13 hours in the desert to 9 or 10 on the Atlantic coast. The north coast (Tangier) and the Rif mountains Chefchaouen) have a Mediterranean style climate: hot and generally continuous sunshine between May and September, warm & sunny days interspersed with rainy periods for the rest of the year. The Atlantic coast (Casablanca) sees most rain, with the heaviest falls in winter. While the cities can get very hot in the summer months, mid-level altitudes are pleasant and it is a pleasure to stay in the mountains, for instance at the Kasbah Tamadot, and also on the Atlantic coast (Oualidia).
TANGIER Tangier is a major city in north-western Morocco. It is located on the Maghreb coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel. It is the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, as well as the Tangier-Assilah prefecture of Morocco. Many civilisations and cultures have impacted the history of Tangier starting from before the 5th century BC. Between the period of being a strategic Berber town and then a Phoenician trading centre to the independence era around the 1950s, Tangier was a nexus for many cultures. In 1923, it was considered as having international status by foreign colonial powers, and became a destination for many European and American diplomats, spies, writers and businessmen. Dar-el-Makhzen & Kasbah Museum The Dar-el-Makhzen (or Sultanate Palace) is a historical building in Tangier, Morocco was the seat of residence for the Sultans of Morocco when staying in the city. It was built during the reign of sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. The structure was built by Ahmad ben Ali al-rifi, general of the Jaysh al-rifi and semi-autonomous governor of Tangiers. It was built in the Kasbah on one of the highest points of the city overlooking the Medina and the Strait of Gibraltar. Currently it is used by two museums, the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the archaeological Museum of Antiquities. The Dar-el-Makhzen was the palace to which the last Sultan of independent Morocco, Moulay Hafid, was exiled when the French Protectorate of Morocco forced him to abdicate. He moved in with his entire harem, slaves and personnel, altogether consisting of 168 people, and stayed in the Palace when his brother Moulay Yusef took over power after the Treaty of Fez The building is centered within two courtyards, which are decorated with wooden ceilings, marble fountains and arabesques. Some of the columns used are of Roman origin. Movies Filmed Here: Inception Bourne Ultimatum The Living Daylights Spectre
ENROUTE ASILAH An abandoned Jewish cemetery in Asilah, Morocco, looks like a solemn and beatific spot by the ocean, but it holds a tragic history as well as some surprisingly mysterious headstones. The country hosted a Jewish community of over 250,000 at its height in the 1940s, but that number has since dwindled to a few thousand, most of whom are located in Casablanca. According to the descendent of one Asilah Jew, the community there had mostly emigrated from Spain following the Alhambra Decree, which expelled Jews from the Iberian Peninsula. The population swelled until, in the early 20th century, many Jewish families relocated to South America en masse to take part in the rubber boom. Though there may be some Jews left in Asilah, the seaside cemetery on the outskirts of town has been left to the elements. The graves lie there still, abandoned and surrounded by weeds. The gravestones are mainly simple and have epigrams, written in Hebrew and in Spanish as was common in the Sephardic communities. The graveyard also holds one mysterious and ominous gravestone for an unknown young girl named Simi located at the very edge of the cliff overlooking the Atlantic. The text on the stone reads, Simi Roiff, died in 15 Tamus 5704 (6 July 1944). Amargada y desesperada se dejo abandonar por sus infortunio y jovem aun se dejo arrebatar su alma. ( Bitter and desperate, she felt abandoned in her young unfortunate state; she allowed her soul to be taken. ) LARACHE One of the most magical places of antiquity is undoubtedly the Garden of the Hesperides where it is said that under the care of the nymphs of the evening, the golden apples that provided knowledge grew, the very same apples that were stolen by Hercules after killing the Ladon dragon that guarded the garden. No less magical is to think that this place can be visited today. Amidst other proposed locations, according to great Plinius, the Garden of the Hesperides was located in the Phoenician city of Lixus beside the river Lukos, 200 steps from the Atlantic Ocean.
Today, the ruins of Lixus do not guard apples of wisdom anymore, but certainly they are full of magic. Explorers to Lixus can see the layout of its streets, the temple of Hercules, the roman theatre and the channels that provided running water to its inhabitants. The experience is also memorable for the beauty of the landscape. From the top of the city, one can sight the meandering river that winds as once did the Ladon dragon, guardian of the city. Many think that this dragon is still there turned into the river. In Roman times, Lixus became one of the main production centres of garum, a condiment based in fish guts fermented in large pools and whose formula still remains a mystery today. Lixus is located on a small hill just before reaching the town of Larache coming from Tanger. EL JADIDA Fortress Mazagan The design of the Fortress of Mazagan is a response to the development of modern artillery in the Renaissance. The star form of the fortress measures 250m by 300m. The slightly inclined, massive walls are 8m high on average, with a thickness of 10m, enclosing a patrolling peripheral walkway 2m wide. At the present time the fortification has four bastions: the Angel Bastion in the east, St Sebastian in the north, St Antoine in the west, and the Holy Ghost Bastion in the south. The fifth, the Governor s Bastion at the main entrance, is in ruins, having been destroyed by the Portuguese in 1769. Numerous colonial-era Portuguese cannons are still positioned on top of the bastions. The fort had three gates: the Seagate, forming a small port with the north-east rampart, the Bull Gate in the north-west rampart, and the main entrance with a double arch in the centre of the south rampart, originally connected to land via a drawbridge. A ditch, 20m wide and 3m deep, formerly filled with seawater, surrounded the fort. During the time of the French Protectorate the ditch was filled in with earth and a new entrance gate was opened leading to the main street, the Rua da Carreira, and to the Seagate.
SAFI Safi once had an airport, runway 07/25 over 5,636ft, which currently is being built upon, see if you can spot it?
ESSAOUIRA Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a city in the western Moroccan economic region of Marrakesh-Safi, on the Atlantic coast. The modern name means "the little rampart", a reference to the fortress walls that still enclose part of the city. Its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah, which were designed by European engineers. Old brass cannons line the walls, and there are ocean views. Strong "Alizée" trade winds make the city s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing Camel Rides along the beach organised by the hotel Kite-surfing available on the beach Movies Filmed Here: Othello (1951) Game of Thrones
ENROUTE: ARGANIA TREES, ARGAN OIL & TREE GOATS Argania is a genus of flowering plants containing the sole species Argania spinosa, known as argan, a tree endemic to the calcareous semidesert Sous valley of southwestern Morocco and Algeria. Currently, it can be found only in an area in the southwest of Morocco and Algeria (Souss-Massa- Drâa region). Argan trees grow to 8 10 m (26 33 ft) high and live up to 200 years. They are thorny, with gnarled trunks and wide spreading crown. The crown has a circumference of about 70 m (230 ft) and the branches lean towards the ground. Argan oil is produced by several women's co-operatives in the southwestern parts of Morocco. The most labour-intensive part of oil-extraction is removal of the soft pulp (used to feed animals) and the cracking by hand, between two stones, of the hard nut. The seeds are then removed and gently roasted. This roasting accounts for part of the oil's distinctive, nutty flavour. Argan oil is sold in Morocco as a luxury item. The product is of increasing interest to cosmetics companies in Europe. It used to be difficult to buy the oil outside Morocco, but since 2001 2002, it has become a fashionable product in Europe and North America. The Argania tree is not the most aesthetically pleasing plant in the world with a rough, thorny bark and gangly, crooked branches. But these Moroccan trees still tend to attract admirers, thanks in large part to the hordes of goats that can usually be found perching in them. Grown almost exclusively in Morocco, the Argania is a rare and protected species after years of overfarming and clear-cutting. The tree produces an annual fruit crop, and it is this delicious morsel that attracts legions of local goats who hop up into the branches to pick out the fruit. The animals stand on the impossibly precarious branches and get down to their seasonal feast. Far from just a single ambitious goat climbing a single tree, the animals tend to swarm into the branches in number.
MARRAKECH Marrakesh, is a major city of the Kingdom of Morocco. It is the fourth largest city in the country, after Casablanca, Fez and Rabat. It is the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh- Safi. Located to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh is possibly the most important of Morocco's four former imperial cities (cities that were built by Moroccan Berber empires). The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic times, but the actual city was founded in 1062 by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, chieftain and cousin of Almoravid king Yusuf ibn Tashfin. In the 12th century, the Almoravids built many madrasas (Koranic schools) and mosques in Marrakesh that bear Andalusian influences. The red walls of the city, built by Ali ibn Yusuf in 1122 1123, and various buildings constructed in red sandstone during this period, have given the city the nickname of the "Red City" or "Ochre City". Marrakesh grew rapidly and established itself as a cultural, religious, and trading centre for the Maghreb and sub-saharan Africa; Jemaa el-fnaa is the busiest square in Africa. Jemaa el-fnaa During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, water sellers with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, youths with chained Barbary apes and snake charmers despite the protected status of these species under Moroccan law. As the day progresses, the entertainment on offer changes: the snake charmers depart, and late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys (it would be against custom for girls to provide such entertainment), story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As darkness falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls as the number of people on the square peaks. The square is edged along one side by the Marrakesh souk, a traditional North African market catering both for the common daily needs of the locals, and for the tourist trade. On other sides are hotels and gardens and cafe terraces, and narrow streets lead into the alleys of the medina quarter. Once a bus station, the place was closed to vehicle traffic in the early 2000s. The authorities are well aware of its importance to the tourist trade, and a strong but discreet police presence ensures the safety of visitors. Movies Filmed Here: Alexander
ENROUTE: SETTAT Settat is the largest settlement in a rich agricultural landscape, being the market centre. The most important produce is cotton, and in Settat the cotton is spinned, woven and clothes are produced. Denim is the city's most noted product. Settat is one of Morocco's richest cities, which is also reflected in an attractive architecture. The city of Settat boasts one of the country s prettiest golf courses. It also has a horse-racing heritage, with a large horse statue standing proudly in the heart of the city and a race track close to the city centre.
CASABLANCA Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, located in the central-western part of the country bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest city in the Maghreb, as well as one of the largest and most important cities in Africa, both economically and demographically. Casablanca is Morocco's chief port and one of the largest financial centres on the continent. The 2016 census (adjusted with recent numbers) recorded a population of about 6 million in the prefecture of Casablanca. Casablanca is considered the economic and business centre of Morocco, although the national political capital is Rabat. The leading Moroccan companies and international corporations doing Moroccan business have their headquarters and main industrial facilities in Casablanca. Recent industrial statistics show Casablanca retains its historical position as the main industrial zone of the country. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world, and the second largest port of North Africa, after Tanger-Med 40 km east of Tangier. Casablanca also hosts the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. Hassan II Mosque The Hassan II Mosque is a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the 13th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 metres (689 ft). Completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. The minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser, the light from which is directed towards Mecca. The mosque stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, worshippers can pray over the sea but there is no glass floor looking into the sea. The walls are of hand-crafted marble and the roof is retractable. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather together for prayer: 25,000 inside the mosque hall and another 80,000 on the mosque's outside grounds. Rick s Café Authentic reproduction from the movie, serving steaks and American food. Movies Filmed Here NOT Casablanca..
RABAT Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and its seventh largest city with an urban population of approximately 580,000 and a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million. It is also the capital city of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra administrative region. The city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. On the facing shore of the river lies Salé, the city's main commuter town. Rabat, Temara, and Salé form a conurbation of over 1.8 million people. Silt-related problems have diminished Rabat's role as a port; however, Rabat and Salé still maintain important textile, food processing and construction industries. In addition, tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat one of the most important cities in the country. Once a reputed corsair haven, Rabat served as one of the many ports in North Africa for the Barbary pirates, who were particularly active from the 16th through the 18th centuries. Hassan Tower & Mausoleum Mohammed V Hassan Tower is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat, Morocco. Begun in 1195, the tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the world along with the mosque, also intended to be the world's largest. In 1199, Sultan Yacub al-mansour died and construction on the mosque stopped. The tower reached 44 m (140 ft), about half of its intended 86 m (260 ft) height. The rest of the mosque was also left incomplete, with only the beginnings of several walls and 200 columns being constructed. The tower, made of red sandstone, along with the remains of the mosque and the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V, forms an important historical and tourist complex in Rabat. Instead of stairs, the tower is ascended by ramps. The minaret's ramps would have allowed the muezzin to ride a horse to the top of the tower to issue the call to prayer. Movies Filmed Here Black Hawk Down American Sniper
ENROUTE: VOLUBILIS Built in and occupied since the 3rd century BC, Volubilis had seen its share of residents Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans before being taken back by the locals by 285. The city remained occupied by Latin Christians, then Muslims, then the Idrisid dynasty, the founders of modern Morocco. In the 11th century, it was abandoned when the seat of power moved to Fes, and the city s stones were looted for the building of Meknes after a powerful earthquake in the 18th century. Under French occupation, excavation identified the site officially as the Roman city of Volubilis. The excavations revealed glorious mosaic floors, temples, a basilica, aqueduct, baths, gates, and as in every good old town brothels. Besides the usual Berber men selling postcards and authentic Roman coins, the city is now occupied by a new kind of resident storks. What better place for these large birds to build their bulky nests than atop a Roman column? The smooth sides protect them from any land animal and their size and paternal protectiveness protects them from above. Storks can be seen throughout Morocco, nesting atop monuments. In 1997, the city of Volubilis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
FES Fez is the second largest city of Morocco, with a population of 1.1 million. Fez was the capital city of modern Morocco until 1925 and is now the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. The city has two old medina quarters, the larger of which is Fes el Bali. It is listed as a World Heritage Site and is believed to be one of the world's largest urban pedestrian zones (car-free areas). University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the world. Chouara Tannery Fez s tanneries are composed of numerous stone vessels filled with a vast range of dyes and various liquids spread out like a tray of watercolours. Dozens of men, many standing waist deep in dyes, work under the hot sun tending to the hides that remain soaked in the vessels. The tanneries processes the hides of cows, sheep, goats and camels, turning them into high quality leather products such as bags, coats, shoes, and slippers. This is all achieved manually, without the need for modern machinery, and the process has barely changed since medieval times, which makes these tanneries absolutely fascinating to visit. At the Chouara Tannery, hides are first soaked in a mixture of cow urine, quicklime, water, and salt. This caustic mixture helps to break down the tough leather, loosen excess fat, flesh, and hair that remain on them. The hides are soaked for two to three days after which tanners scrap away excess hair fibres and fat in order to prepare the hides for dyeing. The hides are then soaked in another set of vats containing a mixture of water and pigeon poop. Pigeon poop contains ammonia that acts as softening agents that allows the hides to become malleable so they can absorb the dye. The tanner uses his bare feet to knead the hides for up to three hours to achieve the desired softness. Fes Hat Buy one! Blue Gate of Fes The towering entryway with its mosaic tiles is the most iconic portal to the old medina, Fes el-bali, the world s largest surviving medieval city and urban car-free zone. The blue on the side that greets new visitors represents the colour of the city of Fes, which is famous for its pottery, painted with elegant cobalt blue designs. The reverse side, which faces the medina, is green the colour of Islam. Built in 1913, the Bab is a doorway between two equally colourful and dynamic scenes, one that feels distinctly 21st century, and the other an intriguing mix of different eras.
RIF MOUNTAINS North East Morocco The Rif or Riff is a mainly mountainous region of northern Morocco, with some fertile plains, stretching from Cape Spartel and Tangier in the west to Berkane and the Melwiyya River in the east, and from the Mediterranean in the north to the river of Wergha in the south. The region's name comes from the Latin word for "edge". Geologically the Rif Mountains belong to the Gibraltar Arc or Alborán Sea geological region. They are an extension of the Baetic System that includes the mountains of the southern Iberian Peninsula across the strait. The the Rif mountains are not part of the Atlas Mountain System. TETOUAN Tétouan is a city in northern Morocco. The Berber name means literally "the eyes" and figuratively "the water springs". Tétouan is one of the two major ports of Morocco on the Mediterranean Sea. It lies a few miles south of the Strait of Gibraltar, and about 60 km (40 mi) E.S.E. of Tangier. In 2014 the city had 463,968 inhabitants. Tétouan's civil airport Sania Ramel Airport is located 6 km (4 mi) to the east. In 1913 Tétouan became the capital of the Spanish protectorate of Morocco, which was governed by the Jalifa (Moroccan prince, serving as Viceroy for the Sultan), and the Spanish "Alto Comisario" accredited to him. It remained such a capital until 1956, when Morocco regained its full independence.