Although it’s geographically anchored to the topmost corner of Africa, Morocco is a country that, in many ways, occupies its own dimension. At its most northerly point, Morocco is less than 15km from Europe. To the east and south, it’s bounded by Algeria and the disputed territory of Western Sahara.
From the 7th century, Arab forces sought to conquer Morocco. They did so eventually, but only in the face of determined resistance from the indigenous Berber tribes. Then along came the French and Spanish, who established protectorates in the first half of the twentieth century. As a result of this unique blend of European, African and Arabic influences, Morocco is unlike any other country.
In the city
If you’re looking for a school trip that’s certain to jolt your students out of their comfort zone, Morocco fits the bill. It’s a mere three-hour flight from the UK and the experience gets going straight off the plane, when you’re met by the bewildering sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech. In Morocco’s cities, everything is surprising, but nothing should be. A local guide is essential while navigating the labyrinthine souks, where carpets are rolled out, sweet mint tea is poured elaborately and snakes are charmed. Shouting traders, roaring engines and the amplified call to prayer vie to see which can be the loudest. Urban life, Moroccan-style, leaves no sense unstirred.
Escape to the country
One of the biggest contrasts in Morocco is the chaos of the cities versus the peace of the countryside. Whether you scale the Atlas mountains, trek into the Sahara desert or explore lush river valleys, you’ll be left with a sense of your own tininess in comparison to the grandeur of the landscape. A night spent camping under the stars puts the universe into perspective.
While Morocco is largely mountainous, a coastline that stretches for over 1800km means it has plenty to offer by way of access to the sea. Those seeking warm water and the comforts of resort life head to the Mediterranean coast. Unbroken swells rolling in from the Atlantic draw surfers to the west of the country, where the coast is varied but always dramatic.
Tucking in
As you might expect from a country where African, Arabic and European influences meet, Moroccan food is packed with flavour. Aromatic spice mixes combining cinnamon with cumin and black pepper bring warmth and intensity to everything from tagines to couscous and roasted vegetables. Fruits, such as preserved lemons and prunes, are commonly paired with meat to balance out richness.
The sharing of food is central to Moroccan culture and the offering of hospitality is taken very seriously. When you’re invited to dine with a Moroccan family, you can expect to sit around a low table and be served from a communal dish. Eating with your hands and mopping up sauces with your bread helps you savour every mouthful.
Making new friends
Around 80% of Morocco’s population is Berber, or Amazigh. These people are renowned for their connection with and understanding of their native land, as well as for being skilled artisans. The Berber reputation for friendliness and hospitality is well-deserved – you’d struggle to receive a warmer welcome anywhere else in the world.
It would be hard to navigate much of Morocco’s interior without the help of Berber guides and tourist income is important to many communities. In keeping with our commitment to responsible travel, we work closely with our local hosts to ensure that experiences and project work are authentic and mutually meaningful.
Adrenaline shots
Of course, exploring the landscape, meeting fascinating people and enjoying good food are important, but so is adventure. If that’s the purpose of your expedition to Morocco, you’ll be well-rewarded. You could try:
- Hiking through passes and along ridges to the top of Mt M’Goun, Morocco’s third-highest peak. The challenging paths are less-trodden than many in the Atlas and the views are worth every moment of muscle-burning exertion.
- Camel-trekking through the Sahara desert or along the Atlantic coastline.
- Getting your board out and catching the Atlantic breeze at Essaouira, which is known as Wind City. Kite-surfers, wind-surfers and, er, surf-surfers can all find waves with the right level of challenge.
- Mountain biking at altitude in the High Atlas, reaching Morocco’s remote interior under your own steam.
- Exploring under the ocean around Agadir, where dive sites are less crowded than elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
Want to find out more? Check out our Morocco itineraries or get in touch to have a chat about a bespoke trip.