Wildlife Barbary in Morocco

Discover the Barbary Macaque or the Camels of  Wildlife Morocco


 Throughout the footpaths of Morocco, it’s possible to see goats, dab lizards and even the elusive panther (a legend these days).

The wildlife in Morocco has been under attack from humans for many years. Deforestation for pastures and agricultural use, pollution of the water sources in Morocco and overgrazing by livestock, have each played a role in the decrease of wildlife species in Morocco. Currently, there are eighteen mammal species that are on the brink of extinction and the survival of eleven bird species hangs in the balance. The tireless work that is being done by national parks, forest reserves and biological reserves is giving theses species a chance to increase in numbers and are also the best places to catch a glimpse of the exotic and spectacular wildlife in Morocco.

Many marshlands have been drained over the years for use as cultivated land, which has led to the dramatic decline in Purple Heron, White-Headed Duck, Crested Coot and Marble Duck numbers. The destruction of land and plant species has seen approximately 182 plant species being added to the endangered list. Endangered wildlife species in Morocco include the Barbary Leopard, Waldrapp, Mediterranean Monk Seal, Barbary Hyena, Cuviers Gazelle and the Spanish Imperial Eagle. The Sahara Oryx and the Bulal Hartebeest have already become extinct. Fortunately, there is a large variety of wildlife species in Morocco that await the nature enthusiasts.

The Souss Massa Biological Reserve and the Toubkal Biological reserve are known for their large number of bird species and it is estimated that there are more than 200 different species. Visitors can look forward to seeing Waders, Woodpeckers, Spoonbills, Flamingos and a few of the bird species that are on the endangered list. Egyptian Cobras, Golden Jackals, Red Foxes and Leopards are also found in theses reserves. For a rare viewing of Barbary Monkeys, guests should visit the Cedar Forest Wildlife Reserve. The High Atlas region of Morocco has a wonderful variety of elephants, squirrels and colorful butterflies.

Along the desert coast of Morocco, visitors will find Ground Squirrels, Black-Headed Bush Shrikes, Moussier’s Redstarts, Wild Boars, Tiger Blues, Gulls, Ducks, Barbary Falcons, Eagles, Lizards and a multitude of other species. Some of the most breathtaking flowers of Morocco are also found in this region.

Visitors will be able to lose themselves in the great number of different wildlife and bird species in Morocco and will also see why authorities are working so hard to protect the remaining species. The varied landscape of Morocco is home to a spectacular and breathtaking range of wildlife that has become the focal point of conservation.


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Discovering Morocco’s Wildlife

Discovering Morocco’s Wildlife

When people think of wildlife, Kenyan safaris and the Galapagos Islands often come to mind. Few people would consider Morocco to be a destination worthy of visiting for its wildlife, yet well-preserved national parks and vast expanses of forests are not only natural retreats but home to a wide variety of birds, reptiles and mammals.

Morocco has more than 40 different ecosystems with habitats for many endemic species. Over the years, the country’s cities and industrial centers have had a direct impact on the wildlife. Unfortunately, numerous species of plants and animals in Morocco are endangered due to industrialization, but there are still a number of places throughout the country to view wildlife in their natural habitats.

To fully appreciate the wildlife throughout the country, you’ll need to escape the city and travel to the harder-to-reach wilderness preserves, parks and mountainous areas. Breaking Morocco into regions is the best way to visit and appreciate the array of wildlife.

Coastal cities such as Casablanca and Tangier are rampant in marine life, and dolphins, porpoises and sea birds flock to the shores. The Mediterranean monk seal used to be plentiful on the banks of the coast but now they are endangered. White-eyed gulls can be spotted, though in decreasing numbers. If you’d like to support the wildlife on the coast, visit Souss-Massa National Park, which is a refuge for birds. The bald ibis—a beautiful but endangered bird—is a frequent visitor. Birdwatchers from around the world come to this natural reserve to view them.


The desert is home to a completely different variety of wildlife. The Sahara can be a harsh place to live, yet humans and animals have survived and thrived here for centuries. Rodents, snakes, gerbils, jerboas, golden jackals, Cuvier’s gazelle, the addax and lizards all live in the desert. The horned viper is one of the most striking yet dangerous snakes you might encounter on a camel trekking tour through the Sahara. In the desert, animals follow the rain and other sources of water, so taking a white water rafting tour that runs toward the desert can be an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife.

During the time of the Romans, the Barbary lion roamed freely throughout the Atlas and Rif Mountains. Today, it is nearly extinct except for a couple small breeding programs. The Parc Zoologique National in Rabat has a breeding program for the lion to help increase the population. Overhunting and the loss of mountain space has limited the lion’s ability to survive.

The mountains do still provide a place for the Barbary Macaque to live. They are endangered due to deforestation and hunting, and they can be difficult to spot, but if you go on a High Atlas trekking tour and spend the night, chances are you will hear them even if you cannot see them. Eagles, cardinals and butterflies also inhabit the forests. They can be easier to spot than the primates and are equally rewarding to see in the wild.

Regardless of where you travel in Morocco to view wildlife, be respectful of the needs of the animals. If you are interested in helping to preserve the natural wilderness and wildlife in Morocco, tread lightly but know that your visit supports the country’s efforts to protect its environment and natural space.



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Get vaccinations in morocco

Moroccan Travel culture - Health & Safety Tips

Morocco is one of the few countries in Africa where it is not necessary to get vaccinations in order to travel. Nevertheless, if you have not received Typhoid or Hepatitis A shot in the past, it is advisable to get them. Please also inquire with your doctor to make sure you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccines. If you are from a country where cholera is prevalent, an anti- cholera vaccination certificate may be required. Morocco is a country where your health is not in danger when you travel. As long as you follow Travel Exploration Morocco's instructions with regards to traveling safely in our About Morocco section the worst you can anticipate experiencing is an upset stomach or dryness, due to weather conditions, if you have sensitive skin.

With the exception of a few rare cases near Mauritania, Morocco is a malaria free country. Malaria is present in the northern, coastal areas of the country but is not a major problem. Take the usual precautions against being bitten (light colored clothing, insect repellent, etc) and if you are really worried see your doctor about anti-malarial medication before your departure.



Morocco Travel Tips For Food and Water
 v Make sure to drink bottled water only during your travels in Morocco. It is important to be careful with what you eat or drink because many travelers in Morocco get diarrhea at some point during their trip.

v Although Travel Exploration Morocco recommends trying Morocco’s street food to enhance your cultural experience, please be aware that there is risk in purchasing food from local street vendors as it may not always be cooked in the sanitary conditions your stomach is accustomed to. Safe places that many tourists frequent to try exotic foods are Djemma El Fna Square in Marrakesh, the Skala du Port in Essaouira and Port in Agadir. They are typically a safe bet as long as what ever you eat is thoroughly cooked.

v Avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables when traveling in Morocco that you can not peel. Also, make sure to inform your guide regarding all restrictions, especially if spending time in a village, outside of major cities that any meat or fish you consume must be cooked thoroughly.

v Avoid any food that is not prepared when you order it (i.e. buffets, etc). Usually fried and boiled foods are safe. Some travelers have also had problems with unrefrigerated condiments (such as mayonnaise) used in fast food outlets.

v It is also advised not to drink tap water and especially encouraged that you stay away from the south’ s oueds (rivers) and do not buy from itinerant water sellers because bilharzia and schistosomiasis have long been a problem in south. Unless your guide let’s you know its okay, never drink from the mountain streams or swim in them. Also, you may want to keep purification tablets on hand.

v If you do experience diarrhea, it is suggested that you only consume simple foods such as fresh baked bread, couscous and large amounts of bottled water. It is advisable to drink bottled water (check that the cap is sealed - some people might try to sell you tap water in recycled bottles). Be wary of ice or cordials that may be made with tap water. Some hotels provide free bottled water to guests and it’s wise to keep a supply in your room so as not to be tempted with tap water.
v Morocco offers excellent bottled water such as Sidi Harazem, Immouzer and Sidi Ali. If you prefer sparkling water try Oulmès water. Oral re-hydration salts are good to take as well. Usually diarrhea is nothing to worry about and you can alleviate your symptoms by purchasing the equivalent of Imodium from a local French pharmacy. However, if symptoms persist for a week or get worse, you should seek professional help at on of Morocco’s local clinics or hospitals.


Morocco Travel Health Tips

v The current health system is comprised of three sectors: a public sector consisting of both the Ministry of Public Health and the Health Services of the Royal Armed Forces, a semi-public sector, and a private sector. The World Health Organizations and UNICEF have helped prevent eye disorders and venereal diseases in Morocco.

v As a traveler in Morocco you should understand that health conditions in Morocco are only somewhat better than that of a third world country. However, rest assured that the Moroccan health system is generally well developed in Morocco’s larger cities. Morocco’s urban areas and imperial cities have private hospitals that offer good doctors. However, for Moroccans living outside the large cities, it is more challenging to acquire medical attention as they must travel long distances to visit a doctor.




Climate and Health In Morocco

Morocco’s weather and climate conditions can sometimes make travelers sick due to the extreme heat in the summer months. It is possible that in the same day you will experience a bitter cold morning, followed by scorching hot afternoon and a chilly evening. To avoid getting sick always carry an extra warm layer of clothing with you. If you suffer from asthma, rheumatism, or liver problems you should consider avoiding the cities located on the Atlantic coast because the extreme range of climates there may aggravate your health problems. Regardless of your current health condition or where you are traveling within Morocco, make sure to drink plenty of water.




Dangerous Animals In Morocco

Snakes, scorpions and palm rats can attack if you are trekking, hiking, or camping. While it is rare to see these animals, upon preparing for your trip determine if these deadly creatures live in the area you will visit and read up on any necessary precautions. You can also ask your guide about these details and if you will be participating in a trek, your guide or Travel Exploration will let you know what to bring in advance of your travels.




Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Morocco

If you think you may have sex while you are in Morocco, be aware that AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted disease do exist. Please take all precautions and make sure to bring your own condoms.



Health Insurance In Morocco
Although few travelers experience any severe medical problems in Morocco, full health insurance is recommended as it is better to be safe than sorry.


Morocco Travel Precautions During Your Vacation
v Refresh yourself with the excellent bottled spring water: Sidi Harazem, Imouzzer and Sidi Ali are still waters, while Oulmès is sparkling.

v If you are prone to intestinal problems, take an appropriate medicine with you. Make enquiries before swimming in a oued (river) or a lake.

v Take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. If necessary, tourist offices and  major hotels can put you in touch with doctors who speak English, French or other languages.

v No vaccination certificate is required for visitors coming from Europe or America.

v An anti- cholera vaccination certificate may be required of visitors coming from areas where this disease is prevalent.
v Anti-malarial treatment is not necessary.




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Majestic southern dunes in morocco

Majestic southern dunes in morocco

Ouarzazate – M’hamid Morning departure by 4x4 to Agdez where the Dra’a Valley starts, with a short stop here for a tea break, then off-road along the Dra’a Valley’s ancient caravan route as far as Zagora for lunch. In the afternoon the route continues to M’hamid which marks the end of the paved road and the beginning of the Sahara. Here a two-hour camel ride leads to the highest dune to enjoy an unforgettable sunset and to spend the beauty of the night in a nomad tent close to the dunes of Erg Lihoudi.


M’hamid – Cheggaga The return to M´hamid for lunch is on camel back and, in the afternoon, is the departure for the Erg Cheggaga dunes (300m) with 60km of off-road. This route passes different features of the desert; ‘erg’, ‘reg’, ‘hammada’, oases. These dunes are far away from civilization, in the desert proper …… and the silence and the expanse of the sand are overwhelming


Cheggaga – Ouarzazate After breakfast, the road takes us through another 90km of desert with varying scenery; Lake Iriqui, the mountains and fossils. Lunch will be in Foum Zguid, the first village after the desert, where it is also possible to freshen up with a shower. From here the drive back to Ouarzazate is along paved roads via the village of Taznakht, famous for its Berber carpets and rugs, and we arrive in the course of the afternoon.





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Majestic Erg Chebbi in morocco

                               
  holidays in morocco..
Majestic Erg Chebbi   In Morocco
                                     
Ouarzazate – Todgha Morning departure to the Dades
Gorge, passing the Oasis of Skoura, where numerous
 ancient kasbahs, some sadly in ruins, stand amongst the palm trees. From here, our route takes us through Kela’a M’gouna, the Valley of Roses, where we stop to see the cosmetic articles made locally from the valley’s abundant blossoms. These products are well-known throughout Morocco and are highly valued. From here, you take an off-road route to have a better impression of the landscape. You stop in the Dades gorge for lunch. The trip continues a short distance to Tinghir and the very different Toudgha gorges, where you spend the night in a hotel or Kasbah.


Toudgha – Merzouga After breakfast, there is time to walk by the river. Lunch will either be here in the gorges or later at the bivouac at the Erg Chebbi dunes. You drive there via the Oasis of Tafilalet, Erfoud and Rissani. In the afternoon you can take a two-hour camel ride in the Sahara. The sunset from the top of the dunes is spectacular (250m) and afterwards there is dinner and the night in a nomad tent at the foot of the dunes.


 Merzouga – Ouarzazate If you wake up early enough, you can watch the spectacle of the sunrise, when the colour of the dunes and the play of shadows are an awesome sight. The itinerary continues to the Dra’a Valley via the village of Tazzarine (featured in the film ‘Babel’), and on to N’Qob for lunch. In the afternoon the journey takes us to Tanasikht, to drive along the ancient caravan route to discover the real Dra’a Valley, with its huge palm trees and ancient villages. You return to Ouarzazate by the end of the afternoon.



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Mhamid and the Dra'a Valley in Morocco ...M’Hamid – Ouarzazate

Mhamid and the Dra'a Valley in Morocco..M’Hamid – Ouarzazate

 Ouarzazate - M’hamid Morning departure by 4x4 to Agdez, where the Dra’a starts, for a short tea break, followed by some off-road driving along the ancient caravan route, arriving in Zagora in time for lunch. In the afternoon, M’hamid, where the road stops and gives way to the Sahara, is waiting. At a bivouac at the Erg Lihoudi dunes, there is time for a tea-break before riding camels for about an hour and a half. Enjoy the sunset from the top of the highest dune over the distant mountains, before the camels take us back to the bivouac of nomad tents for dinner and a night’s rest.


M’Hamid – Ouarzazate If you wake up early enough, you can watch the spectacle of the sunrise, when the colour of the dunes and the play of shadows are an awesome sight. After breakfast, there will still be time for a longer walk in the dunes. The return trip begins along another track crossing the “hammada” (flat, stony desert) before joining the paved road and drive to Tamegroute for a visit to the potteries. From here the road leads north again to Tamnougalt Kasbah (one of the most ancient Kasbahs in the south of Morocco) for lunch. We arrive back in Ouarzazate, at the end of the afternoon, on the other side of the mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tinfifite (1660m).





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Highest Mountains in Morocco , highest dunes ...holidays in morocco

Highest Mountains in Morocco , highest dunes  ...holidays in morocco

Marrakesh – Tilouine Departure from your hotel or riad into the High Atlas Mountains, across the famous Tizi-n-Test pass, stopping at the Tinmal mosque, which may be visited by non-Moslems. Lunch will be in a mountain restaurant with superb views. Descending the other side we reach Taroudannt, known as “the little Marrakesh”. It is spectacular for its massive ramparts and beautiful medina. We continue to Tilouine, which is the heart of the saffron growing area in Morocco, to spend the night in a riad.


Tilouine – Cheggaga After breakfast we continue towards the desert. We cross the two passes of Tizi-n-Tighatine and Tizi-n-Ikhsane before reaching Kourkouda and Taznakht. This small town is famous for its Berber gelims and carpets. From here we continue south and drive into the Sahara across the stony desert, “reg” and “hammada” and across the now dried-up Lake Iriqui. In the middle of this lake we can search for fossils. Lunch will be in Cheggaga, far away from villages and ‘civilisation’. Here you take a camel ride and can clamber up to the top of the high dunes to watch the sunset. At the foot of the dunes, we have dinner and spend the night in a bivouac of nomad tents.


Cheggaga – Zagora After breakfast in the bivouac, the itinerary crosses another 60 km of desert road via the Sacred Oasis to arrive in M’hamid. Here you will be taken to visit Abdelhadi’s ancestral house in the old village on the opposite side of the Dra’a River. At a riad outside the village, we will stop for a shower, lunch and a rest. Later we take the road again towards Zagora, where we stop for the night in a riad.


Zagora – Merzouga After breakfast, we follow the ancient route of the caravans which used to ply their goods brought from Mali or Mauritania in Marrakesh and Fes. We continue along the Dra’a River, travelling between the river and the mountains past all the Kasbahs and local gardens to get an impression of life here in this remote area of Morocco. Leaving the Dra’a behind, we turn east in Tansikht and start the next step of the journey towards Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes. We stop for lunch at a riad in N’Qob overlooking the mountains. Later we pass through Tazzarine, featured in the film “Babel” and reach the bivouac in Merzouga, where you will be greeted with a glass of tea. If you wish, you can take another camel ride to watch the sun go down over the dunes, followed by dinner and the night a nomad tent.


Merzouga – Tinghir/Toudgha – Dades Gorges:If you wake up early enough, you can watch the spectacle of the sunrise, when the colour of the dunes and the play of shadows are an awesome sight. After breakfast you can walk in the dunes before leaving for Tinghir and the Toudgha gorges for lunch. The road passes through Tinjdad and the Toudgha Valley. Here there are plenty of opportunities to walk, such as along the river through the gardens or up the road on the other side of the gorges. Later the itinerary continues to the Dades Valley and the Dades Gorges for the night in a hotel.


 Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate After breakfast a walk in the Dades Gorges is scheduled. Back at the car, the trip to Ouarzazate continues, going off-road along the Boutarar piste to visit Berber nomads in their caves and partake of a glass of tea with them. From here we continue through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Rose Festival in May, and past the kasbahs of Skoura. In Ouarzazate, you stay in a riad.


Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakesh After breakfast, the route goes on to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a World Heritage site and the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters. It is the most famous Kasbah in Morocco. From there the road continues to Telouet, along the newly asphalted road. This kasbah is set right in the midst of the mountains and was once the seat of the last Pasha of Marrakesh, El Glaoui, from where the highest pass in Africa, Tizi-n-Tichka was controlled. At the end of the afternoon we arrive in Marrakesh.


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