The Sahara's in morocco

The Sahara's boundaries are the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean on the north, the Red Sea on the east, and the Sudan (region) and the valley of the Niger River on the south. The Sahara is divided into western Sahara, the central Ahaggar Mountains, the Tibesti Mountains, the Aïr Mountains (a region of desert mountains and high plateaus), Ténéré desert and the Libyan Desert (the most arid region). The highest peak in the Sahara is Emi Koussi (3,415 m/11,204 ft) in the Tibesti Mountains in northern Chad.
The Sahara is the largest desert on the African continent. The southern border of the Sahara is marked by a band of semiarid savanna called the Sahel; south of the Sahel lies Southern Sudan and the Congo River Basin. Most of the Sahara consists of rocky hamada; ergs (large areas covered with sand dunes) form only a minor part.
People lived on the edge of the desert thousands of years ago since the last ice age. The Sahara was then a much wetter place than it is today. Over 30,000 petroglyphs of river animals such as crocodiles  survive, with half found in the Tassili n'Ajjer in southeast Algeria. Fossils of dinosaurs, including Afrovenator, Jobaria and Ouranosaurus, have also been found here. The modern Sahara, though, is not lush in vegetation, except in the Nile Valley, at a few oases, and in the northern highlands, where Mediterranean plants such as the olive tree are found to grow. The region has been this way since about 1600 BCE, after shifts in the Earth's axis increased temperatures and decreased precipitation.Then, due to a climate change, the savannah changed into the sandy desert as we know it now.


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a face of moroccan culture

Geography
Morocco is situated on the north west of Africa and is over 446,000sq km in area. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. The land borders of Morocco are with Algeria, and Mauritania. In the north-west Morocco is separated from Spain by the narrow Straits of Gibraltar.

The capital city is Rabat on the Atlantic Coast. Casablanca, also on the Atlantic coast, is the country's chief port. The city of Fes is the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco, famous for its ancient university. Marrakesh, an oasis at the edge of the desert, is also an important trade centre and the main city of southern Morocco. Tangier in the north, opposite Gibraltar is famous for the many writers and artists who have lived there.

Along the coastline of the Atlantic lies a fertile plain which stretches to the Atlas mountains. Another mountain range, the Rif Mountains, runs west to east a short distance from the Mediterranean coast.

The main rivers of Morocco are the Sebou which runs into the Atlantic and the Moulouya which runs into the Mediterranean.

To the south and east lies the Sahara Desert. The Sahara is the world's largest desert and in Arabic its name means "wilderness". The desert is not entirely flat and waterless. The streams in the hills and the oases in the desert support both human and animal life.

Morocco's climate varies: the north is Mediterranean and the south is subtropical. The sea and the mountains help to maintain a pleasant climate: the winters are mild and the summers are dry. Rain falls mostly in winter and the mountain peaks are covered with snow most of year.

In the desert rainfall is very low and also unpredictable. The daytime temperatures are very high but the nights can be extremely cold.

Environment
The natural environment reflects the wide variations of its geography and climate.

In the desert regions we find the type of plants that can survive with little water; some have very deep roots, others have small leaves or spines instead. The desert animals must also survive with little water and many remain hidden during the heat of the day (like the desert fox); others, such as the gazelles, travel many miles in search of water.

The mountains are often heavily wooded, with firs and cedars on the higher slopes. In winter many of the mountains are covered in snow. Here we will find typical mountain animals and birds such as eagles with some unusual species such as the Barbary Macaque - Africa's only macaque species.

In the plains below the mountains where most of the country's agricultural production is to be found there are orange groves, date palms and forests of cork trees.

Morocco is a very important staging point on the flight path of migratory birds which winter in Africa and spend the summer in Europe. There is a large natural bird reserve where the Moulouya River flows into the Mediterranean.

The natural environment of Morocco is under pressure in a number of ways. The increasing number of tourists and the exploitation of resources such as oil and phosphates may damage the fragile desert ecosystem, while overgrazing and the spread of the desert may threaten the currently productive areas.

Architecture
The architecture of Morocco is basically Islamic and has been heavily influenced by the traditions of those expelled from Spain in the Middle Ages.

The horseshoe shaped Islamic arches, courtyard gardens at the heart of the houses and elaborate decoration of the outside walls are all to be seen throughout Morocco. Other traditional aspects of Moroccan architecture reflect the country's turbulent past in fortified palaces and desert strongholds.

Alongside the historic architecture are the modern buildings of the rapidly growing cities such as Rabat and Casablanca. These modern buildings, while European in style, are still distinctively Moroccan.

Population
The population of Morocco was estimated at 31,968,361 in 2011.

The original inhabitants of Morocco were succeeded by Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans.Three quarters of the people of modern Morocco are of Berber descent. The Berbers were conquered by the Arabs in the seventh and eighth centuries.

Languages
Morocco's official language is Arabic. For historical reasons most Moroccans also speak French and many are fluent in Spanish and English. The Berber language, Tamazight, is still spoken in the Rif and Atlas mountains. Both the Berber language and Arabic are used in a number of local dialects.

Religion
The official religion in Morocco is Islam and the King is spiritual leader of his people as well as the monarch.

The mosque is the centre of Muslim worship and Morocco contains many beautiful and historic examples.

Although the Berbers are Muslims they have retained certain aspects of their own religion, including a reverence for nature.

Around one percent of the people are Christians (mainly French and Spanish). A small number of the people are Jewish, descended from Jews exiled from Spain in the Middle Ages.

Food
Tajine is the national dish of Morocco. It is a stew cooked in an earthenware bowl and made with vegetables and either meat, chicken or fish.

The national drink is mint tea.

Couscous is the traditional Friday lunch made from semolina-like grains of flour and served with vegetables or with sugar, goat's milk and cinnamon as a pudding.

Other Moroccan dishes are harira which is a soup made with chick peas and lentils and pastilla, a flaky pastry filled with pigeon and almonds. Kefta (spicy meat balls) and mechoui (oven or spit roasted lamb) are very popular. Sweets include doughnuts and honey cakes made with almonds, raisins and sesame seeds.

With its long coastline Morocco is particularly well supplied with fish and seafoods.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims break their fast at sunset with a light snack of a soup of meat, lentils and chick peas followed by small pancakes with butter and honey and cakes cooked in oil and covered with honey.


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morocco culture

Morocco was the first third-world country I visited and since I haven't located my diary from this trip the details are often pretty hazy. I drove there from France in early 1986 via a ferry from Spain with my then girlfriend Dominique, going to Meknes, Fez, Marrakech and Rabat. One not only has to watch out for thieves and scammers in Morocco but in Spain as well. There was a booth for passport control before one drove on to the ferry in Spain. I handed over my passport and then realized that the men manning the place were a group of gypsies rather than officials. I luckily got my passport back and just drove on when they claimed some kind of fees were to be paid. French was widely spoken in Morocco, so I was glad to be there with a native speaker. A good friend of Dominique's had grown up in Morocco and gave us the address of friends of his. We showed up unannounced on their doorstep feeling thankful if we would be invited for tea and given a few tips on what to see. We got taken in with unbelievable hospitality by this couple Memon and Badia and spent over a week together. Here was Dominique with Badia, her daughter and sister-in-law.



We learned to eat like the locals, which meant taking food with your right hand from a common dish set in the middle of the table. It was always some kind of meat with veggies. I hadn't given up meat yet and don't know what I would have done at the time if I had. I had learned to make a good couscous, which has practically become the national dish of France. I was surprised then to go to the area of its origin and find out that many people preferred the fine-grained version as a desert, sweet, with hot milk, sugar and cinnamon rather than the middle-grained variety as a main meal, salty, with veggies and/or meat. Sheep and goats seemed to be the most common animals eaten locally, often butchered horribly right in the markets.



Our hosts took us to relatives on a farm where we experienced the traditional lifestyle in the countryside. The patriarch of the large family, with I'm not sure how many wive, was very curious if his cows imported from Holland shouldn't be producing much more milk. Although Dominique and I were living on a rural farm in France, I had to admit ignorance of such things although I supposed that the abundance of nice green grass in Holland must make some difference.



Memon was a teacher and we went to the rural one-room schoolhouse where he worked and I made a juggling show for the kids. There were at least 2 classes in this room, 1 always had to wait while the other was taught. This was one appropriate place where we could donate pens and colored pencils, which we had brought along from France. We had taken a tip from our French language travel guide to take these along as gifts. We found that every kid on the streets of Morocco would come demanding "stylo, stylo" or "pen, pen" so obviously others had taken this tip and freely given pens away. I really have to recommend that people don't do this because it just encourages kids to beg.



Together we visited many places we would never have dared or though to have seen alone including the inner courtyard of this mosque and school.



Many Moroccans dressed in robes and one saw lots of goats and donkeys around. It reminded me of the old biblical movies one used to see on Sunday TV in the States during my childhood, it was all very colorful and intense. While visiting Memon and Badia, we left Dominique's car on a guarded lot. The attendant was an older guy bundled in such robes who carried a large staff. He not only looked the part but I suspect actually was a shepherd who had found work in the city, keeping the thieves at bay from the cars not unlike keeping wolves from the flocks.



It was also a bit awkward that Dominique as a woman would have to do the talking for us both. While visiting some places, she was off with the women and I would be left alone with the men. I asked about the attitude towards women and was assured that their religion and culture much respected women and any restrictions were only to protect them. I keep it to myself but wondered what they needed protection from if the men would really respect and not mistreat the women.

I have to mention that there were many Lebanese engineering students at our University. They were predominately the stereotyped super machos who would go to the discos to dog after women for quick sex. A couple of them confided in me that if one of the few female Lebanese students as much as kissed or dated an American that they should be killed to save the family's honor. This sick concept of honor killing is often argued in terms of Islamic teachings yet these students were all Christians! Obviously, it is a cultural thing rather than strictly a religious one. Still, it was strange for me to see women shoppers on the street in such dress.



One often saw the men hanging around somewhere, chatting with each other, drinking tea or like in this photo, playing a dominos like game.



The landscape on our travels was dry but not quite the barren desert one would find father south. Occasionally, we stopped and chatted with such people riding horses or grazing their animals.





One would come across these villages or towns with their fortified walls, which seemed like a mirage in the barren surroundings.





Kids in such places were very curious yet just like in more touristy spots they tended to beg shamelessly.




...imperial cities of morocco...


The next 3 photos are from Marrakech, which was a beautiful and wild place. I had to think of the popular song about "going to Marrakech" and of some of the hippy road-trip novels set there. The first 2 photos are from the main plaza Djemnael Fna in the center of the old city. There was always lots going on here, people eating, making shows, taking photos etc. These characters were selling water, which one drank out of their brass cups. I guess this was some sort of tradition going back to a time before travelers could get bottled water. I don't know how much water these guys really sell because their main business seemed to be demanding money to have their picture taken.



The following shot shows the proverbial snake charmers. They did have live snakes but always had a couple of stuffed reptiles set out to grab your attention and draw a crowd. I have heard of Europeans juggling here but they mentioned that money is usually collected before you do anything and that the locals didn't really appreciate outside competition.



I would wander through the old markets known as Souks, incognito in my jalaba (traditional hooded robe) pretending disinterest in the souvenirs. Then our Moroccan friends Memon and Badia pictured here with Dominique would go back alone to buy what I wanted for a much better price as everything in Morocco costed at least double for foreigners.





Throughout Morocco, the cities would have a preserved old city called the Medina characterized by small winding streets surrounded by fortified walls with many decorative gateways. Within the Medina was the all-important market place known as the Souk. The narrow streets here were often covered to give shelter from the sun. As foreigners we were always targets for someone to drag us into their carpet or souvenir shop. They would give you tea and then the hard sell and in one huge place they claimed with a straight face that all the merchandise would only be there today, tomorrow the place would be emptied. I got suckered into over paying in such a place for my jalaba but it would prove invaluable as a disguise.





This photo is of the main gate in Meknes which was full of architectural wonders. The most unusual experience was taking a tour of subterranean Meknes. Long ago a European architect was imprisoned and to gain his freedom agreed to design a vast underground complex in Meknes. There were warehouse, stables, barracks, aqueducts and a prison there. It was hard to have any bearings as there are countless similar archways throughout and they stressed that one should stay close to the group as it had happened that a tourist had wandered off and gotten lost in the immense maze.



morocco palaces and mosques
In a kingdom full of impressive architecture, this was one of the most spectacular places we saw. It is a complex in the capital city of Rabat with a mosque, minaret and mausoleum. The mosque and minaret were planned to be the largest in the world but building stopped upon the death of the Sultan in 1199. As at the various royal palaces, the complex was patrolled by the red clad, white caped royal guards.





The beautiful old architecture adorns even many small buildings and arched doorways not just palaces and fortresses. Like in Europe where one might see a quaint little chapel near a huge cathedral, one often saw such a humble mosque within the shadow of a towering minaret.





Upon returning from Morocco we passed through Spain with hardly a nod but when we got to the French border, hearing where we had been, they tore our car apart looking for drugs. Because of my sinus problems and the often dusty conditions we had encountered, there were numerous wadded up pieces of snot filled tissue in the car. I had to smirk, as the border police opened yet another tissue thinking they would find contraband inside, only to find something unpleasantly slimy. They got so fed up with this that when they finally opened the trunk, which was completely filled with trinkets, they took one glance, slammed it shut and sent us on our way.


So, those were just a few tales from my many travels over the last twenty and something years. I hope you've enjoyed another side of a traveling clown! If you want, write me an email or better yet, book my show or set a link to this website or just state me as the beneficiary of your will!

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Tango by Demetre H. Chiparus in Morocco

 Tango by Demetre H. Chiparus in morocco


 This bronze statue by Demetre H. Chiparus is handmade and cast in the traditional Lost Wax Casting Process. This insures a quality bronze sculpture that may be passed down from generation to generation. The Tango is one of the most popular dances. It originated in Spain or Morocco, and was brought into the New World in the 19th century. It began as a dance for a woman and eventually turned into a couples dance. Mounting brackets can be welding onto the jumbo size for an additional $49.95.

The Tango is one of the most popular dances. It originated in Spain or Morocco, and was brought into the New World in the 19th century. Freight is included in the price of this piece. This bronze will last forever outdoors. It is made to stand up to the elements and will look great wherever you place it with little or no maintenance. This is an excellent quality bronze masterpiece for impressive display in home, office, outdoors or as gifts. Our quality bronze sculpture can proudly be passed down from generation to generation. For over 40 years our bronzes are Foundry Direct which are handmade and cast in the traditional Lost Wax Casting Process like a 100 years ago. You are assured highest quality and lowest price. We guarantee the lowest price on the market. If you find a comparable bronze at a lower verified price we will do our best to beat it by $10.00 or more. Most mounted onto a green marble base. Most bronzes are signed on base .Please click on the thumbnail images above to see additional views of this detailed artwork, and then click on any image to enlarge it. We guarantee your satisfaction. If there are any questions please call so you can speak with a helpful, friendly and knowledgeable sales staff at Toll Free 1-866-870-5271.

*All measurements shown are approximate/Prices subject to change. We have thousands of bronzes to choose from and the largest selection all at wholesale prices to the public.


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Currency in Morocco

Can I take Moroccan currency into Marrakech

I have read a guide book which is ambiguous as to whether you take Moroccan dirhams into the country. It states that you cannot take it out but seems to suggest that you cannot take it in at one point. I have read another link about using ATMs and bureaux de change but it would be useful to have some currency on arrival for tips etc.

The Dirham is only available in Morocco, and the import and export of the currency is limited to 1000Dh. Most of the main foreign currencies may be exchanged at a Bureau de Change in the airport or port upon arrival, at a bank or in most hotels, although smaller hotels in more remote areas may not be able to exchange large amounts at one time without prior notice. Most hotels will exchange at the same rate as the banks, and without charging commission. Exchanging money in the street is illegal, so travelers should look for official Bureaux de Change, identifiable by a golden sign. Travelers should be advised to keep the receipts of currency exchange, as these will be required for the conversion of Dirham back to foreign currency prior to departure; this rule is not always adhered to though.

When bringing dollars, pounds, euros etc, make sure that they are in near perfect condition - not torn or scribbled on. Do not bring Australian dollars, Scottish or Irish sterling notes - impossible to cash.

Current exchange rates can be checked at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Credit Cards

Some credit cards are accepted (especially Visa, MasterCard), although surcharges will likely apply, or an unfavourable exchange rate will be used.

Advise your bank or card issuer that you intend to travel abroad so that no block will be put on the usage of your credit or ATM cards. Notify the issuer and give them a 'phone number where you can be contacted abroad. 

Before travelling, ensure you make a note of all credit card numbers and associated contact numbers for card issuers in case of difficulty. The numbers are usually free to call as you can reverse the charges, make it clear to the operator of your hotel, riad etc that you wish the call charge to be reversed.

ATMs

Multiple ATMs can now be found in most towns and accept Visa cards, Maestro, Cirrus etc and these will usually give you a better exchange rate than changing cash. Check with your bank for charges for using ATMs abroad.

Popular destinations such as Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir etc have ATM's in hotels as well as on all main roads. The medina of Marrakech has in excess of 20 ATM's. 

Using a credit card (VISA etc) to obtain money from ATM's is also possible but one must remember that interest is charged from the moment money is dispensed. The normal practice of an interest-free period which applies to purchases, typically over 50 days, made on the card does NOT apply to cash withdrawals. Banks will allow cheques to be cashed but must be supported by a guarantee card.

ATM's generally dispense only 100 and 200 dirham notes so getting change for small everyday purchases like water, taxis etc can be a challenge. At weekends you may have difficulty acquiring cash as machines are not generally restocked. Sometimes your card may work in some machines and not others, or may support smaller withdrawals rather than larger ones, and may work at some times and not others. You should ensure you have a backup means of funding your visit. Some cash changing ATM's will not always accept the new UK £20 note, and be prepared for a complete meltdown of ALL the ATM's in Essaouira, which are working fine the following day.

Travelers are advised not to carry travellers cheques as it is very difficult to find a bank that will cash them and although hotels will cash these, the commission rates are high. If you do take them, take larger value denominations to reduce the commission as this is charged per cheque.

When making payments with a credit card, for example at a hotel for services, it is vital to memorise the PIN as signatures in many instances are not accepted, however certain establishments such as restaurants may still use the old method of signing.

We are arriving at Marrakech airport at 7pm on a Saturday evening in March (2011) will there be a bureau de change open at this time? Which would be the best/cheapest method of getting money converted for taxis, food etc at this time of night, bearing in mind the next day is also on a weekend? Many thanks

Change your money at the B de C which will be open until the last flight of the day (whatever time that may be). There are also 2 ATM machines but you will pay around 5% in charges which are not applicable at the B de C.

Try to get some small change from B de C, tell him you need this for the taxi. 

Taxi's are notorious here, frequently not using the meter or just shouting a fare at you; pay no more than 80Dh to the centre unless you are going to the Palmeraie which is much further away.

There will be many places still open for a decent meal; where are you staying? 

There are several hundred ATM's in Marrakech so the chances of them all being depleted of cash is virtually zero; you may just have to do a lot of walking.

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Hello, I am travelling to Marrakech this coming Friday. I want to know for sure re currency. I know that poeple are saying you cannot get Dirhams in the UK, well you can, and I have from a legitimate foreign exchange company who have branches in London. They at first this company told me by phone that they did Dirhams and that it was restricted, allowing 1000 dirhams per person. With that I travel to get these Dirhams. I got there and one of the staff said "no you cant take dirhams in or out" i told him what one of his staff told me to which this staff member then looked it up in there apparently recent guide book which did state 1000 per person into the country. I got 2000 dirhams for me and my partner and i am just a little concerned that if i get to Marrakech, i'll lose them some how. I'm reading some people saying on blogs like this that you cant get Dirhams here, so i think they just assume you can't take them in. It seems very clear that you can't take Dirhams out. How likely is it that they will even check my wallet or know i have dirhams coming in? I just need to know how i can find out 100% what the rules are.

It is possible to get Moroccan Dirhams in UK but the problem is that you will not get the official rate of around 13Dh to 1GBP, more than likely you will get around 8 or 9Dh.

When you are advised that you cannot get Dirhams outside of Morocco this is true as it is (note IS) a closed currency and should not be available.

Furthermore, the amount you can take into Morocco is 1000Dh per person. It is feasible that people have had Dh left over from a previous visit so it is allowed to bring these into Morocco and you do not have to declare them if equal to or less than 1000Dh per person.

The other problem is that when you ask for Dirhams you may well get (or have got if you have already gone) UAE Dirhams which are not the same.

Perhaps you can let us know what you got.

I have 400 morrocan Dirham which I can't get rid of! Anyone want these as I won't be going back there. A small donation would be nice.

No, unlike Egypt (or is it Turkey?) who charge for a visa on entry Morocco does not.

The only bureaucratic nonsense is to fill in an entry certificate which asks for personal details such as where you originate, date and place of birth, occupation, where you are staying and a few other questions. You will have to fill one in if you move around Morocco staying in different hotels/riads.

This is the only cause for a lengthy delay at immigration antry points where the police (yes, ploice) check all details closely so be sure you have all info to hand and make sure your passport has a minimum period of validity of 6 months otherwise get it changed immediately. 

You should be given one of the certificates on board the flight and on departure from Morocco. 

If you want to see whet they look like get in touch jklejna@aol.com

This depends from where you are travelling.

If you are in a Euro-zone country then it makes sense to only take Euro's and exchange when there.

If you are from the UK then you should take only GBP and exchange these on arrival. It makes no sense to change GBP into Euro's only to then change € to Dirhams paying exchange rates twice.

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Would you say its best to change all your cash upon arrival at the airport (as my OH would like). I was thinking of taking half cash and then use a card a few days into hol to pull out rest.

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Hi, can anyone tell me if the bureau de change will be open at 11pm in agadir airport? My plan is to buy currency on my uk debit card, is this possible? As I an assuming I will incur less if any charges from this method???

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Hi we are visiting agadir in September, our flight is scheduled to land at 21.55. We are curious as to whether the bureau de change will still be open then? and if it is possible to buy dirhams on our visa debit cards in order to eradicate expensive bank surcharges and conversion rates that apply on ATM cash withdrawals?

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Sarah - I would not change all your cash but maybe about £100 or €150's worth. This dependes largely on your spending habits.

I take cash but generally use only my debit card in the ATM. The cash is fo emergency use only. I wrote an article dated 6 Feb above if you want to have a read.

Erica - I expect the B de C will be closed at that late hour but not entirely sure as I have never arrived that late.

There are ATM facilities in the airport so use this. If that doesn't work and you are planning on getting a taxi, ask the driver to stop at a bank in town. You cannot get Dirhams by any means other than cash at the airport B de C.

E180 - same conditions apply as above. You cannot buy Moroccan currency with a debit or credit card at the airoprt. B de C will ONLY accept paper money which must be in near perfect condition.

Sorry to disappoint you but in Morocco you have to play by their rules and don't forget to notify your bank or other card issuer if intending to use ATM facilities. You are a long way from home!

 

Can you confirm whether you're better off changing cash or using the ATMs as the info given seems to be contradictory. Many thanks.

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Hi can anyone tell me if there are any rules about children going to marrekesh. Passports will be year old by the time we go. Children will be 2 and 10 years old. Its mySecond holiday ever so very inexperienced traveler. Any advice very welcome.

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Hi can anyone tell me if there are any rules about children going to marrekesh. Passports will be year old by the time we go. Children will be 2 and 10 years old. Its mySecond holiday ever so very inexperienced traveler. Any advice very welcome.

Using ATM does involve double charging, a subject currently being investigated by the UK government. 

The charges are those which your card issuer charges and also the bank which is dispensing money.

There is a Bureau de Change at the airport which is normally open until the last flight in, unless there have been delays at your end. This will offer the official rate of exchange at the time. Exchange rates can vary each week when set on a Friday.

There are certian cards like Schwab VISA debit and maybe Capital One which will reimburse you for ATM transactions worldwide.

Always use banks, ATM or B de C for cash acquisition as hotels tend to give slightly less.

Also never use travellers cheques in Morocco. 

If this link works then check out my article on Banks and Money in Morocco:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g293730-s601/Morocco:Banks.And.Money.html

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Having recently reurned to the UK from Casablanca - here are a few tips - be prepared to have a very lengthy wait at Passport control in the Airport (40mins I queued for) -the Burea de Change will NOT accept UK notes, chqs or Credit cards to obtain MAD but there is an ATM outside on the right where you can obtain Moroccan Dirhams.

The Red Taxi's are by far the friendliest and cheapest mode of transport but there's not many at the Airport - usually White Mercedes - establish a price with the driver before you get into the car (300MAD takes you to the centre of Casablanca) - ACIMA Supermarkets have alcohol (usually hidden in a room in the basement) - Merlot is nice (55-60MAD) and there appears to be an additional Tax levied on certain goods.

Go see the Mosque, Old & New Medina and beautiful Park on the journey into Town - that's the sights taken care of but do try Rick's Cafe at the Port - delicious 4* food and service

p.s. I have MAD to sell if anyone interested? - 578 : £40

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OUZOUD WATERFALLS

Now let’s see: “power and untamed wildness” Your words, not mine. Hmmm. Now who are you describing? All of that aside, looks like a great “personal day.” I can just about see the “chill bumps” on your skin with the temp of the water. Fun. You never seem to run out of places to go or things to do. As you may know, we were discussing your parents’ and your trip(S) in the near future. What a way to spend some time after school is over…..and you think the kids are the only ones who are looking forward to the summer vacation. Until next time.  

If I had to describe my enthusiasm for waterfalls I guess I would say – I think they are stunning, exotic, perplexing, thrilling, and always always worth while.  You have to ask yourself, why is it so beautiful- and often I can’t pin-point any one thing, its the combination, of the most incredible amount of water flowing huge distances towards the earth, free falling – like man is never able to do (without assistance) and the surrounding cliffs that exude danger.  Perhaps It is power and untamed wildness wrapped into something that looks so feminine and dainty.  …Did you think i was describing a woman there for a second?  haha… back to the point- I love waterfalls, they say to me – this earth had to be made by the most imaginative, free, and beautiful being – none other could create such a spectacular display.  Ultimately, they just make me feel good.

Brandon and I decided to take a “personal day” and go camping in the Atlas mountains.  - This was a very smart decision.  I loved every second of it, and it made the 4 hour drive each way, well worth it.  The hiking was great, the view was amazing, and the surprise of it all was the best part.  Although a little touristy on the weekend, it was perfect because as you hiked down the sides of the falls you could hear the locals playing their drums and singing their rhythms – it was quite exotic really.
We had to get in the water, there were tons of little waterfalls when you got down to the bottom of the gorge, and you could swim in the pools created by them.  The one you see below, supposedly you can swim behide those falls into a little cave- but it was FREEZING, so we didn’t stay in long enough to explore.  

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The Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Waterfalls



Though chiefly associated with rolling sand dunes and desert vistas, Morocco also features some spectacular sights that one wouldn't expect to see in a North African country. Case in point: the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Located in Morocco's Azilal province 95 miles north-east of Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls (or "Cascades d'Ouzoud" in French) present a striking picture of beauty that is all the more unexpected compared to the ruggedness of the surrounding country.

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a complex network of waterfalls that cascade one into another through 3 major and several minor drops. From top to bottom, the chain of waterfalls stretches 330 feet. The brilliant white of the stirred-up water contrasts dramatically with the rich red sandstone outcroppings of the El Abid river gorge. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, the Ouzoud Waterfalls offer visitors a number of options to best view this astonishing natural wonder.

From the base of the falls, a path winds between ancient olive trees that have given their name to the falls - "Ouzoud" means "olive" in the Berber language. For those who prefer a bird's eye view, there are a number of small roads that lead to the summit and then descend to the bottom. Be sure to watch carefully as the sun sets: that's when extended family groups of the local monkeys visit the falls to play amongst the splashing waters and rising mists.

As befits its importance to Morocco as a scenic destination and as recognition of the fragile ecosystem around the Ouzoud Waterfalls, local, regional and national government bodies are spearheading conservation projects intended to protect the area and prevent its exploitation. Should you be lucky enough to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls, perhaps as a side trip from a vacation in Marrakech, do your part by not discarding litter. Preserving the Ouzoud Waterfalls for future generations to enjoy is a gift to both future visitors and sign of respect for your gracious Moroccan hosts.


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