Meets Berber in Morocco

Meets Berber in Morocco


Morocco Berbers

Different tribes of Berbers inhabit different regions in Morocco. Drawa Berbers are found in the Draa Valley. The Dades live in the North East, The Mesgita, Seddrat and Zeri tribes are along the rives of the North West. Moroccan Rif region is home to the Ghomara.

To better know the Berbers of Morocco, book a Moroccao tour adventure, trekking in the High Atlas mountains as well as other places. Visit the palm oasis’s of the Draa Valley or explore the Sahara by camelback, just to mention a couple. You’ll visit the many villages along the way. The Berber people are incredibly friendly and will offer to share a glass of famous Moroccan mint tea or cook you a traditional Moroccan dish for your dinner.

Your Moroccan tour guide will help you chose the best route for you. Visit the markets of Marrakech or Fez and you will find many examples of Berber craftsmanship. Stunning silver jewelry by Tuareg and Amazigh artists, handmade babouches or belga made in the workshops are among the treasures you will find. If your tastes run to elegant embroidered caftans, or textiles such as Berber carpets, pillows, kilims and so forth you will find them too.

Talk to your Moroccan tour guide and operator and find your self on a vacation of your dreams. A Moroccan adventure will take you from the modern cities on the coast to Berber villages high in the Atlas or Rif Mountains where you can even trek in Chefchaouen.

You can go trekking or visit during one of the many festivals to see age-old Berber customs being practiced in today’s world. Stay in a modern riad or an ancient Kasbah. It matters not where you go in this magical land as you will find the adventure of a life time. You can customize your tour to suit your interests and needs. Book your Morocco tour and begin your adventure today.

In the past five years, I have lived in five different cities in three countries--not to mention taking an eight month world trip. If that doesn't classify as nomad status, please tell me what does. With that being said, none of my said “nomad activities” had prepared me for the Berber nomads I would encounter in the mountains of Morocco.

It was a drizzly morning, and my travel buddy Sam and I set out for a hike through Morocco's famous Todra Gorge.  Half way into our journey the wind picked up, and the blowing rain caused us to lose the hiking trail. Debating whether or not to turn back, we agreed to hike a few more yards in hopes of picking up the trail again.

We couldn’t find the trail, but we did stumble upon a settlement of three caves surrounded by stone corrals with goats and chickens running wild. I was elated! I had heard stories of the indigenous Berber nomads residing in caves throughout the Moroccan mountains, but never did I expect to personally encounter these intriguing people. I quietly crept through the village, discreetly taking pictures when I eyed a family huddled around a fire cooking in their cave. Just as I pointed this out to Sam, the father turned to notice us. Just as I reached to clutch my backpack and bolt out of the village, (for fear the family would become upset at the sight of a trespasser) the man surprised me with a waving gesture. I would have normally declined, but the idea of meeting real Berber nomads was irresistible, and knowing this would surely make a great story for Let's Go, I only had one option; to enter.

The cave was ten feet deep with a seven foot ceiling and a stack of blankets lining the back wall. I could tell it was a well-loved cave as the walls were caked in dark soot from years of fires. The husband arranged blankets at the end of the cave for us to sit on. Through an act of charades and relaying the two words we knew in Berber, (saha-thank you and besaha-cheers) we introduced ourselves and thanked the family for inviting us in.

They poured us two glasses of thyme tea and handed us bread heaping with roasted vegetables. We ate our food wide-eyed while watching the family chat and the children playing on the dirt floor. We were amazed with our luck and the opportunity to experience true nomad life. We eventually thanked the family and continued on our way. The wife was even kind enough to redirect us to the hiking trail.

For the remainder of the hike I couldn't get my mind off these nomads and their cave lives. They didn't have bank accounts, running water, or even an address. They lived off of the land, trading their handmade textiles for clothes and food from the Arab Moroccans and gathering their belongings and move to Western Sahara for the winter when the weather became too cold. Yet, here they were inviting us into their cave and sharing with us the little food they had.

I thought long about the true meaning of nomad—someone without a home, moving from place to place. While I technically fall into that category, I have to give credit to the Berbers for being much more hardcore!


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We’re Headed to Morocco

We’re Headed to Morocco



Drum roll, please… Salaam Aleikum! It’s fabulous Morocco!

(Did you already figure that out from the title? Smartie!)

With 45 percent of the vote, Morocco only edged out Peru (38%) at the very last moment. Poor Turkey was left in the dust with just 16 percent of the vote, leading me to believe that Turkey must be one of the world’s best kept secrets. Kirsten & I have both been there and loved it!

Anyhow, now it’s time for Kirsten and I to plan our upcoming trip to see all that Morocco has to offer, AND most importantly to you, to give away a spot on the trip to one lucky reader each. How exciting is that?!



A little about Intrepid Travel’s Morocco Experience

Intrepid’s Morocco Experience trip features 15 action packed days from Casablanca to Marrakech. We’ll see the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, camp in the sandy Sahara Desert, sleep in a hotel made of Saharan sand, visit the medieval old town of Fes and take a million pictures of colorful, photogenic spice markets & souqs along the way.

Did you know?

Morocco is heavily influenced by French language & culture having once been a French protectorate. Morocco gained political independence in 1956.
Morocco is the 57th largest country in the world.
Morocco has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Spain to the north, Algeria to the east the and Western Sahara to the south.
Morocco is the only African country not in the African Union.
Almost all Moroccans speak Berber, Moroccan Arabic or French as mother tongues.
How to Enter

Entering to win is super easy – just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget below and boom – you’re halfway there!

A few weeks ago, I notified you of the amazing flight deals to Morocco in March and April. The following day, the wife and I got to talking, and we decided, hell, why not? So we went ahead and booked the tickets, which includes a brief overnight stay in Madrid. So we are off to Morocco this Spring. I’ll certainly be sharing plenty, possibly even while I’m there, so stay tuned. Thanks LittleEarthquake.com for the amazing deal! Of course, as your benevolent blogger, I’ll continue trying to find some amazing deals for you, too. Just remember, it’s up to you to make the next move…


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Sahara and the impact in Dakhla

Sahara and the impact in Dakhla


Throughout the past years the conflict between the Saharan people and the Moroccans has stayed ablaze with their conflicts. In the Sahara which is metaphorically impossible to hear the gospel has been a place where great impact has taken place, people coming to the knowledge Christ through visions and dreams. What has caused all this amazing work that has taken place?

In the city of Dakhla I have had privilege to sit with one young guy who was a soldier for the Saharans and fought against the Moroccans, and talking to him was a little occurred with him because he wasn’t comfortable because of the nervousness of his faith and the experience he has with people, looking at him and seeing the pain of suffering within his face I made him understand that I wasn’t there to conflict but to have a chat. Talking with him he later opened about his faith in Christ and made me astonish, I later wanted to hear more about his experience he had.

I introduce myself and he later introduce himself as Hamza (to leave his real name secret because of the danger he is) Hamza spoke to me with the story of how he came to the faith.

Hamza said: “I was one day sitting under a tree and a man came to me asking what I was doing there sleeping, he later spoke to me saying I’m resting because I need rest as I am looking after the sheep, later on the man said the true rest is with the one who you will spend eternity with, I later looked at him and saying to myself, is this an Imam or a holy man speaking to me, the man told me to go back to my tent where I will find a book waiting for me there. I went back home and found that an “injil” (Bible) was there and began to read it and asked myself how can this be false? As it’s full of love, forgiveness and redemption for all humanity.

Hamza was searching for the truth and found it through Christ and later opened up to me and shared the pain he has gone through as he accepted Christ.

Following Christ is with a price of losing your life. Hamza had to change where he lived as there were people after him because of the decision that he made to follow Christ, even today the chase for his life is there. According to Hamza there are believers in the Sahara today and it through fellowship with another that builds their faith in the situation that they are in.

I had the privilege to sit with Hamza for tea and encouraged him with his faith and prayed alongside with that God will open the doors for the Sahara.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Jesus Christ.



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Dakhla, Morocco

Dakhla, Morocco





Dakhla is a small town around 1000km south of Essaouira, located on a 48km long and 4km wide peninsula which stretches into the Atlantic Ocean, creating a huge lagoon.

Dakhla was founded in 1502 by Spanish settlers during the expansion of their Empire. The Spanish interest in Western Africa in desert coast of Sahara was the result of fishing activities carried out from the nearby Canary Islands by Spanish fishers and the Barbary pirates menace.
Spaniard fishers were seal fur traders and hunters, fishers and whalers in Sahara coast from Dakhla to Cabo Blanco from 1500 to present, extending by West coast of Africa to whaling humpback whales and whale calves, mostly in Cape Verde, and Guinea gulf in Annobon, São Tomé and Príncipe islands just to 1940. These fishing activities have had a negative impact on wildlife causing the disappearance or endangered of many species, it highlighting marine mammals and birds.

They established whaling stations with some cod fishing and trading. In 1881, a dock was anchored off the coast of the Río de Oro Peninsula to support the work of the Canarian fishing fleet.
However, it was not until 1884 that Spain refounded formally the watering place as Villa Cisneros, in the settlement dated in 1502 by papal bull. It was included in the enclaves conceded to the Spanish at east of the Azores islands. In 1884, the settlement was promoted by the Spanish Society of Africanists and funded by the government of Canovas del Castillo. The military and Spanish Arabist Emilio Bonelli recognized the coast between Cape Bojador and Cabo Blanco, founding three settlements in the Saharan coast: one in Villa Cisneros in honor of cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros, another in Cabo Blanco for seal hunting, which gave the name of Medina Gatell, and another in Angra de Cintra with the name of Puerto Badia, in honor of the Arabist and adventurer Domingo Badia. Bonelli got the native inhabitants of the peninsula de Río de Oro signed an agreement which placing them under the protection of Spain. Thanks to the presence of the three seatlements in December that year The Spanish government put in communication of the Collonial Powers assembled at the Berlin conference, which was adjudged possession of the territory lying between Cape Bojador and Blanco.

During the colonial period, the Spanish authorities made Dakhla the capital of the province of Río de Oro, one of the two regions of what was known as Spanish Sahara. They built a military fortress and a modern Catholic church, both of which remain points of interest for visitors to the city. A prison camp also existed here during the Spanish Civil War, at which writers such as Pedro García Cabrera were imprisoned.
During the 1960s, the Francoist dictatorship also built here one of the three paved airports in Western Sahara at Dakhla Airport. Between 1975 and 1979, Dakhla was the province capital of the Mauritanian province of Tiris al-Gharbiyya, as Mauritania annexed portion of Western Sahara. Dakhla Airport is used as public airport and by the Royal Air Maroc. The 3 km. long runway can receive a Boeing 737 or smaller planes. The passenger terminal covers 670 m² and is capable to handle up to 55,000 passenger/year.

The main economic activity of the city is fishing and tourism. In recent years the town has become a centre for aquatic sports, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and surf casting.

The location of our brand new Club Mistral & Skyriders center is on the north-eastern coast of that peninsula.
The huge sandy lagoon provides fantastic conditions with constant winds throughout the whole year, flat water and more than enough space.
Beginners, professionals and everybody else will find kitesurfing at its best here. As an added bonus the other side of the peninsula offers perfect wave conditions which can be reached within no time by car.

Apart from kitesurfing there are many other activities which will make your stay an active and diverse one – at Club Mistral & Skyriders Dakhla you can be sure to have a fantastic holiday in an untouched environment far away from mass tourism.
Dakhla is a diamond in the rough, a new born kitesurfing mecca which you won´t find a second time in the whole wide world.


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General info about Morocco

General info about Morocco

Marrakech lies on a plain between the Middle and High Atlas mountains. It is one big oasis in a desertlike landscape. We have seen mainly palmtrees (dades) and olive trees, but also orange trees and cactusses. Except for a lot of birds we have seen some exotic animals on Jemaa el Fna square (snakes, monkeys) but they live in captivity.
Click for more information about the flora and fauna in Morocco.

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. The country has made improvements in human rights under King MOHAMMED VI and its press is moderately free. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.
Morocco has a subtropical climate, tempered by oceanic influences that give the coastal regions moderate temperatures. Toward the interior, winters are colder and summers warmer, a more continental climate. At high altitudes temperatures of less than -17.8° C (0° F) are not uncommon, and mountain peaks are covered with snow during most of the year.


Rain falls mainly between November and April. Precipitation is heaviest in the northwest and lightest in the east and south. The last few years there almost has been no rain in the south and east of Morocco.
The warmest month in Marrakech is August, with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. We visited in September and at day it was between 32 and 40 degrees, at night between 24 and 29 degrees.
Morocco is surrounded by the Mediterranean in the north, the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Algeria in the east and Mauretania in the south. There are two mountain ranges in Morocco: the Rif Mountains and the Atlas. The Rif lies parallel to the Mediterranean coast, it's highest peak being the Tidirhine (2,456 m). It is an inaccesible range with a lot of erosion. The Atlas consists of the Middle Atlas (the northwestern range) and the High Atlas which is connected to the southern range, the Anti-Atlas. In the High Atlas, which separates the Atlantic coast from the Sahara, lies the highest peak of North Africa (Djebel Toubkal, 4,165 m). The greater part of the population lives on the fertile plains along the coast. South and east of the Atlas Mountains are dry steppes and deserts.

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Morocco Travel - A brief overview

Morocco Travel - A brief overview

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Mediterranean coast in the north and the endless expanses of the Sahara desert in the south lies the Kingdom of Morocco in northwest Africa. As the geographical limits of the desert, the Atlas serves, a great mountain range that runs through the country from southwest to north east almost completely. The highest elevation in the Atlas is the Djebel Toubkal, 4,200 meters high, just south of the city of Marrakech situated. The atlas also ensures the water supply of the whole country, the peaks in the winter months, usually covered by snow,. The water is then used after thawing for irrigation Crossing the country from the capital Rabat to the east, you meet on fertile landscapes, dense cork forests and impressive rock formations. In addition to the large coastal cities in Agadir , Casablanca , Rabat and Tangier are also in the inland cities were of considerable size, such as Fez and Meknes . These centers represent the modern day Morocco and combine western lifestyle with Arab tradition. In the mountainous regions of the Atlas, however, lives the original Morocco - small nomadic tribes who live on the other livestock and from trading in carpets and traditional handicrafts.

Morocco - A valley in the Atlas Mountains


South of the Atlas finally starts the Moroccan desert, which in turn forms part of the Sahara desert. She acted in the past as a bridge between Europe and Africa and was therefore covered by numerous trade routes. The outskirts of the desert are lined with large palm oasis with lush vegetation and provide a wonderful backdrop for vacationers. head of Morocco's King Mohammed VI in 1999, eldest son of King Hassan II, who died in the same year, suddenly and unexpectedly. . The new young king is very popular with his people and is committed to the democratization of the country and to strengthen the rights of women nevertheless determined the religion - Islam - still a large part of the lives of Moroccans. Ramadan is strictly observed, as a rule, made ​​pilgrimages to Mecca and the daily prayers must not be missing for most Moroccans. A great holiday is the Feast of Sacrifice "Aid el-Kebir," which reminds us of the goodness of God who allowed Abraham to sacrifice him to a ram instead of his son. The festival is held annually in December and enchants its visitors with happy, singing and dancing people roaming the streets and houses. The culinary highlight is the hard one - no one shall suffer hunger on this day, therefore the delicious dishes interspersed with each other. For travelers, Morocco is a paradise. Whether beach holiday on the mile-long sandy beaches, or Morocco tours with ever-changing attractions. Here in Morocco, everyone finds their dream vacation. Spend your vacation in Morocco - a land of history, style, and many fascinating faces!


Holidays in Morocco

Make holiday in Morocco? I only go away - that is to say that many a. Too large, the prejudice against an Islamic holiday destination. Why is it just a very modern Islamic state, Morocco, in which religion is lived though - they are nevertheless open to Western culture.

220,000 German tourists spent a holiday in Morocco in 2012. That is 80,000 more visitors than they did seven years ago. The trend is upward and stops, and the dawn of the "Arab Spring" has not changed anything. Besides the typical Badeurlauben in the seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean, especially Morocco tours are always popular.




The tourist infrastructure is very good. Hotels and Riyadh `s are available in various categories from luxury accommodation to simple accommodation option is to find everything.

Many hotels offer water sports are offered in addition to the typical and extensive spa treatments.

Spa & Thalasso therapy, or even a visit to a traditional hammam, massages and relaxing - just try it once.

Who leaves his hotel complex once may plunge into the magic of 1001 when he strolls in picturesque old towns with winding streets, where you can marvel at ancient crafts preserved. The smells of the markets in which not only spices with all other possible trades are indescribable.

Morocco does a lot for tourism. The population is informed about the "right" deal with tourists, it stops to cleanliness in the towns.

Morocco opens up the original, especially the one who chooses for his vacation a trip around Morocco. But even in the mountainous hinterland of Morocco brings some of the growing tourism modernity, and especially new sources of revenue for the Berbers who live here.

Morocco has many faces - but once they get to know your Morocco holiday.


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Imperial Cities & Deserts

Soak up the atmosphere in Marrakech's famous Djemaa el Fna, explore Ait Benhaddou - the legendary fortified Kasbah, star gaze in the vast and silent Sahara desert and step back in time in Fes - the world's oldest medieval city.

Day 1: Marrakech

Arrival in Marrakech airport where you will be met by the On the Go guide and transferred to your hotel or riad in the centre of town. Meet your guide for a tour briefing and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the vibrant Djemaa el Fna square in the evening with the snake charmers, story tellers , food stalls and souks all in full swing. Overnight - Marrakech

Day 2: The Old Medina of Marrakech

This morning enjoy a guided tour or Marrakech, taking in all of the highlights of the Medina (old city centre) - the Koutoubia Mosque, palaces, souks and the old mellah (Jewish quartier). In the afternoon perhaps a visit to the peaceful Jardins de Majorelle to relax. Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Imperial Cities & Deserts - 10 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Day 3: Ouarzazate

Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. It's an early start today when the transportation and your mountain guide arrives at the Hotel to take you towards the desert. From the flat plain of Haouz, the route climbs southwards and up to the passes of the High Atlas mountains. Along twisty roads with marvellous views and over the high point before descending to the rocky red foothills near Ouarzazate. En route to Ouarzazate we visit Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city, boasting beautiful examples of Kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited today. Granted UNESCO World Heritage Listing, the site has been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Night in the Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco. Overnight - Ouarzazate (B)

Day 4: Discover the Sahara

Ouarzazate - Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The journey continues along the valley of the Roses and the Skoura oasis, passing Amerdhil Kasbah. Stop for lunch in the scenic gorge du Dades before continuing towards the Sarhro mountains and the first signs of the Sahara. Along the route there are Khettara , the ancient wells dug by the nomads to find water, now dry. Finally we reach Merzouga at the foot of the great sand dune Erg Chebbi. Time to watch the sun set and the sand change colour as night falls. Spend the night in an Auberge. Overnight - Erg Chebbi (B)

Day 5: Opt for a Saharan Camel Trek

Erg Chebbi - Merzouga. Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure. Perhaps climb up Erg Chebbi before dawn to see the sunrise over the dunes, or enjoy a a lie in and take a camel trek across the rolling sand dunes later in the afternoon. Overnight -Merzouga (B)

Day 6: Scenic drive to Fes

Merzouga - Fes. Take a long but very scenic drive today, heading north from the desert and up into the High Atlas past the Ziz Gorge. Past Midelt, the route crosses a grassy plain (in winter) where Nomads of the tribe Ait Atta Tafoukht can be seen pitching their tents and finding grazing for their camels and goats. The road carries on over the next set of mountains – the Middle Atlas and another facet of morocco is seen, the Cedar forests. Ancient forests that cloak the hills and are inhabited by monkeys, wild boar and deer. Finally we descend into Ifrane (a swiss style town and ski resort)and continue onward to Fes. Overnight - Fes (B)

Day 7: Fes

Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and a bustling hive of activity. This morning take a guided tour around the incredible, old medina - a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights from the tanneries, spice tubs, pottery and donkeys! Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore independently. Overnight - Fes (B)

Day 8: Roman City of Volubilis

Fes - Volubilis - Rabat. Today we leave Fes to see the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, past the fields of lentils and chickpeas, into the hills around this well preserved city where its possible to explore the mosaics and forum. After lunch you pass Moulay Idriss and set off for Rabat. Spend the night in the Capital of Morocco. Overnight - Rabat (B)

Day 9: Djemaa el Fna by night

Rabat - Marrakech. You will have free time in the morning to explore Rabat before heading back past Casablanca to Marrakech. Arriving into Marrakech early evening there will be time for you to do some last minute souvenir shopping! Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Day 10: Marrakech

All good things come to an end and it's time to head home. Transfer to airport included. (B)

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