Travel to Morocco

geography

Morocco is a country in North Africa that has a Mediterranean coast and Atlantic coast. It is also, and above all! a mountainous country with 25% of the area is more than 1000m above sea level and is home to approximately 15% of the population.

Moroccan mountains silhouetted in several massive

- The Middle Atlas: mostly limestone, it has massive green landscapes, he went to Beni Mellal and stretches over 300 km to the northeast. It is called "Switzerland Morocco." The highest peak is Jebel BouNasser, 3340m.

- The Anti-Atlas: it consists of very old rocks, particularly granite to Tafraoute; or has rocky peaks of volcanic origin, as found in the Siroua (3305m) or the Saghro (2592m), named "Hoggar Moroccan."

- The High Atlas: this massive forms a natural barrier cutting Morocco Southwest or Northeast, 500 km from Agadir to Midelt.Le north, while taking advantage of moisture drained by the ocean and is very green; about the South, he came under the aridity of the Sahara. The High Atlas is a real water tower where many rivers leave.

Morocco has a dozen peaks over 4000m, including the Toubkal (4167m), the highest peak in North Africa and the M'goun (4068m). The area also has several hundred 3000m on all ranges.

Besides the mountains, Morocco presents another environmental feature: the desert. This shows itself in many forms. Indeed, in the south, it is possible to find great Regs, dotted with acacias, but also several massive dunes, with outstanding Ergs


climate 

With its geographical features, Morocco has a very mixed climate. A sentence describes perfectly: "Morocco is a cold country where the sun is hot. "There are large temperature differences between summer and winter (20 ° C difference between average winter and summer ones), and the temperature difference between day and night, sunny areas and areas shaded are very important. Especially in the desert, there may be over 40 ° C difference between day and night!

Here are some indications mean:

Between May and October: high heat and possible thunderstorms in the mountains (August). More than 40 ° C in Marrakech or Ouarzazate. Above 1500m altitude, temperatures are quite correct.

From November to March: cold or very cold in the mountains, especially in the High Atlas, above 2000m.

From late February to early April: snow can be good over 2500m, in an average year. Skiing is quite possible, for cons, no trekking camp in the High Atlas during this period.

Fauna - Flora 

The flora is quite varied in Morocco, because of the very mixed weather. In the forests of the plains, mainly in the North, there are cypress, poplar, willow (near rivers). A little further up on the shady side, pushing cedar, junipers, oaks, Aleppo pines and cedars. Above 2200m, only a few Cade tortured forms to manage to get a place. After 2800m, the only plants found are thorny bushes, sometimes flowery, and some brooms. In the south, the vegetation is different: palms, laurels, roses, fig and other fruit trees.

As for animals, Morocco is a perfect viewing area for birds. Indeed, several species are highly visible, even in mountain eagles, buzzards, falcons; or desert: Isabelle short fast lark ... Regarding mammals, several can be crossed: foxes, jackals, lynx, wild boar, hares, squirrels, Barbary macaques ... Unfortunately, gazelles and sheep have almost disappeared with hunting . Other animals may be on your way: lizards, snakes, vipers, scorpions, by region and over time. The mountain rivers are, in turn, still populated with trout.

history 

There are around 10,000 BC, the Sahara was green and "inhabited". Then, it was dried up and caused a migration of the population to the north, as evidenced by some rock carvings still visible today in the High Atlas.

Thousands of years later, the area was colonized by the Romans before the arrival of Islam by the Arabs after 681 years latter have strongly marked the Moroccan culture and religious influence is still very present today.

The twentieth century was marked by the arrival of the French, who make Morocco a protectorate under the Treaty of Fez, 30 March 1912 This tough policy regime until 1956, when Morocco gained its independence.

Since then, Morocco is a kingdom. Sovereign is the current King Mohammed VI.

tradition

The Morocco is experiencing a very traditional social organization yet. The population is distributed to approximately 50% in cities and 50% outside the cities. The rural population is still divided into two categories: in the West, the sedentary farmers, Tachelhaït; to the east, the semi-nomadic pastoralists, Tamazirt. These people speak more than Arab Berber, which is nevertheless the country's official language.

travel

In Morocco, the French tourist who hears say, "In France, you have the watches, we, we have time." Is a phrase that should be kept in mind in many situations. The road network is growing more and more, but the distances are always long to go: 60 km of mountain roads can easily ask 2:00 pipes. It is important to anticipate the transfer time.

Morocco, again, is a land of contrasts. You can find all the accreditation ranges in accommodations. During your stay you can enjoy the luxury riads or some guesthouses, hotels comfort, ease of breeding, the authentic welcome homestay or at the bivouacs beauty.

Hiking in Morocco guarantee disorientation, wonder and encounter. To be sure that this adventure remains a pleasant memory, it is recommended to use a licensed guide. It is possible to walk alone, however, we must keep in mind that the markup is nonexistent trails and a local person can take you to discover the hidden piece of paradise around the corner! Most holidays offered by tour guides is done with the help of mules (or camels) for carrying luggage. When you want to go with a guide, verify that it is graduated. Indeed, many false guides exercised without any coverage and without being able to guarantee a quality service.

Two customs often embarrass the French on holiday. This is the haggling and tipping. With no landmarks, since very rare in France, travelers never know what can / should do. There are no hard and fast rules, except to make sure that everyone comes out happy with the deal!