The Draa Valley - From Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate

The Valley of the Draa ... another excursion to a thousand and one discoveries! The Wadi Draa which extends from Taourirt to the gates of the desert gave birth to a huge oasis, composed of palm trees, olive trees and extending over 200 kilometers! The region's flagship species are the acacia - which is found near the village of Ait Saoun, whose smell of yellow flowers embellishes the atmosphere - as well as date trees whose dates are known to be the Better ... taste it! 

The departure of this new excursion takes place from Ouarzazate, this time from the south east. Along the road N9 (the valley of the Draa actually begins from the village of Agdz), visitors will see succeed palm groves, in the heart of the valley dominated on both sides by the red-hot rocks. 

Tourists will appreciate the constrastes between a verdant valley and alive and desert mountains that make the scarcity of such a landscape. Stopping at the edges of the road to take pictures (and yes, do not hesitate!), Visitors will surely be approached by Moroccans ... iguana sellers! 


After a few kilometers, visitors will stop in Zagora, mainly dynamic on souk days. The merchants come to exchange citrus fruits, dates, pottery, carpets etc. A community moment to see if you can! On the way to the dunes of the Tinfou, tourists can visit the Ksours (fortified villages) of Tamnougalt and Tamegroute as well as discover local crafts: earthenware!  The excursion ends when tourists reach the dunes of Tinfou. Enjoy to discover the local animals: dromedaries!

You will even have the opportunity to make a tour at the entrance of the doors of the desert. To thank you for their visit, the Moroccans dressed in blue will certainly offer you a cup of mint tea! The crossing of the desert? You would believe it!

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Tourism in Morocco: Presentation

Presentation :

Only separated from Europe by the Straits of Gibraltar, the nearby Morocco still provides the scenery: medinas and souks animated the brilliant colors mingle, the scent of spices, magnificent mosques, the pretty seaside villages the snow-capped High Atlas and the desert to infinity in the Sahara ... Morocco is a country particularly spoiled!
The country to the west of the Maghreb, sharing a Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean coast, the Kingdom of Morocco is a tourist destination that many followers.


The country is mostly mountainous, with the famous Atlas Mountains which rises inside the country. At the foot of these mountains to the ocean, on the fertile plains and coastlines, many cities have managed to thrive through the centuries: Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, Fez, Meknes, Essaouira, etc ... so enticing holiday destinations.
Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco attracts visitors for its large Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. But most travelers will not drag on to Casablanca, modern and noisy city, it nevertheless proves a reflection of contemporary Morocco.
Many prefers Marrakech, most picturesque with bustling souks and an old town full of remarkable historical sites (the Saadian Tombs, the remains of El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque) ... simply a must. If you go to Marrakech, a trip to the Ourika valley is one of the great classics.
Fez is another beautiful imperial city where you can get lost in a maze of medieval streets. Do not miss visiting Meknes, often nicknamed the "Versailles of Morocco" city because of its great beauty.
Beyond the mountains, from Ouarzazate, is already form the first dunes of the Sahara desert. A trip to Morocco would not be complete without an expedition in the desert by camel, 4x4 or on foot, operators abound.

Culinary cuisine and specialties

Moroccan cuisine is renowned, with dishes with very diverse influences, Mediterranean, African and Arab. The most famous dishes are of course couscous and tajine, along with meat and vegetables simmered for several hours in a clay pot. Restaurants offer dozens of variations, chicken tagine with lemon and olives, lamb or beef with honey, fish or shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce.
A popular Berber contribution to Moroccan cuisine is the Kaliya, a mixture of lamb, tomatoes, peppers and onions served with couscous or bread. Moroccans often choose to start their meal with a bowl of harira (Moroccan soup), a delicious soup made from lentils, chickpeas, lamb broth, tomatoes and vegetables. The soups also serve breakfasts, the Bissara, a thick soup made from split peas and olive oil that can be found in the morning near markets and in medinas.
Unfortunately as a tourist, especially if you have a limited budget, you will have the choice between a handful of dishes that seem to have a monopoly on restaurant menus ... Outside the big cities you will find few restaurants Moroccan, Moroccan generally not eating at the restaurant, but at home, your choice will be limited to the restaurants of international cuisine.
All inclusive holidays in Morocco

first-class tourist destination, numerous all-inclusive stays are available to Morocco throughout the year. The big advantage of course, lies in the very attractive price of these sojourns and especially if we decided to leave out of the tourist season.
Another advantage is the simplicity of organization: a stay included at least the flight and accommodation, sometimes with extra activities, circuit, etc.
Both classics are the stay in Marrakesh in a large hotel-club La Palmeraie (the tourist area), or week to week with again resort hotel but on the waterfront, with the beaches program, water sports , golf, etc.
Before booking the stay came first, it is better to learn about the situation and the actual quality of the hotel included: all addresses are far from being argued in Morocco, a hotel offering poor services risk spoiling part of the trip, better to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Then it is true that the hotels all-inclusive packages are always similar: a large modern complex with swimming pools, equipment and everything is entertainment, kids club, etc. Some appreciate others hate! Nothing like it is true, with the authentic riad in the middle of Medina.
Everything is provided '' turnkey '', but these formulas do not really leave room for improvisation. Of course, nothing prevents organize oneself an excursion history out of the tourist atmosphere of the hotel club.


Circuits and routes in Morocco

Morocco is one of the most popular destinations for French tourists, so you can choose from many tours and stays in Morocco. For a week you can find circuits classics from 500 euros, tours off the beaten track or in the most prestigious hotels are a bit more expensive. The two most conventional circuits in Morocco imperial cities and the south of Morocco. The circuit generally include the imperial cities, with some variations, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Casablanca. These tours usually include a lot of visits, walks in the imperial cities, in the souks, food and folklore shows. The circuits in the South of Morocco generally include, with variations, visits from Agadir and Ouarzazate, the High Atlas, desert, oases, palm groves (you will for example Zagora, Tazzarine, Alnif, Erfoud , Jorf, tineghir ...). Many circuits in general for over a week, combines the imperial cities (or a few imperial cities) and southern Morocco. If you want to move less in Morocco focus on Marrakech and surroundings (Essaouirra, Ouarzazate, Agadir ...). You can also go in the north of Morocco, from Tangier. Northern Morocco is less known and more surprising for travelers, in fact you will see landscapes of plains and mountains and palm groves alongside oak forests. You can choose tours off the beaten track exclusively in the desert or in the High Atlas (including Treks), seaside circuits, nature in northern Morocco ..... lazy lovers of the beach and sea will find their happiness on the coast, particularly Agadir and Essaouira (including windsurfing).

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Practical information about Morocco

Practical information

Morocco, culture and tradition

The most represented religion in Morocco is Islam. This is the official religion, but it coexists particularly with Judaism and Christianity. The day is punctuated by five calls to prayer. Religious life follows the Muslim calendar: it began in 622, when Muhammad left Mecca to settle in Medina.
By against civilian life is set to the Gregorian calendar. Unlike other Muslim countries, the weekend includes Saturday and Sunday, Friday is not a holiday.

Importants events in Morocco

In May do not miss the crafts festival Zagora, a city at the gates of the Sahara Desert. Artisans from all over Morocco gather to show their products: wood carving, silver jewelery, silks hand-woven hammocks, embroidery, pottery.
During the same period, near Ouarzazate Kelaa M'gouna held the feast of the Rose, a day marked by folk dances, songs and local craft shows.
Also in May another interesting festival is the Honey Festival in the Agadir region, you will discover in Argana the largest collective beehive in the world.
In October takes place the horse festival in Tissa, not far from Fez, on this occasion hundreds of horsemen dressed in their finest clothes gather to present their mounts.
In September another festival dedicated to horse takes place in Meknes.

Hotels in Morocco: 

The hotel portfolio is important in Morocco, all budgets should navigate to the hotel 1 star 5 stars, through hostels, riads or lodges. Holidays usually include breakfast, and many include full board.
Outside the cities do not miss to stay in a traditional inn, a kasbah, a house built of mud. Generally the reception is excellent and the prices are very reasonable. Finally in the desert, many operators will offer you to stay in traditional nomadic tents.
In tourist cities, the medina (old city) is home to charming small hotels housed in old traditional houses renovated riads, they often have a nice garden (patio) and a roof terrace.


Climate and geography

Morocco's climate is divided into two distinct climates: Mediterranean and Atlantic, its long coastline gives both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
If you imagine Morocco as a country of dunes, arid and desert you will be surprised, areas along the coast are particularly lush and suitable for all kinds of crops. Winters are mild and wet while summers are hot and dry.
Inside the country, the climate varies with altitude. It can be very hot as it can get very cold.
In the pre-Saharan Morocco's desert climate, with temperatures that can exceed 40 degrees during the day.

Information about Morocco :

Official languages: Arabic, Amazigh
Other languages: French, Spanish
Capital: Rabat
Economic Capital: Casablanca
Population:> 33M hab
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time Zone UTC: 0 or 1 in summer
Telephone code: +212
Useful links
Office of the Moroccan tourism www.visitmorocco.com
Site of the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism: www.tourisme.gov.ma

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Advice for travelers going to Morocco

Advice for travelers going to Morocco

Morocco is a safe country, however with its share of problems and enquiquinements.

In tourist areas, men and women will face hordes of street vendors and touts very sticky, decline politely and firmly.
Also pay attention to your belongings in crowded places and possibly make a copy of your passport.

Morocco is a relatively competitive destination in the air level. To get the best deal on your flight to Morocco, it is best to opt for a comparator as Easyvoyage / or Illicotravel flights. Royal Air Morocco (http://www.royalairmaroc.com) is the official company.

Where to go in Morocco?

Enjoy and discover by yourself our articles about the diversity of  places in Morocco (cities, landscapes ...)

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Travel Quotes

" WE TRAVEL NOT TO ESCAPE LIFE, BUT FOR LIFE TO NOT ESCAPE US "

#Anonymous

 
" THE REAL VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY CONSISTS NOT IN SEEKING NEW LANDSCAPES BUT IN HAVING NEW EYES"

#Marcel_Proust

*Toubkal, Morocco

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Handicraft 2

 Handicraft 2

"the products of handicraft will raise your curiosity to visit Morocco as a tourist"

It is curious that the traditional Moroccan products industry was not affected by the modern industry and across several years, its products were most in demand  in the Moroccan and international markets despite the relatively high price.

Genius artistic and technical creativity in Morocco keeps to respond needs of daily life ,which give us a image for skills which is characterised by the Moroccans since ancient times.

And between the hands of "teacher" and before the eyes of "learner",  materials turns and takes a variety of forms and colors.

The magic of lights and colors and scents and perfumes, terrain and climate are all elements inspire clearly and affect the formulation of the technical sense of the makers in the country and give them the aesthetic sense.

Thus Handicraft express a part of the identity of Morocco with a long history of civilisation .

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