31° 47′ 30″ N, 07° 05′ 33″ O
08:47 GMT +1
local time
Rabat
capital city
446,550
area in km²
Arabic
main language(s)
Nicknamed the “pearl of the south” or “the red city”, Marrakesh is a bustling place famous for its exotic markets and beautiful architecture. A visit to this vibrant city is a must for any traveller in Morocco. Marrakech has nearly a million inhabitants spread over an area of 230 km². It is the fourth largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, Rabat and Fez.
The highest peak in Morocco and all of northern Africa, this mountain standing over 4000m above sea level is an adventure few people can resist. A short drive from Marrakesh, the trek to the summit can be done in 3 days but we prefer to take our time and do it in 6 days, exploring more of the High Atlas Range as we approach the mountain.
Called "the mountain of the mountains" by the Berber people, the valleys surrounding Toubkal are lined with hundreds of ancient mule tracks which cross high passes and lead to cultivated terraces and the stone and adobe villages of the Berbers. Trekking region par excellence, Toubkal is traveled on foot or by mule, mainly in spring, summer and autumn.
The Anti-Atlas is an almost secret region of southern Morocco. In its lunar landscapes spring oases, isolated villages and Berber traditions are preserved intact. In the heart of the Anti-Atlas, villages of adobe and stone in shimmering colors are built in the middle of palm groves. Here, winter is mild and the light highlights the contrasts of an unknown Morocco with the scent of almond trees. Tazenakht is known for its artisanal wealth and in particular the manufacture of rugs. Nicknamed "the little Marrakech", Taroudant is a little away from tourist circuits, although very picturesque with its belt of ramparts and hundred-year-old ocher-red walls surrounded by gardens, eucalyptus, olive trees, pomegranates, and of palm trees. Its souks, comparable to labyrinths, are among the most impressive markets in southern Morocco.
The Sahara Desert spans to the East of Morocco, its golden dunes alighting beneath the fiery sun. The largest desert in the world, the Sahara covers the entire South East of Morocco. Desolate and regal, the rhythm of the caravan dominates this harsh, wilderness. The only life for miles around. 'Ergs' or dune fields are the key players in this dusty world with Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga known as the gateways to the Sahara. Traditionally caravans would leave from the Ergs to cross the trans Sahara trade route. The vocation of a camel driver, a gruelling and often deadly life to lead.
In the foothills of the High Atlas lies this famous ksar, it's pre-Saharan architecture ranging from modest dwellings to intricate castle structures shaped from the red clay on which it sits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved and contains a mosque, a public square, two cemeteries (Muslim and Jewish) and the Sanctuary of the Saint Sidi Ali. However, it may be most famous for it's role in the hit TV series Game of Thrones.
Known as "The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", this ancient trading route spans from the High Atlas on the border of Algeria to the Jebel Saghro in the heart of Morocco. It's road weaves around the valley, in dramatic hairpins, with epic views from all angles, peaking in the stunning ochre gorges of Todra and Dades.
