Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Morocco is a heady combination of Arab, European, and African influences with medieval cities, Roman ruins, Berber kasbahs and Islamic monuments. Together with its spectacular landscapes of sea, mountain and desert, Morocco also packs in an impressive variety of adventures into its corner of North Africa; surfing, hiking, cycling, trekking, rafting, kayking and much more. A well-rounded Morocco travel guide often highlights both its cultural treasures and outdoor adventures, making it a favorite for explorers.
The Sahara desert and mountain ranges usually headline Morocco’s landscapes, but it’s also home to wetlands, lush forests, coastal habitats, tidal lagoons and farmland. Its 11 national parks are important conservation areas for species that are at risk or endangered. Dakhla National Park in the south is a stunning blue lagoon where you may see dolphins and porpoises. If you’re extremely lucky, you might see a monk seal, an endangered species that is precariously close to extinction. Exploring the parks and deserts is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Morocco, especially for travellers who love nature.
Souss-Massa National Park is home to the endangered Northern Bald Ibis and other wading birds while there are captive breeding programmes for threatened animals such as the dorcas gazelle and scimitar oryx. In the Middle Atlas, Tazekka National Park is an area of caves, canyons and forest with residents such as North African boars, Algerian wolves, Barbary stags, peregrine falcons and more. These national parks also showcase the remarkable diversity of wildlife in Morocco, from rare birds to unique mammals.
A short drive from Marrakech, Toubkal National Park, is a popular place for trekking, climbing and enjoying the nature and wildife. You might spot the the golden eagle, mongoose, porcupine, Atlas viper and thorny eyed gecko. Birders should head to Oued-Massa National Park, near Agadir, home to both native and migrating species, to see cranes, godwits, little crakes, dunlins, spoonbills, flamingos, harriers and ospreys, depending on the season.
Northern Morocco’s highest mountains are the Rif, where the ‘Blue City’ of Chefchaouen is built on the hillside. Its vividly painted buildings, alleys and steep cobbled lanes glow different shades of blue throughout the day as the sun changes position. From here you can explore the beautiful Rif moutains as well as Jebel Bouhachem Nature Reserve and Talassemtane National Park, which is just outside Chefchaouen’s city walls.
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