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Morocco is a great country to explore because it is so varied and much of the country is uninhabited or sparsely populated. This makes exploration all the more exciting as you head off to the mountains, valleys and desert regions. An added bonus is that, for the most part, roads in Morocco are pretty good, so getting around is easy. And everywhere you go you will receive a warm and hospitable welcome. The most exciting tours are Landover or 4 x 4 safaris, where you can reach remote hill towns, distant desert villages or isolated oases. Camel trekking is another exciting way to see the country, staying overnight in Berber tents. If action is your thing, spend a few days trekking on foot in the mountains. This is perhaps the best way to soak up the atmosphere of traditional Berber village life and enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains.
There are many interesting destinations which can be reached from Marrakech or Essaouira. To do them justice, most require a two or three day trip. With four major roads radiating out from the city centre in all directions, Marrakech is particularly well-located for visiting any number of destinations. Below are a few of our favorites:
Imlil : a small village set amidst fields of walnut and fruit trees, which is the starting point for the four hour climb up Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and from whose summit there are fabulous views of the whole Atlas range.
Oualidia : a small coastal town, north of Essaouira. Although the town itself is uninspiring, its lagoon and beach are stunning. The town is a centre for the oyster industry and you can visit the oyster farms.
Ouarzazate : Once a garrison town of the French Foreign Legion, Ouarzazate is one of the gateways to the southern Sahara via the fascinating Draa valley. The town itself has wide avenues and municipal gardens and not far away are the Atlas Film Studios, El-Mansour Eddahbi Dam and the Tiffoultoute Kasbah, all of which merit a visit.
Ouzoud : just over two hours north of Marrakech on the road to Fès, this is the site of the highest waterfall in Morocco . There is a beautiful plunge pool at the bottom and several waterside cafés.
Taroudannt : An old fortified town with amazing souks, enclosed within red-ochre walls and surrounded by olive and orange groves.
Zagora : right at the edge of the Sahara , this is a great base for exploring the desert regions, by camel or four-wheel drive.
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