available in Morocco
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
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.
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.
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.
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.
Travel Seasons
- Nov – Mar – High Season. Most people visit in spring and autumn, but accommodation prices are high. Over Christmas and New Year, Marrakesh and the south are popular, but the northern parts of Morocco can be chilly and wet.
- Apr & Oct – Shoulder Season. In the Sahara there are spring sandstorms and in the north persistent rain, but other areas are popular. At Easter accommodation prices can go up.
- May – Sep – Low Season. Accommodation and souqs have discounts. On the coast it’s shoulder season for locals so prices remain high.
General Information
- Currency – Moroccan dirham
- Languages – Arabic, Berber, French
- Size – 710,850 km2
- Population – over 33.8 million
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Morocco: hepatitis A, typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
Pros
Pros
- Hugely diverse landscapes
- Wide range of activities available
- National parks and important conservation areas
- Fascinating ancient cities and heritage
Cons
Cons
- More effort is needed to see wildlife; real enthusiasts should include a national park visit
- Take into consideration what you wear and be aware of local customs
Arriving in Morocco
- Most travellers arrive by air into the main gateway of Casablanca or another major hub such Marrakesh, Fez, Tangier, Ouazazarte, Agadir or Essaouira.
- There are extensive ferry links between northern Morocco and southern Europe, the most popular of which is Algeciras (Spain) to Tangier.
Getting Around
- Car hire can be expensive, but it’s great for flexibility. There are good sealed roads in most places although desert and mountain roads may still be unsealed tracks.
- Internal flights are a good option if you’re travelling greater distances.
Visas
- Most nationalities do not require a visa for visits of less than 90 days, check before you travel Morocco visas >>
Morocco Safaris
Atlas to Sea Mountain Bike Safari
- 8 Days
This bike safari takes you from Morocco's scenic Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh to the traditional coastal...
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Country:Morocco,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:8 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Marrakech
Morocco 4×4 Camping
- 15 Days
Morocco is one of the most colourful, incredibly stunning and friendly places on planet Earth. For those...
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Country:Morocco,
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Departures:Array
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Portsmouth
