Some experiences are believed to create psychological and physiological arousal through an exciting, unusual, daring, risky, and uncertain undertaking called adventure. It is an important search in itself. An adventurer or adventurer is one who believes in the existence of fun from the risks of life; either physical, economic or psychological for recreation with the emotion supported in the process. Traveling can be the most satisfying adventure that involves exploration and tourism to remote, exotic and hostile areas when stepping outside your own comfort zone.
Struck by Lonely Planet or Travelogues, Africa is a place of hardship, but not when it comes to adventurous explorations. With every turn of the head, there is something new and exciting to venture into and become one of the many authentic destinations. It is second to Egypt as a North African holiday destination.
It is a constitutional monarchy located in North Africa. The political capital of the country is “Rabat”, with “Casablanca” the largest city. He has always been known for his Islamic liberalism and his openness to the Western world. Morocco is a diverse place with culture and geography. The languages spoken here are Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French and Berber. In the same way, Moroccan literature is written in Arabic, Berber, and French. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread with trance music with historical origins in Muslim Sufi music.
The landscapes are a wild mix of mountainous regions, tranquil coastal enclaves, and arid deserts. Morocco borders Algeria to the east, Spain (through the Strait of Gibraltar) to the north and Mauritania with Western Sahara to the south. There is a miserable climatic variation in the country. In the north, around Tangier and the Rif Mountains; sunny and dry summers run from May to September. The south experiences a desert climate with very little rain, high temperatures during the day, and sharp drops to cooler temperatures at night. During the rainy season, the Atlantic coast receives rain and during winters, the High Atlas Mountains are blessed with snow.
There are frequent flights from most major European cities to Morocco and the option to travel by land through Europe via the Strait of Gibraltar. The infrastructure in Morocco is good, with well-connected roads and public transport in the North and Central regions, but further south the roads become narrower and more bumpy. The main cities of Morocco are Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat. A remarkable fact is that Morocco is the starting point for traveling throughout Africa.
The country is divided into three natural regions. The fertile northern coastal plain along the Mediterranean contains Er Rif; the rich plateaus and lowlands that lie between the Atlas Mountains. It extends in three parallel mountain ranges from the Atlantic coast in the southwest to Algeria and the Mediterranean in the northeast. The semi-arid area of southern and eastern Morocco merges with the Sahara desert. Morocco has the most extensive river system in North Africa and most of the rivers flow into the Atlantic or the Sahara. The Moulouya is an exception and flows into the Mediterranean. The main rivers in the country are the Oumer, Sebou, Bou Regreg, Tensift, Draa, Sous, Ziz and Gheris rivers. Its 1800 kilometers of coastline offer exciting water and wind-loving activities in this region. Seaside entertainments include surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, trekking, rafting, mountain biking, off-road driving are sources inland to boost adrenaline.
The best time to visit the place is autumn, as it marks the end of the Muslim fasting period, Ramadan. Although accommodation prices go up, it’s time to dive into the winding streets of Fez’s medina or even find yourself a wife at the Imilchil Berber wedding festival. The warm days and cool nights of autumn offer a lot to nature in Morocco. The High Atlas Mountains, the Anti-Atlas Mountains with the volcanic Mount Siroua, the Jebel Toubkal Mountain (the highest peak in North Africa), the Rif Mountains in the north and the beautiful Ameln Valley are the main attraction for hiking destinations. Nestled beneath the peaks of the Rif Mountains with red-tiled roofs, bright blue buildings, and narrow streets that converge into a charming plaza; “Chefchaouen” is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. Avoid visiting the place in August due to the immense heat it tolerates at that time and the holy month of Ramadan when most restaurants will be closed during the day.
The currency used here is Dirham (Dh) with 8.15 Dirham equal to 1 US dollar. Common communication phrases with Moroccans whose most prized possession is their dignity are Ssalamu’lekum (hello, literally peace be with you); Shukran Bezzef (thank you very much) and Insh’allah (God willing). Handshakes are the usual greeting among people, but they are somewhat weak by Western standards.
The people of Morocco are known for their warmth, hospitality, and inhibition. It is very common to receive a shower of invitations to drink coffee or tea during the stay. Moroccan cuisine is ranked among the best in the world and is divided into two specific categories. The first category requires intensive supervision and the host does not participate in the preparations. There are no women present and the male host simply supervises the banquet with his children and servants. Men squat on mattresses or pillows around low, beautifully placed tables. A silver jug of scented water is taken and poured over three fingers of each guest’s right hand. The host claps to start the meal. One dish after another and each delicacy is served until Chban (full satiety) is achieved. To finish the Flavor, a silver jug filled with warm water is presented to clean the mouth, lips and hands.
The meal is considered a feast for the gods that begins and ends with Bismillah (God’s blessing). In the second category of cuisine, the dishes are prepared with love and care by the mistresses of the households (Dadas). He spends hours with his glazed earthenware with copper cooking plates, his kanoun (the movable clay brazier) and the charcoal to perfume the kebabs that allow the sauces to simmer under their heat. A folded rug serves as a seat. The Dada is dressed in a long and colorful robe with the aromas of coriander, cumin, saffron, marjoram and onion mixed with the pungency of olive oil, as well as the sweetness of sandalwood, mint and roses to delight the senses. Dinner begins with Bstilla, followed by the typical skewer or kebab flavored with pieces of beef or lamb fat. Then comes the Tajine (chicken or meat in a spicy stew that has been simmered for many hours) served with a homemade flatbread called Khubz. In Morocco, as in most of the Arab lands; each household makes its own bread. After the Tajine, a batinjaan zalud (eggplant salad or chopped tomato salad) is served as a separate dish. After this, Couscous de Marrakech is served, the wonderful Moroccan national dish made from semolina with each grain separated from the other. Dinner is completed with slices or wedges of peeled melon from La Morocaine, pastries made with honey earth and almonds and finally a glass of mint tea. The following dinner is a very simplified version but it is delicious and gives the “feel” of Morocco.
To learn about the high risk associated with travel and avoid death, check the latest travel news and advisories with current government advisories if heading to the area for blast history. Travel to the Western Sahara region of Morocco is not recommended due to the presence of landmines. Although in the midst of all the ruckus; Moroccan Caravan Adventure Tour, Northern Morocco plus Fez Escape Tour, Moroccan Adventure Holiday, and self-drive tours to the southern coast of Morocco can be a boon for an adventurous mind. Morocco is lit with undoubtedly splendid pride and with the vastness of resources available to satisfy the generous hunger for adventure, food and life. Surely it can be an obsession that would make one smile with an inspiration to give.
