Arab geographers called the highlands of North Africa "Jzirat el
Maghreb" - the Island of the West or Sunset. This "island" was
surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and, in the
south, by the vast sand sea of the Sahara Desert. Morocco, on the
westernmost tip of this "island", had everything
from lush valleys to arid sand dunes and barren mountains, from cool
rivers and lakes in the Middle Atlas to sunny beaches on its Atlantic
coast.
Even in the middle of the countryside there is some stunning
architecture
Marshal Lyautey, the French colonial administrator who laid the
groundwork for modern Morocco, described it as "a cold country with a
hot sun". It's an appropriate description, as it's a common
misconception that temperatures are always soaring in Morocco. In fact,
in the mountains, which form a considerable part of the country, the
temperature swings between dazzling summer and icy winter when most of
the peaks are under snow. In the summer months, the desert is blazing
during the day but cools down considerably when the sun drops. The
Atlantic coast, particularly near Agadir, enjoys pleasant temperatures
all year round: in summer it's a lot cooler than Marrakech and the
desert towns, while in winter it's still hot enough for sunbathing.
The landscape ranges from lush fields in the Middle Atlas to
desert in the south
Many visitors are lured by the beauty and infinity of the
desert, which is vast
Swim in the Mediterranean Sea, in the wild
Atlantic Ocean, in Middle Atlas lakes or in High Atlas rivers
Beach Delights
Morocco has 2,800km of coastline facing the Atlantic and 530km on the
Mediterranean. The coast, backed by the fertile Sous and Sebou plains,
is the most densely inhabited region and by far the richest. Much of the
Atlantic coast is considerably rougher and windier than the
Mediterranean, and it has some splendid
surfing beaches, among them Sidi Kaouiki, Sidi Ifni and Dar-Bouazza near Casablanca.
Tangier is the country's largest
passenger harbour, while Casablanca is the largest industrial
harbour in Morocco.
Waiting for the Rain
Water is a problem in Morocco. It is essential not only for agriculture,
the staple of the economy, but also for fountains, gardens and all the
daily needs of the cities and villages. Sometimes there is too much, for
instance in 1996 when flash floods in the Ourika Valley and elsewhere in
the Atlas Mountains killed thousands of Moroccan holiday makers, and
caused huge amounts of damage. But, more often, there is not enough
water: a drought that began in 1999 shows little sign of abating and has
affected agricultural output, forcing farming families to join the
exodus of around 450,000 people who leave for the cities each year.
Economic hardship is one reason, but it's also the lure of a better life.
On the Shoulders of a Giant
In Greek mythology, Atlas (left) was a Titan who revolted against the
gods. As a punishment they placed the heavens on his shoulders. When his
load became too heavy he begged to be turned into stone and was
transformed into Mount Atlas.
The peaceful and spectacular Atlas Mountains
Spectacular Mountains...
About one seventh of the country (100,000sq km) lies more than 2,000m
above sea level, and the Atlas Mountains consist of three range The High
Atlas, the most famous, has more than 400 peaks above 3,000m and 10 over
4,000m, including Jebel Toubkal, at 4,165m the highest mountain
in North Africa.
The Middle Atlas is a range of high plateaux, where many Berber tribes
herd sheep and goats. The highest point here is Jebel Bounaceur at
3,340m.
The Anti Atlas, featuring Jebel Sarhro at 2,712m, is a barren range
skirting the desert alongside the Draa Valley, The mountains of the
Atlas are made of sedimentary rocks with intrusions of granite and
quartzite. The northern coast is separated from the rest of the country
by the Rif Mountains, an extension of the cordillera of southern
Spain.
Vital Statistics
Morocco covers 710,850sq km, and has a population of
some 30 million people (and 70,000 dromedaries).
Less than 45 per cent of the population now work the
land, compared to over 90 per cent at the beginning of
the 20th century.
Morocco contains 75 per cent of the world's phosphate
reserves and is the world's third-largest exporter of
the substance.
With 2.3 million visitors in 1999, tourism is the
country's largest earner of foreign currency. This
increasingly popular destination attracts many returning
holiday makers.
Not Forgetting the Desert
Beyond the Draa Valley and the Anti Atlas lies the vast Sahara Desert.
Most of the desert in Morocco consists of hamadas - barren, wind-swept
rocky plateaux - and, less commonly, of ergs - picturesque sand dunes
that here seldom rise to spectacular heights. Many oueds (rivers) cross
the sands, brought to life by
rainstorms but quickly drying up again. Oases are rare, except near the
Draa and Ziz valleys, which are fed by water from the Anti
Atlas. The Western Sahara near the Atlantic does see a little more rain
and some mist coming off the ocean, making the area greener and less
barren. The only other riches of the desert are the phosphates hidden
beneath its surface. .
...Just Right for Skiing
The French introduced skiing to Morocco in the 1930s and now resorts
cater to all abilities. The best time to go is from December to March
and you need to climb to around 2,000m to find suitable snow. Morocco's
foremost ski resort is Oukaimeden, from where Africa's highest
cable lift glides to the top (of Jebel Oukaimeden 3,273m). Tours for
more experienced skiers are possible in the area around Tazaghart,
accompanied by highly trained Berber guides with extensive knowledge of
the mountains and deserts. The modest ski pistes of Mischliffen. Azrou
and Ifrane are popular weekend spots where the inhabitants of Fes like to relax.
Be prepared when exploring the desert, as sand storms can
