Cities in Morocco have a few bars,
mostly for men, and discos (often in tourist hotels), but the main
entertainment is a meal and a good show in a wonderful Moroccan
restaurant. There are few spectator sports, but the country offers a
wide range of outdoor activities.
Sport
Golf was made popular by King Hassan II, and Morocco now boasts spectacular courses near every
major city. For more details, contact Royal Moroccan Golf
Federation: Dar es Salaam Golf Club, Rabat; tel: (03) 7755960; fax:
(03) 7751026.
The Atlantic coast is usually
good for surfing, and spots like Sidi Kaouki near Essaouira and Dar-Bouazza
near Casablanca are especially popular. Royal Moroccan Surfing
Federation: tel: (02) 2259530; fax: (02) 2236385.
During the winter it is usually
possible to ski near Oukaimeden in the High Atlas or near Fes and
Meknes in the Middle Atlas. You can cross-country ski in the High
and Middle Atlas, as well as in the Rif Mountains. Contact Royal
Moroccan Ski and Mountaineering Federation: tel: (02) 2203798; fax:
(02) 2474979; email:
frmsm@hotmail.com.
Moroccan horses are superb and,
with wonderful landscapes to explore, riding here can be very
rewarding. The Atlas Mountains in particular are an impressive place
to ride (>162).
Hiking is popular all over the
country, but particularly in the Atlas range around Mount Toubkal.
Contact Club Alpin Francais: tel: (02) 2270090; fax: (02) 2297292 or
Royal Moroccan Ski and Mountaineering Federation (see above).
In the toughest long-distance run
in the world, competitors in the annual Marathon des Sables cover
250km of sand dunes and rocky desert terrain in a week – while
carrying all their supplies. If this appeals to you, contact Cimbaly:
PO Box 58 10002, Troyes, Cedex, France; tel: 25 82 01 28; fax: 25 82
07 23.
Hunting is a popular activity,
particularly with the Moroccans and the French, and mainly in the
Middle Atlas. The season for wild boar and for birds such as quail,
pigeons, partridges and ducks runs from the first Sunday in October
until early spring, every Sunday and on public holidays. Licensing
is strictly controlled. Contact Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation: tel and fax: (03) 7707835.
Deep-sea fishing is popular in
the Atlantic, with trips available from Essaouira, Safi and Asilah,
and for wilder shores from Dakhla and Laayoune. Trout and other
freshwater fish can be found in the lakes of the Middle Atlas, near
Azrou, Ifrane, Beni Mellal and Ouirgane. Contact National Fisheries
Office: tel: (02) 22405; fax: (02) 224 2305.
Traditional Music and Dance
Major hotels and restaurants may host traditional music and belly
dancing. Don't miss the spectacular parties known as fantasias,
traditionally held at Berber moussems, but also staged for tourists in
Marrakech.
Festivals
Religious festivals are movable occasions according to the Islamic lunar
calendar, but popular annual events include the
Moulay-Idriss moussem, the Wedding Festival in
Imilchil,
Erfoud's Date Festival and the Festival of Sacred Music in Fes.
