Morocco

Just a hop skip and a jump from Spain is Morocco, a fabulous fascinating and exotic country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Morocco is filled with dizzying diversity, rich culture, fabulous food, great shopping and warm hospitality.

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, it is considered the gateway to Africa. In the west are the expansive dunes of the Sahara Desert. The rolling peaks of the High Atlas are almost the opposite. Rising more than 2,300 metres, they are North Africa’s highest mountain range and a hiker’s dream.

The cities offer exciting days for exploring with some considering them the most electrifying and fun-filled on the continent. Follow in the footsteps of centuries-old traders as you wander the streets and alleys lined with artisans selling their wares. There are wicker baskets of colourful spices, hand-woven rugs, tiles, brassware, leather, jewellery, clothing and rows of ‘babouche’, Moroccan leather slippers. Moroccan crafts are of high quality, so our top tip is making sure you have plenty of allowed baggage for your trip home, as even for non-shoppers this is heaven with too many bargains to ignore.

Escape the cities, and you will discover more ancient history and the spectacular yet contrasting scenery. There’s a little of everything from sun-drenched beaches to forested mountains and vast stretching dunes where the stars twinkle from one side of the horizon to the other. It’s a country that has woven sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the broader Middle East together into a friendly and robust nation. Morocco is considered one of the most politically stable countries in Africa to visit.

Best time to visit Morocco

April to May and September to November are considered the best times to visit. It is an all-year-round destination; however, during peak season from June to August the streets get noisier, and lines get longer plus the heat is at its height which can be energy zapping. For hiking from spring through to autumn are your best months to consider.