The Magic of MoroccoNatural and Cultural Landscapes Take the Breath Away

The Magic of MoroccoNatural and Cultural Landscapes Take the Breath Away

Morocco is a seductress.

And like any exotic temptation, it is complex and multi-layered. Contrary to what many believe, it is not all Sahara sands. A towering mountain range rises like a wall between the desert in the east and its largest cities in the west. Mediterranean forest and grassland stretch to a stunning Atlantic coast. It's a land of fertile dreams, brimming with a rich history and heritage that has shaped the lives of Moroccans and made them one of the most welcoming people on earth.

Morocco also has intimate ties to the English-speaking world. Think Paul and Jane Bowles, William S. Burroughs, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Malcolm Forbes. They all came here seeking something larger than themselves. Something vast, something hypnotic, even something that knows no measure. Whether they found it or not isn't necessarily clear. But, oh, what a journey Morocco offered them!

From Harsh Desert to Snow-Capped Peaks

Morocco is a gateway to the edge of the fabled Sahara desert, where colossal dunes rise and shape-shift in warm winds. It is truly a mesmerizing experience to be among them, which is why Discovery Tours has arranged an overnight stay at a tented camp surrounded by their immensity. It is easy to lose yourself here, to turn inward. And as the mountainous dunes retreat into the dark of night, we turn our gaze skyward to an infinity of stars.

Geographically speaking, the High Atlas Mountains serve as the desert's north-western border, and they comprise a surprisingly fertile region. Snow-capped and soaring (their tallest peak reaches 13,671 feet), they stretch eastward from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara. Flora and fauna thrive here: leopards, gazelles, sheep, and other species roam about the shrub, cedar, black pine, and oak. The most prominent resident here, however, is man.

The High Atlas: Medieval Cities and Dramatic Gorges

Hospitable Berber tribes live throughout the High Atlas Mountains in tiny villages. But one of their main cities is Ouarzazate, built as their "door of the desert." It's aptly named, as it sits high on a central plateau overlooking the southern Draa Valley and the Sahara. The ancient warrens and souks of this medieval city are virtually untouched. And so it is perfect - along with its neighboring town of Ait Ben Haddou - as a setting for Hollywood movies, including Lawrence of Arabia.

As with any mountain range, the High Atlas offers its share of dramatic vistas. To be sure, the serpentine roadways that climb and switch back deliver sweeping views. But we're also sure to look more closely at some of the remarkable geographic detail here. Take the Todra Gorge, for instance. Over millennia, the Todra River has carved this magnificent enclosure. In places, its 525-foot-tall sheer rock walls stand a mere 33 feet apart. Today, it is as much an ancient throughway as an amazing natural wonder; we sometimes pass Berbers in the canyon hauling goods by donkey. It's a vision you would only see in Morocco.

Of Oils, Wines, and Artist Enclaves

Likewise, the argan tree is endemic to this region of the world. Argan forests here have come under the protection of UNESCO as a declared Biosphere Reserve. This is important because the oil that is extracted from the tree's fruit is in high demand for its nutritional and health benefits. Health industries aren't the only fans of the argan tree. Local goats eat its leaves and fruit, and often climb the trees to get to them.

Another surprise you'll see blanketing some of Morocco's landscape are vineyards. Though Morocco could never compete with France or Italy in the breadth of their fine wine, some vintners have discovered how to grow grapes and produce wine in this warm climate. The cooling winds of the Atlantic Ocean certainly play a role, but we're not privy to their other secrets. Discovery Tours travelers will have a chance to sample some vintages at the Val d'Argan Winery outside Essaouira.

Speaking of the Atlantic, Morocco enjoys 1,100 miles of coastline. One of its most intoxicating coastal cities is Essaouira. Maybe it's those cool ocean breezes and gorgeous setting that has inspired a lively artist community to emerge here. Whatever the reason, it is sheer delight to wander the narrow streets of its old walled town among gleaming white structures with multi-hued doorways. Gallery-hopping and lunching on the catch of the day are two sure ways to drink in the atmosphere of this ancient city on the ocean.

Exploring the Heart of Morocco

Morocco's cultural landscape is as spellbinding as its natural one. An ancient way of life prevails in the labyrinthine streets of medinas - from the bustle of Fez to the quieter byways of Ait Ben Haddou. These have always been one-stop markets for "everything under one roof" shopping. And the roofs are huge! Produce, meats, spices, babouches (or slippers), hookah pipes, carpets, hardware, jewelry, the ubiquitous hat with the namesake city, Fez ... there is no end to what's for sale in the dizzying, sage-scented medina.

Marrakesh may be the medina of all medinas, not for its size (the largest is in Fez), but for its adjacent Djemma el-Fna Square. Some have said that were it not for this vast open-air theater of snake charmers, henna artists, fire eaters, performers, and countless steamy stalls offering up kebabs, harira soups, and pastille pastry, Marrakesh would be just another Moroccan city. Believe us - this is no insult to other Moroccan cities! They all have the genie-like power to entrance and delight!

Still, every visit to Djemma el-Fna is different. The hypnotic strains of malhun sing from sintirs and karkebs (Morocco's guitars and castanets). Belly dancers in white djellaba robes appear around the next corner. Cobras emerge from woven baskets. Mopeds dash to and fro. Vendors mingle with their silver, jewelry, and viles of argan and olive oils. All of Morocco is here in this beautiful, chaotic microcosm ... a gathering of seductions into one magical and irresistible spell.