Mzanzitravel Magazine Issue 10

A rooftop view-Olena Znak / iStock Spices in the market - takepicsforfun / iStock Desert camel caravan - Nisangha / iStock
punctuated by parks, such as the Botanical Test
Gardens and the Bouknadel Exotic Gardens just
a few miles from the city. Rabat also has a welldeveloped
ocean front. There are miles of improved
beaches that run along the Atlantic coast all the way
to the neighbouring Casablanca. The city’s modern
flair is also evident in its infrastructure and festivals,
which guarantee a comfortable, entertaining stay
in the capital. All the modern conveniences, from
airports and tramways to shopping malls, cafes
and restaurants, are at your fingertips. Rabat also
celebrates music like no other city: Mawazine, Jazz
at the Chellah and other festivals fill the air with joyful
sounds and rhythms from around the world!
Then of course there’s Marrakesh and Casablanca.
From the major thoroughfares lined with palm trees
and tall office buildings to the Atlantic Ocean and its
view on the world, the vibrant, never-sleeping city
of Casablanca is Morocco’s economic powerhouse.
Modern constructions blend with charming
neighbourhoods that reflect Arabic-Islamic heritage
and the traces of the city’s colonial period. Take the
time to explore its subtleties. Walk through the medina
– one of the most recent in Morocco, or explore the
downtown area to admire the Art Deco buildings and
visit the famous Hassan II Mosque.
Walk into the Habous district, the most animated part
of the old city. Here you will find an entire souk devoted
to copper: from the workshops of the coppersmiths
to the stalls that sell their wares, the lights, trays
and teapots are all festooned with arabesques.
Ornamental leather work is also a mainstay: babouche
slippers, handbags and poufs are all made to satisfy
your souvenir needs.
Casablanca is also known for haute couture and the
city is famous for the elegant caftans turned out by
young designers featured at the Casa Fashion Show
and, more prominently still, in Marrakesh at the annual
Caftans of Morocco event.
When you explore the port, check out the Sqala
Bastion, a fortified complex from the 18th century
that is now a chic restaurant-cafe where diners flock
to enjoy delicious local dishes. Venture a stone’s
throw from the port into the narrow streets of the
medina: within its walls, Arabic-Islamic architecture
mixes with European inspiration. An entirely different
setting awaits you downtown. Here, the unique urban
design, the wide boulevards and the expansive plazas
bordered by Art Deco buildings evoke the former
colonial period.
Finally, arriving in Marrakesh, yet another delightful
mixture of traditional and contemporary awaits
you. Take a walk through the Jemaa El Fna and the
bazaars with their bright colours and oriental scents,
and the red city will whisk you into another world in
the blink of an eye. Rides in horse-drawn carriages,
sun-soaked terraces, street artists and other activities
both day and night will all add to your stay in Morocco.
Admire the architectural wealth of the Medina by
visiting one of its many riads, small oriental palaces
arranged around a central courtyard, or relax at the
Useful Information
Languages: Morocco’s two official languages
are Arabic and Amazigh, or Berber, but virtually all
Moroccans speak and understand French. Spanish
is widespread in northern and southern Morocco.
English will get you by in the cities.
Capital: Rabat
Climate: The country has a Mediterranean climate,
with lush forests in the northern and central mountain
ranges of the country, giving way to drier conditions
and inland deserts further southeast. The Moroccan
coastal plains experience remarkably moderate
temperatures even in summer. In the Rif, Middle and
High Atlas Mountains, there exist several different
types of climates: Mediterranean along the coastal
Menara, a large pooled garden typical of the city.
Marrakech relies on its incredible diversity to provide
choice for its visitors. You need only head out of the
walled centre to become immersed in contemporary
Morocco. The Guéliz and Hivernage districts offer the
most up to date infrastructure, luxury boutiques and
international brands along broad spacious avenues; all
in Marrakesh’s own inimitable style. Enjoy Marrakech
at night by paying a visit to the many themed venues,
trendy clubs and traditional evenings that reflect the
zest for life of its inhabitants.
These are just a few of the cities and regions of
Morocco – there is still so much more. Morocco truly is
a mysterious, exciting and mesmerising country where
old and new blend easily in charming timelessness -
you will never be disappointed.
Source of information: Moroccan National Tourism
Office
lowlands, changing to a humid temperate climate at
higher elevations. At higher elevations, the climate
becomes alpine in character, and can sustain ski
resorts. Southeast of the Atlas Mountains, near the
Algerian borders, the climate becomes very dry, with
long and hot summers.
Time Zone: GMT; DST in summer changes to
GMT+1 (DST suspended during Ramadan)
Currency: Moroccan dirham.
For more Information: Visit the website of the
Moroccan National Tourism Office at
https://www.visitmorocco.com where you will find an
email contact form.
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