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. 76 |ISSUE <strong>10</strong>|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZITRAVEL
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