Morocco

Morocco is the African country which offers the greatest variety of climate, thanks to being bordered by two seas and having the Atlantis mountain range at the South which limits the expansion of the desert. In the “cold country where the sun is hot” rains come in autumn and spring, whereas the summer is hot and dry. The climate is similar to that of California.

Morocco is the only country in Africa that is not currently a member of the African Union. However, it is a member of the Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, Francophonie, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Mediterranean Dialogue group, and Group of 77. It is also a major non-NATO ally of the United States.

Ideally one can divide Morocco in three great areas: the coast, the mountains and the central desert. These areas with such different climates also differ greatly in terms of views, culture and costumes and this is what makes this country so fascinating.

The Coasts

Morocco has 3,500 Km of coasts, along which one finds all the main cities. The Mediterranean coast is characterised by high cliffs whereas on the Atlantic coast, past Gibraltar, the smaller sandstone cliffs are alternated with lovely little beaches. On these coasts the tourist can find whichever type of sea holiday he wishes: from the sight of a great number of wild animals and sea birds to scuba archaeology, from uncontaminated beaches to romantic boat cruises.

The Mountains

The Moroccan mountains are disposed along the south/west to north/east line like a series of screens on a stage. The southern part of the Anti-Atlantis faces the Sahara desert. In the middle the high Atlantis with the Toubkal peak (4,167 mt) and above the Middle Atlantis, which joins the Reef chain at the north. The Reef chain runs parallel to the Mediterranean and presents harsh, wild landscapes. The mountainous areas of Morocco are the most recent discovery of tourism, rich as they are in beautiful landscapes and amazing animals. To be seen are the citron forests where the few remaining Moroccan leopards live. In the mountains you can go trekking as well as meet tribes, ski on glaciers and drive down dunes on a motorbike.

The Desert

The Moroccan desert is mainly made up of a big rocky plain, which runs from the feet of the Atlantis on the North/East almost to the Atlantic coast, south of Agadir.  Even within the desert you can enjoy different landscapes: the dry, thorny plain where jackals and camels live, the Sahara desert: reign of scorpions and snakes or the northern oasis full of bustle and life.

The Climate

The climate is Mediterranean, which becomes more extreme towards the interior regions where it is mountainous. The terrain is such that the coastal plains are rich and accordingly, they comprise the backbone for agriculture. Forests cover about 12% of the land while arable land accounts for 18%. 5% is irrigated.

Wildlife

Morocco is known for its wildlife biodiversity. Birds represent the most important fauna.  The avifauna of Morocco includes a total of 454 species, of which five have been introduced by humans, and 156 are rare or accidental.