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Knowing Morocco:
Geography: A mountainous country, Morocco constitutes the geological continuity of Europe, through the Rif mountains, before vanishing, along the Atlantic ocean, into the sandy landscape of the Sahara desert. For a long time, the mountain ranges were an obstacle to communication between North and South.
The Middle-Atlas is streched now in a predominantly limestone relief, spotted with volcanic cones, now through a folded area from which the Jebel Bou Naceur (3340 m) is seperated. The latter is considered as Morocco’s water tower, because it stops the Atlantic disturbances and restores them through its water system. Morocco is the country of sources.
The High Atlas contains 700 km of successive peaks. It culminates up to 4167 m at Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. In its central part, its Southern side is cut by two major events: the gorges of Toddha and those of Dadès, the jewels of Moroccan tourism. |
TheAnti-Atlas is an arid mountain chain, geologically very ancient, stretching from the mouth of the Drâa Valley up to Tafilalet and bordering the desert. The vegetation is scarce in this arid and austere mountain. As for the Rif, it is simply an extension of the Betic Cordillera of Southern Spain. It is a green area covered by forests, culminating in Jebel Tidighine (2450 m).
The Sebou Bassin, one of Morocco’s main agricultural regions, connects the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Bordered by plains, the coast is distinguished by the most urbanized and the richest areas in the country, while the Sahara begins, to the South, on the other side of the Anti-Atlas. Two large valleys are distinguished: Tafilalet and Drâa, whose rock carvings account for their ancient human habitation. It is a practically dry area, where the Ait-Atta herders develop their nomad activities and where you can find the date harvesters in the oasis.
Finally, Eastern Morocco, away from tourist routes, is composed of poor and low rainfall lands, culminating in some highlands that extend up to the Algerian border. Climate : The Atlantic coast has a temperate and pleasant climate. While the winters are mild, summers are warm and beautiful. Quite windy all year round, this climate is characterized by its relatively cold water. Beware of ocean currents as well.
The Northern part of the country has a Mediterranean climate. The weather, very hot in the coastal cities from the beginning of spring, becomes much fresher in the Rif. The winter is severe in Chefchaouen, with sometimes thick fog layers on the mountain roads, even late in the spring.
To the center, the climate is mountainous, winters are particularly harsh and summers are arid. Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco and North Africa as well, culminates up to 4167 m. Therefore, snow levels often exceed one meter in some villages of the Atlas. Moreover, the nights are cool in this region.
Further to the South, the climate is desertic. Culinary Art: The Moroccan traditional cuisine is highly rich and varied, it occupies a prominent rank at the international level. The famous Couscous and tajine are considered as traditional common dishes in this region. They are prepared from mutton or fish and assorted vegetables. During the holidays, you can eat other and more refined Moroccan dishes: the pastillas (pronounced “Bastela”), the tajine prepared with meat and honey, prunes and almonds, barbecue (“méchoui”) ... |