The Numerous National Parks of Morocco

The Numerous National Parks of Morocco


Talassemtane National Park Morocco
Trekking Morocco is an experience you will not soon forget–so many places are worthy of a visit–some for a couple hours, some a couple of days. Noteworthy regions throughout Morocco include the High Atlas Mountains, the Rif Mountains, and the Anti Atlas region.  Depending on which region you want to visit, you do have a plethora of National Parks. Read on to get an idea of what National Parks (some combined with trekking) await you in Morocco.
When trekking Morocco you can choose from custom Morocco tours or pre- set tours. These tours are hosted by tour operators who are well versed in the topography as most areas are not well marked on a map.

The Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of Morocco and Spain is one of the most enticing places to visit.  The reserve spreads from the Northwest of Morocco to Spain.  It was once thought that Morocco was a part of Spain, which is why the Rif Mountains continue in Spain.  UNESCO decided they needed to create a reserve in the area to protect the natural wonders.  In 2006 the reserve was started with funding from both governments.  The goal of the reserve is to educate tourists and locals on the precious land.  The bio reserve includes Jbel Bouhachem, Lagune de Smir, Koudiet Taifour, and Jbel Moussa.  The mountain ranges are all within the Talassemtane National Park in the Rif Mountains.

For a trekking adventure in Morocco try Jbel Bouhachem. It is one of the best mountains in the area to climb.  There are multiple day treks which take you up the peak to the summit, as well as through some of the more popular valleys and villages within the area.  Morocco bio reserves often incorporate villages because they and the people have been there for centuries. The emphasis on the bio reserve is conservation so that the villages will be able to survive for many more years to come.

The Intercontinental bio reserve is just one of the many places you can trek in Morocco.  Merdja Zerga Biological Reserve or the Blue Lagoon Reserve is located near Moullay Bousselham.  Thousands of birds travel to this area each year, making it a haven for bird watchers.  The treks in this region are less strenuous and tend to be for family Morocco holidays.

We mentioned earlier that within the Intercontinental reserve there is a national park. The Talassemtane National Park is protecting the last fir forest in Morocco.  Fir trees in the rest of Morocco have been cut down and used for a variety of things.  Years ago Morocco decided they needed to protect the last forest for the next generations to see.  The park like many provides a look at what Morocco is truly like.

El Houceima is another coastal national park.  It is an Osprey colony and is a marine reserve protecting underwater habitats.  It is one of the best places to visit for a less strenuous trekking adventure in Morocco, as Morocco’s coastline is less mountainous than its interior.  Traveling around to the different parks will give you a glimpse of what Morocco is and used to be like.


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Top Three Natural Wonders in Morocco

Top Three Natural Wonders in Morocco
Morocco is home to high mountain ranges, wide expanses of stunning deserts, green oases, national parks filled with wildlife and miles of coastline. The array of natural wonders in the country ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Though it may be difficult to narrow down the prize attractions on your next trip to Morocco, here are three natural wonders that shouldn’t be missed:

Todra Gorge

Located on the remote, eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge can be difficult to explore unless you are on a trekking or climbing tour of Morocco. The gorge was carved out of the earth, and the canyon floor runs several miles through the Atlas Mountains. The imposing canyon walls make the Todra Gorge one of the most stunning rock formations in all of North Africa.

There is a road that runs the length of the gorge, and you can drive all the way through it if you have access to a vehicle. About halfway through the Todra Gorge there is a hotel. Hikers and climbers are welcome to stay here or at one of the many campsites along the canyon floor.

Arguably the most spectacular section of the gorge is beyond the hotel in the final half mile of the canyon where the rock formations begin to narrow. In some places, the canyon is only 30 feet wide. The walls are smooth and rise impressively on both sides. Sunlight struggles to reach this part of the valley, and the river water is ice cold.

At the end of the gorge the canyon suddenly opens into a clearing and the river runs freely. From here, the villages of Tinerhir, Ait Hani, Tamtattouchte and Imilchil are easy to reach. To best enjoy the Todra Gorge, arrive before 8:00 a.m. and stay through the early afternoon when the sunlight is at its best.

Toubkal National Park

Trekking through this national park is drastically different than bustling Marrakesh, which is located less than 50 miles to the north. Located in the center of the High Atlas Mountains, Toubkal National Park is nearly 250,000 acres in size. It is the oldest national park in Morocco.

A variety of flora and fauna flourish in Toubkal National Park, in part due to its climate. Large oaks, pines and junipers and several herbaceous plants used by the local Berber tribes are found in the park’s forests. Toubkal National Park enjoys warm, sunny weather throughout the year, though snow falls in the higher altitudes during the winter. Make the most of your time here by visiting in the summer when all of the trekking trails are available and cleared of ice and snow.

High Atlas Valleys

What goes up must come down, and that is the case with trekking in the High Atlas Mountains. As beautiful as the mountains’ peaks are, the valleys offer a warm welcome to trekkers who are interested in spotting Moroccan wildlife. Mountain sheep, Barbary monkeys, eagles, falcons, lizards and snakes all make their home in the valley regions.

The High Atlas valleys are also home to the local people, who often open their doors in the summer to trekkers. Tucked between the towering mountain faces, you’ll have the chance to share in their culture and taste the fresh foods they’ve prepared. Though the natural wonders of Morocco are fascinating, many visitors to the country remember their time with the locals as being the most meaningful.

Posted by JoAnna Haugen, managing editor at Journey Beyond Travel and author of Kaleidoscopic Wandering.



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Why Are These Moroccan Goats Climbing Trees?

Why Are These Moroccan Goats Climbing Trees?

Argan oil has been a beauty buzzword for the last several years. Pressed from the nuts of the Moroccan argan tree, this light, golden oil has significant anti-inflammatory properties, and is found in countless hair and skin care products. Argan oil is also considered a specialty/health food product, due to its clean, nutty flavor and high levels of linoleic acid and nutrients (seriously, try it in your next vinaigrette or drizzled on soup).

What most people don't realize is how the oil is harvested. For anyone who's spent time traveling in rural northern Morocco, the sight of goats in argan trees, like so many magpies, isn't uncommon. According to the Daily Mail, however, the native Tamri goats are actually part of what's become a highly profitable cottage industry.

The animals feast upon the argan berries, and the fruit and pulp are absorbed into their digestive tracts. Berber women then collect their droppings, and remove the remaining nuts, from which the oil is then extracted. Think of it as the kopi luwak of the beauty industry.

Unfortunately, the global demand for argan oil is so great, the tree population is thought to be half of what it was 50 years ago, reports the Daily Mail. Conservationists are now pleading with herders to keep their goats out of the trees, so the berries can fall to the ground and reseed.

Despite the environmental complications, there's just something about goats in trees that's irresistible. Check out the gallery for a whimsical tour of Morocco's acrobatic, aerial caprines.



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