One stop shop Morocco

1st March 2018

Morocco has an estimated population of 36.19 million as of 2018.

The cities of Fes, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat have all, at some point in Morocco’s history, been the capital.  They are known collectively as the Imperial Cities.

Rabat is the current capital and Morocco’s second largest city.  It is famous for its landmarks which have been influenced by its Islamic and French-colonial past.  The roman ruins of Chellah and the unfinished tower of Hassan II Mosque top the ‘must see’ list when visiting Rabat.

Morocco’s oldest city is Fes.  It was first established as a capital in the 9th Century under Idrisid rule and has been a capital twice since. The Medina of Fes and its 11th Century tanneries became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

The historic city of Meknes was founded in the 11th Century by the Almoravids.   A military settlement, it became the capital in the 17th century and is the 6th most populous city in Morocco. Just 30 kilometres outside of Meknes is the Roman ruins of Volubulis and to the south is the ruins of Heri es-Souani, the King’s vast granaries and stables complex.

Most Imperial City Tours will include Casablanca.  Although never a capital, Casablanca is Morocco’s most populous city, estimated at around 3.5 million inhabitants.

Morocco has snow capped mountains peaking at 4,167 metres with two seasonal ski areas.  The largest, Oukaimeden, in the High Atlas mountains, is Africa’s highest ski resort and located just 75km outside Marrakesh.

Morocco has golden sand dunes of the Sahara desert towering at a mesmerising height of 250 metres at Merzouga and growing!  The majestic Saharan landscape is ever changing, influenced by mother nature.

Morocco has 1,200 miles of coastline running along the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.  The balmy wind and wave buffeted fishing port of Essaouira on the Atlantic side boasts a world-class surfing scene.

Morocco’s most unique beach of Legzira, a brown sandy beach famous for its spectacular rock structures jutting out from the cliffs and natural arches (one sadly now collapsed), lies about three hours to the south of the popular mass tourism beach destination of Agadir.   North of Morocco, is the charming Mediterranean town of Al Hoceima, where the Rif Mountains plunge into sandy bays with blue-green water.

Morocco boasts nine cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites including Meknes, Fes, Marrakesh, Volubilis, Ait Benhaddou, Tetouan, El Jadida, Essaouira and Rabat.

Should you wish to climb the Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains standing at an impressive 4,167 metres, Mouloud and his team would relish the challenge to accompany you.   Should you wish to spend a magical starry night at a Desert camp in the Sahara, Mouloud and his team would be delighted to ready your camel.  Should you prefer to immerse yourself in the chaotic, but organised labyrinthine souks of Marrakesh, branching off from the famous square of Jemaa El-Fnaa, Mouloud and his team of specialist guides will happily transport your newly purchased Moroccan wool rug!  Or should you wish to explore on foot the Berber Trail, passing through tiny villages and mountain valleys, Mouloud and his team will ensure you witness Berber life close up.  You will experience their friendly hospitality and learn of their rich cultural heritage.   Of course, should you prefer to relax on the beach, Morocco boasts miles of beautiful coastline bordering both the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas.

Whether you decide to choose one of our ‘off the shelf’ tours, or would prefer a tailor-made customised tour, Mouloud and his team of specialist guides at Orange Tours Morocco will ensure you take away memories of Morocco that are completely unique and personal to you.