| Everyone, from child in arms to the most | | | | than elsewhere in Morocco. The Jardins |
| adventurous toughie, can find something to | | | | Exotiques, just five km from the beach, were |
| suit in Morocco. | | | | established by a Frenchman named François |
| | | | in the 1950s, but were neglected until the |
| It's a country with not only dripping with | | | | late 1980s, when the Moroccan government |
| cultural curiosities and scenic marvels but | | | | began restoring them. Now the gardens are |
| also bristling with physical challenges and | | | | aglow with beautiful and exotic plant life |
| offbeat opportunities. | | | | found nowhere else in North Africa. |
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| Morocco Skiing | | | | Morocco Art & Culture |
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| Skiing, for instance. The best-known area in | | | | About 45 km outside Meknes is the small town |
| Morocco is Oukaimeden, 74 km from Marrakesh, | | | | of Khemisset, created by the French with a |
| where the main ski months are from | | | | view to promoting harmony between the Berber |
| mid-December until about end-March, sometimes | | | | tribes of the region. The town's market, or |
| even later. Snow ploughs keep the roads clear | | | | souk, which occurs every Tuesday, is famous |
| and new ski lifts help to keep things running | | | | for its splendid Berber carpets made in the |
| seamlessly for skiers. Accommodation can be | | | | surrounding villages. Only some 15 km from |
| had in rented chalets. Not for the | | | | Khemisset is Lake Roumi, known as Dayet Er |
| faint-hearted is Tazaghart, a rough, even | | | | Roumi. It is an area rich in birds and lived |
| dangerous place to ski, frequented mainly by | | | | in by shepherds. In the summer, children swim |
| professionals with heavy insurance cover for | | | | here, whereas in springtime you could find |
| repatriation and injury and equally heavy | | | | you have the whole place to yourself. The |
| equipment such as beacons and GPS. Mount | | | | lake is stocked with fish for the fishing |
| Azurki, at 3,600 metres, is perhaps the best | | | | season, but you need to apply to the water |
| skiing area in the country, where trails of | | | | and forest office in Khemisset to obtain a |
| over 1,000 metres snake down from the top. | | | | daily permit (about £6 per person). |
| Again, this area is for the highly skilled | | | | |
| skier only. | | | | Morocco Adventure |
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| Morocco Wild Life | | | | Travellers who are looking for spectacular |
| | | | scenery, where your main activity will be |
| And then there's wildlife watching. The Lac | | | | dropping your jaw in awe, should take the |
| du Sidi Bourhaba is a freshwater lake near | | | | road from Meknes to Azrou. Along the road |
| Kenitra, where bird watchers and other | | | | you'll encounter the famous Paysage d'Ito, a |
| wildlife enthusiasts walk out on the causeway | | | | volcanic region with an amazing view of the |
| that spikes out into the lake. Frogs and | | | | whole area - all the way to Meknes, on a |
| toads are plentiful in this unspoilt | | | | clear day. Nearby Ifrane boasts cedar forests |
| environment and it is not unusual to see | | | | and fossil and mineral stands on cliffs with |
| marsh harriers swooping down to snap up the | | | | stunning panoramic views over the whole Azrou |
| beautifully coloured dragonflies. The | | | | valley. Meknes, once Morocco's capital city, |
| warbler, the crested coot and the kite may | | | | is surrounded by rich, fertile ground, lakes |
| accompany you on your early morning or late | | | | and forests, where travellers can enjoy a |
| afternoon stroll along the narrow banks of | | | | peaceful retreat. |
| the lake. In winter, especially in February, | | | | |
| you are almost certain to spot flamingos and | | | | The Atlas Mountains and the desert beyond are |
| godwits. A rarer find is the African marsh | | | | Morocco's true glory, described by one |
| owl. In spring the area blooms with brooms, | | | | traveller as 'lots of different colours of |
| crocuses and marigolds. | | | | nothing'. Camel trekking, kitesurfing, |
| | | | windsurfing, walking, mule trekking (prices |
| Morocco Birds & Beaches | | | | start from about £6 per mule and about |
| | | | £9 per guide), climbing and viewing |
| About 22 km from Kenitra are the well-known | | | | prehistoric rock carvings are among the other |
| Plage des Nations and Jardins Exotiques, | | | | active delights of a visit to Morocco. |
| situated on the road that runs along the | | | | |
| coastline. The bird watching in these areas | | | | Of course, Morocco is not all landscape and |
| is less rich but the beach is a wonderful | | | | legwork. There are the souks, the festivals, |
| place to retreat to around midday. Plage des | | | | the mosques and minarets of the capital and |
| Nations, named in honour of the diplomatic | | | | other cities, the musicians and snake |
| families that frequent the beach, is great | | | | charmers, the horse-drawn cabs, the shops |
| for surfing but the currents are strong and | | | | selling handmade shoes and carpets, the |
| it's not suitable for lone swimmers | | | | historic landmarks and ancient buildings - |
| unfamiliar with its vagaries. Women in | | | | enough for a year or two, let alone a brief |
| bikinis have a more hassle-free time here | | | | holiday in this astonishing country. |