Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
Morocco 's capital of the south, Marrakech, is a city you don't so much visit, as experience. A heady concoction of bustling souks, jostling street traders, smoky pavement café's, wonderfully mysterious smells, and distant Arabic music, all surrounded by a ten mile long fortified city wall. This is North Africa exactly as you would imagine it to be.
In the evenings it becomes a giant carnival, as all manner of exotic street entertainers appear, lines of aromatic foods are on offer, and musicians vie for space amid the crowds of revellers.
Looking down over the city is the 200 foot high minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the cities principal landmarks.
Marrakech also makes the perfect starting point for a trip into the High Atlas Mountains, just a couple of hours away by coach. There are many standard trekking routes, from the simple to those for experienced adventurers only. Longer tours afford the opportunity of meeting the mountain communities that have lived here for generations.
Rabat and Casablanca
With a pleasant breeze from the Atlantic coastline, tree lined avenues, and a relaxed atmosphere, Rabat is a perfect coastal resort in which to be based for touring the surrounding area. The Kasbah des Oudaias occupies a commanding position overlooking the river estuary, and protects the 12 th century mosque within its walls. The ornate 44 metre high Tower of Hassan also dates from the 12 th century, and should have been taller had the sultan who ordered its construction not died before it was complete.
Across the river, Oued Bou Regred, is the neighbouring settlement of Sale , with its impressive city walls and far more dated appeal. South along the coast you will find Casablanca , which is now a busy, crowded, and somewhat grubby shadow of its former self, but not without appeal. The walled Medina , and the mosque of Hassan II are both worthy of visits.
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