Morocco - The Hidden Colours of Morocco

Morocco is the most exotic country of Northern Africa. When you visit there, you will be impressed by the royal cities with their labyrinths of markets and mud-brick streets where the African and Arab cultures are mixed into a colourful unity. Marrakech, Fes and Meknes are among the most oriental cities of the world, only rivalled by cities like Cairo and Damascus. The souks (markets) are sheer treasuries full of craft pottery, woodwork, tapestry and heavy silver jewellery. But you can also find aromatic spices and sweet perfumes, illegal ivory or leopard skins which traditionally have been transported from black Africa by means of the camel caravans from Timbuktu. Islam is Morocco's religion and five times per day the air is pregnant of the calls to prayer, the sign to bow to the will of the almighty Allah.

On the vast dusty plains the last nomads live in traditional goat hair tents surrounded by their herds of goats, sheep and camels. Especially in the oases many people are black. These are the descendants of people from Mali and Senegal which once crossed the great desert as traders or slaves. It is here that we join a family and trek as they migrate to follow ancient grazing grounds.

Moroccans are strong-willed people with a tendency to isolate themselves from the world at large. Thousands of years of extreme climate and the reign of ruthless warriors and sultans have taught them to mistrust everything outside the thick walls of their houses. Foreigners are viewed with a touch of suspicion and it takes time and effort to get to the hearts of these people. But once they open their houses to you, a great hospitality is offered which is second to none in the world. It takes time to get under Morocco's skin, but once that happens it will get under your skin and Morocco will become a very special experience indeed.

If you would like more information

Contact Martin or Isabella on 01822 880277 for a chat.

or email martin@spirit-of-adventure.com.