TOP 5 HIDDEN GEMS IN MOROCCO

Morocco has been one of my favorite destination’s to travel. After traversing the Sahara Desert , Fez, and Tangier for a week I’ve discovered a new found appreciation for this country, it’s landscape, and it’s culture. There is so much to see and do- thing’s I missed on my visit, but have added to my bucket list for future travels. Below are 5 Hidden Gems that haven given me, and are sure to give you wanderlust.

Ouzoud Falls

Ouzoud Falls is the collective name for several tall waterfalls that empty into the El-Abid River gorge, located northeast of Marrakech, Morocco.

At the falls there are walking paths all over that you can walk along and enjoy the picturesque views of the imposing waterfalls above. Paths go all the way along the river, down to the pools, and up to the precipice of the waterfall’s edge.

Make sure to see wildlife, including the monkeys that roam the trees and water! They are not completely wild creatures and are used to humans being around, which means they may not respect your personal boundaries.

Make it a day trip and enjoy the afternoon in the cafes or restaurants that line the paths near the base of the falls, or bring your own lunch and have a serene picnic by the water.

Khenifra

In the northern part of central Morocco, the city of Khenifra enjoys a scenic location alongside the Oum Er-Rbia River and surrounded by the Atlas Mountains. Nature lovers should visit Khenifra National Park, a short distance from the main city. It is home to two beautiful lakes and fragrant Atlas cedar trees. You can also visit the source of the Oum Er-Rbia River with its cascading waterfall that tumbles down the reddish-brown rocks.

Oualidia

A popular domestic holiday destination along the Atlantic coast, Oualidia is a fine place to relax on sandy beaches and swim in the refreshing sea. The curved lagoon is one of the most scenic in Morocco. Seafood restaurants are abundant, and the area is especially known for fresh oysters. Take a trip to the nearby wetlands in spring or autumn to see a variety of enchanting bird life, including pink flamingoes!!

The Tree Goats of Morocco

The Argania tree is not the most aesthetically pleasing plant in the world with a rough, thorny bark and gangly, crooked branches. Of course, these Moroccan trees still tend to attract admirers, thanks in large part to the hordes of goats that can usually be found on them.

The animals stand on the impossibly precarious branches and get down to their seasonal feast. The goats tend to swarm the tree many at a time, making it the perfect picture photo op! Plus, who doesn’t love goats?

Legzira Beach

Like its other Atlantic counterparts, the 8 km-long stretch of Legzira Beach is windy, rocky, and expansive. What set Legzira apart, however, were its two mammoth stone arches. Naturally formed after years of erosion, these sedimentary giants jutted out into the perpetually crashing waves and are accessible during low-tide.

Unfortunately, upon more research, only one of the two arches now remains. The other collapsed in late 2016, due to wave erosion. The second arch is probably also at risk of eventual collapse, so make this a top priority on your bucket list!

Chefchaouen

The most noticeable characteristic of this mountainous town is the facades of buildings, painted in varying shades of blue. Powder blue doors leap out against whitewashed walls and entire alleyways emulate the cloudless sky above. Talk about a photo -op. I so wish I could have made it here on my travels.

Buses are available from Fez, Tangier, Tetouan, and Casablanca. Only the medina, the old section of the city, is painted blue, so ensure your accommodations are in the medina!