Archive for January, 2009

Morocco’s Magical Cascades

Friday, January 30th, 2009

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Deep inside a Berber village of Morocco, in the Middle Atlas, only hours away from the Imperial city of Marrakech, lies one of the most majestic waterfalls, the Cascades d’Ouzoud. One of the Top 10 Places Not to Miss, and undoubtedly a stunning natural wonder of Morocco, along with the Todra Gorge, and the Erg Chebbi Dunes.

After exploring the manic streets of Marrakech Lizzi Thomson, of the University of York 2010, dove into the gentle cascades with ten or her close friends traveling together from England. Thomson said, “The cascades are what many of the Muslims in Morocco associate with their idea of paradise. They were so peaceful and unspoiled!” The group swam together in falls further down the valley surrounded by monkeys!

Thomson described this experience as surreal and continued, “Swimming in the falls was so relaxing. It felt like a million miles away from city life. There were really deep plunge pools carved out by the waterfall so when I jumped in it felt absolutely bottomless.”
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Most travelers venturing to the Cascade d’Ouzoud arrive by private 4×4 vehicles directly if on a tour. Another way to reach the falls is through Marrakech, or you can even pass through the tiny Berber village of Ouzoud.

Check out some more of Lizzi Thomson’s photos in the gallery below!

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cascades fall

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Marrakech Morocco – Travel The Red City

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

shoe-market Large cities like Marrakech are maze of  enchanting Arabic markets. Souks are a major feature of Moroccan life.  Artisan vendors of all kinds flock the streets selling a range of foods, clothes, carpets, jewelry and metals. The slippers, a vibrant display of culture, are referred to as baboosh.

Row after row of baboosh tower in the air, gentle turquoise, pomegranate, melon, lilac and pear green colored leathers attract the tourists eye. They also make for a great souvenir.

The pointed toe and flat heal are the main characteristics of the baboosh and are worn by both men and woman. Traditionally the men tend to wear yellow pointed slippers, or other light colors that help reflect the sun, accompanied by their traditional red fez hat. Moroccan woman wear brighter colors like pinks, blues and black with sequins, beads or glitter.

While Moroccan clothing may be evolving to a more contemporary image, traditional styles hold prominent at certain festivals, formal events and weddings. So if you are touring Morocco a little baboosh flair could dress up your night on the town.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Morocco’s International Marathon – A Running Tour Through Marrakech

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

The International Marathon at Marrakech is considered one of the most prestigious marathons in the world and boasts a beautiful and exotic setting for its runners. The route itself, which was designed by an international judge after visiting the most beautiful sites in Marrakech, winds itself down palm tree-lined streets, through orange and olive groves, past historical monuments and along the walls of the city itself.

As well as being a hot spot for marathon runners, Marrakech is also a prime destination for tourists who wish to discover and experience the “real” Morocco. The small and narrow streets of Marrakech never allowed for the car to be completely integrated into every day life giving the city a more rustic and authentic feel.

A must-see in Marrakech are The Great Souks – or marketplaces – that can be found in the north of the city. Locals and visitors alike marvel at the labyrinth-like construction of these roofed-in markets that offers everything from food and carpeting to water jugs and spices of every color.

At the center of the city is Jemaa el-fna, an open square that is thought to be at least a thousand years old. During the day visitors can expect to find street performers dressed in colorful costumes, snake charmers, and orange juice stands but it is at night when the real fun starts. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the snake charmers depart the square begins to fill up with Chleuh dancing boys, story tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicine. Dozens of food stalls crowd the square as tourists and locals enjoy the nightly entertainment.

The Mosque of Koutoubia, thought to be the landmark of Marrakech, was first built in 1147 and boasts the oldest of three remaining great Almohad minarets in the world. The original Mosque of Koutoubia had to be knocked down because it did not align correctly with Mecca but was rebuilt by 1199.

The Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden that was created in the 1920’s by the French artist and expatriate Jacques Majorelle. Majorelle created a small paradise filled with exotic flowers and plants from around the world and a private residence modeled after Marrakech palaces. The lush gardens, pools, exotic birds, and the dazzling blue structures make the Majorelle Garden another must-see for any visitor of Marrakech.

So whether you’re a marathoner who wants to feel what it’s like to run down palm tree-line streets and through orange orchards and olive groves or just an eager traveler looking for the next great adventure Marrakech may be the city for you.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.