If you’ve never visited Morocco then perhaps it’s time to consider it now. Not only is the countryside stunning and some of the wildlife special, but the local Berber people are fascinating.
In June when it’s baking hot in the main cities and towns, and the heat is unbearable in the Saharan south, then the Atlas mountains are a haven.
The only Naturetrek trip where we spend all our time in the High Atlas is the Butterflies of Morocco's High Atlast Mountains trip. Yes there are lots of interesting butterflies, some endemic like the Moroccan Copper and Vaucher’s Heath; others are endemic to North Africa like Giant and Dark Giant Graylings; and many are localised sub-species like Moroccan Marbled White and Atlas Blue; but there is lots more to see.
We stay at an auberge in the village or Ouirgane. There is a strong French influence in Morocco and the auberge is owned by a French couple. It was recently built to a traditional Moroccan design but with an extensive garden (good for butterflies and birds) and luxuries such as a fabulous open-air swimming pool. Evening meals are taken on the open terrace under a canopy where we can watch the sun set. On our last visit a vocal Mauretanian Toad inhabited the wall next to our table, and when the sun had set and the outside coachlights turned on, delightful Moorish Geckos kept warm inside the lampshades.
On Naturetrek trips we like to keep our eyes open and enjoy all we find. Birding in the High Atlas can turn up interesting speciality species such as Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, Seebohm’s Wheatear, Moussier’s Redstart, Tristram’s Warbler and Crimson-winged Finch.
If you like ‘people-watching’ and local culture, then the Berber people are fascinating. We try and visit the local Saturday market at Asni where there isn’t a car park but a mule park. The garage is also replaced by a farrier re-shoeing mules and donkeys. Sometimes it’s hard to comprehend life in the mountains. A couple of years ago we took a group into a Berber house in a mountain village near Imlil for a drink of authentic Moroccan Tea. I discovered that mains electricity had only been connected to the village some six months earlier and in the main room stood a large television. I asked our host what he watched on the television expecting current affairs or the news as an answer but no; he turned on the tv and proudly showed us a Kung-fu video!
For me, Morocco is a magical place with fabulous scenery and wonderful experiences. I’m looking forward to returning in 2008.
Details of all Naturetrek's Moroccan tours can be found on the Wildlife Holidays in Morroco page.
