When it comes to the world’s most fascinating nations, Morocco is up there with the best of them – and from its rich culture and breath-taking natural scenery to its stunning architecture and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s little wonder it has fast become one of the most visited countries in the world.
Researching a trip to Morocco can take hours of time and effort, collating information from a range of different sources in order to ensure you’re getting the best out of the experience and, if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, it’s often difficult to work out where to start. That’s where brand new Moroccan culture website Orange Atlas comes in, aiming to serve as a singular go-to for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating country, whether through travel or from the comfort of their own homes.
The Moroccan influence reaches far and wide, and today it can be seen in everything from our home décor and design to the dishes we put on the table, but for many of us, it remains an intriguing topic we don’t feel we know enough about. It’s something that Orange Atlas founder Adil Guennon wants to change by popularising the culture that he loves so much, through the creation of this online destination for Moroccan inspiration.
Dedicated to design lovers, travellers looking to connect with people and places on a more authentic level, and those in search of a tasty Moroccan recipe to cook up at home, it is fast becoming a popular drop-in for culture vultures looking to learn more about the nation and its treasures, and it’s easy to see why.
Bringing you stories that will take you along on the journey, as well as practical advice to help you plan your Moroccan adventures – not to mention a plethora of delicious recipes that will allow you to relive the experience long after you return home – it offers an immersion into this captivating country that can’t be found elsewhere. If you weren’t already eager to book some flights, then you soon will be.
“I am sure that everyone who has had the opportunity to visit Morocco has been fascinated by the culture – and I, myself, am constantly surprised every time I go back,” says Adil – who was himself born in a small Moroccan town called El Jadida, but currently resides in France.
“The ideas I share via Orange Atlas come from personal experience – it’s not just a blog about Moroccan riads and culinary specialties, but a collection of experiences, places and ideas that I have accumulated personally over the years, and that I am passionate about sharing with others.”
As most avid travellers will have found, there are many things that make a destination feel special – but it’s the people you meet along the way, and the stories they tell you, that really make them memorable.
“There’s a lot to love about Morocco,” says Adil. “But what fascinates me the most about it are the people. They are very open to the world, and incredibly welcoming.”
If you’ve not yet been convinced to book yourself those first-class flights to the country for 2022, then here are five more reasons you should.
The colourful markets
A visit to one of Morocco’s vibrant souks is a multi-sensory experience that is quite unlike doing some shopping anywhere else in the world. A chance to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this captivating country, the scent of exotic spices in the air and the colourful tapestries are something to behold indeed. Pause for a cup of traditional mint tea, peruse the many stalls and allow yourself to get swept away in the hustle and bustle of these mesmerising haunts – the biggest and best of which can be found in the intriguing city of Marrakech.
The breath-taking scenery
The vast Atlas Mountain range spans the majority of the country, and those daring enough to take on the ascent to the summit of Mount Toubkal will be rewarded with some spectacular views and incredible photo opportunities. The contrast between this verdant scenery and Morocco’s expansive deserts is quite something, and the country’s barren lands offer some incredible opportunities to take in some of the world’s most impressive sunrises and sunsets and enjoy the night sky with clarity you will have rarely seen thanks to its remoteness.
The intriguing imperial cities
Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat – Morocco’s four imperial cities – will amaze you with their rich histories and offer an insight into the past of this awe-inspiring country. From their historic medinas to their heady and vibrant atmospheres, they make for some of the best places in the country to rub shoulders with the locals and experience their way of life. A few days spent wandering the streets and taking it all in is an essential on any memorable trip to Morocco.
The mouth-watering cuisine
In case you haven’t got the message already, Moroccan cuisine is something truly special – and its rich tagines, tasty falafels and flavourful couscous are staples that have become popular across the globe. You’ll find some of the most authentic cuisine in Morocco’s souks, but there are plenty of high-end restaurants on offer if you’re looking to sample some more refined takes on Moroccan flavours, textures and smells. And on the topic of smells, you can be sure they will tempt you throughout your time in Morocco, because there’s always a fragrant dish being cooked up somewhere and the scent is in the air wherever you go.
