Morocco is a country in the north of Africa with a coastline straddling the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic ocean. To the south west it borders the Western Sahar,a a disputed territory which it claims and most of which it currently administers, while to the south east it is separated from the rest of the Sahara desert and its neighbour Algeria by the Atlas mountain range.

Although it has always been a tourist destination Morocco embarked on a government backed scheme in the late 90's to expand tourism through the creation of 6 new tourist resorts, 5 on the Atlantic coast and 1 on the Mediterranean.

While Morocco is best known for its beaches and its climate, it has much more to offer including, for the European tourist, a cultural change from the sedate and orderly to the chaotic hustle and bustle of the ancient medinas and the vibrant colours of Africa. The snow covered Atlas mountains offer spectacular scenery which can be enjoyed on foot, horseback or mountain bike. Higher up you can participate in white water sports such as rafting, canoeing or kayacking. Explore the Sahara desert in a 4x4 or on the back of a camel and spend a night under the stars in a genuine Bedouin tent. Visit the ancient city of Fez and explore its 1200 year old medina of narrow alleys where you can barter for a huge range of goods from spices to carpets. But be warned - you'll need to keep your wits about you.

Morocco has several climatic regions. The coastal regions of the north and west of the Atlas mountains have a warm Mediterranean climate while the climate of the mountainous regions vary depending on altitude. East of the Atlas mountains and in the Sahara region, the climate becomes very dry and extremely hot in summer.

Eating out in Morocco can be relatively cheap if you avoid the top restaurants. Meals often consist of a number of courses starting with a cold salad, possibly followed by a tajine, a stew of either meat or fish accompanied by various spices, vegetables and local fruits such as date or raiseis which is slow cooked in the clay pot in which it is presented. Further courses may include a plate of couscous topped with meat and vegetables.

Places to stay include a full range of accommodation from 5 star spa resorts and hotels to reasonably priced Riads (Moroccon guesthouses) and self catering rental villas and apartments.