Morocco - a Charming Country of Africa

While Morocco travel can be enjoyed year round, many tourists choose to show up during the peak months of July and August. In addition to being a popular month for travelers to take a Morocco vacation, August is also when many native Moroccans like to vacation. Many of the vacationing natives live and work in European countries like Spain and France, and most workers in Europe get a month off in the summer. Beach lovers who are wondering when to go to Morocco should know that the months of July and August are when the country's beaches are at their best. This has a lot to do with the fact that many travelers decide to take a summer Morocco trip.

Many travelers consider the weather more than anything else when trying to decide when to go to Morocco. The country enjoys relatively warm weather year round, though the mountains are very different from the coastal zones and desert regions. In the High Atlas Mountains especially, the winters are cold. When enough snow falls, a Morocco trip can revolve around skiing. There are actually some ski resorts in Morocco, and while one of them can be found in the Ourika Valley, the other is closer to Fes in the Middle Atlas Mountains. While snow falls in the mountains and the temperatures often drop below zero in the winter, the other seasons are milder and better suited for hiking. Many Morocco travelers escape from the lowland and interior heat by venturing into the mountains on a side trip during the summer.

The temperatures in the Morocco interior can easily top 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. As such, travelers who don't have beach time as a main priority will likely prefer a trip to Morocco during the spring or fall months. These months can be especially great for Morocco travel, as the temperatures are comfortable and the summer crowds are absent. Spring is widely considered to be the best time to travel to Morocco, as the heat of the summer can prove overbearing. During the winter months, the cold, especially at night, can make things uncomfortable. In destinations like Marrakech, for example, the winter nights can be very cold. Thankfully, the coastal destinations are usually refreshed by consistent trade winds during the hot summer months, which helps to make places such as Agadir so popular in July and August.

In addition to considering the weather when trying to decide when to go to Morocco, many visitors also take a look at the annual events and festivals calendar. The month-long fast of Ramadan is especially worth noting, as the locals are more focused on their religion than travelers on many occasions. Some restaurants and cafes will close during the day during Ramadan, and business hours in general are reduced. Nighttime is a different story, however. Things are often quite festive and happy, and it can be a magical thing to witness.

There are various things that travelers can concern themselves with when it comes to planning a Morocco trip. For those on a tight budget, deciding when to go to Morocco can have everything to do with travel deals. In the off-season, the winter especially, many of the country's hotels offer discounted rates. Cheap flights can also be easier to come by in the off season, as well as in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. These days, Morocco travel deals are easier than ever to come by, in which case discounted rates on things like accommodations and airfare aren't unheard of during the peak summer season. A Morocco vacation package will usually offer discounts, so travelers might keep them in mind when arranging their Arabian getaway.

Things to do

The list of things to do in Morocco is a long one, and travelers will find that the country's diverse landscape lends itself well to all kinds of outdoor adventures. In addition to a host of fun activities, visitors to this fascinating African country can also enjoy a range of great attractions. The Morocco attractions offer something for everyone, and word is spreading fast when it comes to how rewarding a Morocco visit can be. While a list of things to do in Morocco can include any number of things, there are some activities and attractions that figure among the best and most popular.

Medinas

Morocco's medinas, or old districts, are magical places to explore, and they easily figure among the most iconic Morocco tourist attractions. These walled districts with their maze-like streets function much like they have for centuries, and they can be ideal places to go shopping and explore. In Marrakech, for example, taking in the atmosphere at the large central square in the medina can make for memories to last a lifetime.
Jamaa el Fna Square

This large square in the Marrakech medina is one of the best places in Morocco to observe a unique slice of everyday life. During the day, various street performers wander the square entertaining passersby, and juice stalls offer refreshing beverages. As the day wears on, the atmosphere at this renowned square gets even more enticing, as more and more street performers arrive and the food stalls start sending savory scents into the air. Jamaa el Fna Square impresses on many different levels, and it's one of the Morocco attractions that travelers won't want to miss.

Mosques

Mosques figure among the most historical Morocco tourist attractions, and many can be found in the country's various medinas. These places of worship are generally off-limits to non-Muslims, though they are still worth checking out due to their architectural and historical appeal. There are two mosques that non-Muslims can enter—the Tin Mal Mosque and the Hassan II Mosque. The Tin Mal Mosque is an older mosque and can be found near Marrakech, while the Hassan II Mosque is a huge, newer mosque that is hard to miss on the Casablanca skyline.

Museums

Morocco boasts a rich history, and some of the country's best museums offer insight into the more interesting historical facts. The America Legation Museum is one of the top Morocco tourist attractions, and it offers the most comprehensive look at the country's history. Found in Tangier, this museum offers free guided tours in English. The arts are very much at the heart of many museum displays as well, which is the case at the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This museum in Marrakech displays interesting arts and crafts, including leatherwork, jewelry, and carpets.

Tours

One of the best ways to take in the many different Morocco attractions is through a tour. Guided tours of the country's medinas are popular, especially in cities with larger medinas, such as Fes. In addition to exploring a medina, those who are wondering what to do in Morocco can also go on a bird watching tour, a biking tour, and a bunch of other fun tours.

Camel treks figure among the most popular Morocco tours, as they allow visitors to get in touch with their inner Lawrence of Arabia. The most popular destination for Morocco camel treks is Merzouga, though there are a few other options worth considering. Merzouga offers access to the Erg Chebbi, which is a verifiable desert wonderland that is full of shifting dunes. These dunes can be up to 500 feet tall. Camel treks can last a few hours or a few weeks. There are camps and other retreats scattered across the desert for travelers who need food, water, or a place to stay for the night.

Mountains

Heading into the mountains for some highland fun is one of the most popular things to do in Morocco, especially during the hot summer months. The cooler, fresher mountain air can be very enticing in the summer months, though the Morocco mountains are inviting regardless of the season. It's possible to go skiing in Morocco, which can be a unique experience. There are a couple small ski resorts in the Morocco mountains, and one can be found in the dazzling Ourika Valley.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Morocco, and it can be enjoyed year round. Winter snowfalls can make for adverse conditions, in which case hiking enthusiasts might stick to the other seasons when planning a trip. Hiking tours are easy to book in cities like Fes and Marrakech, and travelers can always head out on their own to trek the country's trails. The mountains make for the best hiking terrain.

Beaches

Many of the Morocco attractions are natural ones, and such is the case with the beaches. Enticing strips of sand can be found along the country's long coastline, and while some front the Atlantic Ocean, others sit on the Mediterranean Sea. Agadir and the Tamuda Bay area figure among the best places to enjoy some time on the beach in Morocco, though they certainly aren't the only destinations of choice. Various watersports can be enjoyed at the Morocco beaches, and surfing is growing in popularity.

Dining

For all intents and purposes, restaurants figure among the best Morocco tourist attractions, as sampling the country's unique cuisine is one of the main joys to be had. Couscous is the national dish. Various stews, or tanjines, also feature prominently on the menu at the Moroccan restaurants, and fresh seafood is abundant on the coast.

- According to Destination360 -

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Madagascar - The most special island in the world

Forget Hollywood fripperies, Madagascar is like no place else on earth. In fact, all things considered, it barely qualifies as part of Africa: the two are separated by hundreds of kilometres of sea and 165 million years of evolution – long enough for Madagascar’s plants and animals to evolve into some of the weirdest forms on the planet. Nowhere else can you see over 70 varieties of lemur, including one that sounds like a police siren, the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons, and the last stomping ground of the elephant bird, the largest bird that ever lived. Near Ifaty in Southern Madagascar you will see forests of twisted, spiny ‘octopus’ trees and in the west, marvel at the bottle-shaped baobabs, especially the Avenue du Boabab near Morondava. And be on the look out for the carnivorous pitcher plant found around Ranomafana, there are over 60 varieties of them. Not for nothing is Madagascar regarded as the world’s number one conservation priority.

And the people are no less interesting: arriving here some 2000 years ago along the Indian Ocean trade routes, they grow rice in terraced paddies, and speak a language that has more in common with their origins in Southeast Asia than with the African continent. Their culture is steeped in taboo and magic, imbuing caves, waterfalls, animals and even some material objects with supernatural attributes. Hill peoples live in traditional multistoried brick houses with carved balconies and, in some areas, dance with their dead ancestors in the ‘turning of the bones’ ceremony.

Throw in a soupçon of pirate history, coastlines littered with shipwrecks, great regional cooking, some of the world’s longest place names, and unfailingly polite and friendly people, and you’ll experience a refreshing take on the overused ‘unique’ tag.

We’ve cherrypicked 5 unforgettable things to do in this truly unique place.

Trek the rainforest and take a hot tub

Parc National de Ranomafana is known for its hot springs and lemur-inhabited rainforest. Head out at dawn for a guided trek in search of the beautiful bamboo lemurs. Later, cross a spindly bridge over the village’s huge gushing river to find a line of hot tubs in little rooms. Once submerged in the piping hot water, you relax you instantly. Stay at the wonderfully friendly and low key La Palmerie hotel for home-cooked banana crepes drizzled in chocolate and the chance to meet Dadalira, an 106-year-old local man who has lived through the country’s most dramatic highs and lows.

Breakfast Malagasy style, and haute cuisine too

The French left a lasting impression when they colonized Madagascar. There are croissants everywhere. Dine Malagasy style at a hotely, one of the slightly dingy roadside establishments, serving up stacks of fried dough balls (mofobols) and super sweet coffee with condensed milk. Other choices will include deep-fried bananas and rice cakes. It’s hardly fine dining, but the people watching and hospitality make the experience priceless.

On the other end of the culinary scale, you’ll find La Varangue, a highly regarded restaurant in Antananarivo. Master chocolatier Lalaina Ravelomanana, who was recently voted among the world’s top five chefs has created a menu to die for, including a taster menu and mains such as grenadine zebu steak with apple cannelloni, a mystery item called explosion du chef and, of course, lots of lovely chocolate. Eat out on the veranda over looking the city or in the stylish interior decked with intriguing relics.

Simplicity and a lakeside safari

At Camp Bandro at Lac Alaotra, you can glide across the island’s largest lake in a dug out canoe at dawn in search of the gentle bamboo lemur or Bandro. As the sun comes up, your guide pushes through the thick reeds into what looks like planet Pandora. Papyrus shoots up around you, and the grey bamboo lemurs never fail to charm. It’s not easy to get here – it takes twelve hours in a minibus taxi on bad roads – but it’s worth it. The camp itself consists of two basic bungalows in stunning garden of roses and includes three delicious meals a day, a bucket shower and access to the lake every morning.

Meet Mother Nature’s most curious creatures

There are four national parks in Andasibe’s rich rainforest, so wherever you are, you can hear the eerie call of the island’s largest remaining lemur species, the Indri. Stride through the thick rain forest and look up to find the huge monochrome creatures high above your head. Spot fat, green Parson’s chameleons and the bizarre giraffe-necked weevil. Take to the quiet Mitsinjo forest for a night walk to hear the frog chorus and spot minute mouse lemurs. For a closer look, visit Vakona Lodge’s lemur island, a sanctuary for rescued lemurs that once lived in captivity.

Give something back

You’ll be struck by the hospitality of the Malagasy and also the poverty. Spend the day at Akany Avoko in Antananarivo – it’s home for around 120 homeless kids. As well as funding their education, the charity provides the children with craft workshops, where they can make bags, clothes and screenprint t-shirts; a garden to learn how to grow vegetables; cookery classes; career lessons and training in sustainable energy. You’ll be greeted by the English director, Steve Wilkinson, and get to wander round the school, meet the children, visit the craft shop, and have lunch in the cafe.

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Festive Mauritius - A Cultural Picnic

Mauritius is the best place in Africa for a vacation with loved ones. There’s no better location than the rich natural beauty of the sapphire sea and the splendid white beaches. What adds to the charm of the place is that it is a beautiful and harmonious blend of several global cultures like the Chinese, African, Indian, Creole and the Europeans. There are beautiful landscapes in the form of waterfalls, forests and a stunning underwater world. There are innumerable places of tourist attractions which include the parks, gardens and hotels. It is the perfect place to for some fun and rest.

Grand Bay

Grand Bay, Mauritius (Via)

It is one of the best tourist attractions in Mauritius not only because of its natural beauty but also because of all the outdoor activities available here like scuba diving, and parasailing. The submarine venture is a great hit with people as you can get to explore the underwater life. Many restaurants, clubs and shopping malls are also available nearby.

Things to do
Mauritius is famous for its white sandy beaches like the Grand Bay, Blue Bay and the Tamarin. Boating, sailing, skiing, fishing and sunbathing are some of the activities you can indulge in here.

Visiting Port Louis will definitely be part of your agenda in Mauritius. This capital of Mauritius is a major tourist attraction more so for the numerous places of tourist interests like the Municipal Theater, Cathedrals, Mosque, Supreme Court and the Natural History Museum.

Being a place of many religions and beliefs, there are bound to be spectacular religious monuments. The Triolet Shivala is one such place - a Hindu temple built in the year 1819 dedicated to the Hindu Gods. The place is also the longest village on the island.

The wildlife is something you can get to enjoy here in Mauritius. So, take a look at the wildlife parks in the islands like the Black River Gorges National Park, the La Vanille Crocodiles Park and the Domaine du Chasseur.

Don’t miss out on the Chamarel or colored earth which is created by volcanic rocks that are cooled down at varied temperatures. The different patterns of color are just too beautiful to be missed.

Also see the Royal Botanical Gardens of Palmlemoussses famous for its collection of exotic plants and the Casela Bird Park for its 140 species of birds.

How to go there

You can reach Mauritius by air arriving at the two major airports in Mauritius. Moving around in Mauritius is best done by taxi, bus or car. Express buses are a cheap means of transportation in Mauritius. Taxis can be convenient but hiring a car is definitely not.

- Best Tourist Destinations (Via) -

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Travel to Kenya - Why not?

From the vivid aquamarine shades of the Indian Ocean to the enchanting strangeness of the flora on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Kenya is a startlingly beautiful land.

Famed for its striking wildlife bounding across the acacia-studded savannah of game parks, such as Amboseli, the Masai Mara, Samburu and Tsavo, Kenya is a safari-fanatic's dream; vast national parks and reserves encompass one-tenth of Kenya's surface, spanning desert, grasslands and dense mountain forest.

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Ideal Traveling Destinations in 2011

In 2011, which places in the world do you want to travel ? If you haven't got any idea in mind, please refer to the ideal destinations introduced below.

South Africa

South Africa is a hot destination for the world during Summer 2010 when acting as the host of a successful World Cup season. How about 2011? The monumental works imposing in Cape Town and Johannesburg Center are still waiting for you. It is not very hard for you to admire them as the moment for World Cup.

Stockholm - Sweden

If you are a fan of the works "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) of Swedish author - Stief Larsson, you can explore the capital city of Sweden - Stockholm through the eyes of of the main character in the film adapted same name. However, why don't you explore the real Stockholm?

You can wander through many narrow streets of the vicinity Sodermalm, where the writer lived and had the inspiration for his book; but do not be a foolish looking everywhere for Hedestad, because this town is merely the product of imagination. Instead, please take a trip on boat from the center of Stockholm to Sandhamn.

South Pole

100 years after the the Norwegian explorer - Roald Amundsen - honored as the first person to find the South Pole, discovering Antarctic becoming one of the first choice of those who like to conquer nature.

However, you do not have to go to Amundsen-Scott Station at 90 degree south to enjoy the freezing feeling; just take a step to the border of this icy continent to feel it!

New York - The USA

For tourists, NY - which is famous for the name "Big Apple", is always an inspiration that you cannot miss. In 2011, people have another reason for going to this destination - 10-year anniversary of the disaster of the U.S on 11th September, 2001.

The National Monument 11/9 will be completed on this occasion right at the Twin towers, and the underground museum is also being deployed.

National Park in Canada

If you are a nature lover, Canada should definitely be out in the top list of your traveling destinations.

The first National Park of Canada - Banff in Alberta was established 125 years before. The festival for celebrating 100-year of establishment will be held in 2011, which is promised to bring to the tourists the relaxing time and interesting experiences .

Stretching from Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia to Auyuittug tundra in Nunavut province, the Northern Canada has 36 National Parks for you to choose in pleasure.

London - UK

An attention booming in London these days is for the preparation for the wedding day of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which will be held at Westminster Abbey church.

The wedding took place on 29th April will be the opportunity for people to admire again the Royal jewelry from royal wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana Spencer.

If you plan to visit this foggy capital, just go to Straffordd County in West London to visit the Olympic Park Avenue, where the 2012 Summer Olympics will be taken place.

Although the work is still in progress, at least you will have the opportunity to witness this great constructing work.

Puerto Rico

Beaches, tropical rain forest, etc have made this tropical island become ideal for filming some scenes in Part 4 of the film "Pirates of the Caribbean".

Although the wave of tourism has been slow down, the climate here is still great. You can take a rest under the umbrella and enjoy a cool atmosphere of the sea. A new ferry has been put into operation from the Old San Juan to Catano, where the famous rhum factory Bacardi was built.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - USA

A devastating civil war in the past destroyed this country; however, the 150-year anniversary of the bloody conflict taken place this year will open a new look to the world about the remains of a heart-breaking past.

A national park community including more than 70 America-style parks which are associated with the instense fight and the events taking place during four years starting in 2011 will partly re-sketched picture of the battles, the people, and the key battlegrounds.

The conservationists hope that the attention of people around the world will contribute to the protection of this historic mark.

 

Machu Picchu - Peru

Hidden high above the Andes is Machu Picchy of the Inca empire. This shrine was only know to the outside world thanks to the discovery of the historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Events and Festivals celebrating for the 100 years of this mysterious city is planning to deployment. These events and festivals include many promotional activities for tourists about the traditional Inca culture. 2011 is also a year marking the spectacular return of Machu Picchu after a failed tourism due to the flood disaster .

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Seven Wonders of Africa

Normally, when referring to Africa I think this is a poor continent besides the heat is always tough. But with 7 landmarks of the world, I think that the gradual change.

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