Top natural attractions to visit in Morocco

Morocco is one of the leading touristic countries in Africa for so many reasons, like its wide and diverse historical heritage and civilization, the different cultures of the various ethnicities of Moroccan people, whether they’re Arab, Sahrawi or Berber, the delicious food and friendly locals. However, one of Morocco’s least known features is the dominating natural beauty, which is usually underrated and not as appreciated as it should be. So, in this article, we will list the best natural attractions to visit in Morocco.

1. The Middle Atlas Mountains

The Middle Atlas, Moyen Atlas in French, is a mountain range in central Morocco, lying between a plateau and plain region (northwest) and the main part of the Atlas Mountains (southeast). Many peaks exceed 8,000 feet (2,400 metres), with the highest being Mount Bou Nasser (Bou Naceur; 10,958 feet [3,340 metres]). The Middle Atlas Mountains are covered with Cedar forest, which are in some areas inhabited by the Barbary Macaque monkeys, the only ones of their species in Africa, along with various other animals. They also offer a perfect camping and hitchhiking destination as they contain a number of beautiful lakes, streams and captivating waterfalls.

2. Akchour in the Rif Mountains

Akchour is one of Morocco’s most beautiful and most visited natural refuges. Located in the Rif Mountains, about 30 minutes from the blue city of Chefchaouen, these series of stunning waterfalls and clear water streams, along with cover of the forest are a feast to the eye and the soul and make for a perfect destination for a revamped connection with nature.

3. The High Atlas Mountains

As Morocco’s and North Africa’s greatest mountains range, the High Atlas Mountains stand as a climate changing barrier in Morocco, with its highest summit in North Africa, mount Toubkal, which reaches to 4,167 meters in height, making it a well-known attractions for hikers and adventurers from all over the world. These mountains contain many other beautiful natural spots like the fascinating Toudgha gorge and the stunning Dades gorge as well.

4. Ouzoud waterfalls 

The most famous waterfalls in Morocco, Ouzoud falls stand at 110 meters in height, second tallest in Africa, with its heights drop being 75 meters. Located at the feet of the Middle Atlas Mountains in the Tadla-Azilal region, they make for a perfect destination for a day trip from Marrakech, to enjoy the splendid scenes and charm of nature away from the hustle and bustle of Morocco’s imperial cities as these falls remain relatively untouched by tourism.

5. Sahara desert

The Sahara desert is one of the heavily touristic destination in Morocco, with a growing number of visitors each year, looking for a peaceful and authentic experience in the Middle of the golden dunes, whether in Merzouga in the east, with Erg Chebbi dunes or further southwest in Laayoune, where the enormous sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean in a breathtaking scene of the beauty and greatness of nature. However, Merzouga remains the best destination, easily reachable from other touristic cities and well equipped with amenities to serve the comfort of tourists in luxurious bivouac tents on the Erg Chebbi dunes.

6. The beautiful Mediterranean beaches

Morocco’s northern borders are on the Mediterranean, stretching over a vast area from Tangier in the west to the Algerian borders from the east. Along the coast, many beautiful beaches make for a perfect travel destination in summer to enjoy their blue and clear water beaches like Jebha in Houcima, Tibouda and Charana in Nadour and the stunning beaches of Oued Laou.

7. The fascinating Atlantic ocean beaches

The Atlantic Ocean stretches along the length of Morocco’s western border and with it, a variety of gorgeous beaches to swim, surf and fish. The most beautiful beaches to visit are the Dragon beach in Dakhla peninsula, with the Dragon Island, Lagzira beach, Taghazaout near Agadir and the lovely beaches of the north in Asilah, Tangier and Larache.