7 Wonders of Morocco
Morocco is a country of cultural and traditional intrigue. Located in the northwestern corner of Africa, Morocco is a destination worthy to be on any traveler’s bucket list. Morocco is home to one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the 7 Wonders of Africa.
The Morocco attractions don’t stop there. Geographically speaking, Morocco is described as a land featuring rugged mountains, great dunes of the Sahara, and a magnificent coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; the only African country with coastlines on both bodies of water.
Here is a look at the 7 Wonders of Morocco:
Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is the largest dry and largest low-latitude hot desert in the world and accounts for 31% of the continent of Africa. Accordingly, it is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa. As a northeastern country of Africa, Morocco accounts for the northeastern part of the Sahara Desert.
The Sahara Desert encompasses an area that expands across 3,600,000 square miles (9,200,000 sq. km). It measures 2,983 miles (4,800 km) going east to west and stretching 1,118 miles (1,800 km) from the north to the southern border. In
The Sahara Desert covers 10 different countries which include Algeria, Chad, Egypt Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia and of course Morocco. The Moroccan Sahara Desert features two Saharan ergs which are wonders in and of themselves. One is the Erg Chebbi and the other is Erg Chigaga. The dunes of Erg Chebbi reach a height of 492 feet (150 m) creating a spectacular view of the Sahara Desert.
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is located in the city of Casablanca. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the 13th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s tallest reaching a height of 689 feet (210 m).
The Hassan II Mosque minaret is 60 stories high and is topped with a laser directed towards Mecca. Construction was completed in 1993. The inside of the mosque will hold 25,000 worshippers, while the outside hall will hold another 80,000 bringing the maximum capacity to 105,000.
The walls of the Hassan II Mosque are hand-crafted marble and it features a retractable roof. The complex accounts for 22 acres (9 ha) located between the harbor and the El Hank lighthouse.
Ouzoud Falls
Ouzoud Falls is the largest waterfall in Morocco. It reaches a height of 330 feet (110 m) and features 3 different drops. The longest drop is 246 feet (75 m).
Although not particularly wide nor much of a large waterfall compared to many in Africa, Ouzoud Falls is actually considered one of the more aesthetically pleasing falls with its varying cascades.
Ouzoud Falls is located on the El Abid River about 93 miles (150 km) northeast of Marrakech. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in Morocco and the most popular visited site in the area.
Toubkal
Toubkal, also called Tubkal, is the highest mountain in Morocco, the highest mountain in the Atlas Mountain range, the highest mountain in North Africa, and the highest mountain in the Arab World.
Toubkal reaches a summit of 13,671 feet (4,167 m). It is located about 39 miles (63 km) south of Marrakesh. It is a popular Morocco attraction and a wonder that brings climbers from all around the world.
The trek up Toubkal is considered non-technical, but it still is challenging with steep slippery slopes and altitude sickness. The trek can be made in two days; however, a third day might help with acclimation limiting altitude sickness.