Morocco, located in the Northern region of Africa sitting on the West side of the continent, is a dreamy manifestation of the cross culture history of this land. In a moment, you are lingering in oriental patterns and then experience the perspectives of the Berber culture to then quickly be overcome by a blend of European, Arab, Jewish and west African blends. Its name is derived from its geographical placement on the west.
“Al Maghrib” translates to “Al Gharb” meaning West or where the sun sets in Arabic.
Home to the grand Atlas mountain range, the scale of this land infuses enchantment and deep exposure to culture and history and miraculous visuals of where the desert meets the ocean. Who crossed these lands, one asks, and how does it make you feel to witness nature’s movement in one of the most beautiful gems of the world.
Kamal Cherif, an avid explorer shared with us his discoveries in his homeland and travel experiences from the Atlantic to the Atlas to the Sahara. In his own words he says, “We have the most colorful country in the world due to the light. Every region has its own light and that’s what fascinates me, no filter needed!”. As someone that chose to relocate his life from the bustling economic life in Casablanca to Ifrane, a city in the Mid-Atlas at 1700m, he believes that this offers his kids a better lifestyle of wandering leaving behind overpopulation and embedding sheer discovery. “Morocco is a liberal country yet it still maintains its tradition. We have been the crossroad of civilizations for millenniums. Everyone is welcome. Each region has it’s own culture and Islam is the cement that binds us all together.”
When asked what locations he was most fond of, his response expressed an undying love for all regions in his country, “It’s like choosing between the fingers on your hand,” he says. “From the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic to the Atlas to the Sahara, it’s very hard. But I would say its the Atlantic Sahara where the desert meets the ocean.”
“It’s like choosing between the fingers on your hand. From the Mediterranean coast to the Atlantic to the Atlas to the Sahara.”
Above: capturing an overlanding experience in the mountains in the suburbs of Morocco
With an average of 12,000km of overlanding distance, a backdrop of the Atlas for three-quarters of the country and a whole load of serendipity - the large number of travelers that have frequented the Atlas chain have made it a relatively safe environment to explore. The most respected traveler, Ibn Battuta, originated from Tangier, Morocco which lies on the strait of Gibraltar. Tangier played a crucial part in trade with Europe hence the influence on culture. Their travels have opened to the world oriental designs, tribal reforms and a mystical society.
“We set out on a fishing trip south towards the Algerian border once in a remote place, setting up camp in an abandoned oasis under the starlight. As we were enjoying the calm night in silence, a flash appeared that lit the entire sky and surroundings. So bright, the meteorite split the sky paving its way only to crash a few kilometers away from us. It was sensational, a mesmerizing experience for sure.”
Above: a photo of Kamal and his daughter whom he wills to build a life of adventure and wanderlust for.
To cross lands indefinitely, through cultures and societies. Forever bridging our passion for the outdoors and creating stories to write our history. Wandering will keep us together as one.
Follow the adventures of our most favorite Moroccan Wanderer on Instagram
Storytelling by Kamal Cherif
Documentation by the Wander team
