Page 344 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Morocco

342  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

SPORTS & OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES

Morocco’s mostly warm climate and is also a par adise for golfers. The
great topographical diversity make it Atlantic coast is internationally
suitable for all sorts of sports and outdoor renowned for surfing and sailboarding.
activities. The natural environment, often Thalassotherapy (therapeutic treatment
on a majestic scale, readily lends itself to using sea water and marine products)
horse riding, trekking, bird-watching and, has also developed, and thalassotherapy
in winter, skiing. In areas suitably developed centres continue to burgeon in the
for the purpose, the Moroccan landscape major tourist centres.

activities, however,
including hang gliding, hiking
and trekking (see pp344–5).
Fédération Royale Marocaine
de Ski et Montagne can
provide further information.

Golf
Many overseas travel agents
offer packaged golfing holidays
to Morocco. There are over 20
golf links in the country. Many
are pleasant and popular. In
addtion, there are the royal golf
The beach at Agadir, where horse rides are available courses (which are open to the
public) and numerous private
Horse Riding the resort is small, it is equipped courses, often forming part of
Thanks to the impulse provided with all the necessary facilities, hotel complexes, particularly in
by King Hassan II, horse riding including ski-lifts located near Agadir and Marrakech.
has become very popular in where ski equipment is hired. In April, the height of the
Morocco. Many equestrian Hiring equipment for a day costs holiday season, visitors are
centres have been established, about 250 dirhams. Skiers can advised to book in advance
and an International Equestrian sleep in one of several gîtes. to avoid a long wait.
Week takes place every year These elegant rest-houses are A handicap is theoretically
in Dar es-Salam, near Rabat, built in a combined European required although in practice
where the Fédération Royale and traditional Moroccan style. this is always overlooked.
Marocaine des Sports There are not many areas of the There are some excellent golf
Equestres is based. country that are suitable for coaches in Morocco, and their
Most horse riding is skiing, so this remains a marginal services can be hired for much
organized by clubs and large activity in Morocco. Mountain less than in Europe and the US.
hotels, mainly those in Agadir, resorts offer a diverse range of The low cost of tuition,
Marrakech and Ouarzazate. All
equestrian centres are staffed
by instructors with state-
approved qualifications.

Skiing
Although not primarily a winter
sports destination, Morocco
has several high-altitude resorts,
including Ifrane (see p216), near
Fès, and Oukaïmeden (see p252),
60 km (37 miles) from Marrakech.
Oukaïmeden can be reached by
grand taxi for a one-way fare
of about 400 dirhams. Although Oukaïmeden (see p252), renowned for its pistes

342-343_EW_Morocco.indd 342 09/08/16 11:20 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm