Page 345 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Morocco

SPOR T S AND OUTDOOR A C TIVITIES  343

Off-Road Driving DIRECTORY
Morocco is an excellent country
for off-road activities, either in a Horse Riding
four-wheel-drive vehicle or on Fédération Royale
a motorbike. The good network Marocaine des Sports
of tracks, even near large towns, Equestres
means that the hinterland is Tel (0537) 75 44 24
always within easy reach. (Rabat).
It is, however, advisable to
check your route thoroughly Skiing
and preferable to travel in groups
of two or more vehicles, since Fédération Royale
breaking down in a remote spot Marocaine de Ski
can be a real problem. Some et Montagne
areas, parti cularly in southern Tel (0522) 47 49 79
One of the many fine golf courses Morocco, near the border with (Casablanca).
in Morocco Mauri tania, are patrolled by the
army and may be set with land Golf
combined with an often mines. It is unwise to venture Fédération Royale
out standing natural environment, into this territory without the Marocaine de Golf
are ideal conditions for an help of a reliable guide. Tel (0537) 75 59 60
introduction to the sport. Further In Marrakech and Ouarzazate (Rabat).
information can be obtained quad bikes and go-karts can
from the Fédération Royale be hired and Wilderness Watersports
Marocaine de Golf. Wheels (see p345) organizes
all-inclusive motorcycle Club Mistral
excursions into the High Atlas ∑ club-mistral.com
Tennis mountains and the desert. (Essaouira).
Almost all the large hotels Fédération Royale
have tennis courts. The major Marocaine de Jet Ski et
towns and cities are also well Ski Nautique
provided with tennis clubs. Tel (0537) 70 43 20
Most of them have beaten (Rabat).
earth courts, the condition
of which can vary. Around
the courts it is not unusual to become very popular for
see young Moroccans, who kite-surfing. Most of these
readily offer their services as places are, however, suitable
ball boys or tennis partners. only for experienced surfers.
Many are good players. Strong winds, currents and
high waves are not safe
for beginners.
Bird-Watching The best surfing beaches
Morocco offers many excellent are also on the Atlantic coast.
opportunities for bird-watching, In summer, the beaches
and many travellers, particularly between Agadir and Essaouira
Britons and Americans, tailor are overrun by surfers from all
their visit around this interest. over the world. A particularly
The country has a small popular beach is La Madrague,
number of bird sanctuaries, near Taghazout, 20 km (12 miles)
the most important of them north of Agadir. There is also
at Souss Massa, south of Agadir Sailing, a popular sport off the a surfing centre, Club Mistral,
(see p296), and at Moulay Mediterranean coast in Essaouira.
Bousselham, north of Rabat (see For less strenuous water-
p94). The latter attracts large Watersports sports, there are also some
numbers of migratory birds, For surfers, certain spots very fine beaches all along
including some rare species. along Morocco’s Atlantic coast the Atlantic and Mediterranean
Unfortunately, these areas are among the best in the coasts. Sailing boats and jet-skis
are being threatened by the world. Essaouira and its can be hired on the latter.
massive urban development environs are the best-known Information on water-skiing,
that is spreading along the locations, and these are which is also available, can be
Moroccan coastline, despite Morocco’s windsurfing and obtained from the Fédération
the efforts of associations surfing centres, particularly in Royale Marocaine de Jet Ski
for the protection of birds. summer. Dakhla has also et Ski Nautique.

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