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The middle Atlas forests

The Middle Atlas mountains endemic cedar (Cedrus atlantica) ecosystem is estimated as a 100,000 hectares the largest concentration of cedar in
North Africa and the western Mediterranean.
The forests is shared with the Holm oak (Quercus ballota) which characterizes the lower forest, spilling out onto vast fertile plateaux which host small Berber (Amazigh) ancestral & community settlements all of whom welcome visitors with their unique brand of traditional hospitality.
So trekking in the Middle Atlas forests is not an all up hill slog.
It also hosts one of the worlds largest population of the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) this species is currently limited to forest areas in Morocco and Algeria, its the only primate north of the Sahara desert.
It is a treasure chest of Wild Flora & Fauna having over 230 endemic flowering plant Species attracting an abundance of wild life ranging from wild boar to butterflies.
One of many active conservation projects undertaken by the regional forestry commission is selected removal of deadwood and replenishment of endemic cedar (Cedrus atlantica) saplings in the forest above Azrou.

Couscous: So good they named it twice! Steamed semolina grains [comes in 7 verities]which are then basted for several hours over a casserole pot of vegetables, lamb, Chicken, Beef, or Fish
Tajine: Meat and selection of vegetables artistically assembled
then watchfully simmered for several hours over charcoal in glazed earthenware dish with conical lid.
Charcoal grilled: Kebabs, steaks, cutlets, kefta [ground beef, spice& onion]
Bisara: Thick warming soup made from Broad beans served with fresh bread
Harira: Spicy tomato and chickpea soup served with fresh bread.
Breakfast Mountain: Staples, fresh cooked Mellowe (flat pastry) scrambled eggs jam, honey and olive oil.
Breakfast Azrou: Your choice really, hotels serve fresh juice, tea, coffee, baguettes with butter, jam, yoghurt and eggs. There's also a great French Patisserie.
Salads: It is almost a meal in itself, salad plus potatoes, rice, eggs, & pilchard.
Moroccan salads: Cold selections of full spiced cooked vegetables.
Mint or cheba tea: It is more of a calibration than hot sweet refreshment, normally accompanies all meals, AKA whisky Berber
Fruit cocktails: Avocado, almond, apple, banana, beetroot & strawberry.
Tuesday Souk In Azrou is a MUST! Travel to see it if you have to, and shop, at this wonderful gathering of local produce and characters. Find all the souvenirs and spices at the local prices.
Gents you must have a wet shave the smoothest you'll ever feel, a most relaxing 1/2 hour groom, followed by a visit to the Hammams (baths) for a thorough skin defoliation followed by the most vigorous massage of your life "It's a buzz". Ladies have their own Hammams & Lady masseuse
Moroccan wines: Discover the regions extensive selection of wines, including kosher; Morocco's 1990s wine renaissance attracted French investors who planted new vines and transformed the quality. Morocco now has its own Appellation Controller system modelled on the French version.
Alcohol is available in selected shops, restaurants & hotels.

Although just short jump from main land Europe, Morocco seems to western visitors a million miles away from home.
Morocco will overwhelm you with its incredible charm and hospitality.
The culture shock will affect any first time visitor. There are many manifestations from going native to travel fatigue.
That's where we can be of service.
We will explain customs and ways beforehand all included in your emailed reservation pack.
Certain clothes can be inappropriate for public places.
As in any cross-cultural journey,common sense, patience and good manners are imperative as we are all guests as well as ambassadors.

As a Azrou Adventure tour operator
I am proud to introduce you to our countryside and cultural ways of life, arts and cuisine.
And hope to see you personally in my home town of Azrou.
On arrival in Azrou visitors will be given an orientation tour of the Medina (old town) and structure their activities time table for the duration of their holiday.
More later In the meantime here are a few facts about
The kingdom of Morocco.
His majesty King Mohammed VI became monarch in 1999, HRH's noble priority to fight against poverty gained him the name "Guardian of the poor".
In 2001 HRH announced visions 2010 a plan to be set into place to modernise the country's potential so as to be ready to quadruple tourism by 2010.
Languages: Arabic is the official Language, there are 3 Berber dialects but French is often the language used for business, government, and diplomacy. Spanish is widely known in the North & English is the favoured language to study
Religious followings: Muslim: 98.7%. Christian: 1.1%, Jewish: 0.2%.
The official religion of the Moroccan kingdom is Islam and the Quran is the holy book of the people.
The majority of the population comprises of Sunni Muslims of the Maliki religious rite. Other religious beliefs enjoy autonomy and personal freedom.
A Muslim devotee has to follow the
Five Pillars of Islam.
Shahadah: Believing that there 'is no god but one God and Mohammed is the Messenger of God.
Salah: Praying five times a day facing Mecca is the second tenet.
Zakah: The giving of alms (or charity), this is a rule so as to benefit the poor and the needy.
Sawm: Ramadan is during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, the followers of Islam are to observe a fast during daytime.
Hajj: Each member of the Muslim community should undertake (hajj) a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they can.
[For further Azrou visitors information click here]