The Kingdom of Morocco is in North Africa. It borders Algeria to the east and has a disputed border to the south. It has a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean.

Morocco gained its independence from France in 1956 and so celebrated 50 years of independence in 2006. It is a constitutional Monarchy. The capital city is Rabat.

Marrakesh is the main city in the south-west of the country in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It is renowned for having the largest souk (market) in Morocco and the busines square (Djemaa el Fna) in all of Africa. It is a historic and vibrant city.

The Atlas Mountains extend about 2,400kms through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
The highest peak is Toubkal (4167m) in south-western Morocco. The range is divided into the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas.

The High Atlas mountains has a varied weather system with snow falling regularly in the higher elevations well into spring and with good conditions there is excellent ski touring.
Likewise in summer the High Atlas is an excellent venue for trekking.