Getting Ready

Morocco's history dates as far back as 8000 BC, to its original inhabitants who were the ancestors of today's Berber tribes. Due to the region's advantageous location at the mouth of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coast and its status as the gateway between the East and West, everyone from the Phoenicians to the Byzantines have invaded the territory over the years.

In the late 600's AD, Muslim Arab armies began making inroads into Northwestern Africa so that by 705 most of what is now modern day Morocco had been conquered and converted to Islam. Although Morocco has been controlled by a variety of Arab and Berber dynasties ever since, the influence of Spain (at its closest point, only a five mile distance away) as well as Portugal and France are pronounced. At one time or another, all three countries had set up dominion in different parts of Morocco. The Jewish population that called Morocco home for more than 2000 years has also left its mark on the local culture.

The country gained independence from France and Spain in 1956 and Sultan Mohammed V became king. At his death in 1961, his son King Hassan II established the reigning dynasty by assuming the throne, then passing it on to his son, the current King Mohammed VI, upon his death in 1999.

In Morocco

An enjoyable account of Wharton's month-long journey through Morocco just after World War I. Her descriptions feel remarkably contemporary as she captures the landscapes, architecture and culture of Rabat, Marrakech and Fes. Buy now

Marrakech, Through Writers' Eyes

A choice collection of 38 accounts about the alluring Red City, by famous writers and scholars including George Orwell, Winston Churchill, Gavin Maxwell, and Peter Mayne. Buy now

A Traveler's History of North Africa

Wide-ranging, accessible and effectively condensed, this brief history marches confidently through the centuries, covering key events and personalities in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria from the days of Carthage to modern times. Buy now

Morocco That Was

Originally published in 1921, it’s a piercingly funny and sharp eyewitness account of the Sultanate by the eccentric London Times correspondent in Tangiers. Harris lived in the country for 30 years, which gave him unusual access to the Moorish court and civic life. Buy now

The Tangier Diaries, 1962-1979

After years of adventures around the world, Princeton grad Hopkins takes a job at the American School in Tangier. These selected entries describe with a richness of detail the mystery and contrasts of life in Tangier and Marrakech, Hopkin’s travels in the rest of Africa, and the remarkable characters he encounters. Buy now

Splendors of Islam: Architecture, Decoration and Design

Filled with consistently excellent photographs of important buildings, this magnificent book approaches Islamic architecture from four angles: history, materials and techniques, ornamental design, and aesthetics. Buy now

52 Days by Camel, My Sahara Adventure

Inspired by a signpost in Morocco which read “Timbuktu 52 Days,” Raskin began his journey by van, camel, boat and jeep. He documents it all in this travelogue for middle readers, much in the spirit of an adult travelogue but with full-color pictures and a child-friendly emphasis on camels, unusual people, outsize weather and benign adventure. Buy now

Morocco in Pictures

Part of the "Visual Geography" series, this book presents the cityscapes, landscapes and culture of Morocco in color photographs and accessible, fact-filled text. Buy now

Into Wild Morocco (The Jeff Corwin Experience)

Jeff Corwin of Animal Planet explores the diverse habitats and fascinating wildlife of Morocco. Filled with lively text and beautiful on-location imagery, this book is as informative for adults as it is for kids. Buy now

Of Gods and Men (2010)

Largely a tale of a peaceful situation between local Christians and Muslims before becoming a lethal one due to external forces. Principal photography took place at an abandoned monastery in Morocco, with careful attention to authenticity.The film premiered at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival where it won the Grand Prix, the festival's second most prestigious award. Buy now

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The heart-pounding final installment in the Bourne trilogy. Information from a reporter investigating a CIA operation brings Jason Bourne out of hiding. Dodging new and more highly trained assassins, Bourne’s quest for his true identity takes him to London, Spain, Tangiers and finally New York, where he confronts his former superiors. Buy now

Hidalgo (2004)

Based on a true story, Hopkins and his mustang Hidalgo enter the ultimate extreme sport of its time -- the Ocean Of Fire. Underdogs challenging the finest Arabian horses and riders, they must not only survive the grueling race across 3,000 miles of the Arabian Desert’s punishing terrain, but they must thwart the evil plots of competitors who vow victory at all costs! A great story of personal triumph, amazing special effects, and memorable characters make HIDALGO one of the most thrilling adventures ever. Buy now

Morocco (2002)

With stunning camerawork, this documentary explores the changing face of Morocco. American filmmaker Rick Ray takes viewers on an unforgettable journey from humble Berber villages to luxurious rias, from the port cities of Casablanca and Rabat to the forests of the Atlas mountains.
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Hideous Kinky (1998)

Based on a semi-autobiographical novel, it’s the story of two young girls, traveling with their hippie mother from London to Morocco in the late 60's. As they tag along on their mother's search for enlightenment and love, the girls long for a more stable life. Buy now

The Wind and the Lion (1975)

Based loosely on actual events, it’s the story of an American woman and her children who are abducted by a Berber bandit, prompting Teddy Roosevelt to launch an armed invasion and rescue mission. Verbal sparring between the bandit and his fiery hostage enlivens this film set in turn-of-the-century Morocco. Buy now

The Man who knew too much (1956)

A classic thriller about an American family traveling in Marrakech, where they stumble upon an assassination plot. In an attempt to silence the man and his wife, the conspirators kidnap their son. Warned not to go to the police, they take matters into their own hands and follow the assassins to London. Buy now

A Night in Casablanca (1946)

The Marx brothers, employed at a hotel in postwar Casablanca, discover a hoard of looted treasure hidden by the Nazis. This spoof of wartime intrigue is the funniest of the later Marx Brothers comedies. Buy now

Casablanca (1943)

Considered one of the greatest films of all time, this timeless tale of love, sacrifice and intrigue made Humphrey Bogart a star. It’s the story of cynical nightclub owner Rick, whose life in wartime Casablanca is shaken up by the arrival of old flame Ilsa and her Resistance-leader husband.
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Morocco (1930)

French Foreign Legionnaire Tom Brown falls for sultry Parisian singer Amy Jolly at a Mogodor cabaret – but Amy is also pursued by the wealthy Monsieur La Bessiere. Knowing he can’t offer as much, Tom leaves town, and the heartbroken Amy sacrifices everything to follow the Legion into the desert. Marlene Dietrich received an Oscar nomination for her iconic portrayal of the singer.
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Clothing
-Women's clothes should be lightweight, lose fitting, opaque and cover your chest, shoulders, upper arms and your legs below the knees. Natural fibers are the most comfortable. Pack a scarf that can double as lightweight cover-up and a headscarf.
-Men can wear short sleeve shirts in the summer, but even then may prefer to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.
-Bring 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes, preferably close-toed.

Sun protection
-Bring wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles

Cameras & Binoculars
-Reliable digital camera for each child
-Digital SLR with 18 - 70mm zoom, 70 - 200 or 300mm zoom, and a 100mm macro lens. Lightweight monopod or tripod.
-Pair of good binoculars per adult member of the group. Manual focus. 7x -10x.
-Binoculars for each child