World Of Travel: ADVENTURE TRAVEL

It is estimated that some 100,000 tourists visit Morocco each year with the primary objective of exploring the country's extensive mountain regions, and with good reason. Upland Morocco offers exceptional beauty, high drama and intruiging cultural encounters in equal measure, and , with an emerging infrastructure to cope with the demands of today's adventure traveller and a long list of foreign and local tour operators that offer well-organised adventure tours, there's never been a better time to visit the 'Land of the Berbers'. Mountain trekking, characterised by multi-day hiking circuits often incorporating a summit climb, attracts the lion's share of visitors, although mountain biking, rock climbing and canyoning are growing in popularity. Accessibility and infrastructure tend to dictate which areas draw the most interest, suffice to say that the Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas is by far the most visited region by virtue of its proximity to the tourist Mecca of Marrakesh.

Trekking Practicalities

Times have changed since the first European expedition conquered Jebel Toubkal in 1923. Back then the notion of climbing a mountain for pleasure would have been an alien concept for High Atlas villagers, and although this may still be the case in the remoter regions, the inhabitants of Morocco's main trailheads have a good understanding of the requirements of the visitor. All of the country's main hiking regions have a principle village or town where you can engage the services of mountain guides, mules to carry bags, and cooks if required. Some villages have an official guide office (Imlil and Setti Fatma are two examples), but if not, asking around normally yields quick results. In all but the very busiest season you should be able to find a guide available for a departure the following day. Check the guide's credentials as the country's only official mountain guides have completed an extensive training course at Africa's only mountain guide training college at Tabant in the Ait Bougmez valley. Bone fide guides carry a permit that you can ask to see. Discuss in detail your plans and objectives, agree on a price before setting off, assess the need for a cook and mule(s) to carry your bags and ensure that you are clear on the accommodation and catering situation whilst on trek. In the absence of any other options, most trekking circuits require you to camp, although certain villages in the High Atlas offer basic lodgings for walkers. The Club Alpin Français (CAF) operates five refuges in the Toubkal National Park, and some regions are equipped with Gites d'Etape, basic village houses licensed to serve hot meals and provide lodging for tourists. Such houses are important to the rural economy and studies undertaken in areas of the High Atlas suggest that the revenue generated from lodging twenty hikers on a half board basis is equivalent to a year's revenue from agriculture - a good enough reason in itself for opting to stay in a Gite wherever possible. Also bear in mind the equipment-intensive nature of camping in your trip planning.

Where to go

The most visited of Morocco's hiking regions is the Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas, home to the country's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4167m/13671ft). Between late spring and early autumn, Toubkal, accessible from the village of Imlil, can be scaled in two days, although many walkers prefer to save North Africa's highest peak for the climax of a week's trekking starting from Setti Fatma (in the Ourika Valley) or Oukaimeden. Throughout much of the High Atlas valley walks (as opposed to peaks) offer the best snapshot of rural life, which, in many communities has hardly changed in centuries. The legendary hospitality of the Berber people and the sublime beauty of these villages leaves a lasting imprint on all who visit.
Further to the east, M'goun (4071m/13356 ft), Morocco's third highest peak, sits in one of the most beautiful parts of the High Atlas. The trailhead valley of Ait Bougmez is home to some of the country's best-preserved vernacular Berber architecture and offers a hassle-free starting point for five to ten day circuits that scale M'goun. Head for this region during the summer months where temperatures rarely exceed 28°c, a welcome break from the heat of Marrakech, which lies some four hours by road to the west.

One of the few valleys whose beauty compares to Bougmez is the Vallée de la Tassaout which is accessed by way of the Tizi-n-Rogault pass from the M'goun region. Villages in this valley are regarded to be some of the finest in Morocco and offer interesting possibilities for hikers, whether camping or taking advantage of Gite d'etape accommodation in some of the hamlets alongside the Tessaout River. The Bougmez and Tessaout valleys form two stages of a mammoth three-week High Atlas traverse that links this spectacular region with the Toubkal area, a programme offered more and more by foreign adventure tour operators.

Heading South

More peripheral, although no less striking, are the Jebel Saghro and the Jebel Siroua, two mountain ranges on the south side of the High Atlas. Both are accessible by tarmac road and offer adequate infrastructure in their respective trailhead towns of N'Kob and Taliouine. Trekking in both regions is best in spring and autumn.

The Saghro, which lies to the south east of Ourazazate is an isolated and savagely-beautiful range of angular peaks and table top 'mesas'. Navigation difficulties and a profound shortage of water in the range make hiking here a challenge so always engage a qualified local guide which you can normally find in the pleasant town of N'Kob. The range offers the full gamut of possibilities from multi-day circuits to hikes that head north to join the tarmac route around the town of Kelaa Mgouna, on the Ouarzazate-Errachidia road. Be warned that the kind of Gite and refuge accommodation commonly found in the High Atlas is practically non-existent here so nights in the Saghro are normally spent under canvas.

The Siroua region forms a volcanic bridge between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains and most treks in the region tackle the non-technical summit of Jebel Siroua (3304m/10839ft) to the north of the trailhead town of Taliouine. On a clear day this nub-like summit offers some of the best views in Morocco, with the High Atlas, the Anti-Atlas, the Jebel Bani and even the dunes of the Sahara in view. In this region it's possible to stay in Berber houses (chez l'habitant) and guide and mule services are available in a limited capacity in Taliouine.

Other mountain sports

Morocco's extensive network of pistes (jeep roads) makes the country ideally suited to mountain biking. Harsh gradients and poor surfaces in the Central High Atlas make off-road biking only truly accessible to experienced riders but the Jebel Siroua, the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley offer gentler possibilities. Good quality mountain bikes are not available for hire in Morocco, so you are recommended to bring your own if you want to travel independently. Local maps show some, but not all pistes, and navigation without a guide can be much more difficult than you may anticipate.

Rock climbing is a popular pursuit in Morocco particularly in the Todra Gorge and the Anti-Atlas Mountains around Tafraoute. Equipment hire and professional guide services are not always easy to come by, so organising a trip of this nature with a tour operator makes practical sense.
The Central Atlas mountains around Ait Bougmez are ideally suited to canyoning, but a shortage of skilled guides and good quality equipment have left this sport in the hands of a few specialist (foreign) operators. Trips of this nature should be organised prior to your arrival in Morocco.
Skiing is not perhaps a sport you would normally associate with Morocco, but it is nonetheless feasible in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains between December and April. Snowfalls are by no means guaranteed but the northern orientation of the (one) ski slope at Oukaimeden, the country's best-equipped ski resort, gives skiers the best chance of some downhill action, however limited. Services at this resort are rudimentary - there are a few chair lifts and a cable car to the summit of Jebel Oukaimeden - and piste options are not particularly expansive. Off-piste skiing is possible in the Central High Atlas but can be life-threateningly dangerous without a qualified guide.

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Ontario is one of the southern provinces of Canada. It's the most populated province, as 40 % of Canada's population lives here. It is also a famous historic place, with a full range of attractions, touristic hotspots and travel opportunities.

One of the province's most important natural sightseeings, that Ontario is famous for, is obviously Niagara Falls. Millions of tourists come to see this attraction and walk along the magnificent landscapes every year. Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls that flow in this area. Together they form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America. It is stunning, beautiful and also beneficial in the terms of recreation and industry.

Another "must see" here is the CN Tower, one of the most recognized across the globe. It is 553 meters high, lit up at night and can be seen from every angle of the city. The view from the Tower is astounding, looking over the whole city and the lake.

Tourists also love to explore the provincial and national parks. In the south part of the province you can travel through the deep forests of Algonquin, French River, Killarney Provincial Parks, Bruce Peninsula National Park, etc.

However, Ontario is famous not only for its nature, but its museums. The Royal Museum in downtown is one of the largest museums that feature scientific exhibits as well as natural history of the world. The National Gallery in Ottawa, which is also well known, contains the masterpieces of popular artists. This part of Canada also has the Art Gallery, which is prestigious beyond the country, as it hosts amazing collections of African and Oceanic Art.

One of the sightseeings also include Wonderland, which is 30 kilometers northwest of Toronto's city center. It is a huge park that provides different thrill rides and roller coasters. Children adore Dinosaur Park and water parks, as well as live shows that are usually shown in summer.

The area is also famous for Muskoka, which is located around Lake Muskoka and various other popular lakes. It is full of cottages, resorts and marinas. Tourists, as well as locals usually spend holidays here, in the surroundings of rocky shores and pine trees.

If you want to spend time with friends and love art, The Stratford Festival is without a doubt a very good chance. The Festival Theatre has 2,250 seats and launches plays of Shapeskpeare and other famous writers.

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British Adventure Traveler Claire boarded her scheduled Air Canada flight to Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). Twenty-nine-year-old Claire, who treats herself to one adventure trip each year, always tried to begin her adventure by flying an airline hosted by the country in which she would visit. She selected Vancouver in order to embark on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship bound for Alaska. The ship's route through the inward passage between channel islands, presented a great chance for her to see humpback whales and orcas who hunt in those channels. Perhaps she might see a bear on one of the islands.

As she planned her trip, Vancouver piqued her interest. Far more than merely a cruise port of embarkation, the diverse cosmopolitan city offered delicious dining choices, nightlife, and (most important to Claire) other adrenaline rush adventure opportunities. She planned to experience the city for a few days after hiking into the coastal rainforest on a photography tour to find and photograph the rare and elusive Spirit Bear.

Scientifically named "Kermode Bear," native people in ancient times called the white ones Spirit Bears. Claire thought to improve her odds of seeing one by hiring a Kitasoo native guide to lead her into the rain forest. All Kermode Bears are Black Bears, however, many of the ones who live in the coastal rain forest sport white fur. Many folks mistake them for polar bears, but no wild polar bears live in the forest. The size, shape, and facial features of the Spirit Bear clearly reveal it as a black bear.

Science can provide no answer for the bear's occasional white coat other than to state nature's odd albino result. But, the natives explain it this way: The Spirit Bear reminds the people to show gratitude for the bounty that they have, for once all the land lay under crushing glaciers and fathomless snow. Claire hoped that she could photograph the bear, and perhaps the equally elusive cougar and coastal wolves that live in the rain forest. None of her friends had come with her on the trip. It saddened her that her friends chose to grow up stodgy and sensible like their parents. Perhaps the wildlife photos, her description of cruise ship fun, and her excitement at the telling of adventure in British Columbia and Alaska might tempt her friends to come with next time.

British Adventure Traveler Claire boarded her scheduled Air Canada flight to Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). Twenty-nine-year-old Claire, who treats herself to one adventure trip each year, always tried to begin her adventure by flying an airline hosted by the country in which she would visit. She selected Vancouver in order to embark on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship bound for Alaska. The ship's route through the inward passage between channel islands, presented a great chance for her to see humpback whales and orcas who hunt in those channels. Perhaps she might see a bear on one of the islands.
As she planned her trip, Vancouver piqued her interest. Far more than merely a cruise port of embarkation, the diverse cosmopolitan city offered delicious dining choices, nightlife, and (most important to Claire) other adrenaline rush adventure opportunities. She planned to experience the city for a few days after hiking into the coastal rainforest on a photography tour to find and photograph the rare and elusive Spirit Bear.
Scientifically named "Kermode Bear," native people in ancient times called the white ones Spirit Bears. Claire thought to improve her odds of seeing one by hiring a Kitasoo native guide to lead her into the rain forest. All Kermode Bears are Black Bears, however, many of the ones who live in the coastal rain forest sport white fur. Many folks mistake them for polar bears, but no wild polar bears live in the forest. The size, shape, and facial features of the Spirit Bear clearly reveal it as a black bear.
Science can provide no answer for the bear's occasional white coat other than to state nature's odd albino result. But, the natives explain it this way: The Spirit Bear reminds the people to show gratitude for the bounty that they have, for once all the land lay under crushing glaciers and fathomless snow. Claire hoped that she could photograph the bear, and perhaps the equally elusive cougar and coastal wolves that live in the rain forest. None of her friends had come with her on the trip. It saddened her that her friends chose to grow up stodgy and sensible like their parents. Perhaps the wildlife photos, her description of cruise ship fun, and her excitement at the telling of adventure in British Columbia and Alaska might tempt her friends to come with next time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9967199

British Adventure Traveler Claire boarded her scheduled Air Canada flight to Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). Twenty-nine-year-old Claire, who treats herself to one adventure trip each year, always tried to begin her adventure by flying an airline hosted by the country in which she would visit. She selected Vancouver in order to embark on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship bound for Alaska. The ship's route through the inward passage between channel islands, presented a great chance for her to see humpback whales and orcas who hunt in those channels. Perhaps she might see a bear on one of the islands.
As she planned her trip, Vancouver piqued her interest. Far more than merely a cruise port of embarkation, the diverse cosmopolitan city offered delicious dining choices, nightlife, and (most important to Claire) other adrenaline rush adventure opportunities. She planned to experience the city for a few days after hiking into the coastal rainforest on a photography tour to find and photograph the rare and elusive Spirit Bear.
Scientifically named "Kermode Bear," native people in ancient times called the white ones Spirit Bears. Claire thought to improve her odds of seeing one by hiring a Kitasoo native guide to lead her into the rain forest. All Kermode Bears are Black Bears, however, many of the ones who live in the coastal rain forest sport white fur. Many folks mistake them for polar bears, but no wild polar bears live in the forest. The size, shape, and facial features of the Spirit Bear clearly reveal it as a black bear.
Science can provide no answer for the bear's occasional white coat other than to state nature's odd albino result. But, the natives explain it this way: The Spirit Bear reminds the people to show gratitude for the bounty that they have, for once all the land lay under crushing glaciers and fathomless snow. Claire hoped that she could photograph the bear, and perhaps the equally elusive cougar and coastal wolves that live in the rain forest. None of her friends had come with her on the trip. It saddened her that her friends chose to grow up stodgy and sensible like their parents. Perhaps the wildlife photos, her description of cruise ship fun, and her excitement at the telling of adventure in British Columbia and Alaska might tempt her friends to come with next time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9967199The Spirit Bear Adventure Travel

British Adventure Traveler Claire boarded her scheduled Air Canada flight to Vancouver, British Columbia (BC). Twenty-nine-year-old Claire, who treats herself to one adventure trip each year, always tried to begin her adventure by flying an airline hosted by the country in which she would visit. She selected Vancouver in order to embark on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship bound for Alaska. The ship's route through the inward passage between channel islands, presented a great chance for her to see humpback whales and orcas who hunt in those channels. Perhaps she might see a bear on one of the islands.
As she planned her trip, Vancouver piqued her interest. Far more than merely a cruise port of embarkation, the diverse cosmopolitan city offered delicious dining choices, nightlife, and (most important to Claire) other adrenaline rush adventure opportunities. She planned to experience the city for a few days after hiking into the coastal rainforest on a photography tour to find and photograph the rare and elusive Spirit Bear.
Scientifically named "Kermode Bear," native people in ancient times called the white ones Spirit Bears. Claire thought to improve her odds of seeing one by hiring a Kitasoo native guide to lead her into the rain forest. All Kermode Bears are Black Bears, however, many of the ones who live in the coastal rain forest sport white fur. Many folks mistake them for polar bears, but no wild polar bears live in the forest. The size, shape, and facial features of the Spirit Bear clearly reveal it as a black bear.
Science can provide no answer for the bear's occasional white coat other than to state nature's odd albino result. But, the natives explain it this way: The Spirit Bear reminds the people to show gratitude for the bounty that they have, for once all the land lay under crushing glaciers and fathomless snow. Claire hoped that she could photograph the bear, and perhaps the equally elusive cougar and coastal wolves that live in the rain forest. None of her friends had come with her on the trip. It saddened her that her friends chose to grow up stodgy and sensible like their parents. Perhaps the wildlife photos, her description of cruise ship fun, and her excitement at the telling of adventure in British Columbia and Alaska might tempt her friends to come with next time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9967199

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