Discover Morocco's Spectacular Geography on a School Tour

Morocco is an ideal destination to choose for a school tour: it is close enough to the UK to make it easily accessible, but it is also as different from the UK as any place could be. Not only are the culture, history and cuisine of Morocco diverse and colourful, but the geography of this wonderful country is perfect for students of the subject to visit and, undoubtedly, be inspired. The contrast between the bustling cities and the tiny Berber villages nestled into the Atlas Mountains is marked, but for geography students on a school tour, this makes it all the more exciting.

Students and teachers alike cannot fail to be impressed by the unique geographical experience Morocco offers. Unlimited educational opportunities are provided by both the stunning landscapes and the human interaction within both a rural and urban setting.

Geographical Background

Morocco is located in Northern Africa and borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The topography varies dramatically and there is a huge difference between the coastal areas and the interior mountain ranges, which are often snow covered. The coastal areas and the valleys between the great mountain peaks are where much of the agriculture takes place, as local farmers make use of the fertile soils and mild climate.

The highest point in Morocco is Jebel Toubkal, a mountain that rises over 4000m above sea level; the country's lowest point sits at 180m below sea level, an interesting phenomenon for a young geographer on a school tour to consider. Many of the deserts lie just outside major cities, and within a very small area students have the opportunity to develop their geographical knowledge of many different concepts.

Human Geography

From a human geography perspective there are huge differences between the coastal areas and the mountainous interior. Wealth abounds in many of the coastal resorts and bustling cities, while in the interior the Berbers live as they have done for hundreds of years - in complete harmony with their environment and climate. Students will be fascinated to learn how the Berber communities survive, and in fact thrive, in the harsh environment. A visit to the Atlas Mountains (and Imlil in particular) can give students a chance to experience the Berber communities first hand, while also studying the desertification, irrigation systems, agriculture and other interesting geographical aspects of this area. This is the ideal place for fieldwork studies that can focus on all manner of subjects.

Modern Morocco

Lalla Takerkoust is close to the capital city of Marrakesh and is testament to the great efforts that have been put in place to keep Morocco moving into the 21st century. The manmade lake serves as a source of hydroelectricity and irrigation. Today, it is also a tourist attraction, particularly for those that love the outdoors; it is the ideal location for walking, cycling or just relaxing with a picnic, soaking up the views.

The itinerary of a school tour should definitely include some time in Marrakesh. The vibrant, colourful and intriguing capital is a great place for students to begin to appreciate a country that has moved into the modern world but still retained many of its traditional aspects. The old town will be nothing like anything your students have experienced in their own country. It bursts with energy and is a fun place to spend an afternoon exploring and soaking up some authentic Moroccan culture.