Discovering Morocco's secret paradise
An expedition into its biodiversity
Morocco lies across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. Just fourteen kilometres of water separate this North African country from Europe. Amidst the blue Mediterranean Sea, green plains, rugged mountains, the sandy Sahara Desert, and the vast Atlantic to the west, these ecosystems foster rich biodiversity. Morocco is the second most biodiverse country in the Mediterranean region.
Volubilia - Domaine de la Zouina Winery. (Credit: Collette)
An hour's drive from the city of Fez (often called the Athens of Africa) is the Volubilia - Domaine de la Zouina Winery, which demonstrates Morocco's rich biodiversity. Established in 2022, this winery is situated in the Meknès region, where over 4,000 olive trees grow in conditions also suitable for grape cultivation. The red clay and sandy soil sit atop the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, receiving just enough rainfall to support a dozen grape varieties. These include French classics such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, which are blended into a range of wines.
The winemaking villa is the only estate winery in this restrictive Moroccan appellation where Maxime Double, co-owner of France’s Château de Beaupré, has taken an adaptable approach to winemaking. Instead of fighting the extreme climate conditions, he has embraced Morocco’s ancient vinicultural traditions, which date back over 2,000 years.
They age the wines in ancient clay vessels called amphorae instead of French oak. These temperature-stable containers resist the heat, allowing the award-winning wines to thrive with Morocco’s terroir, producing aromatic red wines rich with dark fruits, smooth tannins, and a robust spiciness. The golden white wines are expressive, featuring orchard fruits and a bright, refreshing crispness.
(Credit: Collette)
Near the city of Meknès, there is a freshwater ecosystem that hosts a diverse range of plants and animals. Date, olive, fig, and other fruit trees grow in this area, which is home to various lizards and birds, including the elegant white stork with its remarkable wingspan. People consider the bird a symbol of luck and happiness.
South of Meknès lies the Ifrane National Park, which hosts over 1,000 plant species, including Atlas cedar trees that cover an area where 25% of the world’s endangered Barbary Macaques live. These tailless monkeys are ground-dwellers, recognized by their light brown fur with yellow highlights and pale pink faces.
Ziz Canyon (Credit: Getty Images)
Heading south towards the Sahara Desert, the Al Hassan Addakhil National Park is a wetland oasis that attracts migratory birds in winter. Here, you might spot the Houbara bustard and the marbled teal, a duck characterized by its light and dark feathers forming a marble-like pattern, along with its long neck and wings. Nearby, the Ziz Canyon features rocky walls and scenery that resemble a Western movie set, except for the lush palm groves sitting in the carved-out valley.
(Credit: Collette)
Morocco’s Sahara Desert is harsh and unforgiving, yet it supports a surprisingly diverse and adaptable range of biodiversity. The sandy dunes are sparse but feature scattered patches of grasses, shrubs, and trees, including palms, acacias, and drought-resistant argan trees with knobby, twisted trunks topped by broad foliage. The desert is also home to the Barbary ground squirrel, the well-known one-hump Dromedary camel, and various lizards such as the Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard.
Finding an environmentally responsible tour company to explore Morocco's diverse biodiversity is vital because these ecosystems are fragile. Choose one, such as Collette, that is accountable for its interactions with these species, as this is essential for their survival and preservation for future generations.
Discover more of what Morocco has to offer, here!