Africa is a continent of fascinating natural contrasts. if dense equatorial forests form one end of the nature spectrum, at the other end comes the biggest desert on the planet, the Sahara.

the Sahara desert extends across many countries in northern Africa, covering some 30% of the continent. The sands of the largest desert in fact spread across 9,000,000 square kilometers and includes some of the hottest spots in the world where summer temperatures can cross 57 degrees Celsius. However the Sahara desert is not homogenous in its composition – one quarter of it is made up of volcanic mountains, one quarter is sand, rocks and gravel while the rest includes areas of semi or permanent vegetation.

Despite its harsh surroundings, the Sahara Desert has a beauty all of its own. At night the air is crisp and clear while the stars seem almost within reach of someone gazing at the desert sky. Moreover the sight of sand dunes and the fantastic sand sculptures created by nature are not to be missed. A number of camel rides and desert tours in Morocco cater to travelers seeking to experience the beauty of this part of Sahara. Zagora in Morocco is one of the most popular towns which act as a starting point of camel excursions and desert tours into the Sahara. To stay her check out www.ooaha.com for best Zagora hotel deals.

The country of Morocco has a long history of association with visitors from the Western world. It beaches, local cafes and colorful bazaars have been a favorite haunt of tourists and expatriates from Europe and North America.

The Moroccan city of Tangier is especially popular with western tourists for its beaches. In the past it had been a favored destination of many well-known personalities as well as the expatriate community. Today it continues to be visited for its miles of golden sands and azure blue waters. Camel rides and windsurfing are other fun activities for tourists.

Tangier is also famous for the string of bars and cafes on the beachfront. Part clubs and part bars, these popular hang-outs have not only great food but also have a rich history associated with them. Check out bars like ‘Windmill’ which is reputed to have been frequented by Joe Orton and ‘The Sun Beach’ where Tennessee Williams is thought to have drafted his famous play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Other than these there are restaurants like Emma’s BBC Bar and Miami which offer good food and pleasant ambience.

After doing the beaches and the bars, tourists can head for the Grand Soco which is Tangier’s main market square. One can either browse through the shops or simply take in the atmosphere of the place. For staying options check out www.ooaha.com which has some of the best hotel deals at Tangier.