MOROCCO TRAVEL GUIDE 2022

Most of You may hear about Morocco and Want to Know about the country, its culture, food, and the people who knows; after reading this Morocco tour Guide, You may plan a trip to Morocco.

About Morocco

I have a lot to say about Morocco. Morocco is the only African Country that borderlines with the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. Morocco is known for enriching culture, religion, and its primitive tradition. Once you visit Morocco, I promise you will never forget the scent of mint tea and the taste of tagine, Spectacular Mosques, twisting markets called Medinas, and pervasive spice stalls.

Morocco is known as the most Progressive Country in North Africa. The Biggest Attraction of Morocco is its Fourth largest city Marrakech.  According to Winston Churchill, “Marrakesh is simply the nicest place on Earth to spend an afternoon.” That is the sheer example of the greatness of this city that, despite his hectic schedule, he could not resist experiencing the charm of this city.

Each City in Morocco has its unique charm. Tangier, for example, has been a gateway to Africa and Europe for thousands of years. You can see ports, Old historical buildings, Kasbah museum, old markets, sandy beaches, and explore many other things in this city.

From High Atlas Mountains to the Stunning Sahara Desert Views. Morocco is a beautiful country that everyone should visit once in their life, or it should be on your travel Bucket list. If you want to enjoy a Marrakech to Fes desert tour, check out our 3-day Package.

Morocco Attractions & Activities

No doubt, Morocco is a country of wonders, and there are plenty of things you could do and see to make your trip memorable. Here are some of these things which you will regret if you miss on your next tour to Morocco.

Getting Lost in the Medinas

In North Africa, the Old part of the town or city is known as the Medina. It is Usually Walled and contains Street stalls, shopping centers, fountains, Mosques, etc. Markets in medinas are old and very close and twisted together. So, if you love getting lost, then you should visit Medinas in any city in Morocco. I prefer not to go off the beaten path, and especially women, it can be a bit unsafe for them. If you want to explore the medinas, then hire the local Experts and stay on the streets with lots of tours.

Hike the Mighty Atlas Mountains

The high Atlas Mountains is the Mountain range spanning Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The highest peak is Toubkal, with a rise of 4,167 meters (13,671 ft) in southwestern Morocco. Atlas Mountains Segregate Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. You can hike Mount Toubkal any time of the Year, but the best time would be from the end of March till the Mid of June.

Hike through Torda George

In the Eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains, this wadi exits. It is becoming prevalent among tourists because the hike of Torda George is challenging, but if you want to do something different, then do conquer this Canyon.

Visit Hassan II Mosque

Located in the city of Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is a piece of art and a result of the efforts of thousands of skilled Moroccan artisans. It took about six years to build this great piece of art. It is the largest mosque in Africa and the third-largest in the world. According to Wikipedia, around 105000 people can worship in it at a time.

Take a Cooking Class in Morocco

If you are a cooking fan and want to learn how to cook traditional Moroccan food, you can join the cooking classes in big cities of Morocco like Fez, Casablanca, and Marrakech. Conventional Moroccan food mixes Arabic, Eastern, French, Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean Cuisine with some influence from Europe and the Sahara. Many Hotels and riads offer cooking classes and can teach the secret of making a Moroccan Tagine, lamb Couscous, or pigeon pastilla in no time.

Kasbah Les Oudaias

The Kasbah of Oudaias is located in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. It has been on a list of the UNESCO as a World Heritage list since 2006. You can find this Kasbah in the oldest Corner of the City. The Kasbah’s peaceful environment, Beautiful narrow streets, and white houses make it one of the best tourist attractions in Rabat. From the heights of this Kasbah, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic ocean.

Ride on the Waves

Are you a surfer? Do you want to test your surfing skills? If your answer is Yes, then I would like you to know that Morocco is very famous among the surfers. The primary season for surfing in Morocco is from August to April, but if you want to catch the better waves, you should go in between January and March. Taghazout, Imsouan, and Sidi Kaouki are the best spots to do surfing and shop for surfing accessories.

Tangiers

The city of Northwestern Morocco is Located on the north African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea joins the Atlantic Ocean. The historical backdrop of Tangiers is vibrant because it is a hub of many different cultures. Starting from the period of Berbers, and Phoenicians, until the independence era around the 1950s, lots of Civilizations lived there, and till this very day, it influences these Civilizations. Around 100 years ago, this city acquired the international status of the foreign Colonel powers and became the favorite spot of many Diplomats, Writers, Artists, and business people.

Visit Famous Atlas Studio

If you are a movie fan and want to see the place where the Evergreen movies like “The Mummy,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Gladiator’ and part of the Famous TV show Games of Thrones have been shot, then you should visit this famous Atlas Studio. It is situated 5km west of the city of Ouarzazate in Morocco. Founded in 1983 and named for its relationship with High Atlas Mountains. It is the largest film studio globally and covers more than 300000 sq ft of the Desert.

Visit the Historical city of Volubilis.

It is considered a hub for trading and settlement during the Roman Empire times. It is also known as the ancient capital of Mauretania. It was built on a green hilltop in the 3rd century BC. Arabs arrived in 708 and were inhabited by a tribe named Awraba that originated from Libya. The best part is that a large portion of the city is still unexcavated, so the site has a crude vibe. You would love to see the Roman ruins once you visit this ancient city.

Camel Rides in Morocco

Morocco is famous for its camel rides. You can enjoy camel rides in almost any city, but the best one is in the Sahara Desert. You can enjoy Camel Rides in Morocco at a very reasonable price.

Quad Biking

You can enjoy half-day quad biking in the palm groves of Marrakech. It would be your lifetime experience. I highly recommend checking out Half Day Marrakech Quad Bike Tour.

Visa Requirements in Morocco

It depends upon your passport country, but most visitors will not need a visa to travel to Morocco. Also, Visitors are typically allowed to stay up to 90 days in Morocco.

List of countries whose citizens are exempted from entry visas to Morocco:

Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Chile, Congo (Rep), Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guinea (Conakry), Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Libya, Liechtenstein, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela for a stay of up to three months.

Weather in Morocco

I have good news for all the Californians. The climate in Morocco is similar to California, but the weather also depends upon the place where you stay. Atlantic Coast is a bit cooler than the Interior of the Country. North of Morocco is much Mild than its south. Typically spring and fall are the most reasonable times of the Year, and temperature can reach up to 70F. But when the summer times come, morocco can give Europeans some tough time because the temperature in summer can reach up to well over 100F in the south of Morocco; even the north part of the country would be warm in summers. Talking about the winter and rainy seasons, the temperature can drop around 40F.

Morocco Backpacking Ideas

It would be my general packing ideas and recommendations for your morocco travel. Of course, that will depend upon which time of the Year you are traveling to the country. I assume that you are a regular traveler who will adopt a general tour to morocco. These are the things that you should have in your bag on your next tour to morocco:

• Pack those clothes that can be piled up in your bags quickly, Pols and turtle neck sweaters, tank tops, several underwear and socks, lightweight shirts, and shorts. I prefer to pack jeans, but you should pack comfortable pants that you can wear multiple times without washing. Avoid white pants and shirts or sweaters. It can catch dirt quickly, especially if you plan to visit the Sahara Desert.
• Pack Multiple shoes because you will need them most. Footwear should be comfortable. I usually prefer joggers and sneakers from Nike and Reebok, but you can use any brand you like. For women, I prefer a beautiful pair of sandals and joggers alike.
• If you are planning to go to Morocco in summer then do not forget to pack your swimsuit as in winter, it is not wise to swim because of the cold weather.
• Light and tight leather jacket if you wish to climb the Atlas mountain or want to spend a night camping  during your Morocco Sahara Desert tour in the winter months.
• Women should dress moderately if they want to draw less attention. Long skirts and pants. Shorts are not advisable, especially in rural areas. Women should pack long shirts and a scarf to visit mosques and other religious places. I recommend going and experiencing the Moroccan Culture yourselves.
• In some cases, like in trekking or exploring the Sahara Desert, you may not have access to water all the time, so keep a hand sanitizer with you. Also, at times you may not access Public Washrooms in isolated places, so keep toilet papers with you, but now most bathrooms in Morocco have toilet papers.
• If a friend or family member hosts you, then bring some gifts. It is not required, but it will make them happy.
• If you are allergic to something, beware of it and bring an antidote. I prefer to Bring Panadol, which is a medicine for headaches. Flagel in case your stomach got upset, Band-aids, and other allergic medication.
• Preserve those medicines with extra care, and bring a pair of glasses and contact lenses with you. If you use EpiPen, then please bring it with you. Unfortunately, it will not be available here in Morocco.
• Do not forget to bring copies of your Travel documents, Flight details, and the address of the place where you are staying with you. Also, keep a list of specific things in your suitcase because it would help you a lot if your bag or luggage is lost. In your suite case, paste your phone numbers and other details, in case it’s lost, then one can find you easily.
• Other small things you should pack are pens, Headphones, any prescribed medicine, sleeping masks, a neck pillow, and Credit cards that would help ease your morocco journey a lot.

Languages in Morocco

Although like in any country of the world, Moroccans speak many different languages, the dominant one is Modern Arabic, known as Darija. It cannot be labeled as pure Arabic, but it is, in fact, a blend of many different languages like French, Arabic, Spanish, and Berber. It is such a foreign language that most native Arabic Speakers outside of Algeria and Tunisia could not understand the pure Moroccan Language! However, it will help you if you learn a few words from this modern Arabic language known as Darija.

Most Moroccans can speak Spanish and French also, but not all of them are proficient in them. In big cities of Morocco like Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, Casablanca, etc., you can hear many different languages from the natives. Some of them are also very proficient in English.

Morocco Tour Companies

Always Contact some Local and Licensed Morocco tour Companies. They will guide you on what you should do on your tour, but if you are off the beaten path and find yourself in an awkward position, I have prepared some words that could help you if you lose your way.

Like above, you should add some more words to your vocabulary, which would help you a lot in your itinerary, and the best part is you can impress your guide and other Moroccans with your tongue!

Electronics and other Useful Gadgets in Morocco

• Morocco has an electrical system of 220v, the same as Europe. Just make sure to bring an appropriate converter with you.
• Telephones in Morocco have a GSM Compatibility, and you should unlock your phone before traveling.
• You can also use your Ipad, laptop, and netbook in your traveling. Just make sure to bring lightweight laptops to carry while traveling.
• You can also send emails and use the internet in almost any Cyber cafés in Morocco in different cities. Although the speed may vary, you can send and receive a few emails, post your travel pictures on Instagram or Facebook, and even call your family member and friend through skype very quickly.
• Moroccans are very friendly, especially to their tourists. So you can use DSLR Cameras, Video Cameras everywhere. There are no restrictions on any area. Just keep these things in some safe place.

How to Save Money on Your Morocco Tour?

Although the trip to Morocco is quite affordable, it’s up to the traveler. If you want to stay in fancy hotels and riads and eat western and fancy spicy foods, then it is self-evident that it will cost you a lot of money. But, on the other hand, if you avoid it, you will be amazed at how much money you will save on your trip. Anyways, here are some of the money-saving tips for you.

Street Stalls

Try to eat from the street stalls because it would cost you significantly less. Restaurant meals can cost you 100 MAD ($10). While in less than 30 MAD, you can enjoy delicious kebabs, barbecued corn on the cob, Hot fried chicken, shawarma, sandwiches, and many more things.

Art of Negotiation

Moroccans are champions in Negotiation. You should also be brilliant in that area. When you buy something from Medina, negotiate as much as possible. Also, Negotiate cab fare before getting into it, or ask the cab driver to turn the meter on.

Fake Tour Guides

I have mentioned it above, and Now again, I am forcing this, do not fall into the trap of fake tour guides. So many false tour guides wonder in the Medina, and they will persuade you to accept their service, but you should say no to these frauds and walk away. They will insist on you but eventually leave you if you do not answer them.

Be Ware of Pick-pocketing

You should not bring some valuable items with you, especially in crowded places. Many thieves wonder in a medina who can steal your watches, laptops, Camera, wallets, etc. So beware and be attentive in overcrowded areas.

Avoid drinking alcohol in public.

As you know by now, it is an Islamic Country, and Drinking Alcohol in public is not allowed in the country. However, drinking alcohol in restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, and riads is ok. You can buy alcohol in significant supermarkets and liquor stores. Beware of traveling to remote areas and small towns where alcohol is unavailable.

How to Travel Around Morocco

There are many ways to get around Morocco, but if you are looking at budget travel, I would recommend train travel. It is cheap and very reliable also the major cities are on the route. However, if you want to visit the small towns, bus services are available throughout the country, taking you off the beaten path.

Most people wish to see most of Morocco quickly, but let me tell you, it is impossible to see it in such a short span. So if you want to explore most of the country in less than ten days, consider booking air tickets. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) flies throughout the country, and tickets are not very expensive, but their service standards are not so good for internal flights as they are delayed most of the time.

If you choose to drive a car in Morocco, a rental service is also available in major cities. In addition, Morocco accepts international driving licenses, but you should be alert to speed traps.

Another solution is to take a taxi. Taxis ran throughout the country. There is a centralized hub for taxis in almost every city where you can take a Grand Taxi. Before negotiating, tell them if you want a private taxi or not. Because if you do not take a private taxi, it would be shared, and a taxi may make stops and take and let off the passengers along the way.

Tips for Female Travelers

Every Year there are millions of travelers visit Morocco. From those, many women travelers also want to see and explore this beautiful country. Of course, it is safe for women travelers, but I have some tips that will help you on the next tour of Morocco for individual female travelers.

• Dress up appropriately and do not wear eye-catching outfits. Although I would not recommend Dressing up as locals, you should Cover yourself correctly throughout your Trip to Morocco, especially in rural Morocco.
• Keep the Smile at the minimum. I know it seems absurd, but in Morocco, a smile means a gateway to a conversation, and it can lead to other assumptions, so it is better not to smile at unnecessary things.
• Ignore the comments passed by males on the streets of Medina or anywhere else. It can be both comments Good and Bad. But generally, it would be good if they may try to tell you how beautiful you are. But the best way to tackle this situation is by ignoring it. Yes, missing is the most powerful tool, and it would help you a lot. I know it seems harsh and rude, but as I said earlier, if you respond to comments, it will open a gate to the conversation and maybe …something else.
• Bring sunglasses with you because mostly it is sunny throughout the Year in morocco. Moreover, it will help you avoid eye contact and make your shopping experience in Medina a hassle-free one.
• Rural and Urban areas are two different things to experience. What you experience in big cities like Marrakech, FEZ, Casablanca, etc., is very different from what you will see in the village in the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara desert. Most Rural communities are very Conservative, and they do not even like the interaction of males and females. But do not worry; they are very welcoming to their guests.

Shopping in Morocco

The following are some valuable tips for shopping in Morocco.

• ATMs are available in every big city and even in rural areas. But I will advise you to keep extra cash if you go off the beaten path. On the weekend, it is high that the ATM will be out of money, and you can face some trouble, so plan accordingly.
• You can withdraw around 2000 dirhams in any single transaction, and the enormous bill would be 200 dirhams, and to get the change for that small amount, you can get into any bank.
• Upon arrival at any airport in the country, you will see numerous money exchange booths. These are the most expensive. Try to exchange the strict minimum for the taxi fare or snacks on the first day. You can find much better rates in different money exchange centers in town.
• Moroccans are the world’s Champion in Bargaining. If there is a game for bargaining in the Olympics, then Moroccans will win gold medals. Therefore, I will strongly recommend that you cut two-thirds to whatever the price they offer.
• This rule applies to Medina Souks, where items are not priced. It is not appropriate to bargain in modern shops where everything is priced.
• When we talk about the regular prices in morocco, it depends mainly on the place, market, and hotel you are in. But One thing is sure morocco is not that much cheaper as most think.

About Safety in Morocco

The most common question people ask before visiting. The short answer to this question is “YES” Morocco is very safe for traveling, and you will be shocked that it is more reliable than some European countries like Spain and France. There are some tips for you to ensure your safety from your end.

• Do not forget to register yourself for the country’s different programs or if they any developed any Chamber or any association regarding travelers.
• Give a copy of your travel to some friend or family member, so they know where you are heading.
• Keep enough liquid cash in bank acc in case of an emergency.
• Always book your tour with Licensed and Authentic Morocco tour Companies. Always check and ask the operators to show their registration and license.
• Spend minimum time in massive, crowded places.

It is also very safe for women travelers, but you might face some issues, but they are minor. Some people may tease or comment on you, but for all the women I have mentioned above and again telling you the same thing, just ignore and carry yourself with confidence, and you will be fine. In case of emergency, here are some critical phone numbers you should use.

In the worst case, if something happens to you on the street, just threaten them to call the police or knock the close the door. Moroccans are very friendly, and they will help you get out of the situation. If you are alone and no one is nearby, just give the robbers some money, get out of the scenario, and leave immediately.

The airports of Morocco are also very secure. This may sound weird because most people think that they are unsecured. I know that the level of security is not as tight as that of the US or Europe, but trust me, Moroccan security agencies and government are very vigilant and know about every single person coming in and out of the country. They take security very seriously, and it is their utmost priority to provide the best protection to foreign travelers and people as a whole. So, if I have to sum this up, then if there is one thing the Moroccan government takes seriously, it is security. So, follow their laws and regulations. It is for your good.

Eating in Morocco

If we talk about Moroccan cuisine in general, food is spicy in Morocco, but it also depends on where you come from. Because if you are Middle Eastern or Asian, then you will not find it that much spicy, but if you come from the US or any other European country, you will definitely find it a bit spicy. But the food in most of the Cafes and Restaurants is very safe to eat. Even some street stalls offer delicious and safe food to eat.

Moroccans cook the meat thoroughly. I hardly find boiled meat in any hotel or on street stalls. Sometimes they overcook the meat, but, in any case, it would be mouthwatering. The same goes for vegetables. They offer cooked vegetables, not raw as most European Restaurants do.

Fruits are grown on small farms, and it is very safe to eat. I will not say that fruits would be organic, but the involvement of pesticides would be to the minimum. I recommend that you should not limit yourself to fear of illness. Moroccan food is delicious and very safe to Eat.

Some people have a weak stomach. They usually get food poisoning when they travel to a new place or try fresh food in a different country. So, I would say bring some medicine that suits you for them. If you forget, just consult a local doctor or do some domestic Moroccan remedy, and you should be fine.

If I talk about WATER, I will force you to stick with bottled water. Although you can brush your teeth with tap water for drinking water, I recommend not taking any chance and buying bottled water from “Sidi Ali” or any other good company.

Night Scene in Morocco

Morocco is an Islamic country, and Alcohol is banned in public places. But you can find out bars and nightclubs which can offer you Alcohol. These bars and Night Clubs can only be found in the Big Cities of morocco. Alcohol can be bought in supermarkets and liquor stores in major cities.

Sahara Desert

If I need to mention one place which is the center of attraction for more than half of the tourists who come to morocco every Year, then that place would be the SAHARA DESERT. Mythical, mysterious, beautiful, and incredible are the words that cannot even describe the Sahara Desert. You have to visit and experience it by yourself. I bet you will not be able to resist the beauty of the Pink Sand surrounding you. Visiting Morocco Sahara Desert is a Dream for Every Traveler who visits Morocco. I have Prepared some tips for you. When you visit the Sahara desert, do not forget to miss these fun things in Sahara.

• Camel Rides in Morocco are very famous, but how can you miss the Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert. Most people think it is a tough job, but the camels will be covered with blankets, so you do not feel the hardness; moreover, If you have an allergy, these blankets will protect you with your skin contact with the camel.
• Sand Dunes are the best part of the Sahara. The Highest Sand Dunes in the world are only present in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. Most desert camps will provide you with sandboards; otherwise, you can buy them anywhere.
• Do not ruin your Marrakech desert tours by just Clicking Photos. Sahara is considered a mecca for Photographers. Just enjoy the beauty of the Desert and gaze at the clear sky at night. You will be amazed to see how much the atmosphere of the Sahara Desert is clear. You can see hundreds and thousands of Stars and gain this unforgettable experience.
• Wake up early and enjoy the Sunrise of the Sahara Desert. The first light of the sun turns the Sand from Orange to Golden. The same goes for sunset, where you could see that change in color from orange to light red. Both Sunrise and Sunsets in the Sahara Desert are worth watching.
• Walk on the sand Barefoot. You can do this in the evenings or right after sunrise. Feel the Saharan Sand at those times and make your trip memorable.
• Sun in the Sahara Desert would be at its peak, and according to the American Association, you should always wear sun Glasses in that kind of Area. Otherwise, it can damage your eye tissues. Also, do not forget to bring some good sunscreen with you. It is essential to take care of your skin, especially if you are coming from Europe or other cold countries. The intense heat, especially in summers, can burn your Skin Very Quickly.
• Bring a scarf in case you face sandstorms in the Sahara Desert. Also, if you decide to spend a night in the Sahara and want to sleep outside of your camp, this will help you a lot.
• Pack other tiny things like Chapstick, a Thick leather jacket, and a camera to capture the stunning beauty of Sahara.
• Finally, book your tour with an Authentic and Licensed tour operator. Unfortunately, many thugs and Fake Morocco tour companies claim they are registered, but they are not.

Weather in the Sahara Desert

The days of the Sahara Desert are Long Compared to their nights, especially in Summer. About 3500 hours of daylight yearly. Skies are always clear except in the Rainy season. The western part of the Sahara Desert experiences even more sun, about more than 4000 hours annually. That is why low rainfall, high exposure to heat, and long days make it the Hottest Desert in the world. The average day temperature is about 40C.

SAHARA DESERT TEMPERATURE AT NIGHT

The temperature of the Sahara Desert in Nights is pretty cold in winter and early spring. On average, it varies between 6C to 16C in the spring, while in winters, it can reach up to -4 C. Summer nights are warm enough to allow you to sleep under the stars.

Book Your Tour with Us

Speaking about Authentic tours, I would like you to see our Morocco Tour packages. We offer Private and Shared Day Trips from Marrakech. So whether you want Morocco Luxury Tour or a Cheap Morocco tour, we can help you. We offer day trips and excursions to Morocco Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, quad biking, and camel trekking activities in the palm grove on the outskirts of Marrakech.

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