Morocco

Morocco has diverse climates, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re going:

• March to May (Spring) & September to November (Autumn): Best overall weather—mild temperatures and ideal for sightseeing.
• June to August (Summer): Extremely hot, especially in Marrakech and the Sahara, but cooler along the coast.
• December to February (Winter): Chilly in the mountains, but mild in cities and coastal areas. Great for desert tours.

• Marrakech Medina & Jemaa el-Fnaa – A bustling market square with street performers, food stalls, and endless shopping.
• Chefchaouen – A picturesque mountain town famous for its blue-painted streets.
• Sahara Desert (Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes) – Go on a camel trek or a luxury desert camp experience.
• Fes Medina – Home to the world’s oldest university and a well-preserved medieval city.
• Atlas Mountains – A paradise for hikers, with stunning landscapes and Berber villages.
• Aït Benhaddou – A UNESCO-listed ancient ksar (fortified village) seen in many films.
• Essaouira – A charming coastal town with fresh seafood and relaxed vibes.
• Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca) – One of the most beautiful mosques in the world, open to non-Muslims.

• Tagine – Slow-cooked stew with meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
• Couscous – A staple dish often served with vegetables and meat.
• Pastilla – A savory-sweet pie filled with chicken or pigeon, almonds, and cinnamon.
• Harira – A traditional Moroccan soup, often eaten during Ramadan.
• Zaalouk – A smoky eggplant and tomato dip.
• Mint Tea (Atay) – Morocco’s famous sweetened green tea with fresh mint.
• Fresh Moroccan pastries – Try chebakia, sfenj, and briouat.

• Trains: The best way to travel between major cities like Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Casablanca.
• Buses: Supratours and CTM are the most reliable for long-distance travel.
• Taxis:
  • Petit Taxis (City Taxis): Metered but small. Always confirm the price before the ride.
  • Grand Taxis: Shared taxis for longer distances, often with fixed rates.
• Car Rental: Great for exploring rural areas and the Atlas Mountains.
• Camel Trekking: The only way to explore the Sahara Desert properly.

• Visa-free for stays up to 90 days for travelers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, Australia, and others.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• No mandatory vaccinations, but routine vaccinations are recommended.

• The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Exchange cash at banks, hotels, or official currency exchange offices (avoid street exchangers).
• ATMs are widely available in cities but may not be reliable in small towns.
• Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for markets and taxis.

• Arabic and Berber are the official languages.
• French is widely spoken, especially in business and tourist areas.
• English is spoken in major tourist cities but is less common in rural areas.
• A few Arabic or French phrases can be helpful for interactions with locals.

• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Women should consider covering their shoulders and knees.
• Haggling is expected in souks (markets)—never accept the first price!
• Greet people with “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) and use your right hand for handshakes.
• Public displays of affection are discouraged in conservative areas.
• Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in markets and villages.

• Restaurants: 5-10% if service charge is not included.
• Hotel staff:
  • Housekeeping: 10-20 MAD per day
  • Porters: 5-10 MAD per bag
• Tour guides: 50-100 MAD per person per day.
• Taxi drivers: Rounding up the fare is customary.

• For peak seasons (Spring & Fall): Book 3-6 months in advance for hotels and tours.
• For budget travel: Booking 1-2 months ahead is usually enough.
• For Sahara Desert tours: Always pre-book through a reputable agency for safety and quality.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but always check for updates.
• Drones are prohibited without a special permit.
• Some medications require a doctor’s prescription for entry.
• Drinking alcohol is legal but only allowed in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars.
• Tap water is not recommended—stick to bottled or filtered water.

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