Morocco Basics
The currency used in the country is known as the dirham.
You can visit Morocco without necessarily having to apply for a visa, but you should ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months. There are some countries where you might need to apply for a visa, but for the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most members of the European Union, you can visit the country without having to apply for a visa. Be sure to check the official website of the government and learn about the status of your country. If you plan to stay in the country for more than 3 months, then you will need to apply for a resident permit. The residence permit can be issued by the police department of the place you will be staying.
There are a few dialects in the country, but Arabic is the most spoken language. The Berber language is also widely spoken, and you can find French, German, and English speakers in the country. English is gaining a lot of popularity among the youth, and it will be easier to find English speakers in the major cities and other urban centers. However, you might want to learn a bit of the local language so that you find it easier when it comes to bargaining while you are in the country.
Morocco Travel Planning
To plan for a perfect trip to Morocco, it will be wise to understand their seasons and get to choose the time you feel is the best based on your tastes. Most people consider spring the best time to visit the country, but you know, people are different. Maybe you like it when it is cold, or you love traveling to Morocco during the summers. So here is how the seasons in Morocco alternate.
The low season (May to September)
The temperatures during the summer are normally excessively hot, and they can hit the 40s, but most visitors don’t seem frightened by that because it is during the summer that visitors flock to Morocco in high numbers, and the price for accommodation is normally higher in this season than in other seasons. If you choose to travel to Morocco during this time, please be mindful of the temperatures and bring your sunscreen. Also, prepare yourself to drink a lot of water because you will need it. In the afternoons, the temperatures can be so high that you will need to find shade or at least be swimming somewhere.
Shoulder season (April and October)
The temperatures are bearable at this time of the year, way cooler, and a perfect time to explore the main cities and avoid the crowds during the summer. However, during April, there might be rain showers from time to time, so be sure to bring along your umbrella just in case. In April and October, the landscape is normally lush green and crowds are fewer, so it is way more budget-friendly and a perfect time to visit the country, especially if you don’t like crowds.
High season (November to March)
The temperatures during this season are normally a bit lower, especially at night, when they can go as low as 40 degrees F. It is also a time when a lot of visitors get to visit Morocco, especially those who love skiing. If you did not know you could ski in Morocco, now you know. People enjoy themselves skiing in the famous Atlas Mountains, and it is absolutely.
Rough Budget
Well, as it is with traveling to any other country, how expensive or cheap it will be will depend on your taste and preferences. If you love high class, then you will need to spend more, but if you can do average, Morocco is a very cheap country to live in. Some backpackers use as little as 5 pounds a day. If that’s not cheap, I don’t know what it is. And by the way, being cheap does not mean that you will get a dirty shelter, as most people would think. You will get a comfortable place and be provided with tasty food that you will not believe you just used less than 5 pounds.
However, when it comes to alcohol, electronics, and cars, Morocco is way more expensive than Europe. But you will not need to buy an electronic device or a car, will you? We will assume that you will be traveling to the country with an average budget, so we will suggest a daily budget of 70 pounds. But it will be wise to have some extra cash for an emergency, just in case.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation is between 50 and 100 Moroccan dirhams, which is equivalent to 6 and 12 dollars for the lowest class. As for the mid-range rooms, they cost 400 to 800 Moroccan dirhams, which is equivalent to around 40 to 85 dollars. If you love it luxurious, be prepared to spend more than 1,000 Moroccan dirhams, which is equivalent to around 100 dollars a night.
Food for a Typical Meal
Food is pretty affordable, and to get soup and sandwiches, you can use between 10 and 30 dirhams (1 and 5 dollars). And for the main meal in a place where most locals eat, you will need to use between 70 and 150 Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to 4 and 7 dollars. For a meal in a high-class restaurant, be prepared to spend more than 250 Moroccan dirhams (over 28 dollars).
Transportation
Transportation in Morocco is quite affordable, and for a long bus ride, you can pay as little as 60 Moroccan Dirham, equivalent to 6 dollars, and for a taxi, you will need to pay up to 300 Dirham (30 dollars and above).
What to Pack for Morocco
Well, Morocco doesn’t require you to pack lots of clothes. You need long shorts or trousers and some t-shirts, and you will be good to go. For ladies, be sure to pack modest clothes that can cover up to your knees, or you will find yourself attracting unwanted attention. You might want to buy one of the many sarongs available in Morocco as a way of respecting their traditions. If you are visiting the country during the summer, you might want to consider packing your sunscreen because the temperatures can reach unbearable levels, and the last thing you want from your trip to Morocco is sunburns.
Don’t forget to pack some breathable t-shirts for any season, and if you are visiting during the colder seasons, be sure to pack some thicker socks, jackets, and woolly hats. Have a small medical kit, especially if you are going to be hiking a lot, because hiking comes with foot blisters. An accident can also happen, and a medical kit will be handy at a time like that. The medical kit should consist of antibiotics, earplugs, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, Tylenol, and bandages. For the miscellaneous, a universal charger or adapter will be a wise move, as will a water purifier, plastic bags, and zip-lock bags.
Things to Do and See in Morocco
Well, here is where the juice is. Morocco has so many things to see and do that we cannot possibly be able to name every place that is special and unique for you to visit in this guide. However, every place listed in this guide will provide you with an unforgettable experience. They are among the most visited places in the country, and you don’t want to leave the country without visiting them. Check them out:
Wander in the streets in Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the most visited cities in the country and a place you must visit before you leave the country. If you read Morocco travel magazines, then you must have a good picture of the city, but if you have never heard of this elegant city, we are going to try to paint a clear picture of how good it is.
Morocco is a former imperial city, and it is full of colorful markets, palaces, beautiful mosques, exceptional gardens, and everything you can expect from a former imperial city. The medieval walls are still in place, and you can spend your time enjoying the view of this beautiful city and discovering the wide range of traditional ceramics, textiles, and jewelry available in the local markets. With their traditional entertainment in Djemaa el-Fna square and the lush Jardin Marjorelle, Marrakech has everything needed to make your time in Morocco memorable.
The restaurants in the city offer excellent cuisine, and we can guarantee that you will fall in love. The hotels are also very comfortable, and most of them provide you with some exceptional spots to take those exceptional shots for Instagram. And the good thing is that most of them are quite affordable.
Enjoy the Ouzoud waterfalls
Well, Morocco is one country that has lots of outdoor activities, so you can expect that most of the things we will be recommending are outdoor activities. And one of the most fun things you can do in Morocco is feed your eyes at the majestic Ouzoud waterfall in the famous Atlas Mountains. The waterfalls are located near Moyen Atlas village in the province of Azilal. It is 150 kilometers from the city of Marrakech, but it is definitely worth your time.
On your way to the waterfalls, be sure to explore some of the Berber villages and get to interact with the locals. It will be worth your time as the locals are very friendly and there are a lot of things to explore, but if you don’t have enough time to explore the local Berber villages, you can spend all your time admiring the magnificence of the Ouzoud waterfalls.
The view is excellent, watching the water as it runs down from the mountain, and the green surrounding area is just phenomenal. A perfect place to take some photos that you will treasure for many years to come.
Camel riding in the Sahara Desert
I bet you have seen the Sahara Desert in movies, or at least you have read about it in books. Well, it is exactly as they portray it in the movies. It is vast, empty, and spectacular. If you love hiking and camping, then the Sahara Desert will suit you well. You can spend a night in a simple tent in the dune, and we can guarantee you that you are going to love it. The view of the sky from the Sahara is just amazing; some people even call it romantic.
The view is crystal clear from the Sahara, as there is no pollution to block the stars. Spend a couple of nights exploring the terrain of the Sahara desert, and for the best experience, be sure to get yourself a guide to show you the best routes. Some people don’t find the camel rides comfortable, but that will be for you to decide. And even if you don’t find it comfortable, you will still enjoy the beautiful views during the night. You cannot visit Morocco and not take a desert tour, so make sure you do not miss out.
Get lost in the medinas
The medinas are historical and are part of most cities in the country. In the medinas, you will find twisting and turning streets where there are lots of markets, shops, restaurants, and homes in the line of the streets, and they seem so close together, probably closer than you would expect. The medinas are just so fun to explore, but a word of caution: you might want to avoid the Fez Medina. It is a bit sketchy, and it has been considered unsafe sometimes. If you have to go there, go with a guide and don’t go far off the beaten path. Just stick to where there are lots of people.
Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
If you are a lover of UNESCO heritage, which technically everybody is, you can be sure that your visit to Ait Benhaddou will be one to remember. The sight of Ait Benhaddou is spectacular, and the mountain around it is the perfect place for it to be located. Things become more and more clear as you approach the walls of this heritage. It was once a stopper for traders during the Trans-Saharan trade. This location has been filmed in a couple of movies, including Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia. Be sure to arrive early because this spectacular heritage always draws crowds, whether it’s during the high or low season. You will also get some time to explore the red mudbrick village, which normally seems frozen in the mornings.
Enjoy yourself in Rabat the capital city
Rabat may not be the largest city in Morocco, but it is the capital city, and it has a lot to offer, more than most of the cities in the country. Some visitors even describe Rabat as a small heaven because of the wide range of things it has to offer. It is more than just the capital city, but unfortunately, most people tend not to include it in their itineraries. Those who don’t overlook the city are always charmed by the elegance of this city.
Rabat is fully packed with impressive landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, the Royal Place, and the Kasbah des Oudaias. Rabat is a city rich in history and full of beauty, making it a unique city that you don’t want to miss while in Morocco. The clean beaches, palm boulevards, formal gardens, and walled medina are just a few things that make Rabat a must-visit. And the good thing about Rabat is that it is usually less crowded compared to other cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. So if you like it less crowded, you should include Rabat in your itinerary.
Relax on the beaches of Essaouira
In as much as some parts of Morocco are desert, Morocco still offers some of the best beaches in Africa, beaches where you can relax and connect with nature. Many cities offer some clean beaches, but there has to be the best place, right? Unlike Marrakech and other cities, Essaouira is a small yet quaint market that has lenders who won’t hassle you. There are also some places where you can be sure to eat the best seafood you will ever taste, and the good thing about these seafood grills is that they offer the best food yet are way more affordable compared to the restaurants. Essaouira also has a magnificent fortress overlooking the water.
Hike in the Atlas Mountains
Well, if you love hiking, there is no better place to enjoy your time than trekking through the Atlas Mountains. The mountains stretch over 1,500 miles from Tunisia to the West Coast of Morocco. The tallest peak of the mountains is Jebel Toubkal at 13,671 miles. Your time hiking the mountain will be one to remember, and you can do it all year round, although the best time is April and May.
Trek through Torda Gorge
Torda Gorge is becoming more and more popular as time goes by, and in recent years it has become one of the most visited places in the country. If you love a challenge, then hiking through Torda Gorge will be one of the most fun things to do in Morocco. It is a bit challenging to trek through the canyon, but it offers you an outdoor activity that is truly different. Don’t miss out on it; we can guarantee that it will be worth your time.
Take some cooking lessons
There is no doubt that Morocco offers some of the best cuisine in the world. Their food is a blend of Arabic, Berber, Middle Eastern, Turkish, and French cuisine, so you can just imagine how unique it is. Most people who visit Morocco ensure that they learn how to cook Moroccan traditional foods, and you can too if you like.
The riads offer cooking classes in big cities like Fez and Marrakech. Fresh produce is plentiful in these cities, where you will be able to buy it and be taught how to make the traditional Moroccan foods by the experts. There are many places where you can learn how to make food. Just search for the best places to learn how to make Moroccan food, read reviews from the search results, and choose the one with the best reviews. Alternatively, you can ask for recommendations from a friend who has been to Morocco before and learned how to make their cuisine.
Catch some waves
If you are a surfer, you are going to fall in love with Morocco. The best time for surfing is normally during the winter season, and Morocco has become so popular for surfing that even during the winter, visitors still flock in for surfing purposes. During the winter, the waves are bigger and more consistent compared to the other seasons. Taghazout is the most popular town when it comes to surfing activities, so you might want to head over there. Catch some waves in the town, and don’t forget to browse the surf shops.
Explore Tangier
Tangier is the biggest city in Northern Morocco and one of the most visited cities in the country, and this is, of course, for a good reason. The city is located on the Moroccan coast at the Strait of Gibraltar. The city is rich in history, and there are still some historical buildings built during the early civilizations. The culture of Tangier is a bit more unique, and your time here is going to be unforgettable.
It has been almost 100 years since Tangiers was considered to have international status by the colonial powers and became a top destination for European and American diplomats. It also became a top destination for spies, businessmen, and writers. Today, Tangiers is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco and a must-see while you are in the country.
See the Atlas studios
Atlas film studios are named after the Atlas Mountains, and it is another thing you should ensure is included in your itinerary. And if you did not know, Atlas Film Studios, located in the city of Ouarzazate, is the largest film studio in the world. It covers over 32, 000 square miles in the desert, and so many films have been shot in the studio. Some of the movies shot in this studio include The Kingdom of Heaven in 2005, The Last Tendencies of Jesus Christ in 1998, Lawrence of Arabia, Hanna in 2011, The Mummy in 1999, and some parts of the best TV series in the world, Game of Thrones. Ait Benhaddou is located near the studios, and as we stated, it is one place you don’t want to miss. It has been featured in almost every movie we have listed above.
Visit the ancient city of Volubilis
Volubilis was a major trading center during the times of the Roman Empire, when they had conquered Morocco and some parts of North Africa. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Volubilis was destroyed, but the ruins are now among the most protected in the world. Volubilis has fewer visitors and is not built up and open in such a way that you can go closer and explore the ruins in proximity. Most of the city is still unexcavated, giving it a very raw feel. It is a perfect place to visit, and the entrance fee is 70 MAD, which is equivalent to just 7 dollars.
Money-saving tips while you are in Morocco
As we established in our rough budget, it does not cost much to visit and stay in Morocco. It is a very cheap country to live in but if you still want to save money so that you can last longer than you had planned, there are still some tricks you can apply and you will not have to use lots of money. Here is how you can save some extra bucks while in Morocco.
Eat from the stalls
Food from the restaurants’ cans is relatively cheap, but food from the stalls is way cheaper. And don’t be lied to that the foods from the stores are not of good standards because they are high-quality, tasty, and you can get enough food for as little as 3 dollars. Just follow what the locals do, and you will be glad you did because you can get some of the best foods in the country at such a low price.
Negotiate your cab fare
Most travelers just pay the amount they are asked to, and because most cab drivers know this, they can take advantage of the situation and ask for more than they should. There are no fixed prices, so be sure to bargain and save some extra bucks.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol is not common in Morocco, and in the few places where you can buy it, it is overpriced, and you might end up spending twice what you could have spent in your home country. Just avoid alcohol in the few months you will be there, and if you have to drink, align yourself with the locals and drink where they drink.
How to Get Around in Morocco
Public transport can be a hit when it comes to using less money and traveling longer distances, but it can be a miss if you love your comfort. The buses in the major cities are normally overcrowded and old, which you will not enjoy.
Another option for public transport is using the Petits Taxis, which are pretty common in the country. These small taxis can hold up to three people, and they are relatively cheap. Be sure to negotiate your fare upfront to avoid having to pay the excess after you have arrived.
Metered taxis
Metered taxis are also available in Morocco, but mostly in big cities like Marrakesh, and the fare starts at around 7 dirhams and then charges the same per kilometer. Uber is also available in Casablanca.
Grand taxis
These are shared taxes that are shared by passengers and can carry up to six passengers. The grand taxis can go for longer distances, like in neighboring cities and towns, but you have to keep in mind that a grand taxi will not leave until it is full, even if it takes an hour or more. You can locate one near the bus stops.
Train
You can make use of Moroccan trains mostly for long distances, moving from one city to another. The rail network is connected to big cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh.
Car rental
You can find a car to rent for a starting price of about 30 dollars.
Travel to Morocco
Morocco is a destination that has something to offer everyone. It is a country that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences and only asks that you take out considerable time from your busy schedule to go on a vacation to Morocco if you truly want to experience the country. Morocco is roughly the size of California; therefore, expecting to cover the entire country and all it has to offer would be practically impossible if you had booked a three-day weekend trip for yourself. According to locals and travel experts, a minimum period of 10 days to two weeks should be dedicated to traveling the country of Morocco if you want to cover every delight it has to offer.
Being a former colony of Europe, you can expect people to speak fluent French and English in Morocco. Moreover, people in Morocco are known for their enthusiastic hospitality and for their love of good conversations; therefore, communication should not prove to be a barrier. Traveling around Morocco is fairly easy, and this topic will be elaborated upon in detail later in this article. It is also a country that is known for its delectable cuisine, and if you happen to be a foodie, you will find yourself gorging on the marvelous delicacies that make up Moroccan cuisine.
There are many different cultures and traditions that culminate in the entirety of Morocco, therefore requiring you to pay attention to the practices that are common to each of them so as to mingle organically with the local crowd native to this country. However, the general rule of thumb says that you should dress conservatively, have respect for their culture and religion (which is predominantly Islam), and undertake all precautionary measures that you would have taken anyhow while traveling to a foreign country.
Morocco Travel Guide
If you have booked a travel package of at least 10 days with a Morocco travel agency or tour operator, you are in for a comprehensive and unforgettable journey through this diverse country. This travel guide is specifically tailored for a 10-day trip, allowing you ample time to explore the various cities and attractions that Morocco has to offer.
Starting your adventure in Marrakech, the vibrant and bustling city, will set the perfect tone for your trip. Spend two nights here, immersing yourself in the rich culture and exploring the enchanting medina. On the second day, head to the coastal city of Essaouira, known for its stunning beaches and artistic atmosphere.
Continuing your journey, dedicate the third day to Casablanca, a cosmopolitan city with a blend of modernity and tradition. Explore its iconic landmarks and soak up the lively atmosphere. On the fourth day, make your way to Rabat, the capital city, where historical sites and architectural marvels await your discovery.
The fifth day is reserved for Chefchaouen, the famous blue city nestled in the Rif Mountains. Wander through its narrow streets, adorned with vibrant blue buildings, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere. The sixth and seventh days are dedicated to Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient medina and rich history. Delve into its labyrinthine streets, visit its renowned tanneries, and uncover the hidden gems of the city.
As your journey progresses, set aside the eighth and ninth days to venture into the vast Sahara Desert. Experience the magic of the desert with a camel trek, witness mesmerizing sunsets, and spend a night under the starry skies in a traditional desert camp. On the final day, return to Marrakech through the Sahara, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Before departing, take the opportunity to relax and unwind in Marrakech on your last day. Reflect on your incredible journey, indulge in local cuisine, and perhaps explore the city’s vibrant souks for some last-minute shopping. Finally, fly back home, carrying the cherished memories of your all-inclusive Moroccan adventure.
With this comprehensive travel guide and a well-planned itinerary, your 10-day trip to Morocco promises to be a truly immersive and fulfilling experience. Let the wonders of this captivating country captivate your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Morocco Travel Packages
It is always ideal to book an all-inclusive travel package whenever touring a foreign country. Although you could always choose to do all the bookings by yourself, choosing a travel package proves to be a great lifesaver in the sense that it provides you with convenience, takes care of the hassle of having to bother yourself with hotel and flight bookings, and also saves you from the trouble of having to find alternatives after making an ill-judged reservation during the vacation. Owing to the fact that Morocco is a country where you need at least 10 days to travel properly, it is always wise if you choose a comprehensive travel package, as it takes care of all transportation and travel requirements, and some packages even offer added perks like complimentary breakfasts and lucrative discounts.
If you consider travel packages to Morocco, it should please you to learn that booking a package is much more cost-effective than booking everything individually. It also allows you to save time and ensures that you have a safe and comfortable travel experience. Travel packages to Morocco offer you the added benefit of customizing your itinerary according to your preferences, and you also get assistance and guidance every step of the way, starting with Visa approval and the like. However, make sure that you book the best travel packages for Morocco that you can avail yourself of from your country, as the only way to ensure comfort and safety is to hire a travel agent that has a good reputation and knows intensively about the country you are going to visit. This way, you will make sure that you do not miss out on any of the great delights that Morocco has to offer.
There are many different packages that you can choose from as well that include vacations to Morocco for shorter durations as well as longer ones, thereby allowing you to plan the perfect trip to this North African dream destination. Hence, it is advisable that you do some research and choose the best travel packages to Morocco that you can find. Lay extra importance on customer ratings and reviews to understand the scope and comprehensiveness of the travel package that you are booking for yourself to Morocco.
Morocco Travel Tours
Travel tours focus on allowing you to encounter experiences that are authentic to a particular region or country, and a place like Morocco needs such tours if you wish to know and soak in the essence of this beautiful place in the most holistic manner possible. There are many different things that are present in Morocco, but unless you have a dedicated tour booked for that particular experience, chances are that you might miss out on it completely.
Some of the most recommended places that you need to visit when in Morocco include Casablanca, which is home to the Hassan II Mosque, the local pottery markets, the famous Quartier Habous, a market known for its innumerable treasures, and the Al Mounia, a restaurant that is sure to excite your taste buds. The medinas in Fez, full of intricate artistic creations and a cultural hotpot, are another focused tour that you must book while traveling to Morocco.
Other interesting places that are worth visiting in Morocco include the Ait Benhaddou, the city of Marrakech, Chefchaouen village, the desert region of Merzouga, Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the gorges of Dades, Tangier, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Ouzoud waterfall, and the arches at Legzira Beach. Although all of the aforementioned attractions could be found in travel itineraries suggested for Morocco online, not all travel agents cover them in the packages they offer. Finding a dedicated tour that focuses on taking you to these beautiful locations and allowing you to experience the immense beauty that they have to offer is the only way in which you can ensure a comprehensive trip to Morocco.
There are many travel packages that include these tours, but you need to customize and select wisely and hire the best travel agency to ensure that each of these tours is properly undertaken and that your comfort is in no way compromised along the way. Thorough research and comparisons are the keys to booking the perfect travel tour to Morocco.
Morocco Travel Advisory
Although traveling to a particular destination is entirely your own decision, proper care must be taken to ensure your personal safety and the safety of your family whenever undertaking such vacations. The same is applicable while traveling to the country of Morocco, and owing to the threats of terrorism and militarized zones present in Morocco, it is all the more essential to practice a staggering level of caution while traveling there. It is also wise to know the address and location of your country’s embassy in Morocco so that you can approach them for assistance whenever faced with trouble.
The major reason to exercise caution while traveling to Morocco is the prevalence of terrorism in the area. There are a number of terrorist groups that constantly plot and execute terrorist attacks on Morocco with little to no warning. These terrorist groups usually isolate tourist hotspots, transportation hubs, local government facilities, shopping malls, or busy markets to carry out their attacks. If you have already decided to travel to Morocco, it is essential that you follow the ensuing safety tips and regulations that have been issued by various travel advisory boards all over the world. They include:
- Make sure that you remain alert and vigilant while traveling in Morocco, especially in regions that are frequented by Westerners.
- Make sure that you do not participate in any kind of demonstration and avoid crowded areas as much as you can. Although the latter can be hard to achieve owing to the fact that most popular markets in Morocco are fairly crowded, maintaining caution can prove helpful.
- If you are a US citizen, you can also choose to enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, also known as STEP, which allows you to receive alerts regarding tricky situations and also makes it easier to locate you if you happen to be in an emergency.
- Make sure that you follow the Department of State on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- Make sure that you have properly reviewed the Crime and Safety Report pertaining to Morocco before traveling there.
- Avoid traveling within a 30km radius west of Berm. This area is the militarized boundary of Morocco, located in the Western Sahara.
- Avoid traveling between Bern as well as the neighboring countries that fall on the southern and eastern sides of Morocco.
Best Way to Travel to Morocco
Traveling to and around Morocco is fairly easy due to the expansive and well-developed public transport network that the country enjoys. You can choose from traveling in trains, buses, and grand or petit taxis, depending on your preferences. Berber trucks and transit vans are perfectly suited for traveling to the more inaccessible regions of Morocco. However, it is ideal if you keep some buffer time in your hands while traveling around Morocco since public transport can sometimes be delayed and can ruin your schedule if you haven’t accounted for the same.
The best way to come into Morocco for international travelers is undeniably via flights, as there are many direct flight routes that connect different countries to cities in Morocco like Marrakech and Casablanca. Moreover, there is an expansive local flight system available in Morocco that you can use to reduce travel time and cover large distances quickly. Traveling by rail is another option that you can avail of, as it is quite cheap when you compare it to the expense rail travel charges when in North America or Europe, and this well-established rail network comprehensively covers most cities that lie to the west of the Atlas Mountains.
There are even buses that connect certain destinations with the rail network, and choosing the bus would prove ideal when you want to travel to the farthest reaches of Morocco, owing to the dominant prevalence of bus networks throughout the country. The fares on buses are comparatively cheap and, therefore, provide you with convenience and affordability. The Grand Taxi is another popular mode of travel that you can choose when in Morocco. These collective taxis can be regarded as the workhorse of the country that connects villages with towns and towns with the different cities in Morocco and is, therefore, quite a well-loved conveyance method. These taxis have fixed prices and traditionally carry six passengers in a spacious sedan for each ride.
The Petit Taxi is the next option that you could choose, and they are a great way to travel around Morocco. These taxis usually have the same color, depending on the city in Morocco that you hire them in. For example, the color for petit taxis in Marrakech is beige, and the same taxis have a turquoise color in Tangier. These taxis are, however, allowed to only travel within the limits of the city, and if you wish to travel outside the city to another village or town, booking a private car or any of the aforementioned options might be the best choice.
Is it Safe to Travel to Morocco?
Just like in any foreign country, it is imperative that you practice certain precautionary measures while traveling to Morocco. Although Morocco is a country that is known for its incredible hospitality and treatment of guests, it does have its flaws and can be unsafe if you are not careful. Some of the things that you need to be careful about while traveling to Morocco and things that you should practice have been elaborated upon in the section below. These include:
Terrorism
Terrorism is a persistent threat that Morocco faces, and many gruesome terrorist attacks have been carried out in the country, targeting areas that are frequented by tourists. The prevalence of Daesh, an extremist terrorist group belonging to ISIS, is thought to be the cause of major concern when traveling to Morocco. Therefore, tourists are advised to remain vigilant and practice the necessary security measures to keep themselves safe at all times. These include foregoing predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile while exploring the beautiful city of Morocco.
Crime
Crime is another major concern that tourists must steer clear of when in Morocco. Panhandling, purse snatching, pickpocketing, theft, and harassment of women are among the most common crimes that tourists have to face when in Morocco. The use of dangerous arms and weapons has also happened in the past, which makes you consider proper safety protocols while traveling to the country. Avoiding back alleys, going out to isolated places, or women wandering the streets of Morocco alone is imperative if you want to protect yourself from such crimes. You also need to stay alert to scams that certain locals in Morocco try to carry out, whereby they pose as an official tour guide only to take you to a dangerous place or rip you off. Another scam that is quite prevalent is the practice of getting foreigners stoned using the abundance of marijuana available in Morocco and then proceeding to rob them or force them into an uncomfortable situation. Make sure that you say no to such tour guides and resist the urge to inhale weed or hashish from strangers if you want to keep yourself safe and protected in Morocco.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters occur rarely in Morocco. However, the region is prone to earthquakes, and two major earthquakes did happen in the years 1960 and 2004, which claimed many lives and caused immense destruction to property and livelihoods in the country.
Diseases
Morocco is fairly free from diseases, and there are no particular vaccinations that are recommended by health organizations and doctors that you should take before traveling to the country. However, a case of rabies that occurred in 2018 and claimed the life of a British national has sparked debate over this issue. Therefore, if your travel itinerary consists of a lot of traveling outdoors, it might be ideal to get a rabies vaccine before embarking on your trip to Morocco. Travelers should also be wary of the ill effects that high altitudes can have on the human body, which may include Acute Mountain Sickness, and therefore take necessary precautions while traveling to the Atlas Mountains.
Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a disputed region in North Africa that Morocco claims to have sovereignty over over two-thirds of. However, none of the member states belonging to the UN have recognized or supported that claim, and the Polisario Front Liberation, which controls the remaining one-third of this region, contests this occupation by Morocco vehemently. Although there has been a ceasefire between Morocco and the Polisario Front Liberation since 1991, the area remains quite volatile, with terrorist attacks and unexplored mines located in remote regions of this area being potent threats. Therefore, avoiding this unstable region is highly recommended while traveling to Morocco. If you happen to be caught in this region, evacuating you is near to impossible owing to a lack of diplomatic or consular presence and embassies.
Travel to Morocco Visa
Like any other country, Morocco requires you to formally apply for a proper visa to gain entry if you plan to stay longer than 90 days in the country. There are certain requirements that you need to comply with in order to get your Visa approved, and consulting with your country’s embassy or travel agent might be the best way to learn about these requirements, fulfill them legally, and gain a Visa to travel to Morocco. There are other prerequisites that you need to fulfill when you are landing in Morocco, which include your passport having a validity of at least six months at the time of your entry into Morocco, having at least one blank page to accommodate the entry stamp, and declaring large quantities of currency that you might be carrying at the time of entry to the relevant officials. You are also prohibited from exporting Moroccan currency from the country, and for stays that are less than 90 days, you do not need to have a tourist visa.
