Morocco is a country located in Africa with name that begins with letter M. The North African country Morocco, located in the northwest of the continent between Algeria and Western Sahara or Mauritania, can point to great cultural and scenic wealth and is therefore a popular holiday destination. The approx. 450,000 km 2 country with its almost 33 million residents is a constitutional monarchy with an Islamic state religion. Better known than the capital Rabat, in which around 800,000 people live, are Marrakech in the southwest, which is characterized by a fascinating mix of branching souks and markets and wide squares, and the former capital Fez with its beautiful medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also find a relaxed atmosphere in nearby Meknes.
Entry and visa
There is no visa requirement for Morocco for stays of up to 90 days. EU citizens only need a passport with at least six months of validity to enter the country.
Climate
While there is a Mediterranean climate in the north-west of Morocco, the inland is characterized by continental influences and the south by a desert climate. In the desert, daytime temperatures from autumn to spring are generally pleasantly warm; As soon as the sun goes down, however, it can get very cool with temperatures below 0 °Celsius. In the High Atlas it is only warm in summer, at night the temperature can also drop below 0 °C; there is a lot of snow here in winter.
Culinary and traditional cuisine
The most famous Moroccan dish is tajine, a spicy meat stew. The tajine pot with its cone-shaped lid was originally made from clay by the Berbers. Also popular are couscous in all variations, kaliya, a mountain dish made from lamb, tomatoes and peppers. The traditional Soupe Marocaine, Harira, also tastes delicious: It is made from lentils, chickpeas, lamb and other vegetables. Morocco is the land of spices and “Ras-el-Hanout” can be found in every Moroccan household. The spice mixture consists of 35 different ingredients and translates as “boss of the shop”. The Moroccan national drink of mint tea (a mixture of green tea and nana mint with lots of sugar) is popular at any time of the day or night.
Medical advice
No special vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. Vaccinations against tetanus, hepatitis, diphtheria, polio and typhoid are recommended. Please also ask your doctor if you have any doubts or questions. A personal pharmacy with your own medication makes it easier to act in the event of illness.
The following preventive measures are recommended:
- Do not drink uncooked or unfiltered water (the water will be filtered for you on our tours),
- do not eat raw vegetables, salads or unpeeled fruit,
- When trekking always pay attention to hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip protection.
Clothing & cultural rules of conduct
Please wear appropriate clothing, ie no shorts, bibs, wide or low-cut blouses or T-shirts. On our trekking tours, please make sure to retreat to a protected place that cannot be seen by the team to change clothes, wash or use the toilet – this also applies to men!
In Morocco it is common to enter the room and the carpet without shoes. The right hand is considered clean and the left is unclean. Mosques are taboo for “unbelievers”.
General security
Basically Morocco is considered a safe travel destination with a good tourist infrastructure and political stability. Our tours lead to areas where it is possible to experience space and nature and where the best possible security is guaranteed thanks to border protection. In recent years, Morocco has paid greater attention to border security and national security and, where it appeared necessary, increased staff and infrastructure. During our trips you will be accompanied by local employees of our long-term partner.
Climate and travel time
In general, the daytime temperatures in winter, spring and autumn in the desert are pleasant, spring-like and sometimes warm (to hot) in midsummer. In the evening, as soon as the sun disappears, it can get quite cool in the desert (down to 0 °C and even below in winter!). In the High Atlas it is only warm in summer, but at night the temperature can also drop below 0 °C. There is a lot of snow here in winter. Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures: from intense sunlight and heat to very cool evening and morning hours, with temperatures that can even drop below freezing point.
All about money
Currency
The national currency of Morocco is the dirham, 1 DH corresponds to approx. 0.1 €.
Money
Changing money is quite easy in Casablanca and Marrakech, but sometimes time-consuming in the interior. Please try to get at least a small amount in small notes or coins when changing. It is recommended to take cash with you, as the ATMs (Maestro, EC) in larger towns usually work, but may not always work. Credit cards are generally only accepted in larger hotels and shops in the larger cities.
Tip
As in many other countries, it is customary to tip in Morocco. The tips are not included in the travel expenses or the restaurant prices. Tips are a direct appreciation of the work done. Tip is an important recognition of good performance in this culture.
Other essential information
Time difference
For Morocco, please set your watch back 1 hour on arrival. This applies during winter and summer time, except during the fasting month, Ramadan (variable date because the time of Ramadan is based on the Islamic lunar calendar). If you arrive during the fasting month, please set your watch back by 2 hours.
Electrical current
The voltage is 110-220 volts. An international adapter is only needed in rare cases. In Marrakech and Ouarzazate you can charge the battery of your camera or phone at the hotel.
