Written by: Stephanie Ding
Follow along with her: @steph.ding
After having had the opportunity to travel to Morocco and visit nine different cities within the country, I have fallen in love with the rich culture and stunning architecture. The highlights of my trip included visiting Le Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and the medina of Fez. If you are thinking about planning your next trip to the land of mountains, cities, and deserts, here are some Morocco travel tips to read before your trip.
The best time to visit Morocco is in the spring or fall, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 80s. These seasons are also the best to visit the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert. Keep in mind if you are visiting the desert or the mountains, the temperatures do change pretty drastically from morning to night or from peak to valley so be prepared to pack layers. If visiting the beaches, the best time to go is during the summer months, but do keep in mind this is also peak tourist season!
Culturally, Morocco may be a very different place than where you are from. When visiting the medinas, if you want to buy something, make sure to barter. Though it might be uncomfortable to some at first, bartering is a way of life in Morocco and considered an aspect of social culture, so get involved! Plus, you’ll be able to get some great souvenirs for a cheaper price. Additionally, Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s best to respect their practices, such as wearing modest clothing, which covers your shoulders and knees. Although there are people who wear shorts when visiting Morocco and rules regarding female dress code are more lax than in some other Muslim countries, it is best to err on the side of caution and respect the customs of the country. Additionally, if traveling during Muslim holidays, such as Ramadan, some attractions such as mosques might be closed during prayer times or the locals will be fasting so some restaurants may be closed during certain times, so be sure to check their schedules and hours before you go.
Now that you are thinking more and more about booking your trip to Morocco, you may have heard things about the country and wonder if it’s safe to travel there. During my ten day trip, I never had a single incident, though there are some things to be aware of before you visit. Like in any tourist city, be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded places such as the medinas or popular locations for tourists. If you are in tourist areas, there will sure to be people offering their tour services to you as a local guide. Refrain from using people calling towards you on the side of the street. They will most likely charge a higher price or take you to places where they are able to make a commission, so make sure you do your research about which tour companies you choose to use. If using taxis in Morocco, always make sure to settle on a price before you start your journey to avoid paying an overpriced fare. If you have questions about how much a ride to your destination should cost, your hotel reception should be a great resource to use.
If you are wondering where you should go in Morocco, here are some of my recommended sites:
Fez
Be sure to visit the medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medina is one of the largest mazes in the world, so if you are going in, make sure to have a guide that will be able to lead you through the winding streets. Inside the medina, there is the Madrasas, one of the oldest education institutions in the world, with beautiful architecture and intricate designs. Additionally, make sure you visit a tannery. These tanneries still operate the same way as they did when they started in the early centuries with a wide variety of circular wells containing dye. Be warned, the tanneries have a very strong smell, but one you should definitely experience first hand to get a glimpse into the artform.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a relaxing city that moves at a slower pace than some of the other big, bustling cities in Morocco. Take a relaxing stroll in the city and admire the beautiful blue painted walls. The medina of Chefchaouen is small enough to wander around by yourself and not get lost. If you’re looking to see more of the surrounding area, take a hike around the nearby mountains to get a better view of the city.
Marrakech
In Marrakech, visit Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of Morocco’s most famous squares. The bustling activity in this square will be a great location for people watching and seeing different street entertainers. One of the most famous gardens in Marrakech is Le Jardin Majorelle, a beautifully designed, tranquil garden that was bought and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Make sure to get there early as there are sometimes long lines for tickets! Marrakech also has some beautifully decorated palaces and riads that are also worth a visit.
While you are there, make sure to eat couscous and tagine and drink some Morocco mint tea! Morocco was one of my favorite countries that I have ever visited, and hope you all get the chance to go!
If you’re thinking about traveling to Morocco, check out the Morocco tour that Acanela offers!
This was our first time visiting Morocco and we definitely made the right choice by choosing this tour. I picked this one specifically because I didn’t want a tour company that had seen so many tourists that they start to not care about taking people around their country. Where it’s more a money-making business, where you are part of a big group and you will not receive any sort of bespoke individual experience. We were so lucky to have ismail as our tour guide as he was a genuine and nice person, who loves his country.
From the very first email ismail was extremely polite and helpful, more than any other tour company I’d spoken to. We ended up travelling with just him, my husband and me. We went from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, to the Todras, Atlas Mountains, several Oasis and obviously to the Sahara desert. It was still a whistle stop tour as we only had 3 days but it was definitely the way to go. Having stayed in Marrakech for 2 days I was very much ready to leave the hustle and bustle (and generally being harassed at the souks) to explore what Morocco was really about.
Todras gorge was really lovely. There had been some rainfall so you could walk into some of the water. Really nice. It was quite busy though, but no more than the other big landmarks like Ait Ben Haddou.
My favourite place was actually Skoura, one of the little Oasis on the first night. The place we stayed was run by a family business and you can really tell. It was remote, but stunning. Not at all touristy, and very authentic. The food was the best I’d had in Morocco, just divine! Just as an aside, although I love tagines, you do want some change, so this was the one that stood out as it felt a little more authentic. Most of the food you’ll get in Morocco (not just in the tour) is very similar — varying types of tagines, wraps or kebabs, with rice or salad. Not a huge amount of variety unless you really look for it. We loved Nomad in Marrakech, this restaurant has amazing food!
The trip to the Sahara was amazing, albeit short. We set off on camel when the sun was quite low, maybe 6–7pm and then arrived at the camp by nightfall. We had dinner with a few other people on the tour, and the locals did a song and dance for half an hour or so. We then ventured out to the desert to see the stars, and although we went back to the camp around 1am, the moon was so bright you could have slept under it for sure. The temperature was perfect. However we had to leave at about 5am to catch the sunset, so thought we’d better sleep in the bed. The camp was extremely clean and nice given it’s in the middle of nowhere, so if you’re a clean freak like me, you’ll have no problems! There’s good toilets and running water. You sleep in a type of metal room, which is probably ventilated but still quite warm. The beds aren’t exactly comfy, quite hard really, but there’s electricity and sheets, what else do you need!
You can see more of my adventures and what I experienced from my pictures.
All in all, what you see is what you get. The tour speaks for itself. You visit all the places on the itinerary and you’re greeted with nice people and go to places that are really quite unique. On top of that, you’ll be with a guide who knows a good deal about Morocco and will work hard to make sure you have a good time. We were even privileged enough to see ismail home, meet his family (they were very shy!) But an insight into how Moroccan people actually live? That is something you can’t buy.
Really enjoyed my time in Morocco, so thanks to ismail and the team at Moroccodeserttour4x4.com recommend this tour company. see you next adventure!!
A few corrections to the above essay:
All mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims, no matter what time of year. The only mosques open to non-Muslims are the Hassan II in Casablanca, and the antique Tin Mal mosque which is a ruin. If you want to enter a mosque, you must go to Egypt or Turkey, for examples of great Muslim architecture. You may not enter during prayers, even in these tourist friendly countries.
Don’t go to Morocco (or any Muslim country) during Ramadan. It is an amazing time if you live there, but for a short visit it is difficult, as many restaurants are closed all day, and so are many shops. Ramadan is from late April to late May in 2020. Confirm the exact dates before booking your trip.
And this is a language point, but "bartering" is the exchange of goods for goods in a cashless transaction. "Bargaining" is when you make counter offers to the proposed prices suggested. It is important to have an idea of what things cost in the US or your home country before entering into a bargaining sessions. Also please note that if the seller accepts your price, you are obligated to buy, so don’t start bargaining unless you really want the item.
Be aware that the "monkeys" being displayed in the Jma Fnaa square in Marrakech have been poached from protected areas and Barbary apes are protected. The snakes frequently have their mouths jammed open so they can’t bite. They also can’t eat, so when they die, they are thrown out and another takes the place.
Donkeys are not well-treated in Morocco, frequently wearing their pack saddle from birth to death. If you see one being mistreated, speak up! Moroccans have a different view of animals than westerners do. Animals that serve as workers are not well cared for, although horses and camels do a little better.