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Morocco: Travel Tips

Last updated: May 2020

 

Morocco is a fantastic travel destination that attracts tourists with its cultural wealth and unique landscapes, including the Sahara, one of the largest hot deserts in the world. Morocco has long been in the top five of the countries of visitors to Africa, with about 10 million tourists every year. The African nation occupies the territory in the north-western part of the continent, and its name, translated into Arabic al-Mamlaka al-Maghribiyya , means precisely the West of the Arab world.

Visiting Morocco also means experiencing its delicious and refined cuisine, which varies greatly from city to city. Tajine is one of the most famous Moroccan culinary traditions. It is an exquisite dish of stewed meat or fish, and it gets its name from the traditional cone-shaped dish in which it is cooked. 

Colorful stall in a Morocco market

 

Morocco truly has something unique for everyone, enticing visitors to return again one day soon. If we add to all this the friendliness and hospitality of the Moroccans, we have the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable trip.

With this guide, we want to help you plan your trip to Morocco.

 

Blue building in Chefchaouen, Morocco

Things to Do in Morocco

Traveling in Morocco is a bit like entering another reality and will always surprise you. Explore the secular imperial cities, pass through the alleys of the labyrinthine medina, enjoy the colorful and vibrant bazaars, and discover the vastness of its natural landscapes. In short, there is a whole fantastic world to explore by visiting Morocco.

You will also find fine sand beaches, ancient cities, modern metropolises, Roman ruins, Berber villages, imposing fortresses, snow-capped mountains, film studios, palm groves, canyons, deserts, and delicious cuisines that have fascinated tourists from all over the world. 

Here are the best things to do in Morocco:

  • Visit the major cities: Casablanca, Fez, Rabat
  • Discover the best things to do in Marrakech for one day
  • Visit the colorful Moroccan souks (markets)
  • Wander through Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Discover the Ouzoud Waterfall in the Atlas Mountains
  • Hike in the Gorges of Dades
  • Explore the Sahara Desert at Merzouga
  • See the blue village of Chefchaouen
  • Enjoy the beach at Essaouira or Taghazout

 

Man walking camel in Morocco desert

When is the best time to visit Morocco?

March to June and September to October are the two periods considered to be the best times to visit Morocco. During these months, the temperature is pleasant both day and night and there are fewer tourists during these times. This makes it more advantageous for crowds and prices, especially for your accommodation.

If you plan to visit Marrakech, it can be said that there is almost never a bad time to visit. The months of July and August are generally uncomfortably hot, so if you are particularly averse to the heat, then you might want to avoid those months.

 

Boats docked near houses and ocean in Taghazout, Morocco

Useful information about Morocco

Before you visit Morocco, there are a few important things you should think about. You need to know what kind of visa, vaccines, and currency you should have for your trip to Morocco.

Visa and Passport for Morocco

USA, UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian nationals do not need a visa for trips to Morocco up to 90 days. If you are a citizen of one of those countries, then the only necessary document to enter Morocco is a valid passport that is at least six months from its expiration date. If your passport was issued in another country, then check the government's website to find more information about your visa requirements.

Vaccines for Morocco

There are no mandatory vaccines for Morocco, but the CDC does highly recommend having the following for anyone visiting Morocco:

  • Be up-to-date on all routine vaccines
  • Measles
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Rabies

Talk to your doctor or visit a travel clinic to find out more about the vaccines needed to visit Morocco. Your needs may be different depending on where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you will be doing.

Morocco Currency

Morocco is a cash-based economy and the dirham (local currency) is a closed currency. This means it can only be bought when you arrive in Morocco and you need to sell them back before you leave. You can exchange currency at the airport, bank, and in most hotels. The airport offers a good rate for returning currency.

Euros and US dollars (not AU) are also accepted in Morocco, although at a worse rate. You can use your debit card at bank machines but check with your bank about overseas transaction fees beforehand. Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted at larger restaurants and shops, but other credit cards are not usually accepted.

 

Outdoor restaurant in Essaouira, Morocco

When to book airline tickets to Morocco?

If you want to save money and book a cheap flight ticket to Morocco, there are a few things you should know before leaving:

  • January is the month when tickets are the cheapest and also the month when temperatures are cooler.
  • New York’s JFK Airport is the only airport in the US with a non-stop flight to Morocco.
  • The months of July and August are the periods when prices are the most expensive.
  • Booking airline tickets to Morocco two or three months in advance allows you to find much cheaper fares.

 

concrete houses surrounded by trees with mountains in the distant in Tamnougalt, Morocco

Tips and tricks for your trip to Morocco

Discover below some useful tips for your stay in Morocco and do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to help expand the list, with your direct experience.

  • Plan at least one night in a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house.
  • Taste traditional Moroccan cuisine. We recommend couscous, tajine, and mechouis 
  • Do good business at the souks (markets) and practice your bargaining tactics, it's part of the game here.
  • Avoid alcohol or signs of affection in public.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in public if you go to Morocco during the Ramadan period.

 

Looking for more guidance? Prepare for your Moroccan holiday with more Backpacking Morroco travel tips! 

More about Morocco
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About

Hi there! 

We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest. 

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