Morocco Travel Guide

Practical information

05:01:47

Language(s): Arabic
Currency: Dirham
Time zone: GMT +1

Moroccan culture

Morocco’s diverse culture is the effects of many different influences over the centuries. Originally, a Berber state, the Umayyad Muslims conquered the area in the seventh century and brought with them language, religion and government. They are now reflected in the strong, Arabic influences seen in Morocco today. After centuries of Islamic rule, in 1912 they were designated a protectorate in France. The French ruled in a cruel manner, denying local people their basic rights and in the 1950s, when decolonization movements tore through Africa, a powerful resistance began. Morocco finally became independent in 1956. Now, Morocco is ruled by King Mohammed VI of the Alawi dynasty. He has ruled since July 1999 and is a strong believer in promoting tourism throughout the country.

Morocco’s mix of Arabic, French, Roman, Spanish and African influences brings a delightful amalgamation of cuisine, music and traditions. The African grains alongside Berber spices and Mediterranean vegetables gives the deliciously, unique flavours to Morocco’s cuisine. Sampling this to the tuneful melodies of Spanish-Andalusian melhoune music, amongst the red clay Berber architecture really defines the cultural masterpiece that is Morocco.

Time Zone

The time zone in Morocco in GMT +1.

Languages

Arabic

Arabic is the official language but French is often used in business, government, and diplomacy. The majority of Moroccans speak French. Berber is now recognised as a culture and language in its own right and with it, the many Berber dialects.

Useful Phrases

Hello - Salam Aleïkoum / Answer: Aleïkoum Salam
Goodbye - Pslama
How is it going ? - Labes? / Answer "I'm fine!" - Hamdoullah!
Thank you - Shoukrane
Please - Irbi
What's your name ? - Makismen (if boy)? / Makmismen (if girl)?
It's good, it's good - Ifoulki
Sharing - Toucherka
The meeting - Tamyisint '
The bread - Aghrom
Water - Aman
Children - Tarwa

Currency

Dirham

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). The dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought once you arrive in Morocco. You’re allowed to bring in or take out 1000Dh (around £65) but you’ll need to exchange the rest on arrival.

You can exchange your Pounds (don’t bring Scottish, Gibraltar or Northern Irish Sterling notes) or US Dollars to Dirhams at a Bureau de Change in the airport, at a bank and in most hotels. Keep hold of your receipt to convert your Dirhams back when you leave – you can do this at the airport for a good rate.

Some large supermarkets like Carrefour in Marrakesh, will allow you to pay by card, but you should always carry cash as very few shops and restaurants accept them. Therefore, you will need to exchange enough money for your entire trip in Marrakesh or at the airport, as it can be hard to find ATMs outside of the big cities. Most riads only accept Visa or Mastercard and you may have to pay a surcharge to use them.

For the most up to date exchange rate please visit www.xe.com.

GBP

MAD

Electricity

Electricity standards: 220V (110 V in rare places). Frequency 50 Hz. 2 prong European style plugs.

Weather

It is difficult to supply reliable weather statistics for the High Atlas as the range covers such a vast area and reaches altitudes of over 4000m. Cooler temperatures are likely to be experienced in the more northerly areas of the Mountains, mainly due to the western winds that blow from the Atlantic. Towards the south of the range, the weather is more influenced by the Sahara Desert offering drier, warmer climates no matter what time of year it is. The highest peaks like Toubkal will remain covered in snow from the months of November through to the start of June, and sometimes remain snow-capped all year long.

For up to date weather forecasts click on the links below:

Mt Toubkal

Marrakesh

Ouarzazate

When to go?

The main trekking season in the High Atlas in between April and October. We operate our trips between June and October when the snows have receded and the mules, we use to carry our gear, are able to cross the high passes safely. If you are looking for bright and sunny days around 30˚C with a low chance of rain then consider July and August for your trip. If you would prefer the temperature a little lower then consider June, September or October. Please bear in mind that afternoon thunder storms and heavy rain can occur at any time through out the summer months.

Remember that Morocco can see a temperature difference of up to 15˚C between the mountains and lower lying cities. This means when the High Atlas are a comfortable 25˚C, Marrakesh could be in the 40s.

Our winter climbs take place in January and February when the peaks provide the best conditions for a challenging ascent with crampons and ice axe. Daytime temperatures in winter will be between 10˚C and 20˚C but well below freezing at night.

Some people prefer not to travel to Morocco during Ramadan. Some businesses may be closed at this time and you should be respectful of cultural rules around fasting and sensitive to the fact that most people will not be allowed to eat or drink anything during daylight hours.

And last, but by no means least, when you are planning your trip check out the prices of flights early. The sooner you can book, the better, as there are big seasonal variations in flight costs.

Safety and security

Your safety and well-being is always the number one priority at Kandoo Adventures.

We operate all our travel destinations in accordance with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, which publishes travel advisory notices for British nationals. We also closely follow the advice of ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents) which provides support to UK tour operators.

In addition to this, our extensive, directly-managed operations in each of our destinations, provide us with detailed knowledge and up-to-date information, which enables us to make informed decisions and operate our trips safely.

We always recommend that you regularly check the FCDO's travel advice, in order to keep up to date about the country you are planning to visit.

If you are not a UK resident, we would recommend that you visit your government's travel advisory website for further information:

Alternatively, you may wish to visit our Travel Updates page or seek further information from the World Health Organisation.

Lost or delayed luggage

We recommend that you wear your walking boots to travel and pack as many essential items as possible in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is delayed we can then do our best to kit you out to start the trek on time. In the event that your luggage is delayed or lost, our procedure is as follows:

Establish what items are missing and a contingency plan for each critical item
If it reaches 6pm on the evening before starting the trek and your luggage has not arrived we recommend buying and/or hiring items immediately as a precaution
We will take you to a shop where you can buy toiletry items, e.g. toothbrush. You will be able to find everything you need in Marrakesh.

We will do everything we can to help if your luggage is lost or delayed. Be sure to check your insurance policy coverage for lost luggage cover before your hiking adventure in Morocco.

Alcohol

Although Morocco is more liberal than many other Muslim nations you do need to be careful when purchasing or consuming alcohol. Morocco does allow the consumption of alcohol and you can buy beer, wine and spirits in licensed hotels, bars and supermarkets. In supermarkets there will often be a separate alcohol room which is out of sight. If you attempt to purchase alcohol outside of one of these licensed areas then you may find yourself in trouble with the police.

Bars with a licence to sell alcohol will not usually have windows. This is because although it is legal to purchase and drink alcohol on the premises, you are not allowed to be seen by the general public outside. Officially only tourists are allowed to drink outside but to avoid causing any offence it is best avoided. You are allowed to bring alcohol in to the country with you, but only a maximum of 1 litre.

While in Marrakesh, if you want to have a drink with a meal, it is best to check with the restaurant if they serve alcohol before you sit down. You should also ask if they are happy for you to sit anywhere whilst drinking or if they would prefer you to sit at a corner table out of sight. While you are up in the mountains trekking, things tend to be a bit more relaxed than in the city. However, it is best to show some consideration for your cook and porters by checking with your guide before you crack open the whisky.

Dressing Appropriately

Although Moroccan people are very tolerant of tourists it is always a good idea to be respectful of the local customs. We would advise female travellers to keep their knees, shoulders and stomachs covered while out in public to avoid any unwanted attention. You need to balance this conservative style of dress with the excessive heat that you may experience in Marrakesh. A long sleeved maxi dress will keep you covered while providing some airflow to keep you cool. Long sleeve breezy button up shirts, harem trousers or jeans are also good options.

For men it is best not to walk around topless despite the heat. Moroccan men do not tend to wear shorts, although there is certainly no problem with male tourists doing this, if you want to blend in with the locals then go for some loose fitting cotton trousers.

When you are in the mountains things are much more relaxed than in the city. You should wear clothing that is appropriate to the conditions and the activity you are engaged in.

Animal Welfare

In the High Atlas Mountains the use of mules and muleteers (otherwise known as the Berber 4X4) is very common. The strong and sure footed mules have spent their lives up here in the mountains and they can transport your gear from A to B with ease. Mules are a big source of income for the local Berber people, as a result they are generally treated with great respect and consideration for their well being. However there are always exceptions and in some cases mules in the High Atlas have experienced terrible neglect and cruelty.

The main problems that cause suffering for mules are:

Traditional bits
Overloading
Inadequate feeding
Wounds
Poor foot care
Working unfit mules (lame, sick or injured)

Kandoo Adventures are committed to ensuring that the mules we use on our treks receive only the very best treatment.

To ensure the animals are never overloaded we have placed restrictions on the weight of the luggage you can bring with you. Your main bag must always be flexible and not weigh more than 15kg. The maximum load a mule can carry is 80kg, this will ensure the health and comfort of the mule as well as a sustainable working life. We will not start trekking with mules who are obviously lame, sick or wounded. We will never condone the use of traditional bits which can cause terrible pain for the animals. We only work with a select number of muleteers who we know and trust to provide the very best level of care to their animals.

Geography

Morocco is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the vast Sahara to the east and south making it relatively isolated from the rest of the continent. In the far north of the country are the Rif Mountains with a high point of 3290m. This system of peaks is connected with the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain. The Atlas Mountains are divided into three separate ranges, the Middle Atlas in the north, High Atlas running through the centre of the country and the Anti-Atlas in the south.

Over 40 different ecosystems exist in Morocco harbouring 4000 plant species and over 400 bird species. The High Atlas has the most diverse ecosystem. The slopes are home to mountain gazelle, bearded vulture, golden eagle and the highly elusive Moroccan leopard. Macaque, lynx, nocturnal genet, red fox, and polecat are common in the Anti Atlas. In the Sahara you can expect fennec, jerboa, snakes, scorpions and other insects.