Frequently Asked Questions about Morocco
What is the best time to travel?
Morocco has various different climate zones. The Atlantic coast and the northerly hill country, in which Meknes and Fès are situated, enjoy a warm sea climate with limited precipitation throughout the year. The higher mountain areas can get rather chilly.
In summer, the days are hot here, and the nights are nice and fresh. In the south of the country, both Marrakech and the region behind the High Atlas have very limited precipitation, hot summers and large differences in temperature between day and night.
The temperature in the Atlas Mountains is around zero from January till March, while the heat in the desert can reach temperatures of around 50 degrees in July and August.
In general, the spring and the autumn offer a highly pleasant climate and would be the best times to travel.
What are the main festivals and when do they take place?
As the Islamic calendar is based on the observance of the moon, the festive days are on different days each year.
In 2012, Ramadan starts on 20th July and concludes on 18th August. This is then followed by 3 days of celebration (Eid al-Fitr) beginning on 19th August.
Can I pre-book transfers and extra nights?
Yes you can pre-book transfers (on arrival) and extra nights with Shoestring. You can add these to your booking form.
What about my passport?
You need a passport that is valid at least 6 months from the date of departure. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.Do I need a visa?
At present, no visa is required for UK/EU nationals entering Morocco. Things can change though. Please contact your local embassy if you should need a visa for Morocco and you can check out the current situation here. Make sure you inquire at least a month before departure so that you do not run into time problems. Please be aware that you are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.
Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?
Please
click here for questions regarding vaccinations or malaria tablets for this country and contact your local practitioner or a specialized health centre and make an appointment to get your shots and pills. Please make sure that you allow at least six weeks for a full program. People who already have had a few shots might do with two weeks. You are responsible for having the right protection when going on tour.
What is the recommended currency for Morocco?
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). There are cash machines in the majority of places for you to withdraw the local currency.
What kind of clothing and other stuff is practical to take?
You should bring a pair of well worn-in walking boots and a pair of flip-flops - that is all your feet will need. In the months of April to October, summer clothing and a sweater for cool evenings will do perfectly. In the winter months (from December to February), evenings, nights and mornings can be cold, especially in the north, the mountains and the desert. When travelling in this period, take a warm jacket, rain gear and a fleece jacket. Otherwise, remember the following: sun tan lotion and after-sun lotion, a good pair of sunglasses, toiletries, travel first-aid kit, hat or scarf, camera, (spare) camera batteries or film, penlight, pocket knife (do not put in hand luggage during the flight!), lighter, a small amount of snacks or sweets, individually packed, alarm clock, towel, pen and paper, books, valid passport, sufficient cash, copies of passport and travel insurance (keep separately from the originals), air tickets, diary with important addresses and a travel guide.
What kind of luggage should I take?
You should pack your luggage in a canvas bag or a backpack, not a hard suitcase, as those are inconvenient to transport. Bring with you a small daypack or a shoulder bag for your daily hand luggage. To keep your cash and papers safe, take a money belt to wear underneath your clothes.What is the situation with electricity in Morocco?
What voltage and plugs are in use in Morocco? Please click here to check what voltage and plugs are in use in this country. You could consider taking a universal electric plug.
Which travel guides and maps?
If you want to take a travel guide or map, we suggest you click on Lonely Planet.
In what kind of accommodation do we sleep?
Accommodation is in comfortable hotels with twin beds
How is accommodation arranged if I book alone?
If you book alone you will share your room with a fellow traveler ( from the same sex ) unless you have booked a single room.
Do I need to take a mosquito net?
A mosquito net will not be needed.
Do they cater for vegetarians in Morocco?
The food in Morocco is excellent and for vegetarians there is plenty of choice. ‘Harira’ for example is a very traditional, delicious soup.What kind of transportation is used?
Transportation is in Air-Conditioned minibuses
Is Morocco dangerous?
Morocco is not an unsafe place, however tourists are occasionally affected by crime. Do not leave valuables in hotel rooms; keep money, passport and other important papers in a flat money-belt close to you or ask reception to lock them away.
What local customs do I need to keep in mind?
Moroccans attach great value to the amount of respect shown. Age receives respect, as do people who serve society, such as teachers, and people who are devout Muslims. Although as a westerner, you are bound to be a Christian, you can still command respect: be well behaved and you will be treated respectfully. If, however, you behave in a ‘haram’ (against the spirit of the letter of the Koran) way, there is a markedly greater chance that you will be mistreated, or ripped off, or robbed. Being sparsely dressed as a woman, being drunk in public, or types of behaviour that are viewed as ‘haram’. It is not allowed for Christians to visit mosques in Morocco.
Are there opportunities to swim?
You can swim in the sea at Essaouira where they have floodlit beaches at night.What are other activities and sports I could do?
There is much to see and do in Morocco. You can ride a camel in the desert, visit the small villages in The Atlas Mountains or even attend a crash course in Moroccan cuisine in a beautiful Marrakech Riad.How are communications in Morocco?
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Coverage is mainly available in the cities in the west of Morocco. Internet access is widely available in business centres, hotels and in Internet cafes.
What is the time difference?
Please check the world clock in order to find out the exact time difference