FAQs: Morocco Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Morocco FAQs & Our Offerings: Your essential guide to Morocco travel.

Morocco Frequently Asked Questions

At Trips In Morocco, we've put together some common questions that people often ask, whether you're traveling on your own or with a group. These questions cover a bit of everything, like Moroccan history, Berber traditions, and culture. Plus, we've got some tips on getting ready for a trip to the Sahara Desert. With over 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, we've got the inside scoop on what makes a trip to Morocco truly memorable!

Trips In Morocco offers personalized holidays across the country, including a selection of raids, boutiques, and luxury hotels. With extensive knowledge gained from exploring various regions, we create unique itineraries covering Imperial cities, coastal resorts, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara desert. We focus on off-the-beaten-track experiences, offering trekking, desert trips, and short breaks. Our services cater to individuals, groups, incentive itineraries, and field trips for schools and colleges. Special occasions like honeymoons and anniversaries are also arranged.

While not mandatory, we recommend purchasing travel insurance before leaving your home country. Local hospitals may have limited capabilities, and foreign clinics can be expensive. Insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, and personal property. We suggest World Nomads or Allianz Travel Insurance for good deals and excellent service, especially for those under 60 years of age.

Our guides/drivers at Trips In Morocco speak multiple languages, including French, Spanish, and English. Some also know German, Italian, Portuguese, as well as Berber and Arabic. During peak seasons, especially around Christmas, New Year, Easter, and sometimes October, English-speaking drivers are in high demand. Specify your language preferences before booking.

We use 4x4 vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers for private tours, offering comfort for 4-5 people. The vehicles are regularly maintained and licensed by the Transport Touristic Authority in Morocco. Shared group tours utilize minibusses seating 14 or 17 passengers. Vehicles and drivers are assigned based on availability. Private transport can be arranged to any location in Morocco, with drivers originating from Marrakech and Fes. Additional costs apply for tours starting or finishing in other locations, covering the driver's meals and hotel expenses.

Morocco has become a popular destination, known for its adventurous experiences. While tourist hotspots are generally safe, rural areas and the Atlas Mountains pose unique challenges. Being a conservative Islamic country, solo travelers, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals may encounter additional challenges. It's crucial to understand local laws, and cultural customs, and exercise diligence to ensure a safe visit. Safety for solo female travelers:

In Morocco, solo female travelers may feel uncomfortable, especially at night, due to verbal harassment and unwanted attention. Traveling in groups, sticking to well-lit streets, and dressing conservatively, especially near religious sites, can enhance safety. Trips In Morocco emphasizes respecting local cultures, encouraging conservative dress, and providing safety tips, such as securing accommodations and valuables.

For a camel trek with Trips In Morocco, warm clothes are recommended, particularly during summer evenings. The desert camp provides essentials like blankets, water, soap, and vegetarian food. Travelers are advised to check the weather and pack accordingly, as the camp ensures a comfortable stay with the necessary amenities.

Trips In Morocco typically utilize 3, 4, or 5-star accommodations such as medina riads, auberges, and hotels. Accommodations include a full breakfast, and many offer dinner. The stays range from traditional mud kasbahs with fireplaces to renovated riads in Marrakech, Essaouira, and Fes. While charming and comfortable, some locations may be cold in winter. In cities like Casablanca and Tangier, modern downtown hotels are chosen for convenience.

Trips In Morocco is committed to employing local Moroccans, including muleteers, camel handlers, drivers, guides, and hotel staff. Building relationships with local communities ensures multiple families benefit from tourism-related employment opportunities.

Visiting traditional Berber families and villages in Morocco is a unique and enriching experience. The locals generally welcome visitors, appreciating the positive impact of tourism on their economy. The visit provides insights into local customs, craftsmanship, and daily life. Many rural areas still operate on barter systems, and your presence supports various community members, from artisans to guides.

Booking a tour with Trips In Morocco involves a deposit of 30% of the total payment via Paypal, Western Union, or wire bank. While prices may be slightly higher, the company ensures fair compensation for drivers, including accommodations, showers, and meals. The remaining payment is made in cash to the driver or at the office with a credit card (with a 7% surcharge).

The optimal times to visit Morocco are spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer pleasant weather compared to the cold winters or scorching summers.

For a desert trip with Trips In Morocco, it's recommended to leave unnecessary large bags with your driver. The camp's car can transport luggage if needed. Practical items include warm clothing for evenings, with the option to store excess belongings.

In the Merzouga desert, various activities await, including camel rides, visiting Nomads, sandboarding, yoga retreats, and exploring the dunes on SUV 4x4 tours. Adventurous options like quad/buggy biking are also available.

In Moroccan culture, using the index finger to motion someone is considered rude. Instead, use your palm downward and sweep your hand toward yourself. Additionally, public displays of affection, especially in small villages, are frowned upon.

Moroccan cuisine features Tagine, couscous, and seafood in coastal areas. Beef and chicken are commonly enjoyed, often cooked in a tagine with various vegetables. Additional ingredients such as plums, boiled eggs, and lemon enhance the flavors.

While kissing is not illegal in Morocco, public displays of affection, especially in small villages, may be considered rude. If one partner is Moroccan, additional scrutiny might occur. It's advisable to be mindful of cultural norms and avoid overt displays of affection in public.

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. While Euro, US Dollar, and Sterling are accepted in certain tourist areas, Dirham is essential for everyday transactions. Dirham can be obtained from exchange offices at airports, major banks, hotels, and ATMs. Using a debit card at ATMs is often the easiest and most cost-effective method. Travelers' checks are advisable for emergencies, and a currency exchange slip is required to exchange surplus Dirhams.

Recommended items to pack include a day pack, wind-cheater, broad-brimmed hat, personal toiletries, towel, hygienic wipes, small First Aid kit, head torch with batteries, filled water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, nibbles, and extra toilet rolls. Comfortable clothes for travel, loose clothing for camel rides, and warmer layers for colder desert nights are also suggested. Bringing a spare pair of glasses is advised for contact lens wearers.

Highlights of our trips include marveling at the Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, exploring the World Heritage site of Volubilis, enjoying immersive accommodation experiences, sharing tea and stories with a Berber family, and relaxing in Essaouira—a Moroccan town with a European feel. Our trips offer unique experiences, local insights, and hidden gems known only to our guides.

Our combination trips cater to various preferences, offering flexibility in duration and destinations. Exploring the Fes Medina involves walking for several hours, but it's a highlight well worth the effort. Camel treks through the Sahara provide a genuine desert experience, and walks through remote areas like the Route of 1000 Kasbahs require moderate fitness and appropriate footwear. Morocco's weather can be extreme, so travelers should consider the season. While aggressive selling is uncommon, occasional approaches from shop owners and vendors may occur.

In Morocco, the official languages are Standard Arabic and Tamazight. Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the spoken native vernacular. Arabic, both in its Classical and Modern Standard Forms, and occasionally French are considered languages of status. French serves as a second language for about 33% of Moroccans and holds a significant place in commerce, economics, culture, sciences, and education. Berber, spoken by around 6 million people, is also recognized as a national language. Additionally, Spanish is spoken in certain regions due to historical ties and interactions with Spain.

Unmarried couples, especially if both partners are non-Moroccan, are generally allowed to share hotel or riad rooms. However, some hotels may exercise discretion and have their policies regarding unmarried couples. It's advisable to check with the accommodation beforehand.

While there's no strict dress code in Morocco, it's recommended to wear familiar and comfortable clothing. Longer shorts and shirts are acceptable for men, while women may consider bringing a scarf to cover bare shoulders and arms in rural villages. Shorts for women are generally not acceptable unless they are below knee length. Rural communities may find revealing clothing embarrassing, while urban areas have a more diverse fashion scene. Visitors are not expected to dress like Moroccans, and comfort is key.

Why Choose Us?

50+ Destinations

Our expert team handpicked all the best destinations in Morocco. A memorable experience waiting for you.

Best Price Guarantee

Our pricing are based on good service quality at accurate prices. We will also adapt the tour price to your budget tour.

Travel Experiences

All our tours are enhanced with local travel experiences to make you feel the authenticity of Morocco Kingdom.

Best Rated Reviews

We don't want to exalt ourselves. Here you can get an idea of what our customers say about our services.

© 2015, Trips In Morocco S.A.R.L | All Rights Reserved.