Travel in Morocco - Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

Morocco is vibrant, fragrant and chaotic. It’s an intense sensory overload that travelers will either love or hate.

Exploring Morocco is an assault on all the senses that will inevitably come with both positive and negative experiences. Not everyone will love Morocco, but no one will be able to leave without a very memorable sensory experience.

MY EXPERIENCE

I traveled to Morocco twice as a solo female traveler and visited Marrakesh, Fes, Chefchaouen and Akchour waterfall twice, Tangier, Meknes, Volubilis, the Sahara Desert and Essaouira.

You’ll either love or hate Morocco. I certainly did not love Morocco the first time, but I’m so happy that I gave Morocco another chance because I really loved it the second time.

In Fes and Marrakesh, the constant harassment you receive as a tourist is incredibly exhausting and you’ll likely find that you have a tolerance limit and often need to seek refuge in your hostel/hotel. Luckily, the riads are beautiful, peaceful oases (even the hostel riads).

Akchour waterfall is one of my favorite waterfalls in the world, which is a big reason why I went back to Morocco a second time. And Chefchaouen is one of my favorite places.

Morocco is a very photogenic country and it inspired me to become a better (amateur) photographer during my first trip. Despite some poor experiences my first time in Morocco, my captivating photos made me want to go back and give the country another chance. And I’m so happy I did!

Morocco is a beautiful and fascinating country and I would absolutely love to go back a third time.

GETTING IN

YOU LIKELY WON’T NEED A VISA

Most visitor’s don’t require a visa and your stay will likely be valid for 3 months.

COMMUNICATION

MOROCCO IS A LAND OF MANY LANGUAGES

All the multi-lingual Moroccans will impress you – Many are fluent in Berber, Arabic, French, English and Spanish (or a combo of 2, 3 or 4+).

SOME ABILITY TO SPEAK, READ OR UNDERSTAND SOME FRENCH WILL HELP TREMENDOUSLY

Most signs in Morocco are written in Arabic and French, but not English. In the really touristy places like Marrakesh, English is widely spoken, but in the smaller towns, like Chefchaouen, not everyone you meet will speak English, like taxi drivers. In the north, many people speak Spanish.

LEARN SOME BASIC ARABIC PHRASES:

No = lah
Thank you = shukran (shuh-kran)
No thank you = lah shukran (you’ll need this one a lot 🙃)
Hello = “salam” or “salam alaikum” – Sah-lahm Ah-lay-koom.
Inshallah = “God willing”, which is rather useful. If a shopkeeper is bugging you to come back, you can say “Inshallah” and this will satisfy him, even if you have no intention to return.

WHEN TO GO AND WEATHER

IT’S BEST TO AVOID TRAVEL HERE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS UNLESS YOU’RE HAPPY WITH 40C+ TEMPERATURES

Morocco has a Mediterranean and desert climate. Spring and fall are the preferred times to travel and it can still get quite hot at 30-35C+. However, the spring brings sandstorms in the desert.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS HOT IN MOROCCO

Morocco will be cool during the winter from November-March and it’s the rainy season in the north. The mountains even get a little snow in the winter.

BE AWARE OF IMPORTANT ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS

Morocco is a very conservative Islamic country, so it’s highly recommended to research the holidays before you plan your trip, otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. I learned this the hard way when I arrived in Morocco on the first day of Eid al-Adha, the second biggest Islamic holiday. Every family sacrifices a sheep, which resulted in hundreds of sheep skins piled all over the streets, with their juices flowing everywhere. Shops and restaurants were closed that day, and most were also closed for the rest of the week.

Ramadan is the biggest Islamic holiday where Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a whole month, so it’s very difficult to find food during this time.

THE COUNTRY

MOROCCO IS VERY DIVERSE

It’s not all about the desert. There are mountains, valleys, beaches and coasts on the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

THE ARCHITECTURE IS INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL

Even if you’re not usually into architecture, it’s impossible to not be in awe and fall in love with the architecture in Morocco.

THE MEDINAS WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU’VE TRAVELED BACK IN TIME

They’re chaotic, but they’re so fascinating. Just exploring and observing the life around you is so captivating.

TIPS FOR SURVIVING THE MEDINAS:

YOU WILL GET LOST – The medina and the life within it is very photogenic. Accept your fate of getting lost; GPS doesn’t work well in mazes 🙃
LEARN TO BARGAIN – Never pay the asking price. In places like Marrakech, you can often start at 25% of the extremely inflated first price.
LEAVE EXTRA ROOM IN YOUR LUGGAGE FOR MOROCCAN TREASURES – The shopping and treasures in the markets in Morocco are UNREAL. It’s one of my favorite places in the world for treasures out of the 70+ countries I’ve visited. I would love to go back to Morocco with an empty suitcase (or a truck) to load up on beautiful things. And it’s unbelievably cheap, especially in the smaller towns. This is actually a big reason why I went back to Morocco 4 years later in October 2018. Marrakech has great selection, but it’s the most expensive place to shop. Essaouira and Chefchaouen are smaller towns with great selection and they’re much cheaper.
WEARING SUNGLASSES IS USEFUL – No one can see your eyes and where you’re looking, which gives you the opportunity to look around (especially when shopping), but not be immediately hounded with high pressure sales.
HAVE YOUR CAMERA READY – Morocco is ridiculously photogenic with all the street life, stunning architecture and color. It’s one of my favorite places in the world for street photography. Morocco is where I was inspired to be a better photographer.
WHEN YOU HEAR “BALAK”, WATCH OUT! The streets in the medina are very narrow and crowded with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters. When you hear “Balak!”, step aside because it means there’s a heavily laden mule or handcart behind you and needing to pass.
STAY AWAY FROM THOSE OFFERING FREE DIRECTIONS – Or free anything. It’s never free in the end.
BE ASSERTIVE – Very assertive. Hustlers are plentiful and relentless in the medinas. And the more relentless they are, often the more untrustworthy they are.
IF YOU’RE A WOMAN AND NEED TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS, ASK A WOMAN, NOT A MAN – I came across hundreds of untrustworthy, creepy men in Morocco, but the women were always very helpful and lovely.
THE STREETS ARE 95% MEN – Traditionally in Morocco, men rule in the street, while the woman’s domain is the home. This can make it difficult for you to get to know Moroccan women. As a woman traveling in Morocco, one place where you can meet Moroccan women is a hammam.

EXPLORE OUTSIDE OF MARRAKESH

Marrakesh is the most touristy part of Morocco and while it is worth a visit, if you have the time, definitely explore some other cities and towns as well.

THE SMALLER TOWNS ARE A MUST SEE

The people are so different in the smaller towns versus the larger cities like Fes, Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh. Smaller towns are so much safer, I didn’t encounter any obnoxious touts or scams, it’s even cheaper, and the people in the medina are actually genuine, lovely and super laid back.

THE RIADS ROCK

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house that is built around a central courtyard with windows facing inwards for privacy. They’re like a secret, serene oasis, hiding from the hustle and bustle in the medinas. While many Moroccans tend to use their rooftops as clotheslines, a riad’s roof terrace is a great place to relax, lounge and see the sunset. And you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money. You can ball out and experience a luxurious riad, but I also stayed at some really nice riad hostels in Morocco for about $8US/night, for a dorm room.

THE SAHARA DESERT IS REALLY FAR AWAY

If you’re going to Morocco and have the time, seeing the Sahara Desert will likely be high on your list. It’s beautiful, but know that it is extremely far away. I’m talking at least 10 hours of straight driving through mountainous regions far. The desert is only a few kilometres away from Algeria.

Sahara Desert Morocco — The Sahara Desert

THE PEOPLE AND THE CULTURE

YOU’LL HEAR THE CALL TO PRAYER 5X PER DAY, EVERYDAY, EVERYWHERE IN MOROCCO

Which indicates that it’s time to pray. Some travelers find the call to prayer annoying, which I find so sad because, while even though I’m not at all a religious person, I think it sounds so beautiful. You’re going to hear the call to prayer five times per day whether you like it or not, so you might as well try to appreciate it. It does sound different in Morocco, compared to other Islamic countries I’ve traveled to. If your accommodation is near a mosque, you’ll need earplugs because the first Call to Prayer is at dawn.

YOU DON’T GO TO MOROCCO FOR THE NIGHTLIFE

While Morocco is not a dry country, alcohol is not overly common. You can find nightlife and clubs in the more metropolitan cities, like Marrakesh and Casablanca. But the clubs are predominantly men and the majority of the few women there are prostitutes. If you visit Morocco during Ramadan, alcohol is next to impossible to buy.

YOU’RE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE MOSQUES UNLESS YOU’RE MUSLIM

If you’re hoping to visit the beautiful mosques in Morocco, you’ll be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. But don’t be too disappointed because they’re still very beautiful to take photos from outside.

BYOTP (BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER)

Everywhere. And hand sanitizer. Most toilets don’t provide toilet paper. And most charge a small fee to use the facilities, so it’s important to have small change on you.

THE LEFT HAND IS CONSIDERED UNCLEAN

Only the left hand is used when visiting the toilet, so it’s important to avoid shaking hands with your left hand. If you are eating in public try to only use your right hand, as this is considered the cleaner hand.

REMOVE YOUR SHOES BEFORE ENTERING A MOSQUE OR HOME

Feet are considered unclean and should never be pointed at anyone.

MOROCCO STILL HAS A KING

FRIDAYS ARE HOLY DAYS

Many shops and attractions will be closed on Fridays.

GETTING AROUND

MOROCCO IS VERY WELL CONNECTED BY TRAINS AND BUSES

And reasonable domestic flights.

GRAND TAXIS ARE USUALLY NOT SO GRAND

Before you imagine that you’ll be in the back seat of a luxury vehicle, let me explain- A grand taxi is a very old, regular sized car used for city to city transport. These taxis wait until the car is filled with 6 passengers (4 stuffed in the back, and 3 in the front, including the driver) until they leave. It’ll be very cozy and sometimes people have to sit on each other’s laps. They’re not very comfortable for longer trips in hot summers- picture 7 people packed in a 1970s-1980s Mercedes, without AC. But they’re faster than the bus and a good option if the bus is full.

A petit taxi is much more literal as it’s an extra small car that is also a taxi that is used for transport within a city.

Update- when I went back to Morocco in October 2018, they had actually updated some of their grand taxis to nice, new, spacious vans! So if you’re lucky, you’ll get one of those.

AGREE ON A TAXI PRICE BEFORE YOU START YOUR JOURNEY

So you don’t get scammed.

FOOD AND DRINK

MUST TRY FOOD DISHES:

Tagine – slow cooked meal of meat and/or veggies inside a clay pot
Couscous – typically served with a meat or veggie stew
Zaalouk – a dip made with eggplant, tomato, garlic, olive oil and spices.
Chermoula – a sauce made with a mix of herbs and spices served with grilled fish and meat
Harira – lentil soup
Pastilla – meat pie traditionally made with pigeon, but more commonly made with chicken now
Brochettes – BBQ meat on a stick
Kaab el ghazal – or gazelle horns, which are crescent shaped pastries with almond paste, orange flower water and cinnamon
Fresh figs – so good and so cheap! Must try.

AVOCADO SMOOTHIES ARE A THING

And they’re delicious.

DRINK MOROCCAN MINT TEA

It’s a big deal as it’s Morocco’s national drink. It’s green tea brewed with mint leaves and often copious amounts of sugar. They’ll ask if you want it with or without sugar.

MONEY AND COSTS

MOROCCO IS VERY AFFORDABLE TO TRAVEL

But you can also ball out and stay at absolutely stunning hotels, if you want to enjoy some luxury.

CASH IS KING

Cash is used for almost all transactions, unless you’re at an upscale hotel or restaurant. As a budget traveler, I don’t think I used my credit card once when I was in Morocco twice (so about 3.5 weeks, cumulatively).

MOROCCO HAS A BIG TIPPING CULTURE

You tip about 10% at nicer restaurants and your tour guide, if you had a good experience.

WHAT TO WEAR

DRESS CONSERVATIVELY

You can wear whatever you want, but just because you can, doesn’t mean you’ll want to. As a woman, it’s not required to cover up (unless you’re in a religious place), but you’ll feel more comfortable and attract slightly less attention if you do cover up. A good rule to follow is to cover your shoulders, chest and knees, and avoid tight clothes. It’s always good to keep a scarf with you. Moroccan women are typically covered from wrist to ankle and wear a headscarf. For male travelers, it’s respectful to dress with covered shoulders and knees also. As a solo female traveler, in places like Morocco, if I’m going to ask for directions, my first choice is to ask a woman, and if you’re dressed respectfully, you’ll be treated with respect by the women also.

SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS

SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS WILL HAVE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE THAN MALE TRAVELERS

As a solo female traveler, the creep factor is extremely high and you will get harassed, and sometimes groped. I traveled around Morocco for 3.5 weeks, as a solo, blonde, western female and I did have some annoyances, harassment, and inappropriate experiences. Getting groped is certainly disgusting and violating, but it’s not dangerous and it shouldn’t stop you from traveling to Morocco. If this happens to you, do not be afraid to yell at the man who does it and shame him.

LGBT TRAVELERS

THE LGBT COMMUNITY NEEDS TO PRACTICE CAUTION

Because it’s illegal 🙁

SAFETY

TAKE DUKORAL BEFORE YOU GO

Which is an oral vaccine to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. And it’s a good idea to also bring Imodium, just in case.

DON’T DRINK THE TAP WATER

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

This is new since I first visited Morocco in the fall of 2014. Video surveillance and plain-clothed police are out in the medinas of Fes, Marrakesh and Casablanca and they’re used as a tool to prevent crime and terrorism. That being said, video surveillance can’t be depended on completely as the locals know where the cameras are. I did not find the medinas safe at night in Fes or Marrakesh, but specifically Fes. Be aware of your surroundings, guard your things from pickpockets and educate yourself on the popular scams. Don’t walk alone at night, as a male or female, and keep your street smarts and intuition on high and alert at all times.

EXERCISE CAUTION IN FES

It’s not the safest place, but it is a must-see because it has the largest medina in the world and it’s incredibly photogenic. Just be aware of the scams, be assertive and avoid touts and don’t walk around the medina after dark.

BUYING OR CONSUMING HASH IS ILLEGAL

Hash is plentiful in Morocco and it’s offered regularly in the streets, but while it’s easily acquired, it’s illegal to buy, sell or consume it. Sometimes locals will use this to scam tourists or even tell the police that you have it once they’ve sold it to you. That being said, it’s also very common to smoke hash, so just be smart about it.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL TO MOROCCO, YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED WITH STREET SMARTS, KNOWLEDGE OF POPULAR SCAMS AND A THICK SKIN TO COUNTERACT IT ALL.