Morocco

Summary

The north African country of Morocco seems to have it all. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, landscapes or adventure, Morocco ticks all the boxes. It’s a fascinating place to immerse yourself in, with the saturated colors and amazing scents sure to make an immediate impression on you.Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert, Morocco’s landscapes range from beaches to rolling red dunes, and from hills studded with olive trees to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.The Sahara Desert is naturally irresistible to most travellers. A camel-back or 4×4 visit to the dunes can feel like you’re reliving scenes from either ‘The English Patient’ or ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Gazing out over the vast stretches of sand and sky is incredibly soothing for the soul.It is perhaps Morocco’s cities that will resonate with you most, and exploring them is bound to be an experience. Inside the ancient, walled medinas, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time, with everyday life continuing much as it has for centuries. You’ll be intrigued by the incredible array of goods on offer, from traditional earthenware cooking pots to richly-colored rugs and leather bags.Take time to enjoy a refreshing cup of mint tea – although poured hot, it seems to have a cooling effect. It’s often served with small, sweet pastries, which you should definitely also indulge in. If the heat and the haggling become a little too much, step inside a riad or traditional Moroccan house. Many of these are now hotels, and their interior gardens with fountains, pools and mosaics are wonderfully cool, even in the middle of the day.Moroccan interior design may look familiar – that’s because this unique blend of rustic and finely detailed elements is very much in vogue. You’ll spot metal lanterns with colored-glass panes, carved wooden doors and low couches and tables – perfect for gathering around to eat.Which reminds us – Moroccan food! Aromatic and delicately spicy, the stand-out dish is a slow-cooked lamb tagine. If you weren’t hungry beforehand, you soon will be when the chef lifts the lid.Traditions are alive and well in this intriguing and sensuous country – the regular calls to prayer from the minarets set the rhythm of the day, and (for women especially) it’s as well to respect local sensitivities and cover your shoulders and legs when away from the beaches.

Map

Click to display the map

It’s no accident that the annual PURE experiential travel show takes place in Marrakech – if the ‘Red City’ is somewhere that travel professionals want to visit, then it must be worth a look!The secret to making the most of Marrakech is to combine exploring (best done on foot) with taking time out in the many green gardens and oases which dot the city. These are often hidden away behind walls and gates, but discovering them is one of the joys of being here.Marrakech has some very famous associations: one of the most beautiful of all the gardens is the Majorelle, at the former home of the late designer Yves Saint-Laurent. More than one of his women’s wear collections was inspired by the colors of the city where he spent many of his holidays.Winston Churchill also liked to escape from the English winters by staying at the iconic La Mamounia Hotel, which today has a bar named after this notoriously thirsty statesman, or you can find refreshment of a different kind in the gardens of the El Bahia Palace.

This medieval city was once the capital of Morocco, and is home to the world’s oldest university (founded in 859 – that’s almost twelve centuries ago!). The wonderfully preserved old city or Fes el-Bali is perhaps the most intact example anywhere in the Arab world, and its narrow alleys and archways are blissfully car-free.Donkeys and handcarts provide the only means of transporting goods into the medina, and the maze of streets and stalls can be confusing enough that we’d recommend that you hire a reputable local guide to help you explore.You guide can also help you with the time-honored process of haggling when – inevitably – you spot a souvenir that you simply must have. Fes is known for its striking cobalt-blue ceramics, and for high-quality leather goods.Traditional tanneries still prepare leather in ancient ways, and a tour of one of these workshops is a fascinating if rather pungent experience. You’ll need to take a guide with you, and perhaps pinch your nose in places!

In Morocco within the region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz you will find the small town of Asni, also known as ‘The Land of the Amethyst’, for its rich deposits of this semi-precious stone. Located about three hours south of the country’s capital city, Sabat, in the Imlil valley at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains the region offers a myriad of cultural, adventure and nature activities. Visitors can enjoy the area’s pristine valleys and ancient villages through day trips, hiking and camping excursions, as well as walking or cultural tours. Roughly an hour’s drive away you can marvel at Mount Toubkal, part of the Atlas Mountains, and the highest mountain of both Morocco and North Africa, standing at an altitude of 4165 metres. If you happen to be around on Tuesdays and Saturdays, don’t miss the lively farmer’s market in the nearby village of Tahanaout for a true glimpse into local life.

The charming Atlantic coastal city of Rabat is a little more laid-back than some of the other Moroccan destinations that we’ve looked at – perhaps because it receives fewer visitors. It’s palm-lined boulevards, kasbah (fortress) and walled medina feel calmer. There’s the same labyrinth of narrow streets you may have experienced elsewhere in Morocco, but it’s not quite as intense an experience.Morocco’s Atlantic beaches are the ones to visit, and Rabat also has impressive Roman ruins at Chellah (though the best of these are at Volubilis near Meknes, halfway between Rabat and Fes).Rabat’s stand-out attraction, apart from its chilled vibe, is the Hassan Tower. This was originally intended to be part of an immense mosque, but work was halted when the sultan who had commissioned it died early in the construction.Today the striking red sandstone tower is surrounded by dozens of unfinished white columns, making for a very photogenic setting with the contrast between the red walls and pale columns, as well as the palm trees and blue skies.

Travel Information

Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it’s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water.Fusion isn't a new trend in Morocco, where the cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, Jewish, Persian, West African and Berber influences. Meals range from the diffa, an elaborate multicourse feast featuring couscous and grilled meats, to quick brochettes (kebab) from a roadside stall. Produce is seasonal, grown locally and typically without chemical pesticides or fertilisers.Tagines, the fragrant stews of meat, vegetables or fish, named after the distinctive conical earthenware vessel they’re cooked in are the Moroccans main staple. Flavours revolve around a subtle array of spices, and traditionally every spice shop would have its own secret ras el hanout spice blend recipe.Restaurants range from buffet diners to high-end establishment serving gourmet fare. Many now offer à la carte menus and a three-course fixed-price menu is still common at dinner. Restaurants in cities and large resorts are cosmopolitan, offering a good selection of cuisines, including typical Moroccan fare, plus French, Italian, Spanish and fusion dishes.The best way to experience the true flavour of Moroccan cuisine, however, is to sample the street food. Djemaa el Fna square in the centre of Marrakech sees an explosion of pop-up food stalls after dark, and most other cities have their own foodie quarters. Scrumptious local specialities such as almonds, olives and a rainbow array of spices can be found in souks across the country.Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are available to tourists. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol. By law, no-one is allowed to drink alcohol in view of a mosque or during Ramadan, although tourist establishments sometimes flout this rule. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are reasonably priced, but imported drinks tend to be expensive.Note: If you have food allergies or are on a special/restricted diet, please notify your travel agent or our office in advance, so that we may try to comply with your needs.

The high-speed toll roads connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech and El Jadida are of excellent quality. Coastal communities and most large towns are also well served by good roads. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter.International and local car hire companies have offices in major towns, cities and airports. Car hire is generally expensive, and prices vary with the season. The minimum age for driving a hired car is 18, although many hire companies will require drivers to be 21 or over.Metered petit taxis are available in major towns. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, although it is common to round fares up at least to the next dirham on short trips. Larger, grand taxis are usually Mercedes cars, used for travel outside medinas and to areas outside towns. These can be shared, but fares should be agreed before departure as they don't have meters.Bike hire is available in most major towns – although attempting to cycle through city traffic is inadvisable. For those travelling longer distances, bikes can be transported on trains and buses.Making use of the extensive bus network is the cheapest and most popular way to get around Morocco. Buses serve most communities, and private operators compete for custom on the more popular routes. The major bus companies are Compagnie de Transports Marocains (www.ctm.ma), Trans Ghazala (0536 685 387), and ONCF (www.oncf.ma). There are extensive bus services in Casablanca and other main towns. Pre-purchase tickets are sold.Traffic drives on the right in Morocco and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) in cities and built up areas, rising to 80km (50mph) on more major roads, up to 120km (75mph) on motorways. No alcohol at all is allowed in the bloodstream when driving.Foreign driving licences are accepted, as well as International Driving Permits. Third Party insurance is required. Insurance documentation and a licence must be carried with you at all times. Insurance can be arranged locally.The Moroccan rail system, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) (www.oncf.ma) provides regular services. The network runs from Oujda in the northeast to Casablanca on the west coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fes and Marrakech in the interior. However, only a small part of the country is served, and even large centres such as Agadir and Essaouira are not covered.