Morocco

For many travellers, Morocco might just be a short hop away by ferry or by one of the many airlines from Spain, but it’s a much further distance to travel culturally.  The regular certainties of Europe are suddenly swept away by the arrival in full technicolour of Africa and Islam.

Tangier, that faded libertine on the coast has traditionally been a first port of call, but the winds blow you quickly along the Atlantic coast to the cosmopolitan and movie-star famous Casablanca and whitewashed fishing port gems of Asalih and Essaouira.  Inland, the great imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez attract visitors in droves as they have done for centuries.  The winding streets of their ancient medinas have enough surprises around each corner to fill a dozen repeat trips.

Away from the urban beat, you’ll find Roman ruins and dramatically craggy valleys to distract you.  If you really want to escape from everything, Morocco still has a couple of trump cards.  The High Atlas Mountains seem custom-made for hiking boots with endless trails between Berber villages and North Africa’s highest peak (Jebel Toubkal) to conquer.  Or if you prefer someone else to do the walking, simply saddle up your camel and ride it straight into the Sahara, to watch the sun setting over an ocean of sand.

Full Country Name: The Kingdom of Morocco
Area: 446,550 km
Population: 32.27 million (UN 2011)
Capital: Rabat
Borders: Algeria is closed and Mauritania is open but has no public transport
Religion: Majority Islam
Time Zone: Standard time is one hour in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
Languages: Arabic (official), Berber, French and Spanish
Country Dialling Code: +212

 

CLIMATE

Morocco is at its best in spring (mid-March to May), when the country is lush and green, followed by autumn (September to November), when the heat of summer has eased.  If you are travelling in winter, head for the south, although be prepared for cold nights.  The north coast and the Rif Mountains are frequently wet and cloudy in winter and early spring.

 

CURRENCY & BANKS

The unit of currency in Morocco is the Dirham (DH).  Full banking services are available in all the main cities and towns, although a commission is normally charged.   

 

CUSTOMS & BELIEFS

Moroccans are religious people. Islamic practices affect all aspects of life, especially in more remote communities. As in all Islamic communities the call to prayer will be heard several times a day. Visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct.  Women, in particular, should wear appropriate clothing.  Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.  Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants.

 

ELECTRICITY

In Morocco the general voltage is 220 and the frequency is 50 Hz.

As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown.  It is useful to carry a torch.

 

HEALTH

Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. 

 

VISA INFORMATION

At the time of writing, no visa for Morocco is required for travellers on Australian Passports. Please double check this with your travel agent as this may change at any time.  You must hold return or onward flight tickets.

We hope that you will find this country Information on Morocco useful for reference when preparing for your holiday.  All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only.  Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.

Tangier, that faded libertine on the coast has traditionally been a first port of call, but the winds blow you quickly along the Atlantic coast to the cosmopolitan and movie-star famous Casablanca and whitewashed fishing port gems of Asalih and Essaouira.  Inland, the great imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez attract visitors in droves as they have done for centuries.  The winding streets of their ancient medinas have enough surprises around each corner to fill a dozen repeat trips. Away from the urban beat, you’ll find Roman ruins and dramatically craggy valleys to distract you.  If you really want to escape from everything, Morocco still has a couple of trump cards.  The High Atlas Mountains seem custom-made for hiking boots with endless trails between Berber villages and North Africa’s highest peak (Jebel Toubkal) to conquer.  Or if you prefer someone else to do the walking, simply saddle up your camel and ride it straight into the Sahara, to watch the sun setting over an ocean of sand.

Casablanca

Many travellers stay in Casablanca just long enough to change planes or catch a train, but the sprawling metropolis deserves more time. It may not be as exotic as other Moroccan cities, but it is the country’s economical and cultural capital, and it represents Morocco on the move: Casablanca is where the money is being made, where the industry is, where art galleries show the best contemporary art and where fashion designers have a window on the world. The old pirate lair is looking towards the future, showing off its wealth and achievements.

The city saw a rapid expansion during the early days of the French Protectorate, and still attracts droves of the rural poor dreaming of a better lifestyle. Many have made it good and proudly flaunt their newfound wealth, but many others languish in the grimy shanty towns on the city’s edge.

Marrakech

From the moment you arrive in Marrakesh, you’ll get the distinct feeling you’ve left something behind – a toothbrush or socks, maybe? But no, what you’ll be missing in Marrakesh is predictability and all sense of direction. Never mind: you’re better off without them here. Marrakesh is too packed with mind-boggling distractions and labyrinthine alleyways to adhere to boring linear logic. If you did have a destination, you’d only be waylaid by snake charmers, out-of-control donkey carts, trendy silver leather poufs and ancient Berber cures for everything from relationships to rent.

Fez

Founded shortly after the Arabs exploded across North Africa and Spain, Fès quickly became the country's religious and cultural centre, shaped by each of the great dynasties and by its population's roots in Muslim Spain and the Arab east. The fertile countryside allowed the city to grow quickly, and nurture a reputation for culture and learning. Any Fassi will be quick to point out that the city created the world's first university, centuries before Oxford and Cambridge were a twinkle in anyone's eye. With learning came Islamic orthodoxy. Green - the colour of Islam - is also the colour of Fès, endlessly repeated on its tiles and doors.

Meknes

Morocco’s third imperial city is often overlooked by tourist itineraries, but Meknès is worth getting to know. Quieter and smaller than its neighbour, it’s also more laid-back and less hassle but still awash with the winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings befitting a one-time capital of the sultanate.

Choose your Experience

Imperial Cities

Location: Casablanca | Meknes | Fez | Marrakech |

Discover the four Imperial Cities of Morocco - Fez, Meknes, Rabat and Marrakech - on this eight day privately guided tour by road. Experience the history, architecture, rich culture and traditional Moroccan hospitality. Visit the ancient medieval medinas, monuments and mausoleums and emerse your taste buds in the local cuisine.

Moroccan Adventure

Location: Casablanca | Marrakech |

Discover the highlights of magical Morocco on this privately guided seven day tour from Casablanca. Experience the country’s rich heritage and gaze at the spectacular natural beauty of the mountains, valleys and desert.

Roads of the Caravans

Location: Marrakech |

The cultural and artistic heritage of Morocco dates back over a thousand years with its African, European and Arabic influences. Explore this exciting destination of historical and colourful culture, traditions and imperial cities. Travel through Berber villages, trek in the Atlas Mountains and climb the dunes on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert. Stroll through the fascinating souqs and barter with the local shopkeepers, dine on the world famous and cuisine.

Sahara Desert

Location: Marrakech |

The cultural and artistic heritage of Morocco dates back over a thousand years with its African, European and Arabic influences. Explore this exciting destination of historical and colourful culture, traditions and imperial cities. Travel through Berber villages, trek in the Atlas Mountains and climb the dunes on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert. Stroll through the fascinating souqs and barter with the local shopkeepers, dine on the world famous and cuisine.

Ultimate Morocco

Location: Casablanca | Marrakech |

Experience the spectacular scenery, mystical culture and history of Morocco on this fascinating 11-day journey. The privately guided tour takes in UNESCO Heritage sites, the Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, the Sahara Desert with the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and coastal towns of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here is a selection of popular areas to visit in Morocco.

Casablanca

Casablanca is where the money is being made, where the industry is, where art galleries show the best contemporary art and where fashion designers have a window on the world. The old pirate lair is looking towards the future, showing off its wealth and achievements. The city saw a rapid expansion during the early days of the French Protectorate, and still attracts droves of the rural poor dreaming of a better lifestyle. Many have made it good and proudly flaunt their newfound wealth, but many others languish in the grimy shanty towns on the city’s edge.

Marrakech

From the moment you arrive in Marrakesh, you’ll get the distinct feeling you’ve left something behind – a toothbrush or socks, maybe? But no, what you’ll be missing in Marrakesh is predictability and all sense of direction. Never mind: you’re better off without them here. Marrakesh is too packed with mind-boggling distractions and labyrinthine alleyways to adhere to boring linear logic. If you did have a destination, you’d only be waylaid by snake charmers, out-of-control donkey carts, trendy silver leather poufs and ancient Berber cures for everything from relationships to rent.

Fez

Founded shortly after the Arabs exploded across North Africa and Spain, Fès quickly became the country's religious and cultural centre, shaped by each of the great dynasties and by its population's roots in Muslim Spain and the Arab east. The fertile countryside allowed the city to grow quickly, and nurture a reputation for culture and learning. Any Fassi will be quick to point out that the city created the world's first university, centuries before Oxford and Cambridge were a twinkle in anyone's eye. With learning came Islamic orthodoxy. Green - the colour of Islam - is also the colour of Fès, endlessly repeated on its tiles and doors.

Meknes

Morocco’s third imperial city is often overlooked by tourist itineraries, but Meknès is worth getting to know. Quieter and smaller than its neighbour, it’s also more laid-back and less hassle but still awash with the winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings befitting a one-time capital of the sultanate.