Top tips for visiting Morocco
Family holidays to Morocco
Morocco is a great destination for all the family. A family trip to the North African country promises adventure, excitement, the chance to experience an ancient culture, and a large smattering of fun.
Generally, Morocco is very welcoming of children and a child friendly country to visit. Depending on your destination and the age of your children, there are a range of activities for all the family to enjoy.
Activities such as camel trekking are a great way of entertaining older children and teenagers, enabling them to get out and about and experience the richness of Moroccan countryside and stunning Atlas mountains.
If you have younger children, a family excursion in a jeep may be a better option, enabling the younger ones to have a sleep if the heat gets too much for them.
Visiting Marrakesh is an excellent family holiday because there’s lots to do within easy access of the central city. Oasiria Water Park is open throughout and a shuttle bus runs from the city to take you there. There is also an amusement park adjacent to the water park, with bouncy castles and other entertainment to keep the young (and young at heart) occupied.
In the Menara Gardens you can go on cycle rides, climb trees and enjoy a picnic, while at the Royal Equestrian Centre the whole family can have riding lessons and go for a pony trek.
If your children like to try new foods, you can usually ask for a smaller portion of food. In Marrakesh there are also familiar chains such as KFC and Macdonalds. You can also get pizza quite readily here.
Many of the Morocco hotels and riads that Morocco Gateway work with are family friendly, although it is always best to check before making a booking. In general, however, the noise and buzz that children create is welcome and expected in Moroccan destinations.
You can find Morocco Gateway’s family friendly riads and hotels here.
Image credits – CCA: Camel by Mr Angeloux; Marrakesh by Cafe du Monde.
Relax, unwind and rejuvenate in a traditional Moroccan hammam
If you’re on a short break to Morocco, you’ll want to pack as much in as possible. But if there’s one thing we’d say is essential that you try when visiting Morocco it’s the Moroccan hammam experience. There’s nothing quite like it for cleansing, revitalising and rejuvenating the mind and body, producing an overall effect of total, blissful relaxation.
The spa and hammam tradition is centuries old and many of the staff who work in these spas have learned the ancient local skills passed down from generation to generation, meaning you can rest assured of being in experienced hands.
Many Moroccan riads and hotels have their own hammams to meet growing demand from visitors. Morocco Gateway has a full list of hotels and riads in Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira that have hammams, which you can find here. Even if your chosen riad does not have a hammam of its own, you will find that many other hotels in the area open their spas up to non-guests. It’s best to consult your riad’s staff about booking time in these hammams.
Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, there are numerous public hammams that visitors are welcome to use. Again, staff at your hotel can advise you where to find these and how to book.
All hammams are unique and the treatments available in each will vary slightly. However, broadly speaking you can expect to be pampered in warm rooms decked out in marble, steaming the impurities from your skin, various body massages using clays and essential oils, wraps with algae or other plants, foot and scalp massage and treatments with hot towels or stones.
The hammam experience is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a hard day’s exploring the city and you are guaranteed to leave feeling thoroughly refreshed.
If you’ve visited Morocco and have a favourite hammam or spa you think we should know about, leave us a comment. We’re always keen to discover new places of interest in Marrakesh, Fes and beyond.
Image credit – CCA: Rabat hassan 2nd mosque hammam by zongo69.
Things to do in Morocco – interview with a tour guide
Pete Reed worked as a tour guide and driver in Morocco. Here he shares his recommendations for things to see and do on a trip to the North African country.
“The souks in Marrakech have to be seen to be believed,” says Pete. “They’re full of food, colourful spices and artisans selling leather goods and metal lanterns. These metal lanterns are very popular, you’ll see them all over Morocco.
“One of the best places to go in Marrakech itself is the Djemaa el Fna square, an open-air festival with drummers, storytellers, musicians and so on.”
Marrakech has a myriad attractions, including the amazing architecture of the Ben Youssef Medersa, the unmissable Koutoubia Minaret, the Jewish quarters and the Saadian Tombs. Especially in the summer, finding good refreshments are also essential.
“One of my favourite places is the grass Place et Mourabitoune,” Pete adds. “Here you can hire horse carriages and get your hands on the best ice cream in Morocco.”
Many visitors to Morocco will want to see not only the city but also the surrounding countryside.
“If you’re taking a driving holiday, the Tizi-n-Tichka pass from Marakech to Ait Benhaddou is a real drivers’ road,” comments Pete. “Be careful if you’re traveliing in the winter, though, it can get snowed up.”
Ait Benhaddou is a ksar or fortified city on the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. A World Heritage Site, Ait Benhaddou will be familiar to film buffs – many movies have been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Time Bandits, The Mummy and Gladiator.
“For a more challenging drive, there’s the Tizi-n-Test pass, which is far smaller and windier,” Pete continues. “There’s an old mosque here that everyone – not just Muslims – is allowed inside, because it’s no longer in use. Though it’s abandoned, it’s fascinating for people who are into history and architecture.”
Care should be taken on this road as it is very narrow and windy in places, and local truck drivers travel at speed because they know the route very well. It’s best to proceed with caution as a tourist.
The journey is worth making, however. You’ll pass Mount Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa.
“Another place you should take a trip to from Marrakech is the Cascades D’Ouloud, the stunning tripple waterfall just a few hours from the city,” says Pete. “The falls are amazing and you can swim if you like.”
Travel down the coast and you will come to a city with a very different atmosphere.
“You have to go to Essaouira,” Pete enthuses. “It’s like a chilled-out version of Marrakech, about 100 miles down the coast.”
Essaouira means “image” and is certainly a picturesque location.
“It’s a walled city on the coast, with a crescent shaped beach where you can ride camels,” says Pete. “From there you can take a place on either a small or large boat to the islands off Essaouira; there’s a bird sanctuary there where you can see the Eleanor’s Falcon [an endangered species}.”
As for where to stay on your journey, Pete is clear:
“I recommend staying in Moroccan riads,” he says. “Essentially family homes, they are small and comfortable.”
For information on Moroccan riads in Marrakech, Essouira and beyond, visit Morocco Gateway.
Picture credits, from top – CCA: Mararkech, by reservasdecoches, Tizi-n-Tichka by zongo69, Sea at Essaouira by chigle
Tips on visiting Morocco: Arriving at Marrakech’s Menara airport
Travelling through Marrakech’s newly-built, gleaming white Menara airport last week for the first time since its reopening in 2009, I was struck by how much first impressions for those visiting Morocco have changedrecent years.
The old Menara airport was a sad affair, unapologetically looking back to an age when foreign visitors to Morocco consisted of diplomats, businessmen, bohemians and genuinely intrepid travellers.
The new airport sets out Morocco’s stall to be a modern and stylish tourist destination, and with its lofty arrival hall, elegant white concrete and glass geometric patterned shell, air-conditioning and series of local boutiques it does this all rather well.
Some things, however, don’t change and if you are travelling to stay in Moroccan hotels or riads, a few simple pointers will make your transition through the airport an easier one.
There is still a certain amount of confusion in passing passport control and in buying purchasing money (which still cannot be bought outside of the country due to currency restrictions). So here are some tips to navigating your arrival.
Once you have collected your bags and before queuing for passport control, all EU including UK visitors have to fill in a small white landing cards (called ‘carte debarquement’).
You’ll find these cards on shelves around the structural pillars of the passport control areas. It’s worth knowing that there won’t be any pens in the near vicinity, so be sure to have one to hand.
To complete the card you’ll need to know the name, address and telephone number of the hotel in which you’ll be staying, as well as your passport and flight details. Fill the card in before you begin to queue; thankfully, the queues move quickly.
It’s worth noting that you will need to fill one of these cards in upon departure too – again make sure you have a pen handy on the way home.
Once through passport control, the next thing to do is buy some currency, called dirhams. As you enter the arrival hall, the money desks are on your right-hand side and currently consist of two foreign exchange desks and two ATMs.
Note that the foreign exchange desks only accept cash, not credit cards, so you need to bring either Sterling, Euros etc to use them.
If you want to use the cash machines, it’s a good idea to work out what you need first as you will be asked what you want in dirhams.
When we tested the machines in May 2010, the right hand machine didn’t accept international Switch/Maestro or Visa, but the BMCE bank worked with all cards. The BMCE bank machine also asks which account you want to take money out of – Savings, Checking or Other. In our experience, it made no difference which we selected.
Finally, for the first time visitors to Morocco it’s worth noting there are cash machines throughout the main towns and cities managed by the well-known Moroccan and French banks (Credit Agricole, Credit Lyonnais etc) – so you can take more money out later.
For more information about hotels and riads in Morocco, check out our hotels section.
Picture credits – CCA: Menara Airport by Mark Chapman; Marrakech by night by Geoff The Ref
Advice for women travelling to Morocco
For women travelling solo to Morocco and other African countries, personal safety will be your number one concern. The good news is thousands of women travel alone to the African continent every year, and by following just a few basic pieces of advice and using your common sense, you’ll have a great time and shouldn’t experience many problems.
The most important thing to remember is to respect the Moroccan culture. Morocco is a Muslim country and it is a good idea to dress conservatively to show your respect. It is quite a liberal country – for example it is not necessary to wear a hijab or headscarf unless you want to, as many Moroccan women don’t. But mini skirts, low-cut tops, shorts, tight shirts and outfits that show off your belly, should be avoided.
Even when you are conservatively dressed, expect to receive some attention from local men. Although this harassment is annoying, it’s generally not dangerous. Local women tend not to travel on their own, so the novelty factor plays an important role here.
Even when you are conservatively dressed, expect to receive some attention from local men. Although this is annoying, it’s generally not dangerous”
One thing you are virtually guaranteed to experience is cat calls and whistles – the best thing to do here is ignore them. If you do feel threatened by this or any other behaviour, seek help from a local woman or family or go into a busy shop or restaurant – don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Not just specifically for women but pertinent to all travellers, street pedlars and hustlers can cause a real problem. It can be difficult to walk down the street without being stopped by someone trying to sell you something or offering their services as a taxi or guide.
Again, it is best to ignore them and walk away, or issue a firm “no” to make your intentions clear. Should your hustler persist or become abusive, it is again advisable to step into a shop, as many Moroccans will be all too happy to tell off your harasser.
As with travelling anywhere, you should always avoid dark alleys, keep money, passports etc in a safe at your hotel and make sure you have your purse and backpack with you at all times – with nothing in easily accessed pockets. Don’t go out alone at night and avoid dark alleys. Also avoid going into nightclubs and bars alone if you don’t want to attract attention, and don’t accept drinks if you are in a bar.
By following these tips and above all using common sense, you can help ensure your trip to Morocco is a safe and happy one.
At Morocco Gateway we have a selection of Moroccan hotels and riads that are particularly suitable for solo and groups of female travellers. Check them out on our website.
Things to do in Fez
Fez is Morocco’s third largest city and is a hotbed of culture, the cultural and intellectual heartland of the country. There are so many things to see and do in the city that it would easily be possible to spend a month or more there without experiencing everything.
Of course, many travellers don’t have the luxury of a month to spend, so we’ve collected together some of our favourites – with a little help from our friends at Riad 9. If you’re travelling to Morocco soon, be sure you don’t miss out with our essential guide to things to do in Fez.
1 Dar Adiyel
Dar Adiyel was built in the 17th century as the house of the governor of Fez. It then became the city’s first bank before being transformed into a museum that showcased traditional Moroccan crafts and then a place to hear Andalousian music, before falling into disrepair and being abandoned. However, it has recently been restored by the Italian government and is once again a venue to hear traditional music. Visitors are welcome when classes are not taking place; just knock on the door and ask the guardian if it’s possible to come in.
2 Moulay Idrriss zaouia
This is the mausoleum of the son of the founder of Fez. There is a mosque in the grounds and you have to follow the Muslim faith to be allowed to enter – non Muslims won’t be able to view the tomb or the inside of the shrine, but you are able to look inside from the door and the outside of the shrine is well worth a look.
Wooden beams bisect the entrances to the holy area, originally put in place to indicate the sacred part that Christians, Jews and donkeys were forbidden to enter”
If you’re Muslim, you’re welcome to come inside and view everything. Outside there is some of the best zellij (patterned tiling) in Fez and the souk is interesting, too. You’ll see wooden beams bisecting the entrances to the holy area – they were originally put in place to indicate the sacred partthat Christians, Jews and donkeys were forbidden to enter.
3 The Mellah and Ibn Dan Synagogue
Fez’s Jewish quarter is a feast for the eyes with some stunning Art Deco and fascinating overhanging balconies. Originally, Fez’s Jewish population lived here and received special protection from the Sultan. The synagogue was built in the 17th century and has recently undergone restoration work. With a painted wooden beamed ceiling and blue tiled wainscotting, plus intricately carved plaster work above the Torah Ark, the interior of this synagogue will take your breath away.
4 Nejjarine Museum
This museum used to be a fundoq – an inn frequented by travelling merchants, who stayed upstairs and kept their animals and sold their wares down below. The building is impressive with amazing wood carving work inside and has been lovingly restored in the traditional style. The museum itself hosts exhibits of traditional Moroccan woodwork and outside you have the chance to see craftsmen in action as the carpenters’ souk and entire Nejjarine Square have been restored.
5 Glaoui Palace
The Glaoui family were once the rulers of Southern Morocco, and this is their Fez residence. While the building is not open to the public, Abdou, who is in charge, is usually happy to show you around. His family has lived there for three generations, and he is very knowledgeable about this beautiful palace. Simply knock on the door at Ziat, and be sure to give Abdou a contribution to help with the upkeep of the palace.
While the building is not open to the public, Abdou is usually happy to show you around – just knock at the door”
These are just a few of the things that you must do when visiting Fez. If you’re staying in the city for a few days, there are also several excursions that it’s well worth making, including the hot springs at Moulay Yacoub, the former Moroccan capital of Meknes, and the Gouffre du Friouato, North Africa’s deepest cavern.
For more tips on what to do in and around Fez, visit the excellent Riad 9 blog, written by Stephen di Renza.
For exclusive discounts and detailed information about riads and hotels in Fez, visit Morocco Gateway.
Learn Moroccan Arabic – getting help
Continuing our series of useful phrases in Moroccan Arabic, this week we take a look at how to ask for help. Before your stay in a Moroccan riad or hotel, it’s always helpful to have noted down a few key phrases in case you need to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak English.
Here are a few key phrases:
Can you help me? – Wakha t3awnni?*
I don’t speak Arabic – Ma kanhdersh l’erbia
I don’t understand – Ma fhemtsh
Where is the toilet? – Fin kaynin twalit?
*The “3″ in this word is the sound produced when you pull the back of your tongue back into your throat a bit.
Learn Moroccan Arabic – basic phrases
If you’re planning on visiting Morocco, it’s always helpful to be able to speak at least a few words of the native language so that you can communicate with the people you meet in your Moroccan riad and beyond. That’s why Morocco Gateway will be featuring weekly posts including some of the basics of Moroccan Arabic.
We’ll start with some very simple words. Remember, if there’s anything you’d like to know how to say that we haven’t included, leave us a comment and we’ll do our best to translate for you.
Let’s start by saying “Hello” and introducing ourselves.
Hello/hi (and also peace): Salam
My name is Lucy: Smiyti Lucy
What’s your name?: Ashno smiytek?
Nice to meet you!: Metsherrfin