Wome travellers Morocco
Getting hassled in Morocco and Marrakesh
There are a number of simple rules and actions that visitors to Morocco and Marrakesh can take to avoid the street hassle having a negative impact on their stay. We have summarised these steps into 5 simple steps:
- Wear sunglasses which will avoid you having eye contact with any street hawkers and other nuisances.
- If you are approached, give a firm and polite “no” with a shake of the head, and walk on decisively (a smile also seems to help we find).
- If lost, better to retire to a nearby bar and get your bearings over a quick drink.
- Morocco is a liberal Islamic country and locals can be offended by western females who walk about in public in skimpy tops and shorts. The best solution is for us ladies to dress with more a little more modesty than usual, perhaps covering our shoulders and legs with a sari or sarong.
- Finally, remember to relax! A few unwanted comments are frankly only a nuisance if you react to them. Better to accept that this still happens, smile, and rise above it all. In the end there are too many enjoyable things to do in Morocco than get upset over comments from people who have nothing else to do but hang about and annoy tourists!
For the full length version of this article, click here.
All of the riads and hotels shown on Morocco Gateway will also advise guests on how to deal with any hassle that they experience.
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Archeological Site of Volubilis
The Archeological Site of Volubilis represents beautifully preserved relics of the Roman era and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997. Volubilis can be easily visited in the day from any of the riads and hotels In Fez and in Meknes here.
It is believed that this spectacular city was constructed around 40 AD and that it was built on an old settlement which dated back to the third century. It became the administrative capital of the area and was known as Mauretania.
The extremely fertile lands that surrounded the city produced olive oils and grains that were exported to Rome.
It is also known that after the Romans withdrew from Morocco – which happened around the end of the third century – the city was not left uninhabited.
French archeologists started excavating the site in 1915 and more than 2,000 excavations by numerous institutions have followed. Today visitors will be able to view the Thermae, the Orpheus Mosaic, the Temple of Jupiter, oil presses, the Capitol, the third century Triumphal Arch and the Casilica.
This wonderfully preserved site should be visited by everyone who comes to Morocco as it provides a rare glimpse into the past.
The Barbary Macaque of Morocco
The Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus) resides chiefly in Morocco and in the mountains of Algeria, with a much smaller population making their home in Gibraltar. The species is considered one of the Old World monkeys and are the only free living primates in Europe, with the exception of humans. Often referred to as the Barbary Ape they are however true monkeys.
Morocco’s Barbary Macaque measures somewhere between 38 and 76 cm in length and has a mass between 5 to 13 kg. They are tailless macaques and their front limbs are longer than the hind limbs. The fur of the Barbary Macaque is yellow-brown to grayish with paler undersides. Their faces are a dark pink color. In general, they are recorded to live for approximately 22 years.
So where will you find Barbary Macaques in Morocco? They are typically found at elevations between 1 600 and 2 100 m or higher, in the Atlas Mountains. They prefer forests consisting of oak, cedar and pine trees. Their waking hours, which are during the day, are spent both in the trees and on the ground. They are an herbivorous species and thus feed on fruit, leaves and roots, but are also known to nibble on insects.
Barbary Macaques are gregarious and live in troops of between 10 to 30 monkeys. It is a matriarchal system, which means that the head female leads the group. However the troop is generally a blend of males and females. The lead female is determined through family lineage and the entire troop hierarchy is also run according to lineage. Barbary’s are unique amongst the macaques in that the males play a vital role in rearing and caring for offspring. They participate in grooming and playing with the young monkeys and thus form close social bonds. They have even been noted to have favorite youngsters with whom they spend more time. It appears the females prefer to select males which show greater parental ability and willingness.
Mating season for the Barbary Macaques is between November and March. Following conception, the gestation period lasts 196 days. The female will give birth to a single offspring. These young monkeys will only reach maturity at around 3 to 4 years of age.
Sadly, the Barbary Macaque is under threat due to habitat loss and ignorance. The IUCN Red List has added the species to the “Vulnerable” list.
The Barbary Macaque can be seen in the OUzoud valley, a day trip from any riad and hotel in Marrakesh and from any hotel in the Atlas Mountain area.
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Birds of Morocco
It is said that there are 454 species of birds in Morocco. Of these, 156 are considered to be rare and 15 are globally threatened.
So exactly what sort of birds can you expect to find in Morocco? Well, to start with you will find pheasants, partridges, guinea fowl, pigeons, doves, hoopoes and woodpeckers.
If you head to the coast, you will find albatross, gannets, boobies, cormorants, pelicans, oystercatchers, terns and gulls – to mention a few. Inland water holes yield further swans, geese, ducks, herons, storks and flamingo.
The biggest Moroccan bird is the ostrich and there are plenty of birds of prey to admire such as barn owls, kites, hawks and eagles. There are even parrots.
Regarding passerine birds, Morocco is filled with swallows, larks, wagtails, wrens, thrushes, kinglets, wallcreepers, nuthatches, shrikes, crows, magpies, starlings, waxbills, vireos and buntings
Of course you’ll be able to see birds almost everywhere you go in Morocco and even in cities such as Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes as well as In coastal towns such as Essaouira, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Tangier. For Riads and hotels in all these towns and regions, click here.
Riad ZamZam’s Spa Retreat for 2011
One of our featured riads, Riad ZamZam, has just announced the 2011 dates for its new “Goddess Retreat”, which will be held between 2 and 6 February 2011.
ZamZam’s owner Emma Joyston-Bechal tell us more about the Goddess Retreat.
She explains. “Like all our specialist retreats, the Goddess Retreat goes beyond the traditional. We get rid of the mysticism usually related to life exploration and come directly to the heart of the human condition. Based at Zamzam Riad in mystical Marrakech we also explore the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the Atlantic coast.”
“By clearing energetic pathways, stirring up the fire of the breath and discussing what arises in a straight talking, refreshing way we help you gently peel back the layers to uncover your true liberated potential.”
“We think its time to lighten up to Enlightenment and whilst disciplined in our practice we also laugh together, celebrate and enjoy the magical gift of connection, allowing you to leave with a renewed sense of energy and joy.”
To get in contact with Emma directly and to learn more about the retreat, visit ZamZam’s page with us by clicking here.
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.