Morocco Highlights

Included:

• Guides (English speaking)
• Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
• All accommodation (6 nights in hotels, 1 night in a traditional Berber camp)
• Meals - all breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
• All transport in an air-conditioned vehicle

Excluded:

• International flights
• Tips for guides and porters
• Other meals (we recommend bringing €200 - €300EUR)
• Travel insurance

You can find the latest advice at https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/africa/morocco. 

Arrival: Fly to Casablanca Airport any time up to 6pm on the first date of your trip, and then take the 45-minute direct train ($3 USD) to the city centre.

Departure: Fly out of Marrakech Airport after 10am on the last date of your trip (you’ll be dropped off at the airport). Alternatively, take the train back to Casablanca Airport to fly back from there (3h30 and about $25-25 USD).

Most guests chat on the private Facebook group for your trip, and arrange to take the train from the airport together.

The minimum age is 18, or 16 with a guardian.

You will need to be comfortable carrying your own bags between transport and hotels (max. 20 mins).

You don't meet your guides until the evening on day 1. It is worth getting an early flight so you can explore Casablanca first. We would recommend a visit to the Mosque of Hassan ll, the second largest in the world!

Some of the hotels offer a laundry service for a charge.

Yes - we recommend bringing $200-$300 for food, as well as any extra for souvenirs and tips.

The trip is not too challenging - There will be some light hiking which is suitable for most fitness levels.

Absolutely! We get lots of solo travelers on the trips. Once you sign up you'll also be added to a private Facebook group, where you can meet all the other people before you go.

Start: You will meet your guide in Casablanca at 7 pm on day 1 of your itinerary. You will meet at Hotel Moroccan House, 04 Rue Mohamed Smiha, Casablanca, 20000, Morocco.

End: Your trip ends in Marrakech at 10 am on day 8 of your itinerary. Your guide can drop you off at the airport or the centre of Marrakech. 

You can take a taxi from the airport to your meeting point. This takes around 1hr and costs approximately 300dh/£25

You can take a train from the airport to Casa Voyager Station. From there you can take a 10minute taxi to your meeting point which costs approximately 20dh/£1.75

There are several options to get from Marrakech to Casablanca.

Trusted bus companies include CTM or Supratours. Bus journey’s take around 4hrs and depart Marrakech hourly.

The train journey to Casablanca takes around 3.5hrs. You can book tickets in advance here: https://www.oncf.ma/en/

You mainly stay in local hotels (with the exception of a night in a Berber tented camp), which vary in standard and facilities: some may be without air conditioning, English speaking staff and require you to use stairs. However, they are locally run with traditional character and in fantastic locations to allow you to fully optimise your time.

Morocco is a developing country and the infrastructure is not as reliable as what you would expect at home. Hotels generally have intermittent Wi-Fi, some power cuts and the occasional cold shower. Rooms are on twin or triple sharing basis.

Single supplement is available in Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech. The cost is 35 euros per night. You can pay the guide in the country for this when you arrive.

Whilst subject to change depending on conditions, the hotels used are:

• Day 1 - Hotel Moroccan House 
• Day 2- Riad Safir Meknes
• Day 3 - Riad Passiflora Fes
• Day 4 - Berber tented camp Aubere de Sud
• Day 5 - Auberge Camping Atlas
• Day 6 - La Rose du Sable  
• Day 7 - Hotel Oudaya 

Laundry facilities are offered by some of the accommodations at a charge. Just ask at reception once you arrive.

All countries require a valid passport, with a minimum of 6 months validity.

To date, UK and USA nationals do not require a visa to enter Morocco for the purpose of tourism, up to a 3-month period.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements

Please contact your local embassy to check the visa requirements for your nationality, as the above information could have changed from the time of writing this.

Winter season (Nov – Mar)

Winter in Morocco can vary in temperature. In Marrakech the average temperature is around 10 – 14 degrees Celsius, with some infrequent rainfall. However, this temperature can drop a lot lower in other regions.

Shoulder (Apr– May & Oct)

Temperatures in Marrakech are quite pleasant at this time of year, with an average of around 18 – 22 degrees Celsius. Rain is infrequent.

High Season (Jun – Sep)

June to Sept in Marrakech can be hot. The average temperatures can be between 25 – 32 degrees Celsius, with little/no rain.

Arabic is the official language of Morocco. Just under half of the population speak Berber (mainly in the rural areas), but there are several dialects. The second most spoken language in Morocco is French, as they are taught this language in school and university. English is also widely spoken in Morocco.

Islam is the official religion with much of the population being Muslim.

The currency used in Morocco is Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

You can take out cash at ATMs in the airport, as well as various locations on the trip. Please check with your bank that your card is accepted in Morocco before travel, and we highly recommend bringing two cards in case you have any issues. 

Please note: your bank may charge transaction fees when you use your card in Morocco.

Every traveller is different, and the amount people spend will vary. Some people will buy lots of souvenirs, whilst others will not buy any at all. It is worth considering your own spending habits to allow for any shopping, tipping or extras you may want to buy.

Morocco has a strong tipping culture – It is customary and even expected to tip in places such as bars and restaurants. At the end of your trip, if you feel that your guides did an outstanding job, then tipping is also expected and appreciated. A good rule of thumb is around 30 – 50 euros per week.

While visiting mosques and other religious areas of interest, you should ensure that you cover up your shoulders and dress modestly. Avoid wearing short shorts and skirts. Men and women are recommended to wear loose fitting clothing with your shoulders covered.

If travelling between Nov – Feb, then the weather can be colder. Ensure you bring warmer clothes if travelling then. Temperatures can vary in different regions.

Documents

• Passport

• Visa if applicable

• Travel insurance details

• Boarding passes for flights

• Wallet

• Pen for filling in arrivals form

Conservative Dress

• Long pants 

• Long skirts

• Shirts that cover the shoulders

• Scarf or Shawl for mosque or temple visits

Other Dress

• Underwear & socks

• Sweater or fleece

• Long trousers/Jeans

• Shirts/T-Shirts

• Sleepwear

• Windproof rain jacket

• Shorts

• Swimwear

• Sun hut

Footwear

• Flip flops/sandals

• Relevant footwear (Optional for short hikes)

Bags

• Day bag – For carrying things during the day

• Larger rucksack – For carry all other luggage

Other

• Cash (Moroccan Dirhams)

• Credit/Debit card

• Sleeping bag (Optional but recommended for the winter months)

• Camera (Battery packs and storage)

• Ear plugs

• First aid kit (Optional for personal medication)

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Headtorch or flashlight

• Padlock/lock for bags

• Money belt

• Plugs and chargers

• Reusable water bottle

• Book/MP3

• Travel towel

• Watch with alarm (You can use the alarm on your phone)

• Sunglasses

• Toiletries