Summary

This article provides personal insights on traveling through Morocco, emphasizing the need for physical fitness, the importance of cash transactions, and cultural etiquette.

Abstract

The author of the article shares ten travel tips based on their pre-pandemic experience in Morocco, highlighting the necessity of being physically fit due to the prevalence of stairs and the pedestrian nature of the medinas, the requirement to carry Moroccan dirhams as most places do not accept credit cards, the advantage of hiring a four-wheel drive for navigating the countryside, the benefits of staying in local accommodations like riads and kasbahs, and the importance of learning basic Arabic and dressing conservatively to blend in with the local culture. The article also advises on hygiene practices such as the frequent use of hand sanitiser, being prepared to pay for small services, and the need for careful planning when purchasing items to take home.

Opinions

The author believes that the physical effort required in Moroccan travel, particularly in the medinas, is rewarded with stunning views.
They suggest that carrying cash is essential, especially for accommodation and city tax, and that paying for these in advance can alleviate some of the cash burden.
Hiring a four-wheel drive is considered crucial for exploring the countryside, and having a competent driver is recommended, especially for those uncomfortable behind the wheel.
The article expresses a preference for using less crowded R and P roads over the busier N roads and cities.
Staying in traditional Moroccan accommodations is highly recommended for an authentic cultural experience and is seen as budget-friendly.
Learning some Arabic is advised for navigating the souks, with a specific phrase provided to politely decline offers.
The author emphasizes the importance of dressing conservatively to avoid standing out as a tourist.
Regular use of hand sanitizer is strongly encouraged due to the custom of eating with hands and the need to touch common surfaces like handrails.
The article suggests that small services should be compensated fairly, but one should be cautious not to overpay for simple directions.
A cautionary tale is shared about the high cost of shipping items internationally, suggesting that travelers should consider the logistics and costs of bringing purchases home.
Finally, the author expresses regret for not having more time to explore, recommending that future travelers allocate at least three weeks for their Moroccan adventure to fully enjoy experiences like seeing the tree-climbing goats.

TRAVEL|TAKING OFF

Ten Tips to Tour Morocco

Learned from my Moroccan experience pre-pandemic

Get Fit!

There’s nowhere in Morocco without stairs — and lots of them — but the views are worth it! You’ll also need to be fit to handle the amount of walking as cars are not permitted in the medinas (old city) areas — the best place to stay.

Bring cash!

When I say cash, I mean Moroccan dirhams. Very few shops and restaurants accept credit card. Pay for your accommodation before you leave Australia. That’s one less thing to have to worry about having cash for. You will also need cash for city tax, which is unable to be paid when you book online.

Hire a four-wheel drive!

To see the most beautiful parts of the countryside, you will need a four-wheel drive. If you’re a nervous driver, hire a driver or have one of your children drive you as I did. I’m lucky to have two daughters who are both excellent confident drivers. I’m not a good passenger.

Use the R and P roads!

They’re not great, but there’s no traffic. In one seven-hour drive, we saw no more than a handful of cars. Quite a few more donkeys but they’re not driving like speed demons. The N roads are crazy busy. So are the cities: Casablanca, Marrakech and Fés. Make sure to visit some smaller towns. El Jadida, Ouarzazate, Chefchouen and Asilah were the ones where we stayed.

Stay in a riad, a kasbah or a palace or all three!

I cannot recommend these highly enough. You will get to experience the real local culture and cuisine and meet some of the wonderfully friendly locals and if you’re a budget traveller like me, for an amazingly low price. Just gorgeous!

The courtyard of the palace we stayed in for $25 pp a night. Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Learn some Arabic!

Although French is understood in some areas, Arabic is preferred. And you will need it in the souks! La choukran — no, thank you.

Our room in our riad in El Jadida. Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Cover up!

If you want to look like a tourist, wear revealing clothes and no headscarf, if you’re a woman. We must have looked like locals because, when pulled over by the local police, we showed our Australian passports, and he questioned, “but you live in Morocco?” We were so proud of ourselves, and we avoided the speeding ticket.

Be respectful. Cover your head. Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Make hand sanitiser your best friend!

Many of the delicious foods are eaten with your hands, so always make sure they are clean. If eating with locals, it is good manners to use just your right hand. Because of having to use handrails to scale stairs, my hands always need cleaning before eating. It’s your hands that may be carrying germs, not the actual food.

Breakfast — Moroccan style Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Be prepared to pay for every small service!

Everyone is trying to make a living. So when you are looking for your riad for the night, several guys will want to show you the way. Pay the ones who carry your luggage, not the ones who point down the street and expect 20 dirhams!

He’ll show you where to park your car — for a price. Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Don’t buy anything you can’t bring home in your suitcase!

My daughter learned an expensive lesson here. She bought about $100 worth of gifts for friends and a cooking tajine for herself, packed it all herself, took it to Poste Maroc, to be told it would cost more than $750 to send to Australia with no guarantee it would arrive unbroken. I think she can buy an extra seat on the plane back to Australia for less than that!

Stacey‘s tajine arrived back in Australia in a dozen pieces. Photo by Stacey Mulcahy

Allow yourself at least 3 weeks!

We had two and it wasn’t enough. We wanted to see the goats in trees, but they are only seen on the road from Essaouira to Marrakech and we didn’t have enough time up our sleeves for a detour. I want to go back — now!

Off the beaten track. Photo by Stacey Mulcahy