Usefull informations

Climate

The variety within Morocco can be clearly seen by the different climatic zones.
For instance, in one day you’re passing through snow in the High Atlas and you’re ending finally at the dunes of the Sahara.
Throughout the trip towards there, you can experience all seasons!

At the sea, there is an all-year-round constant mild temperature because of the wind - in contrast, it might be a bit warm in land and very hot in the south. In the desert, the temperature can increase in summer to 45 degrees in the shade. That’s why it’s better to travel in springtime, autumn or even in winter, when the temperature is still reaching 20 degrees during the daytime and towards evening it’s getting a bit chilly…

Geography

Morocco is reaching a distance of more than 3400km, there is the Atlantic Oceon in the West (180km from Marrakech) and the Mediterranean Sea in the North. In the South the Sahara desert (800km away from Marrakech/Essaouira) forms the natural boarder.

Time-difference

1-2 hours time-difference from Europe. For example: Europe 12.00am, Morocco 10/11am).

Population

Morocco is estimated to have approximately 30 million inhabitants in total.

Language

Arabic is the classic and official language. The different dialects can be heard all over the country. French of varying abilities can be spoken throughout.

Kitchen

Moroccan cuisine is said to be one of the best in the world: from fresh fish, Méchoui (a whole lamb), Tajines (all kinds of meat with vegetables), Couscous, honey- or almond-cake, yoghurt, to the Moroccan wine (white, rosé, red) and of course the imported Italian beer „Baladin“ should not be missed! But peppermint-tea is still considered to be the national drink…

Clothes

The huge changes in temperature demand a range of clothing which should protect from the heat during the daytime as well as providing for the cooler moments during night times.
Sun protection is very important (the „Chech“ a turban/headdress which you can buy there), sunglasses and sun cream are necessary, a small knife, torch, sleeping bag, sandals and closed but light sport shoes (no heavy mountain boots) are useful. Other additions to your luggage include a first aid kit, wet wipes, toilet paper (which should not be left in the sand but burnt on the fire) and you may wish to take a camera and a book with you for the camel caravan.

Shopping

Morocco is famous for its traditional handicrafts: pottery, textiles, carpets, jewellery, wooden statues, iron(lamps) and leather goods (bags, shoes) can all be bought everywhere! Most of the shops are in the old part of the city, the Medina, or you can find all these things on the market, in the Souk, where bartering is a normal and expected way of life. For those who prefer fixed prices one can go to the “Ensemble Artisanals“ to shop.

Money

The currency in Morocco is called Dirhams. Import and Export of their money is not allowed! It is best to take Euros with you in cash, to exchange on arrival. With the EC-Card you can withdraw money from every bank and in some shops or restaurants you can even pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard). Down in the South of Morocco (M’Hamid) there are no banks just post-offices and you should take enough cash with you for the duration of your stay there. (1€ = 11 DH).

Passeport

To enter Morocco you need a valid passport (longer than 6 months), a certificate of identity is not good enough! (You need to have your passport stamped when you enter and when you leave Morocco). Without a visa you can stay up to 3 months in the country.

Driving licence

The European driving licence is acceptable in Morocco, and will be required for car-rental. If you’re driving your own car, you should have the car licence and the green card (assurance) with you.