How to Plan a Trip to Morocco for First-Timers

Morocco is a miracle created by God. With its unique climate and geographical location, it has created a fertile land known as the "Garden of North Africa" on the west side of the Sahara Desert, the largest desert in the world. After more than two thousand years of human carving, Morocco become a colorful gem waiting for you to appreciate it carefully. First-timers may have many questions - how to plan your trip? What should you pay attention to? This article will introduce in detail everything you need to know before you travel to Morocco!

What Should You Know Before Visiting Morocco

Where Is Morocco?

Morocco is located in northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. With a long coastline, vast Sahara Desert, and the magnificent Atlas Mountains, it's full of experience: you can enjoy surfing, look up at the bright stars in the desert, or stroll through the ancient towns that look like movie locations.

How to Get to Morocco?

Morocco is easily accessible by air, with major international airports in cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez. Direct flights are available from many European and North American cities. Additionally, Morocco is well-connected by ferry services from Spain, with ports in Tangier and Ceuta.

When Is the Best Time to Morocco?

The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You can take advantage of the cool climate to stroll through ancient cities, like Marrakech, to admire exquisite architectural details. With moderate temperatures, you can challenge the alpine trails in the Atlas Mountains. At night, you can enjoy an unforgettable camp dinner under the vast sky of the Sahara Desert, or communicate with the local Berbers.

Do You Need to Apply for a Visa to Morocco?

Travelers from over 70 countries can travel to Morocco for less than 90 days without a visa, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European Union countries, the United Kingdom, China, and more. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest information before departure. If you are looking forward to Morocco, bring your passport and start packing now!

Village in the Atlas Mountains

Recommended Inspirations

Here are several carefully recommended inspirations for first-timers to explore this fascinating land.

Starting from Casablanca and traveling through highlights of Morocco for 8 days, you can explore iconic landmarks, including Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Bahia Palace in Marrakech, Medina of Fez, Hassan Tower in Rabat, and the dreamy Chefchaouen.

For travelers who crave more adventure, let 5 days take you into the Sahara Desert and the world of movies in Ouarzazate. You can enjoy desert safari and camping under the starry sky. Then explore the village of Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate, where blockbusters like "Game of Thrones" were filmed.

If you're interested in a leisurely journey, spend 3 days going to coastal cities such as Essaouira or Tangier. You can enjoy surfing, feeling the gentle breeze, or drinking a cup of coffee at the seaside.

What's more, if you want to extend your trip to gain a different experience, you can visit neighboring countries such as Egypt, Spain, and Portugal for about 15 days.

Language

The language environment in Morocco is quite complex. English is not widely used. The main languages are Arabic, French, Berber, and Spanish. The official language, Moroccan Arabic, is different from other traditional Arabic languages, but Moroccans can understand most of them. It is recommended to learn some basic lingo to interact with locals and increase the fun of travel.

Dressing

When dressing in Morocco, there are mainly two factors to consider: climate and religious culture. To defend against the heat, you'd better wear breathable clothes to avoid being bothered by sweat.

Respecting other cultures can earn you corresponding respect as a tourist. Morocco is a Muslim country where women generally dress relatively conservatively. However, you can always find people dressed casually in big cities, so you don't have to worry too much. It's best to wear pants and skirts longer than your knees, and shirts that cover your shoulder. It's worth noting that both men and women need to take off their shoes when entering the mosque. Therefore, you can bring a bag to store your shoes.

Drink & Eat

Moroccan cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse influences from Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean cuisines. Traditional Moroccan dishes include tagine (slow-cooked stews), couscous, pastilla (a savory pie), and grilled meats. Don't miss trying Moroccan mint tea, a refreshing and ubiquitous beverage enjoyed throughout the country. Street food vendors offer an array of snacks like grilled meats, pastries, and fresh juices, providing a taste of Morocco's vibrant culinary scene.

Moroccan Food

Safety & Health

Morocco is a relatively safe tourist destination with friendly locals, but you still need to be vigilant during your trip, especially in busy markets, bazaars, or popular attractions.

It is recommended to carry some common medicines with you, including cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-allergy medicine, mosquito repellent, and band-aids. Odynovo's private service will prepare bottled water for you to ensure your health.

If you plan to go to the desert area, pay attention to sun protection and hydration, and bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to avoid heat stroke or sunburn. Proper planning and preparation in advance can make your trip to Morocco enjoyable.

Currency & Cost

The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a non-convertible currency that can only be exchanged in Morocco. The euro, US dollar, and British pound are convenient major currencies to exchange dirhams, and the exchange rate is usually friendly. You can exchange these currencies into dirhams at the airport, bank, or legal exchange point to ensure a fair exchange rate and safe transaction.

Morocco is a cash-based country and it is recommended to carry enough cash to cover daily expenses, especially in traditional markets, small restaurants, or remote areas, where bank cards are not usually accepted.

More Tips

Eat With Your Right Hand

In traditional Moroccan culture, using the right hand when dining is considered a sign of politeness, and trying to avoid eating or passing food with the left hand.

Carry Antibacterial Gel or Wet Wipes

It is recommended to carry antibacterial gel or wet wipes with you. You can maintain personal hygiene when dining out or when it is not convenient to wash your hands.

Drinking Habits

Morocco is a country with a mainly Islamic culture, and alcohol consumption is relatively limited, but you can buy alcoholic beverages in some hotels, restaurants, or liquor stores. Please note that drinking should be done in private places or designated areas, and not all bars and restaurants serve alcoholic beverages.

Explore Morocco With Odynovo

With such wonderful and diverse destinations, how can we let it pass by? If you want to have a great first encounter with Morocco, you deserve our best company! Exclusive travel guidance to make your vacation worry-free! Feel free to contact us or send an email to trip@odynovotours.com.