Flag of Morocco

Flag of Morocco

المملكة المغربية

  • ⵜⴰⴳⵍⴷⵉⵜ ⵏ ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ (Standard Moroccan Tamazight)
  • Royaume du Maroc (French)
  • Kingdom of Morocco (English)

Facts

  • Population » 38 million people (2023)
  • Languages » Arabic and Berber (official), French, some Spanish
  • Religion » Islam
  • Life expectancy » 74 years (men), 77 years (women)
  • Currency » Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
    • 1 Dirham (MAD) = 100 Centimes
    • Exchange Rates » OANDA / XE
      • MAD 10.00 = USD 0.97 (April 2023)
  • Electricity » 220 Volt / 50 Hertz AC
    • Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
  • Country Calling Code » +212
    • Police Emergency (en ville) » 19
      Gendarmerie royale (Rural) » 177
      Fire / Pompiers » 15
Map of Morocco (Source: Wikimedia)

Map of Morocco (Source » Wikimedia)

Geography

  • Area » 710,850 sq km (274,461 sq miles) (including W Sahara)
  • Overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria to the east and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south.
    • Western Sahara is covered separately from Morocco as this reflects the de facto situation. This is not an endorsement of any side in the conflict.
  • Highest Point » Toubkal, a mountain peak in southwestern Morocco, located in the Toubkal National Park. At 4,167 metres (13,671 ft), it is also the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa.
    • Coordinates » 31.059167, -7.915833
  • Lowest Point » Sebkha Tah, in the deputed territory of Western Sahara at the Morocco border, is the lowest point at 55 metres (180 ft) below sea level. (Wikipedia)

Maps and Navigation

Regions

  • High Atlas » Destinations include Marrakech, Toubkal National Park, and Jbel Toubkal. It’s a regular destination for mountain hikers, ski enthusiasts, and travellers interested in the indigenous Berber culture found throughout its many peaks and valleys. (Wikivoyage)
    • On Sept 8, 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake centered the province of Al Haouz, in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, killing over 1,000 people, injuring many more, as the earthquake caused many buildings to collapse as people slept.

Culture

  • Be culturally aware and respectful.
  • Photography and filming is often frawned upon, even by people not being photographed.
  • Berbers are the indigenous North Africans, having inhabited northern Africa ranging from present day Morocco to Egypt, for at least 5,000 years.
  • Haggling is expected. Negotiation is key when in markets and taxis. Agree on a price prior to service being offered.
  • Food is one of the great joys of Morocco.

Religion

  • Islam
  • The call to prayer is taken very seriously and non-Muslims must show respect. It is not unusual for the taxi driver or restaurant server to pause during the call to prayer.
  • Friday is the Islamic holy day, and many shops will be closed.
  • Many mosques are not open to non-Muslims.
    • One of the exceptions may be The Hassan II Mosque (Arabic: مسجد الحسن الثاني, French: Grande Mosquée Hassan II) in Casablanca. Guided tours may be the only way for non-Muslims to enter the mosque at certain times. (Map / Lonely Planet)
      • It is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 7th largest in the world.
      • Its minaret is the world’s second tallest minaret at 210 metres (689 ft).

Tourism

  • Morocco offers a rich diversity of landscapes and culture. The north of the country is Mediterranean in feel with rolling green hills and vast fertile plains. The mighty Atlas mountains provide a natural barrier from the arid south. However, even in the desert, the scenery varies, with rocky plains, salt flats and, of course, the vast sand dunes of the Sahara.
  • Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Canada
  • Morocco is the most popular tourist destination in Africa.
  • Tourism is one of the key sectors of the Moroccan economy.
    • Many Europeans winter in Morocco.
    • Tourism accounts for about 10 percent of the Moroccan economy and is the kingdom’s second-largest employer, after agriculture.
    • The sandy beaches and vibrant towns make Morocco a popular destination with visitors from all over the world, who flock to Morocco to experience the warm climate and rich culture that the country offers.
  • Tourist visa are not required for many foreign nationals (including Canadians) for stays of less than 90 days.
  • Marrakech has been a great place to buy spices for a thousand years.
  • Tipping is not mandatory in Morocco. However, rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. 10–15% is acceptable if a service charge has not already been added to the bill. (Intrepid Travel)
    • Keep in mind that an extra 1 or 2 dirhams on small charges, or just throwing in your spare change, may be viewed as an insult.
    • Taxi drivers and porters will accept tips, 10 dirhams is usual in this case.
  • Wikivoyage

National Parks

  • Al Hoceima National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Dakhla National Park
  • Haut Atlas Oriental National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Ifrane National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Iriqui National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Khenifiss National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Khenifra National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Souss-Massa National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Talassemtane National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Tazekka National Park (Wikipedia)
  • Toubkal National Park (Wikipedia)
    • Established in 1942, it is the oldest and by far the most visited.
    • Inside Toubkal National Park, is Jbel Toubkal (Wikivoyage), the highest mountain in Morocco, at 4,167 metres (13,671 ft).
  • Merdja Zerka National Park (Wikipedia)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Overland

  • Other overlanders have received 6 months TIP.
  • Drive on Right side
  • Can leave vehicle in country if need to return home but, best as I can tell, need to return before TIP expires to either renew or drive vehicle out. Do not need to leave keys behind.
    • Secure moto and 4wd parking at Le Relais Campsite in Marrakesh (30 dhr / day | email » lerelaisedemarrakech @ hot mail.fr) or Marrakesh Airport 38 dhr / day. (Reference » HUBB post)
  • From beaches to sand dunes to mountains and lakes, Morocco is considered to be one of the best countries in the world for overland. (Sahara Overland)
  • The land border between Algeria and Morocco has been closed since the early 1990s
  • 5 of the best road trips in Morocco (Lonely Planet)
    • This highest road pass in Morocco is Col du Tizi-N-Tichka, dubbed the “Pass of the pastures”, is 2 260 metres above sea level.
      • Between December and April, the Col du Tizi-N-Tichka can be blocked by snow.
      • The Tizi n’Test is one of the most beautiful – and the most dangerous – drives in Morocco. An impressive feat of French engineering, this High Atlas pass reaches a vertigo-inducing 2100m (6890ft). It’s not for the fainthearted – only one-car wide in places, there are precipitous drops aplenty, and local drivers often barrel around blind bends at speed. But take your eyes off the road for an instant – preferably at a roadside cafe – and the views will take your breath away. (Lonely Planet)

Surfing / Beach

  • Imsouane » Quiet, small town, good food and culture, recommended
  • Dakhla is famous for kit surfing and attracts lots of tourists.
    • Dakhla lies just north of the Tropic of Cancer on a sandy peninsula stretching 40km from the main coastline.
  • A string of surf camps stud Morocco’s coast between Agadir and Essaouira, mostly clustered around Taghazout and the quieter fishing village of Tamraght. The surf is reliably good between October and March, when the weather starts to warm up but waves are still big, long and consistent.

Ferry Crossings to/from Morocco

  • Spain – Morocco »
  • Italy – Morocco »
  • Notes from other resources » On ferry crossing from Spain to Tanger Med port
    • There is always a Moroccan Immigration officer onboard. Immigration clearance is done on the boat. Customs is done in Morocco.
  • Shipping from North America to Casablanca – insurance/temp import process will take a couple of days (Chris Scott – Sahara Overland)

Climate

  • Morocco’s a year-round destination.
  • Spring runs from March to May when the weather in Morocco is generally mild with temperatures varying from 15°C to 25°C. Everywhere is green and flowers are in full bloom.
  • The best time to visit » April to May, and September to November, the weather is pleasantly warm across the high grounds of the Atlas Mountains.

Notes

  • Cash is still preferred in Morocco.
  • Haggling in the markets is expected.
  • Morocco has banned plastic bags.
  • Morocco has banned drones. They will be seized by authorities.

Health

  • Tap water may be safe to drink, but it is not always best tasting.
  • Carry extra TP as it may not always be offered.

Posts

Safety and Security

  • Clashes have broken out in Western Sahara, ending a 30-year ceasefire between Morocco and the pro-independence Polisario Front. (March 2021 – International Crisis Group)
  • Morocco is generally considered safer than other North African countries, however there are times of unrest.
  • The region along southern border with Western Sahara should be considered dangerous.
  • Hustlers can be a problem throughout Morocco, especially in Tangier.
  • Pickpockets in crowded areas. Be aware.
  • Tourists often report of corruption, thefts, and break-ins.
  • Tourists are often obliged to pay an “anti-terrorist” tax of €90, although it is not known if this is an official charge.

Government Travel Advice

Media

Links

Resources

This page was updated September 19, 2023