Travel tips

Entree requirements Morocco:

Eu & Uk, Australia & New Zealand, China, Canada & USA residents do not require a visa to enter Morocco. Please check the embassy when you are from another country. When entering or departure Morocco, you will be required to complete an en entry form free of charge.

Climate and Temperature:

The climate in Morocco is dry. Most rainfall occurs between November and March. Temperatures vary by season and location. The southern and desert regions can reach extremely high temperatures during the summer months. The higher altitudes of the mountains are cooler in summer and even snow in winter. Spring is the most pleasant time to visit. Temperatures are warm during the day and cool at night.

Health Concerns:

No vaccination certificate is required for visitors coming from Europe or America. Anti Malaria treatment is not required. If you have prescripted medication it is recommended to bring a medical passport.
Bottled water is recommended.

Currency/Money Matters:

Moroccan currency is the Dirham.
ATM cash machines are available throughout Morocco. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard are accepted in some hotels and restaurants.
Traveler checks are not advised as it’s difficult to find banks that will cash them. Some hotels may cash, however, the commission rates are high.

For current exchange rates for your country, please visit www.xe.com/ucc

Electricity:

220/250 volts/Hz – converter may be required and/or European adapter (2 round plugs).

Food:

Moroccan food is both healthy and delicious. Some typical dishes you will encounter everywhere will be:

• Tagine – a tasty stew cooked in cone shaped earth ware pots, with vegetables, chicken or beef or lamb.
• Couscous – a wheat grain steamed and served with a thinner meat or vegetable stew
• Brochettes – skewers of beef, lamb, or chicken cooked on open flame
• Harira – a thick, bean-based soup
• Berber omelet – a mixture of tomatoes, onions, eggs and herbs, sometimes spicy, cooked in oil
• Berber whisky – Green tea (gunpowder type) brewed with fresh mint. Moroccans like their tea very sweet. If you prefer it with less sugar, just ask
• Coffee is served strong and short, with or without milk, with sugar on the side. If you don’t like very strong coffee, ask for extra water.
• Alcohol is available, however, not everywhere. Larger city supermarkets sell all types of alcohol although the wine is limited to French and Moroccan.

What to bring and wear:

Cloths depending on season:
Cool comfortable summercloths in summer, in winter take an extra jacket as the nights get cold.
The Atlas Mountains get really cold at night – so pack warm clothing if you’re hiking there.

Please keep in mind Morocco is a Muslim country and modest type clothing is appropriate, avoid provocative clothing. Respect of local customs in this welcoming country is a courtesy that is appreciated. For example, access to Mosqumes and holy places is forbidden to non-Muslims

Trainers are ideal footwear, but to go barefoot in the dunes is the most practical.
A turban will protect you against the sun and sand. We will have the oppurtunity to buy one on the route.

A small backpack will be appropriate for overnight trekking into the desert.
A good quality sunscreen, sunglasses and a basic first-aid kit are also good to take with you.

A Swiss army knife, small flashlight, lighter and a torch are always handy.

Freezer (zipper) bags to protect your equipment such as your camera or mobile phone from the sand.