VISAS
No visas are required for UK or EC nationals. Please ensure that your passport has at least 6 months validity from the date of your arrival in Morocco.
THE WEATHER
Morocco's climate is moderate and subtropical, cooled by breezes off the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. In the interior the temperatures are more extreme, winters can be fairly cold and the summers very hot. Marrakech has an average winter temperature of 21ºC (70ºF) and 100°F (38°C) in summer. In the Atlas Mountains temperatures can drop below zero and mountain peaks are snow capped throughout most of the year. The winter in the north of the country is wet and rainy, while in the south, at the edge of the Moroccan Sahara, it is dry and bitterly cold. The rainy season is from November to January but can go on longer. Average monthly rainfall for Marrakech during this period is 36mm.
The best times to go are early and late winter, spring and autumn. Summer is stiflingly hot during the day. Mid December to late January is fine during the day but can be very cold at night.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but a large minority speak Berber. French is widely spoken throughout the country. English is often spoken in the major cities though in Zagora, Tata, and Tarroudant you will find very few who can speak the language. Some staff in most hotels and riads are multilingual. To get the most from your trip and so as not to feel completely reliant on your guides, basic French and a small phrasebook are useful.
COMMUNICATION
Mobile telephones generally work well in Morocco and there are a number of service providers. Tariffs can be rather high – check with your service provider before you go.
Internet cafes can be found in all major towns and some of the larger villages. Internet access is also available in most hotels and riads.
Always drink bottled water, which is widely available.
CLOTHING
Whatever the season, it is as well to have a pullover or cardigan and in early spring or autumn, an anorak can be a welcome article of clothing, particularly in the mountains after sunset when the temperature can drop quite noticeably.
The same is true of the areas near the Sahara where there is an appreciable difference between day and night temperatures. You may also find that, if you're staying near the sea the evenings can be quite cool and a little damp.
During the daytime, however, it gets rather warm, and you would do well to wear lightweight clothes, as well as a good pair of sunglasses and something to cover your head.
SHOPPING
Carpets, kilims, lamps, pottery, copper, decorated furniture, wood, natural remedies, herbs and spices, perfumed oils, silver, antique tribal jewellery, musical instruments, wall hangings, are just a few of the delights. The souks in Marrakech and Tarroudant have an often bewildering range and Zagora is good for Berber rugs and antique tribal jewellery.
Bartering in the Souks is the norm. If you are asked initially for an outrageous sum the shopkeeper is not trying to cheat you. Haggle him down to at least 50% of the original price.
RELIGION & CULTURE
Morocco is predominantly Muslim with Jewish and Christian minorities. In the major cities there is a section of the population that has been influenced by western style and fashion but for the large part and certainly for the Berber people in the south the dress and codes of behaviour are traditional and based upon the Islamic belief. Hospitality is legendary and the people are genuinely warm and welcoming. In the desert regions there is still a large population living the traditional nomad life though many families have moved into the towns. In the mountains the life is sedentary and based upon the traditional smallholding system. There is a large difference in the roles of men and women, the way animals are treated, and the way of life in general and to the western eye this can be culturally shocking but remember it not our role to change the areas into which we travel. This is especially true of the mountains and desert where there is little tourism. Be sensitive to cultural differences but don't be afraid, humour is a much prized asset in Morocco.
OTHER INFORMATION
Time: Local time is GMT.
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in general use.
