Backpacker’s guide to Morocco

Backpacker’s guide to Morocco

Backpacker’s guide to Morocco, with coasts on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is located in North Africa. It is barely 14 kilometers away from the European continent, which facilitates the arrival of tourism and makes it a tremendously interesting destination where to discover such a different culture.

Morocco has a population of 35 million people and its official languages are Arabic and Berber, although other languages and dialects such as Rifian, French and Spanish are also spoken.

In Morocco, customs remain so deeply rooted that they manage to preserve the identity and authenticity of the country. This transports us to a world very different from ours and sometimes it seems that time has not passed through the country. The experiences it offers are endless, and once you discover it, you will want to return.

1. Visa

If you are a Spanish citizen you do not need a visa to enter Morocco as long as your stay is less than three months. However, if you wish to stay longer, you must notify the Moroccan police within the first 15 days. If you have any doubts due to your country of origin or the date of your trip, you can consult them here.

To enter Morocco your passport must be valid for more than six months. Once at the airport, the controls are routine: luggage, documentation, fingerprints… As for the International Vaccination Certificate, if you come from Spain, it will not be necessary. If you are more relaxed, you can bring it anyway. It is never superfluous.

On the plane, you will have to fill out a form with information about yourself and your trip, and then hand it in at Passport Control. In it, among other things, you will be asked for the address of your accommodation in Morocco. If you go so freely that you do not even have accommodation booked for the first night nothing happens, but take a look on the internet and simply write on the form the name of a hotel and in which area it is located. They won’t ask you for a reservation or demonstration.

2. Vaccinations

For complete information on what vaccinations are required for travel to Morocco click here.

3. Security

I dare to say loudly that Morocco is a safe country, even more so for tourists. But let’s not be naive. As anywhere in the world: luggage and money safely.

Partly due to the perception we have of the Arab world, there is a tendency to think that it is not a safe destination for women. From my experience, I will say that it is perfectly safe to travel and move around the country, both for Moroccan women and for tourists. In fact, it is a country so aware of tourism that I consider that as a foreign woman I receive much better treatment than any local. Of course, always use common sense and with two fingers in front. That is to say: avoid areas with little traffic at night and similar attitudes. But this is something I do as much in Morocco as in Paris, London or Santander.

In any case, one of the main interests of the police in the country is to take care of tourists. So in case of any incident or the slightest problem, threatening to call the police will take effect instantly.

On the other hand, I do not recommend traveling to Morocco without travel insurance (at least health insurance). In my case, I recommend and always travel with Iati Seguros. With this company, using my discount for being a reader of this blog, you have the basic insurance for a week in Morocco for 30€ for two people. Check it yourself by clicking here.

If you decide to hire it, you can do it from here. Just click on the image. You will enjoy the discount and you will help me to maintain this page 🙂

4. Climate

When we think of Morocco, we all think of a hot country. We associate it with Africa and… how can it not be hot? The first time I went to the country it was February, and although I was lucky to have a splendid sun that warmed up the terraces and I could be in short sleeves in cities like Fez, it was also cold and I could even play with the snow. Who was going to tell me! Snow in Morocco!

On this trip through the country during the end of September, it was quite hot. More sweltering especially in inland cities like Marrakech, but not as hot as it can get in the summer months. I had been recommended to take some warm clothes for routes such as the Merzouga desert, and I hardly needed it.

Morocco has several climates:

On the coast, the weather is moderate and subtropical.

The most extreme temperatures are in the interior: summers are very hot and winters are very cold.

5. Tour in Morocco

• First Day: Arrival in Tangier
• Second Day: Tangier – Rabat / Day and night in Rabat
• Third Day: Rabat – Marrakech / Day and night in Marrakech
• Fourth Day: Marrakech
• Fifth Day: Drive to the desert of Merzouga, Sahara / Overnight in Dadès Valley
• Sixth Day: Day route through Dadès Gorge / Overnight in Mergouza (desert)
• Seventh Day: Merzouga – Ifrane – Fes / Overnight in Fez
• Eight Day: Fes
• Ninth Day: Fes – Chefchaouen
• Tenth Day: Tangier

6. Currency

The official currency in Morocco is the dirham (DH).

During my trip, at Tangier airport the exchange rate was 1€=10,64dh, so I advise to change just enough to leave by cab and once in the city, in any of the numerous exchange establishments, change the rest of the money. In them, in September 2017 the exchange rate is 1€=10,96dh in cities like Tangier, Rabat or Fez or 1€=11dh in Marrakech. Throughout the country you will find these establishments without any problem. The least recommended to make the change are the airport and banks.

Credit card or cash?

During the trip I did not use the card at any time. I had euros on me and I had no problem to change money in different cities as well as to pay directly in euros (although this is a little worse at the exchange rate). In most street stalls, stores and in many hotels they do not accept cards. I insist that this will not be a problem since you will find money exchange companies everywhere as well as ATMs. Marrakech Desert tours

• 7. Cities, sensations and essentials
• 7.1. Tangier, first contact with Morocco.
• 7.2. Rabat, what a surprise
• 7.3. Marrakech, finally!
• 7.4. 3 days route through the desert of Merzouga, Sahara
• 7.5. Ifrane, the Moroccan Switzerland
• 7.6. Fez
• 7.7. Chefchouen, hello and goodbye

8.  Accommodation

There are many different types of budget accommodation in Morocco from which you can choose according to your interests. In my opinion, all options have their charm, whether you sleep in a Riad in the middle of the Medina or in a hostel in the mountains or in a tent in the desert, you will feel the magic of the country that transports you to another era and makes the experience so special.

One option I usually use during my trips is to book through Airbnb. My experience with this portal is excellent after several years using it both to host travelers and to travel. If you don’t know it yet, you can use my voucher to get 25€ free on your first booking: Airbnb Gift Voucher

Besides, if you want to choose between thousands of Riads and Hotels I recommend you to visit this link, you will find whatever you are looking for: Hotels in Morocco

Also, if you want to know first hand where I stayed during my trip, its pros and cons and how to book in case you like it too, I encourage you to read my complete post with all the details: List of ACCOMMODATIONS in Morocco.

9. Transportation

To move around Morocco we have different means of public transport. Depending on our preferences will be more advisable one or the other, so here are the different options and the ones I used during my trip around the country:

Train: the train is widely used by Moroccans for long distances. Its price is similar to the bus and much cheaper than a Grand Taxi. It has two categories: first and second class. The price difference from one to the other is about 30% and its major advantages are its comfort, its assigned seats and that it is much less crowded. The train company in Morocco is ONCF.

Bus:

It is the most economical transport and therefore the most used for medium-long distance trips. You have to know that in this country they are not usually in a hurry and although you see assigned schedules in the stations, these are merely indicative. They usually wait until it is full, although I have to say that I have been very lucky and I have never had to wait more than 15 minutes. It is also true that I have gone to the bus stations without knowing the timetable, and I have taken the first one that came out (Karma!).

Cab:

It is the transport par excellence, both for tourists and locals. It is surprisingly cheap, especially considering that the price of gasoline in the country is not far from the price in Spain. The explanation lies in the fact that the prices are oriented to the average Moroccan citizen, with a low average salary and who, having no means of transport, travels by cab. We can find two types of cab:

– Grand Taxi:

They are mainly used for inter-city or long-distance journeys. Its capacity is of six passengers plus the pilot and its price will depend on the route. If you go in the group you will be able to negotiate it with the driver, and of course, bargain it. If you do not go in the group you will have to discuss it with him and see what he suggests or wait until the car is full to leave.

-Petit Taxi:

They are used only in the city. They admit a maximum of 4 passengers plus the driver and depending on the city they will be of one color or another. Their price should not be higher than 20dh. It is important to clarify the price before making the trip to avoid misunderstandings.

My journeys during the trip:

Cab Tangier Airport – Tangier Medina: 150dh (15€) – Exception as the price is stipulated by the airport.

Bus Tangier – Rabat: Bus at Central Station (walking half an hour from the Medina). Price bus: 70dh per person. Duration 3h 30mins.

Bus Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech: Bus Rabat station (to get there from Medina take Petit Taxi -max 20dh-). Price bus: 80dh per person. Duration: 5-6 hours. 1 hour stop in Casablanca.

Marrakech – Desert of Merzouga

Grand Taxi Merzouga Desert – Fez: 250dh per person (6 persons necessary for the trip). Duration: 5-6 hours (with stops at viewpoints, for lunch, and to visit Ifrane).

Bus Fez – Chefchaouen: Bus station Atlas (to get there from Medina take Petit cab -max 25dh-) Price bus: 75dh per person + 5dh per backpack. Duration: 3-4 hours.

Chefchaouen – Tetouan – Tangier: Bus station Chefchaouen (to get there take Petit Taxi -max 20dh-). Price: 50dh per person. Duration: 2h 30mins.

10. Gastronomy

The cuisine of Morocco is one of the most interesting and varied in the world, famous for its richness and its explosion of flavors. The best advice I can give you is to try as much as you can. And the best news… its unmissable, its typical dishes, can be found both in luxury restaurants and in the endless street food stalls in the streets. Its specialties and main dishes, and ultimately its essence, is marked by couscous, vegetables, different types of meats, and the constant mixture of sweet and savory with various spices.

11. Budget

The official currency in Morocco is the dirham (DH). During my trip, I encountered exchange rates from 1€=10,64dh to 1€=11dh.

In general and if you do not fall into the typical tourist routes and places, Morocco is a cheap country, which in view of its proximity to Spain and its current large influx of tourism, I am surprised and happy in equal parts.

I have traveled fast (travelers already know that by traveling fast you spend more), I have followed the route that best suited me according to my limit in dates and destinations (although economically speaking it was worse) and I have not deprived myself of absolutely anything. I would even say that I ate and drank much more during the trip than in my usual routine.

The total expense for 10 days traveling the country with a backpack on my back is 275€. This includes lodging, food, transportation, excursions, and any expenses, unforeseen or whim during the trip.

Below is a table of expenses during these days touring Morocco:

Did you like the guide and are you ready to discover Morocco? If you are thinking about traveling to Morocco on your own I recommend you the websites I use the most to get the best prices and discounts: With Marrakech Camel trips