Festivals
February
Tafraout - Almond Tree Blossom Festival
May
Ouarzazate (Valley of the Roses) - El Kelaa M’Gouna Rose Festival
Agadir - Imouzer of Ida ou Tanane
Honey Festival
June
Essaouira - Gnawa Festival
Fez – The Annual World Sacred Music Festival
Sefrou (Fez)
- Cherry Festival
Marrakesh - Festival of Folk
Art
Marrakesh - National Festival of Popular Arts
July
Guellmim - Camel Festival
Agadir - Timitar Festival
September
Imilchil - The Fiancé Festival
Tissa (Fez) - Horse Festival
October
Erfoud - Date Festival
Traveler’s Information
Passport and Visas: Check with the Moroccan Embassy in your country. Americans, Australians, New
Zealanders, Canadians and most European citizens do not need a Visa and only require a 3 months valid passport.
Dress: In the larger cities the dress code is quite relaxed but in the rural areas
a respectful approach is necessary. Short skirts and sleeveless tops are frowned
upon, for men and women.
In the summer months temperatures
can rise above 40°C so please come prepared and carry a hat and sunblock.
Ramadan: This is a month long festival that occurs every year and is a period of strict fasting for the locals when no food
or drink can be consumed between sun rise and sunset. The timing of this festival changes
from year to year, this year it is expected to commence on or around 22 August 2009 and finish 21 September 2009. Be prepared for
the pace of life to be somewhat slower than normal. In most areas and cities restaurants are open for tourists. Shops, taxis
and bars all get back into action about an hour after sunset.
Vaccinations and Health: We are aware of no mandatory vaccinations for Morocco, however we advise you check with your doctor or local travel clinic for
the latest requirements and recommendations. Drink only bottled water. Each town
in Morocco has at least one pharmacy where
you can buy most health care products.
Shopping: Handicrafts remain an integral
part of Moroccan culture and economy and shopping for these treasures is an adventure in itself as it requires great powers
of resistance. The craftsmen of Morocco
are organised in guilds and in the souks are arranged according to their craft. Visitors to the souks of the major cities
such as Marrakesh & Fez
can experience first hand the process of how leather goods, hand-painted ceramics, brass ware, woven fabrics and rugs, and
wood crafts are made. Be prepared to haggle over prices and drink a lot
of mint tea.
Tipping: There is no rule of thumb regarding
tipping in Morocco and it is also unavoidable. Wages are very low in Morocco
and tipping is a way of supplementing income. For tourists and visitors the general
rule is 10% for restaurant and café bills, for taxi’s rounding up to the nearest 5 dirham’s is acceptable and
for a luggage carrier 10 dirham’s. Tips to your driver and guides are expected if you are satisfied with
their services and this is in the range of 50 to 150 dirham’s per person per day.
Photos: Taking photos of Moroccans going
about their daily business is fine if you ask for permission first. As a visitor you must consider how would you feel
if a tourist to your country walked up to you, took a picture and walked off without a word?
Electricity: European style outlets. Visitors
should bring an adaptor.
Mobile phones and Internet: Morocco
has excellent coverage for mobile phones and work in nearly all areas however, parts of the mountains and desert do suffer
from little or no coverage. Internet and broadband is well served and there are
internet cafés all over. Modern hotels offer and charge to access Wi-Fi.
Cuisine: Moroccan cuisine is created by the subtle use of aromatic spices and features
fruits and vegetables as well as fish and meats. Some of the best-known dishes include Couscous, a semolina grain served with
meat and vegetables; Mechoui, lamb roasted on a spit; Pastilla, a flaky pastry typically stuffed with pigeon and almonds;
and Tajine, a stew cooked in a distinctive earthenware dish. Moroccan pastries are prepared with honey,
almond, raisins, or sesame. The national drink is mint tea, which there is a plentiful supply, and is often offered to guests
and potential buyers.
Alcohol: Although an Islamic country, alcohol is available but respect has to be shown by not overdoing it or making a big show
of it. Drunkenness is dealt with very severely and can result in big fines or worse.
In the big cities there are plenty of bars and all modern hotels sell alcohol.
Morocco makes it own wine and beer
which are very good.
About Morocco
Morocco
is considered an Arab country however, much of the population are Berbers. Morocco
obtained its independence from France and Spain in 1956, but many Moroccans speak French after Moroccan Arabic or one of
the three local Berber languages.
Morocco
is ruled by a constitutional monarchy who can trace their lineage back to the Prophet Mohammed. The current monarch, King Mohammed VI has taken a contemporary approach to his rule which has created positive
benefits and opportunities for the population.
Morocco
is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with small Jewish and Christian minorities. The culture of Morocco has been strongly influenced by Berbers, Arabs, Moors, Jews and the French. Most Islamic religious monuments are closed to non-Muslims however, there are some
exceptions, such as the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat and the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail in Meknes.
Morocco is located on the tip of North Africa, a couple of hours by ferry from Spain. It borders
Algeria to the east, Mauritania
to the south, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean to the north. The country
is crossed by several mountain ranges. The Atlas Mountains run across the middle of the country
to the Atlantic coast. The Middles Atlas Mountains fun from the south and the Rif
Mountains trace the north cost.
All providing spectacular contrasting scenery.
Morocco is accessible, has a comfortable and reliable rail
and bus network, excellent roads, a state airline and quality accommodation.
