Morocco travel tips
Morocco travel tips: In North Africa, blends ancient medinas, vibrant souks, and diverse landscapes, from the Atlas Mountains to Sahara’s dunes.
Regions 🌎
Morocco travel tips. Here is a list of all the regions of the Morocco.
Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Oriental
Fès-Meknès
Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Béni Mellal-Khénifra
Casablanca-Settat
Marrakech-Safi
Drâa-Tafilalet
Souss-Massa
Guelmim-Oued Noun
Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra
Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Rabat
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 MA,
ISO alpha-3 MAR
Currency
Badge | Moroccan Dirham
CODE | MAD
NUMBER | 504
SYMBOL | د.م.
FRACTION | penny
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +212
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | IAM | Inwi Mobile | Orange Mobile |
Location
Morocco is located in North Africa and is situated on the northwestern corner of the African continent. It is positioned at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. Here are some geographical details about Morocco:
Bordering Countries: Morocco shares its borders with several countries: Algeria to the east, Western Sahara to the south (with a portion of the border also disputed with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), and Spain to the north across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Coastlines: Morocco has a coastline along both the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
Capital: The capital city of Morocco is Rabat, which is located along the Atlantic coast.
Largest City: Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and serves as a major economic and cultural center.
Geography: Morocco’s geography is diverse and includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and fertile plains. The Atlas Mountains, including the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Anti-Atlas ranges, run through the country. The Sahara Desert covers much of the southern part of Morocco.
Coordinates: The approximate coordinates of Rabat, the capital of Morocco, are 34.0209° N latitude and 6.8417° W longitude.
Currency
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham, abbreviated as MAD or Dhs. It is often represented by the symbol “د.م.” or “DH” in some contexts. The dirham is further subdivided into 100 centimes. When traveling to Morocco or dealing with Moroccan currency, it’s a good idea to check the current exchange rates to understand the value of the dirham relative to your own currency, as exchange rates can fluctuate.
Languages
Morocco is a multilingual country with several languages spoken across the nation. The most widely used languages in Morocco include:
Arabic: Modern Standard Arabic (known as Fusha) is one of the official languages of Morocco and is used in formal and administrative contexts. Moroccan Arabic, known as Darija, is the most commonly spoken Arabic dialect in daily life.
Tamazight (Berber): Tamazight is a Berber language, and Morocco has multiple Berber dialects, including Tarifit, Tachelhit, and Central Atlas Tamazight. Tamazight is recognized as an official language alongside Arabic and is widely spoken, particularly in rural areas.
French: French is also an official language in Morocco and is used in education, administration, and business. Many Moroccans are bilingual in Arabic and French, and it’s commonly used in urban areas.
Amazigh (Berber Script): In addition to spoken Tamazight, there’s an effort to promote the use of the Berber script (Tifinagh) for writing Tamazight, particularly in cultural and educational contexts.
English: English is gaining popularity as a foreign language in Morocco, especially among younger generations and those involved in the tourism industry.
Spanish: In some northern regions of Morocco, particularly near the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish is spoken and understood due to historical and geographical factors.
Climate 🌡
Morocco’s climate varies significantly across the country due to its diverse geography, which includes mountains, desert, and coastal regions. Generally, Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate along the coast, while the interior and southern regions have more arid and desert climates. Here’s an overview of the different climate zones in Morocco:
Mediterranean Climate: The coastal areas of Morocco, including cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, have a Mediterranean climate. This means mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Winters are relatively cool but not extremely cold, and summers are warm to hot.
Subtropical Climate: Moving slightly inland, areas like Marrakech and Fez experience a subtropical climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with moderate rainfall. Summers can be quite hot, particularly in July and August.
Desert Climate: As you head south into the Sahara Desert, Morocco experiences an arid desert climate. Cities like Ouarzazate and Erfoud have extremely hot summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100°F (37°C) and very little rainfall. Winters are milder but can still be quite warm compared to other regions.
Mountain Climates: The Atlas Mountains, which run through Morocco, have mountain climates. At higher elevations, temperatures are cooler, and the region can receive significant snowfall in winter, making it a destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Semi-Arid Climate: Some interior regions of Morocco, such as Beni Mellal and Meknes, have semi-arid climates with less rainfall than coastal areas and relatively hot summers.
Coastal Influences: The Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans have a moderating influence on the climate along the coasts, leading to milder temperatures and more moderate temperature variations throughout the year.
Rainy Season: In the northern parts of Morocco, including the Rif Mountains, there is a distinct rainy season during the winter months when the majority of the annual precipitation falls.
Morocco travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Culture and Respect:
Embrace Moroccan culture, dress modestly, and show respect for local customs and traditions.
Dress Code:
Respect local dress codes, especially in conservative areas and religious sites.
Guided Tours:
Consider guided tours for a richer experience, especially in historical or natural sites.
Electricity:
Morocco uses European-style plugs (Type C and Type E); bring suitable adapters for your devices.
Transportation:
Use reliable transportation services; taxis, trains, and buses are common, but negotiate fares in advance. View Guide.
Local Etiquette:
Greet people with “Salam” (peace); accept hospitality graciously, and be open to cultural exchange.
Cultural Events:
Check for local festivals or events; they offer a glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.
Enjoy your time in Morocco!
The best of the best
Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, influenced by a blend of Berber, Arab, Moorish, Jewish, and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Moroccan dishes often feature a combination of sweet and savory flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients.
Tagine
Tagine refers to both a North African stew and the earthenware pot in which it is cooked.
Harira
Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup, particularly popular during the holy month of Ramadan.
Pastilla (B’stilla)
Pastilla is a sweet and savory pastry made with layers of thin, flaky pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, eggs, and spices.
Here are some typical foods and dishes you might find in Morocco:
Mechoui: Mechoui is a whole roasted lamb or sheep, often prepared for special occasions and celebrations. The meat is seasoned and slow-roasted until tender and flavorful.
Kefta: Kefta are spiced ground meat (often lamb or beef) formed into small meatballs or patties. They can be grilled or cooked in a tagine and are typically served with tomato sauce and flatbread.
Zaalouk: Zaalouk is a popular Moroccan salad made from roasted eggplants (aubergines) and tomatoes. It’s seasoned with garlic, cumin, paprika, and olive oil.
Mint Tea (Moroccan Tea): Mint tea is a beloved beverage in Morocco. It’s made with green tea, fresh mint leaves, and sugar. It’s often enjoyed throughout the day and is a symbol of Moroccan hospitality.
Briouat: Briouat are small, savory pastries typically filled with a mixture of ground meat (often chicken or lamb), spices, and herbs. They can also be sweet, filled with almond paste or fruit preserves.
Tanjia: Tanjia is a traditional Marrakech dish made with slow-cooked, marinated beef or lamb in a special clay pot. It’s cooked in a wood-fired oven and has a distinct smoky flavor.
Rfissa: Rfissa is a dish made with shredded msemen (a type of Moroccan flatbread), lentils, and chicken, flavored with a rich blend of spices and topped with fenugreek leaves.
Moroccan meals often feature a mix of flavors, textures, and ingredients, making dining in Morocco a delightful culinary experience.
Transportation 🚥
Choose your destination 📍🗺
Useful Links ✅
