Morocco Trips & Tours

Morocco's main airports are the Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, where most flights from the USA will land and Marrakesh Menara Airport, if you are flying from the UK. International flights We would recommend booking your flights online in order to get the best rates. If you need any help or advice please let us know. Domestic flights and transfers Royal Air Maroc operates domestic flights from Casablanca to all major cities, however a private transfer or train ride is often preferable. The national rail runs between all major hubs including Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh, as well as some smaller stops in between. A private transfer or rented car opens up routes that are time-consuming or difficult to reach including Sahara Desert camps and mountain kasbahs. As Morocco's medinas have very crowded, narrow streets, cars are few and far between so be ready to walk especially in Fez.

Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, MMR, typhoid, rabies and tetanus. However, please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin and your travel itinerary, as well as your previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines. While most hotels have a first aid kit, we advise taking a basic one of your own as well as any prescriptions / medication you may need. As a rule of thumb, avoid drinking any tap or well water, and it's best to avoid any fruit or vegetables that haven't been peeled or cooked. Of course, it's recommended to judge the freshness, cleanliness and popularity of a street food stall before ordering and abstain from eating seafood unless you're near the coast.

Money The currency in Morocco is the dirham (MAD) and ATMs are widely available throughout Morocco. However, ensure that you have drawn any necessary amounts before you travel to the desert, mountains and other more remote locations. It is advisable to have some cash for smaller shops and for tipping as well. Most ATMs provide a better exchange rate than exchanging your money in-country. Gratuities Gratuities are not compulsory or expected; rather it is a reward for excellent service. If you are pleased with the service you have received, you are more than welcome to tip your guide or the staff. Tipping is usually done at the end of your stay. You may tip the staff individually, give the tip to the manager to distribute, or do both. Tips can be made in the local currency (MAD), USD, GBP or EUR. Gratuities suggestions: Guides, drivers of tour vehicles and long transfers: $15 - $20 per guest per day Transfer drivers (e.g. in cities or between the airport and hotel/lodge): $5 per guest per transfer Porters: $1 per bag Any “ancillary” guides on an ad-hoc basis for a specific activity: $5 - $10 per guest per activity Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% - 15% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

As a general precaution, we recommend you make several copies of your travel-related documents (passport, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets, insurance cover, visas, etc). Leave one set at home, and bring another set with you, and place it in a location separate from your originals. You may need to present any relevant travel-related documents at any time on the trip. There are a number of countries that don't require a Visa to enter Morocco including the USA, UK, EU members, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland. This applies for all tourists as long as your departure is within 90 days of arrival, and you hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of exit with one blank page. For those who require a Visa, you will need to apply at the Moroccan Embassy in your country of residence. Please do contact the embassy in your home country to reconfirm visa requirements, as they change often. Visa Central is also a good resource for further information.

Climate Most of Morocco sitting north of the Western Sahara experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. However, Morocco's landscapes are diverse with changeable, extreme temperatures between day and night. Its climate also varies with each season and region with Marrakesh having subtropical semi-dessert weather that provides warm winters and baking-hot summers. Dress Code Modest clothing is advisable outside of the hotel or beach. It is best to remain fairly covered up, especially when visiting the larger cities and mosques, when you will be required to wear a head scarf. Because your travels will likely cross multiple destinations, packing for all weather and occasions is recommended. What to pack: - Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. - Scarves for hot and cold weather, and socks. - Loose, airy trousers, long skirts or maxi dresses. - Lightweight cottons and linens, and a warmer jacket. - Shoes for all destinations on your trip including sneakers / boots in the mountains and sandals in the medinas. - A day pack or money pouch. - Insect repellant, hand sanitiser and wipes. - Swimming costume. - A sleep mask - specifically for the desert camps. - A reusable water bottle. - Spare batteries, plug adaptors and chargers. Morocco uses Type C and E plugs and operates on a 220V and 50Hz supply voltage. Luggage Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines.