Morocco

Morocco is a country in North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Its official and predominant religion is Islam, and the official languages are Arabic and Berber; the Moroccan dialect of Arabic and French are also widely spoken. Moroccan identity and culture is a mix of Arab, Berber, and European cultures. Its capital is Rabat, while its largest city is Casablanca.

Language: Arabic, Berber, and French is widely spoken.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD), some places accept credit/debit card

Entry Requirements for Americans

Pros

Cons


Weather Seasons: The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring and autumn when temperatures are consistently pleasant without getting unbearably hot. May and September are the most ideal months to visit as rainfall tends to be lower than the other autumn and spring months.
City: MarakechGood for: Medina (old City)Closest Airport: Marrakech Airport (RAK)Best form of Transportation: Taxi, WalkingTraveling between cities: Train
Where to Stay:
  • Stay in Medina Riad Hotel.
    • The Medina is the old city. It gives the most authentic vibes. 
    • A Riad is a large Moroccan house. Many of these houses have been transformed to a hotel/airbnb. 
      • In a riad you will rent a room in the large house. Some of the Riads are more modern and updated (like our Riad Amaris in Rabat). Other Riads are older like our Riad Oriental Glory and Spa in Marrakech. They each have a courtyard in the middle and even though its beautiful, noise travels. 
      • Nonetheless, Riads have you a more authentic Moroccan experience. 
  • If you don't want a traditional experience, then there are many western hotels in the newer part of the city. 



Top Attractions and things to do in Marrakech:

  • Walking Tour of the Medina
    • KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
    • MADRASA BEN YOUSSEF
    • BAHIA PALACE
  • Shop the Medina souks (souqs)
    • The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
    • Djemaa El Fna - this is the large square at the entry of the medina. It is the center of Marrakesh life. Many vendors will not want you to take pictures of their stalls (snakes, monkeys, etc.) unless you are willing to pay them a fee.
    • Things to buy
      • Pashmina Scarfs
      • Rugs
      • Souvenirs
      • Traditional clothing
  • Visit the JARDIN MAJORELLE - around $40 per person
  • Lunch in Marrakech
    • Places I ate
      • Restaurant Cascado - Place Jemaa El FNA
        • Ginger and orange juice - $3
        • Camel Tanjine - $16
        • 1 Liter Bottle of Water - $2.20
    • Other Lunch Spots

Ben Youssef Madrasa

(Entry 50 dirham) The largest madrasa (islamic college) in Morocco.

Koutoube Mosque

The largest mosque in Marrakech and a major landmark of Marrakech. Construction began in 1141 and finished in 1158. With a 230 foot tall minaret, it is one of the greatest achievements of Almohad architecture. It is made of red stone and Its name means Mosque of the Booksellers because of the numerous book stands that surrounded the Mosque when it was first built. Built in the 12th century, it became the model for the Hassin Tower in Rabat. It gets it name from Arabic word for book, koutoub since there was a large bookseller market nearby. Th minaret is topped by 3 orbs representing the 3 major religions. Non-muslims aren't permitted entry into mosques. However, you can walk around the exterior and admire the architecture. Within 5-10 mins walking distance of the Mosque there is Jamaa El Fnaa, Cyber Park, Municipal Palace, and a few cafes/takeaways.

Bahia Palace

 A19th century building, consisting of rooms decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings and mosaics palace and a set of gardens located in Marrakech, Morocco. The Bahia Palace was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. 

The name of the Bahia Palace means in Arabic “brilliance”. As in other buildings of the period in other countries, it was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style. There is a 2-acre (8,000 m²) garden with rooms opening onto courtyards in the Bahia Palace.

When Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the Bahia palace was used as a royal residence, until King Hassan II transferred it to the custody of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture, so the building could serve as a cultural icon and tourist attraction.

Ozoud Waterfalls

$30/pp day trip with transportation

Spa Massages

$70/pp for 60 minutes

Desert Camp Near Marrakesh Airport

Selina Desert Camp

Nestled among the canyons of Agafay, just 18 miles south of Marrakech, embrace Selina Nomad Camp Agafay, our desert oasis of peace and tranquility. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Atlas mountains, immerse yourself in stillness as you trek through the landscape, visit local Berber villages, or enjoy a hot air balloon or camel ride. More of an adrenaline-seeker? Race across the dunes on a quad bike or buggy as you soak up the desert's unspoilt beauty. 


Top Attractions and things to do in Rabat:

  • Walking Tour of the Medina
  • Shop the Medina souks (souqs)
    • The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
    • Things to buy
      • Souvenirs



Top Attractions and things to do in Fez:

  • Walking Tour of the Medina
  • Shop the Medina souks (souqs)
    • The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
    • Things to buy
      • Leather products (camel leather, cow leather, sheep leather) - bags, jackets, etc.
      • Hand painted ceramic
  • Historic Leather Tannery
  • Ceramic Factory



Morocco Itinerary

Day 1 - Marrakech

Day 2 - Marrakech

Day 3 - Ouzoud Falls

Day 4 - Rabat

Day 5 - Rabat

Day 6 - Fez

Day 7 - Fez

Day 8 - Selina in Agafe

Day 9 -  Selina in Agafe

Budget

  • Taxis are around $5 - $20