Morocco, Gateway to Africa’s Ancient Culture – Complete Travel Guide to Morocco 2024

Morocco at a Glance

Morocco is an African country in the continent’s northern region that is well endowed with a fascinating history, diverse heritage, and spectacular physical features. Morocco is a country with a mix of traditions and modernism; this is on the backdrop of the magnificent beautiful city of Marrakesh to the serene sandy areas of the Sahara Desert. It is predominantly Arab-Berber but has a mix of French and Spanish owing to colonialism that once occurred in the country. The country of Morocco is also famous for its Royal Cities, detailed architectures and well-spiced food.

Why Visit Morocco?

Morocco is a fascinating destination for travelers of all types, offering an array of experiences:

1. Vibrant Culture and History: Culture and Arts Morocco boasts of one of the richest histories which make it vibrant in its cities, architectures and other customs. Morocco has four imperial cities include Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat, Meknes with each of them possessing a distinct feel of the region.
2. Marrakesh: Knew as the ‘Red City’ because of the reddish-pink buildings, Marrakesh is well-known for its souks (open markets), the central square of Jemaa el-Fna and the magnificent riads – Moroccan houses with interior patios.
3. Fez: Fez el-Bali is one of the most ancient cities in the middle ages which has the oldest university called Al-Qarawiyyin and the narrow streets are given under the UNESCO world heritage.
4. Rabat: Rabat is Morocco’s capital with a royal palace, historic buildings and it is a more relaxed city which is situated by the sea.
5. Meknes: Meknes was once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Moulay Ismail; it has splendid gates also represents ancient ruins of Morocco’s imperial era.
6. Stunning Landscapes: The country has a very rich geography and that is why lovers of stunning landscapes will find Morocco very interesting.
7. Atlas Mountains: Southward extending from Marrakesh, the Atlas Mountains offer excellent hiking and trekking opportunities and a glimpse into Berber’s way of life. The mountainous Toubkal National Park strewn with the North Africa’s tallest mountain- Mount Toubkal should not be missed.
8. Sahara Desert: If you fancy an enchanting experience in the desert then share a camel ride to the dunes of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga and stay in a Berber camp.
9. Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts: Morocco for the most part boasts of coastal regions that provide surfing, wind surfing and beach section. Travel to Essaouira a town famous for it’s coastal laid-back vibe and Agadir, famous for this type of shooting.

3. Traditional Moroccan Cuisine Morocco’s cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, featuring spices like cumin, saffron, and coriander. Signature dishes include:

• Tagine: A slow-cooked meat and vegetable based stew, most commonly made with lamb, chicken or beef along with a special mix of spices and served in a conical shaped earthenware pot called Tagine.
• Couscous: A type of Moroccan dish, which is made from steamed semolina grains with meat and vegetables added to it, where necessary.
• Pastilla: A type of pie that has a characteristic delicious and sweet taste which is prepared from filo pastry layers and pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon.
• Mint Tea: This is a green tea with fresh mint which is quite famous in Morocco and hence is called Moroccan whisky.

How to Visit Morocco (Flight Options and Airports)

Morocco is well connected to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, with several international airports:

• Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca): Morocco’s largest international airport serving many worldwide popular destinations.
• Menara Airport (Marrakesh): A gateway of many visitors who intend to explore the areas of the south.
• Rabat-Salé Airport: The Rabat airport is a small airport located just for the capital city of Rabat but is also rather convenient.
• Fes-Saïss Airport: Suitable for the tourists who are going to visit the ancient city of Fez.

Passengers in Morocco can also avail the Moroccan train service that has links to many cities including Casablanca, Marrakesh and Fez among others.

Best Time to Travel to Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco depends on the region and type of activities planned:

• Spring (March to May): This is the best time to visit and tour the cities AND the climate is moderate and quite suitable for tourism in Marrakesh, Fez and the Atlas Mountain.
• Autumn (September to November): Yet another perfect time for city sightseeing and desert holidays since the weather isn’t hot.
• Summer (June to August): Although Morocco is best visited in summer especially if your plan is to take a sun, sand and sea trip to the coastal towns of Essaouira and Agdir, the temperature in the interior and the Sahara can reach very high.
• Winter (December to February): That is great for desert excursions and travelling through southern Morocco although it can get rather cold up in the Atlas Mountains which makes for good skiing just outside Ifrane.

Visas and Entry Requirements for Morocco

Visa requirements for Morocco vary by nationality:

• Visa-free entry: Morocco allows the US, EU and several other countries citizens visa free entry for up to ninety days.
• Visa on arrival: Some of the visitors may be allowed entry on arrival without a visa depending on their nationality it is always good to clarify with your nearest Moroccan embassy or consulate.

Budgeting Your Trip to Morocco

• Accommodation: They range from the cheapest, that is, low cost hotels as well as hostels, riads, to the higher end hotels. It is possible to sleep in a room for $15, while at the upper scale, it can cost $300+, at least.
• Food & Dining: Food offered on the street is relatively cheap and tasty ranging from $5 to $10. Meals in mid-price range restaurants cost between $10 and $30 while eating in the higher end restaurants may cost anything above $50.
• Transportation: Transportation through the use of Taxies and buses are affordable and easy to come across. Some form of transport suitable for rural areas are car rentals, whereas for inter city transport, train and bus services are preferred.

Must-See Attractions in Morocco

• Jemaa el-Fna (Marrakesh): The liveliness of Marrakesh can be defined with the help of this description of the square that is filled with musicians, storytellers and street food sellers.
• Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca): The biggest mosque for prayer and one of the largest in the world distinguished by its architectural appearance and the views on the ocean, the Atlantic Ocean particularly.
• Ait Benhaddou: A world heritage site, which is most famous for the Kasbah and has been used as a set for several films.
• Chefchaouen: Chiefchaouen also called ‘the Blue City,’ boasts of very tight alleys with a characteristic blue hue.
• Majorelle Garden (Marrakesh): An exotic villa with vegetation and water tobras with appeasing colours with blue buildings, built by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
• Ouzoud Falls: Ihrd these are the majestic waterfalls situated in the atlas mountain range which is an easy day trip from Marrakesh.

Cultural Deep Dive

Morocco’s culture is a vibrant fusion of Arab, Berber, and European influences. Here are a few highlights:

• Music and Dance: The Berber repertoire, the gnawa music and the andalusi nżza strictly define the musical spectrum of the country. There is usually a lot of dancing, hand clapping and other artistic performances on the streets particularly in Jemaa el-Fna.
• Art and Handicrafts: Moroccan arts and crafts include zellige tiles, pottery, rugs, and leather products amongst other products. These traditions are well preserved in Fez because it’s a city that can be described as a true workshop.
• Festivals: Morocco’s culture may be enjoyed at the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music and the Marrakesh International Film Festival.

Practical Information for Your Trip to Morocco

• Accommodation: Make your bookings during the festive itineraries especially when traveling to Marrakesh and Fez. This makes Riads to be more authentic to guests, as compared to hotels.
• Food and Drink: It is necessary to take tagine, briouats, and harira. Orange juice is also another common street beverage which is usually served in its natural state; freshly squeezed.
• Money Matters: The currency used in Morocco is Moroccan Dirham abbreviated as MAD. Major currencies are accepted in most of the hotels and big restaurants but most of the shopkeepers and souks and small towns prefer cash.
• Transportation: Taxis and trains are used in the urban areas while automobiles and shared taxed or Grand taxi used in the rural areas.
• Staying Connected: Internet connection especially via Wi-Fi is provided as a complimentary service by most hotels, cafés as well as other common areas. Data packages, which accompany SIM cards, are also hawked at a relatively cheap price to those who have to use the internet frequently.

Conclusion

Morocco is a country of contradictions – noisy souks of Marrakesh and calm desert of Sahara included. So, whether it is history that interests you or more specifically the taste buds you want to satisfy, or one is passionate about nature, then Morocco has a lot to offer as each of the tourist should visit this country. That is why with its polished polite people, historical and cultural treasures, and a panoramic beauty, it is a place that will take the hearts of all guests.