Morocco Useful Info

Health

It is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven't had a booster in the last ten years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Vaccination and health information can change so please contact your local health care provider for the most up to date information.

Climate

Average Max temperature °C

Temperatures in Morocco are generally high, particularly during the summer months from May to September, when the sun can be fierce and temperatures are at industrial levels, so take plenty of sunscreen, cover up and drink lots of water!

In winter (October to February), it does become cooler, especially in the evenings - so take a jacket, long-sleeved tops and trousers. In the High Atlas and the desert it can become very cold in winter, especially at night and some peaks can remain snow capped from November to July. Pack plenty of warm clothes.

We recommend you check the five day weather forecast online before packing to get an accurate idea of the temperature.

Time

Morocco is on GMT, so the same time as the UK.

Money

The local currency is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Exchange facilities are available at various bureau de changes in major towns and most banks have ATMs. Credit cards are virtually useless outside main cities and towns. Travellers Cheques are very difficult to change.

Food, glorious food

Moroccan cooking is characterized by rich spices, with mixtures that combines anywhere from ten to a hundred spices. Couscous is traditional chow and often cooked with spices, vegetables, nuts, and raisins. It’s a meal in itself, though it is often topped with rich stews and roasted meats. Lamb is a principal meat and is cooked until tender enough to be pulled apart and eaten with the fingers. Tagines are a fruity meat and vegetable stew cooked for some time. Savory foods are enhanced with fruits, dried and fresh and preserved lemons are used in many poultry dishes. Pine nuts, almonds, and pistachios are often used as well. Moroccan desserts are uncompromisingly rich. A common dessert is kaab el ghzal (‘gazelle’s horns’), which is a pastry stuffed with almond paste and topped with sugar. Try also honey cakes, which are essentially pretzel-shaped pieces of dough deep-fried and dipped into a hot pot of honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds!

Shopping

Morocco is a shoppers paradise. The souks of Fes, Marrakech and Meknes are full of pottery, carpets & killims, leather goods, spices and cloth. Thuya wood products are found predominantly at Essaouira. Keep space in your backpack for your purchases!

Our best buys:

• Carpet – A High Atlas Carpet or a woven & embroidered Kilim
• The burnoose, an elegant hooded cape
• Spices – the variety is enormous
• Art from Asilah
• Traditional pottery & leather from Fes

Trekking

Trekking expeditions to the High Atlas Mountains are offered in the summer months from April to October and to the Sahara and Anti Atlas in the winter from November to March, when it is much too cold to trek at higher altitudes. Our expeditions require a good level of fitness because you will be trekking from 4 to 6 hours a day. The most challenging trek is our High Atlas and Toubkal Summit due to the higher altitudes and Sarhro & Sahara Trek because you are trekking over a longer period, some of which is spent in the desert. Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots that have been worn in before the trek, to avoid blisters and painful feet. Some of our treks use basic lodge accommodation whilst others are camping expeditions, For further information about each trek, please refer to individual Go Guides.

Trekking Insurance

Most travel insurance does not cover for trekking above 2000m as standard and you may have to pay a premium to cover yourself for higher altitudes. It is essential that you get the correct level of cover so please check your Go Guide to find the maximum altitude on your trek before arranging your insurance.

Skiing

Skiing in the High Atlas is great fun and provides an ideal introduction to the sport. Oukaimden is the highest ski resort in North Africa and incredibly scenic. There are several different runs to suit various abilities and our itineraries are perfect for beginners as ski tuition is provided. Please note that although there are black runs, the slopes in the High Atlas are not up to the standards of the big European ski resorts and therefore not suitable for advanced skiers, looking for challenging runs. Whilst skiing we stay in ski lodges/chalets in Oukaimden and these have a variety of different size rooms, sleeping between 2 to 6 people.

We provide: Ski jacket, trousers, boots, skis and poles, 2 day lift pass and one day’s tuition with a qualified ski instructor. It is possible to book a second day of lessons locally at your own expense.

You need to pack: Warm clothing - jumpers, thermals, thick socks, gloves, hat and sun glasses/ski goggles.

Skiing Insurance

Please ensure that your travel insurance covers you for skiing, this is essential. Winter sports are not usually covered on standard policies, so you will need to upgrade the cover.