r/travel • u/AutoModerator • Oct 21 '14
Destination of the week - Morocco
Weekly destination thread, this week featuring Morocco. Please contribute all and any questions/thoughts/suggestions/ideas/stories about visiting that place.
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u/deadlock91 Oct 21 '14
Stayed few days in Marrkaesh ad did some excursions out of there.If you plan on doing any Sahara/desert trips fr Marrakesh budget at least 2-3 nights I think that was the minimum amount of time you needed.
Night market in Marrakesh is very cool but vendors can be very pushy and aggressive. Sometimes gets a bit tiring walking through the street and constantly getting haggled but don't let it get to you.Also watch out for dirt bikes.
Speaking of the vendors make sure to bargain with them, its part of the culture you speak french/arabic will be easier. Aim for 50% off at least often their staring prices are outrageous and you can get it for 25% off. Their pretty hard to bargain and will parented to even get mad and insulted by the prices your offering but as soon as you shake hands and agree they become all friendly again.
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u/Chateau-Renaud USA (20 countries visited) Oct 21 '14
Went to Marrakesh. Something that was very crucial for me: Having my place that I was staying arrange my taxi ride. It cost me a flat rate and I didn't have to worry about being scammed. Taxis are the easiest place to get taken for a ride (pun intended) in my opinion.
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u/PenisFeelings United States Oct 22 '14 edited Oct 22 '14
If you are planning on a guided tour, I cannot recommend Morocco Trip Adventure Tours enough. The guy who runs it, Hassan La Taureg, is undoubtedly the best tour guide I've had the pleasure of meeting. No one loves Morocco more than him. He is incredibly friendly and accommodating. Definitely PM me if you have anymore questions about the tour, but I cannot imagine a better tour guide to have in Morocco than this guy.
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Oct 25 '14
If you get a chance, when you're in Morocco, head to Taghazout. Its an awesome surfing town with a cool little village alongside the water.The people there were the nicest i've met. Also, a twenty minute ride from there is Paradise Valley, which was incredible. Its an oasis tucked in between mountains with spectacular scenery.
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u/Andromeda321 United States Oct 23 '14
I'm interested in going to Marrakech in the spring (for five days, go out two nights to see the desert) but I won't lie, I've heard horror stories about the harassment of women in Morocco and I travel alone. Of all the places I can go when based in Europe, that aspect just does not sound appealing to me, however much I think it would be cool to see the desert.
Any other solo females have experiences to share? I would love to hear them, in particular how Morocco compares to other countries on this.
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u/unreedemed1 Dec 06 '14
I was harassed but not to the level of India. It's manageable albeit a little intimidating.
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u/yakovv Oct 22 '14
Anyone has more tips for Marrakech? Going there end of October.
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u/MonsieurThenardier Oct 23 '14
Walk around. I cannot emphasis this enough. If you get lost, there will always be people around willing to guide you wherever for some baksheesh.
Try to do your own research for food, and tours and things. The people on the street will lie to you, cheat you, and generally speaking try to run you to their 'cousins' cafe quite a bit. This isn't said to discredit, or speak poorly of Moroccans, it is merely meant to suggest that the tourism trade there is a well oiled machine, and you are literally a dollar bill.
When you arrive at the Airport, walk directly past any of the cabs outside the terminal and into the parking lot. There are always cabs waiting there and they are much cheaper than the ones at the terminal. If you want to be more adventurous, there are even more cabs waiting outside the parking lot even further, that will take you into town at an even cheaper cost.
Visit the parks, there are some wonderful ones including the cyber park. Some confusing ones like Menara gardens(which feels less like a park and more like an olive grove, but oh well. On clear days, you can see the high atlas from this area, which is wonderful) and also try to see the Majorelle Garden. It is fantastic.
Outside of these, visit Djamaa El Fna(the main square) both during the day and at night. At night, the food venders can get a little grabby so watch out. But no one is going to hurt you or force you into something. I'd suggest going up to one of the balconies for a little bit, just for a drink or some coffee or tea. Do not eat in this area, as the costs are silly for what you get.
Walk around the ramparts a little, the walk from the market out to Majorelle takes you through some interesting areas, and past the Cyber park.
Don't bother with the tanneries.
Don't bother with carpet venders.
If you want to buy either, try to get some knowledge at home first by visiting some carpet shops that sell Moroccan items first. Otherwise, you will end up buying something from China, and paying too much for it. Everything is from china, from the dipdyed scarves you will see everywhere, to the tea pots and tea cups, everything.
Have fun! It is a really interesting and exciting city to visit with a really great vibe!
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u/mightiestquinn Oct 23 '14
I'd recommend Riad Dar One - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293734-d645881-Reviews-Riad_Dar_One-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html. Great location, breakfast included, extremely helpful staff. We did all the normal touristy stuff and just wandered around the medina. We looked into some cooking classes which would have been fun but unfortunately ran out of time.
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u/Dcornelissen Netherlands Oct 25 '14 edited Oct 25 '14
Riad Abaca Badra! Absolutely wonderful french couple owns the riad for a few years now, really sweet people who do anything for you. The riad is also convientely located, and the best Hamam in the city is around the corner. Dominique and Gilles (the couple) sit down with you when you arrive, and make you feel at home. Talk about your plans and offer to arange things if you want, like renting a car. Free water and wifi all day, and big clean rooms with airco.
It is a bit hard to find at first, so I recommend you use the airport transfer. Really easy.
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u/ckthelion 12 countries Oct 21 '14
I'll be in Andalusia in mid February. Is Tangier worth a day trip or night stay? I've heard only negative things from that place, like how it's a huge tourist trap and all the scam artists ruin it for everyone.
This doesn't deter me (yet) but I'd like to know more. I don't speak any Arabic, but I have a very basic level of French and Spanish if that helps.
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u/moderatelyremarkable Oct 22 '14
I did a day-trip to Tangier and Tetouan from Algeciras (was actually staying in Gibraltar). It was a nice experience to get a taste of Morocco and I'm glad I went; the touts weren't that bad but it was a guided tour, so maybe that helped.
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u/welovewong Canada Mar 14 '15
How did you manage from Gibraltar to Algeciras? And how much was it for the transport if you don't mind me asking
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u/moderatelyremarkable Mar 14 '15
I rented a car in Malaga and drove to Gibraltar and from there to Algeciras.
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u/alan_s Wandering the world but still call Australia home Oct 21 '14
I enjoyed my one night stay en-route from Spain to Fes and beyond, but I'm not sure it would be worth the hassle of a ferry there and back just for one night.
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u/mightiestquinn Oct 23 '14
My husband and I went last year for 10 days from late April to early May. We are from California, United States, and flew in / out of Casablanca.
We arrived into Casablanca late in the evening, and had pre-arranged a driver from our Riad in Marrakech (Riad Dar One, would highly recommend) http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293734-d645881-Reviews-Riad_Dar_One-Marrakech_Marrakech_Tensift_El_Haouz_Region.html. It took a few hours.
Left early the next morning for a 3 day / 2 night trip into the desert. The desert tour was by far our favorite part of our trip. http://www.camelsafaries.com/3day_cameltrek.html. The company was AMAZING. We had a private tour - our own private driver + a guide and the tour guide was so friendly and spoke amazing English. We got to see some amazing parts of the country that we probably would not have made it to on our own. And sleeping in the desert was a once in a lifetime experience. If you can spare 3 days I would highly recommend this. And if possible, splurge on the extra day and the tour guide may take you to his family home in the desert for a traditional meal.
Then we spent a few days in Marrakech. In hindsight I would recommend a walking tour to orient yourself with the city. It is quite overwhelming and we got lost numerous times (and had people try to scam us and “help us” get to our destination). The jemaa-el fna is the central plaza, at night a TON of vendors set up shop. The food is incredible and super cheap. Try the snail soup! The city also has a ton of history. I've heard it also has awesome night clubs, though we were exhausted after being nerdy tourists and passed out early every night.
Lastly, we also went to Essaouira, took the bus from Marrakech. We stayed at Riad Lunetoile: http://riadlunetoile.jimdo.com/. Great Riad within the city walls, perfect location, great breakfast, and the owner was extremely helpful and accommodating. Beautiful beach city with AMAZING seafood. Didn't feel very "Morocco-y" but fun nonetheless to walk around and enjoy the beautiful views. Apparently a hub for kite surfing.
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u/intrepidjournomo May 15 '23
Hi.. I know this comment is old, but helpful... planning a trip there now. Where did you get the Essaouira to Marrakech bus? How long was the travel on that?
I'm flying into Marrakech for a Casablanca wedding, but have two nights to kill before the weddings, so Essaouira made sense to me to go to from Marrakech.
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u/mightiestquinn May 17 '23
Its been a long time but if I recall correctly we bought our bus ticket at the train station in Marrakech. We bought our ticket the day before to be on the safe side. Then the bus ride from Marrakech to Essaouira took about 2.5 hours. You may also want to look into a guided tour out to the desert. We enjoyed that more than Essaouira.
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u/intrepidjournomo May 22 '23
Thank you! That's helpful.. I'll do some more research. Yes we have some desert time planned in Ouarzazate.
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u/Penrosekey Oct 23 '14
I spent three weeks volunteering in Marrakech with my SO and had an amazing time, be warned though if anyone in the old square wants to pose with you for a picture or let you take a picture with any of their animals (monkeys, cobra's, vultures etc.) they will try to charge you extortionately, the same with the henna ladies, they will grab your arm and start drawing henna on saying it is a "gift" and then demand around 800 MDH when you should only really be paying 50 MDH. If you are going to marrakech you need to learn to haggle.
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u/Uncharted09 Oct 25 '14
If going to Marrakech try using Couchsurfing, actually anywhere in the country! I did that for my trip this past April and getting through the medinas, negotiating prices and just experiencing the culture was a lot easier and a lot more authentic with a local (who speaks Arabic!). Also Chefchaouen was my one of my favourites parts of the trip, and once you're there take a petit taxi to Akchour, and hike all the way to the waterfalls, it will be one of the most glorious hikes of your life! Beautiful!
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u/IllGarlic4983 Sep 28 '22
I traveled to Morocco last month with a friend. This is our first time going to Africa and we worried about how unsafe it would be if you commuted alone. Therefore, I searched for a local private tour with Berber people of the desert.If alone, especially a girl, do not travel to Morocco alone, try to join a group/private tour. The biggest concern would be Marrakesh or Casablanca. There will be a lot of local people talking to you and difficult to find your riad. You can also arrange workers at the riad to pick you up.Be sure to be watching your belongings and always keep your important things (money, phone) with you.When local people approach you, you don't have to look at them in the eyes. Just ignore them and nothing will happen.There is a difference between local tour guide and private drivers. You need to be licensed tour guide in the country to tour people around.The trip to desert - Merzouga from Marrakesh would take 2 days if you stop by scenery sites. It is possible to drive directly from Marrakesh to Merzouga in a day, it take about 9 hours drive. This is usually too much, I don't recommend.There are alot of other activities and chilling cities (Essaouira, Tangier, Asilah). These are very chill places, great vacation places.
Dm me if you need any advice.
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Oct 23 '14 edited Oct 28 '14
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u/MonsieurThenardier Oct 23 '14
I didn't go to Tangier, but from the tourism culture I know through friends who did, it seems like this mentality towards tourists comes from the fact that so many day trippers from Spain come over. So typically, mistreating tourists isn't an issue because they aren't around long enough to know the tourist police don't put up with shit like that.
Honesty, I am sad to hear you had a bad time in the country. I dealt with a lot of the same troubles you did, was even threatened by an orange juice seller in Marrakech because we went to one of his rivals. I was given the finger multiple times while I tried to take photos, and so on. I understand the constant issue of having tourists about, but I've lived, worked, and studied in those types of areas and I didn't react in the same way these people did towards me.
BUT, I still enjoyed the country immensely. It has it's problems, but to be blunt I've encountered a lot of the same in Greece, Italy, Spain .. ect. What it comes down to for you I think, is that your trip did get soured early. And I can understand why.
If you'd be willing to give it another chance, I highly highly suggest starting in the south, and relaxing your way up to the north. Visit the sights, don't bother with shopping or tours. And just guide yourself. You will have a better time, I am sure of it.
To anyone reading this post however. Do read it and don't brush it off as a some butthurt guy that couldn't travel properly, or wasn't tough enough or whatever. Traveling in North African and Morocco is different than travel in Europe. Things are harsher, more blunt, and ultimately a little more dicey. The type of stuff described here happens, quite a bit if you look through reviews, and you WILL deal with some of it. No questions there. So do remember, this isn't a typical destination that you've been to(unless you've traveled around the southern and eastern portions of the Med before.) This is a different type of cultural experience, and it is a very raw one.
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u/twothirtysixam Canada Nov 18 '14
And even researching all the scams and stuff you might run into... it still might happen. Just breathe and relax. and maybe have a little cry. It was still a great place!
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u/SlmberPrtyRechAround Nov 16 '14
I was given the finger multiple times while I tried to take photos
Morocco is an Islamic country. A lot of people don't want their picture taken.
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u/MonsieurThenardier Nov 16 '14
None of the photos were of specific people. It'd be a Harbour, and I'd take a photo of the boats, then realize one guy on the far right boat is giving me the finger. It'd be of the main square from the second floor balconies in Marrakech, then oh look there is a vender looking directly at the camera giving me the finger.
Stuff like that.
Also, what does Islam have to do with people not wanting their photos taken? I've traveled through a number of Islamic countries, and I've never had the same problem pop up in them.
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u/uber_kitty Oct 22 '14
I just got turned on to Morocco. Would any of its various cities be a good trip for 2 young, adventurous, thrifty, white, and non-clubbing brothers?
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u/MonsieurThenardier Oct 23 '14
Marrakech, without question.
Essaouira should be looked at as well. It is a coastal town with a thriving fishing centre, and lots of hippies. Great beach, the water is kinda brown however. Some interesting history in this area as well.
I'd also suggest heading up into the high atlas to visit some of the sites there. Ait Benhaddou is an interesting village, lots of films have been filmed there. It is a touristy place however with guides everywhere. Wouldn't suggest staying there, maybe just a stop off. There are also a lot of movie backlots and soundstages in this area that offer tours, those looked quite interesting and I really wish I'd have had more time to visit them.
Also, look to Fez, El Jadida(also a costal city, one can reach it by bus from Essaouria), and naturally Rabat, the capital. They are all outstanding locations I've heard as well. Sadly, I have no first hand experience with them, but lots of people have said great things about each.
Also, for travel between cities. Look to Supratours first and foremost. The buses are typically better quality than most you'll find in North America(I mean this seriously) and the prices are quite fantastic. Really worth taking a look at them.
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u/Atlas26 United States Oct 23 '14
I've heard a bit about the pushiness of locals, especially towards western women. Is this an issue or anything to be worried about, or just something to keep in mind when out and about? Heard the same thing about Turkey as well.
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Oct 24 '14
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Oct 24 '14
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u/RocKetamine United States Oct 26 '14
This. I LOVED Morocco, but we spent more time in buses traveling than experiencing the culture.
We went Casablanca-Fez-Erfoud-Meknes-Casablance in like 5 days.
Wasn't my idea, was just a trip my study abroad program planned.
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u/Worldman12 Now in the UK Oct 28 '14 edited Oct 28 '14
Anybody have experience with visiting the Kasbah Ruins? Best way to get there?
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u/twothirtysixam Canada Dec 05 '14
We saw them on the way to the sahara! our tour stopped there
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u/welovewong Canada Mar 14 '15
Which tour did you do? Do you have a website for it?
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u/twothirtysixam Canada Mar 14 '15
We just booked it when we got there through our riad! Its much cheaper then online! I know it sounds stressful but just wait and shop around there's a ton of company's running them :)
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u/twothirtysixam Canada Nov 18 '14
I enjoyed Morocco after the initial shock of the difference between there and Europe. Chefchaouen was AMAZING and would highly recommend everyone to go there. Beautiful blue town, good food, cheap, and we were harassed at all! (except to buy hash) As a single female, I felt safe here. I would definitely not return to Casablanca, it was not very nice and I didn't feel very safe there. (other then the Mosque, which is amazing)
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u/Dodiest Morocco Mar 18 '15
just an update about Morocco : Starting this month , you can book trains online .
just google "ONCF" , then click on "acheter en ligne" and then follow the steps !!
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u/SkembeCorba Jan 14 '23
Copying this from an individual post for greater visibility.
Hello! I'm halfway through planning a ~week long trip to Morocco for me and my girlfriend. I'm getting some help from a cousin that successfully did a similar trip last year in March. We would land in Marrakech, spend a couple days there, do a 3 day tour of the Sahara from a reputable service, take a train to Fes, and loop back around to Marrakech to end it all before heading out. The service would include cars tour, walking through Atlas, visiting Berber villages, riding camels in the evening, and tents with showers/water. The trip would have to be in July based on our work/academic schedules. I know the temperatures are very high (hitting 110°F/42°C) at midday in July Saharan Morocco. We would come prepared with light linens and plenty for water, but I'm concerned all the same. My question based on this is whether it is a good idea to go to Marrakech and the Sahara in general around this time? Is it generally too hot to enjoy Marrakech/Fes at this time of year? I appreciate input from any fellow travelers and/or locals. Thanks :)
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u/Salt-Consideration31 Jul 26 '23
I'm literally int he process of planning the same trip. Arrive in Marrakech, 3 day dessert tour, then want to visit fez and Chefchouin.
Can you share how you booked the dessert tour? I have a pre-booked trip from trip advisor, staying at a deluxe camp is it cost me $300 per person (there's 2 of us so $600 total). I was told by someone who just went that this is VERY expensive and I should wait until I'm there to book. Can you provide any details as to how you booked and how much you paid?
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u/SkembeCorba Jul 26 '23
I found a 3 day dessert tour from Marrakech that my cousin recommended to me and is a good deal in comparison to the trip you have, "From Marrakech: Merzouga 3-day Desert Safari with Food" by Ando Travel. It's 133 $/person for the basic option and 190 $/person for the option that has luxury tents at the campsite. I hope this helps!
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u/NinetyDegree8 Aug 13 '23
I am going to Morocco in October and have a similar itinerary. Just curious, how did you get back to Marrakesh from Fez?
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u/conyxbrown Feb 18 '23
Hi! We are traveling to Morocco next month, entering via Marrakesh and exiting in Morocco. We got 7 nights. So far, I’ve already booked 2 nights Riad stay in Marrakesh and hoping to visit Chefchaouen and Fes.
Any recommendation as to how to get to Chefchaouen from Marrakesh? Or should we do a stay in Fes first? We prefer to sleep in Fes the night before our flight.
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u/Luke_andthe_outdoors Mar 05 '23
Hi all,
I am coming to Morocco for 5 days and wondering what the best way to do it is. I’m arriving via ferry into Tangier and heading straight to fez and my return flight is from Marrakesh. One option is to take the train from Fez to Marrakesh but I’m more interested in the places in between and only want to spend a day in Marrakesh. The second option is to hire a car a drive to Marrakesh over a few days. I’ve been on guide websites and a lot go from Fez through Errachidia to the Dades gorge and into Marrakesh from the east. Are there any other routes that would be better and is 5 days enough for this? I’m more interested in exploring the lesser known parts of the country rather than staying in cities so I don’t mind it being a bit of a whistle stop tour. I can drop the car off at the airport so was wondering what parking and traffic is like in Marrakesh and how difficult that may be.
Any thoughts and tips fully appreciated
Thanks
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u/engiethemalinois Apr 09 '23
Hi there if you need any help in Morocco let me know
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u/greenwhiteblackblack Jun 26 '23
Hey, I am going to copy and paste my questions as well.
Hi, I am planning to go on a month long trip to Morocco in July and I have some questions. I am planning to travel in the Rif region, from Tangier to the Algerian border in the East, and I would like to specifically focus on traveling in the countryside and rural areas.
I had hard time finding the answers for my questions online so I hope you could help me out.
Is the countryside safe compared to the cities? I am aware of what I need to watch out for in cities in Morocco, but I am not sure what precautions I should take outside of cities or if it's even unsafe in the first place.
How reliable is public transport in Morocco between cities and towns? I don't have a driver's license so renting a car is out of the question. If I'll try to go to remote places, will local public transport have me covered?
-Last question is a bit odd, but is there a need to stay clear of the Algerian border in the East? Is the border region safe to travel in?
Thank you very much
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u/engiethemalinois Jun 26 '23
You will get shot down if you arrive at the border bro don't do that the rest rif and Tangiers should be safe also the rural areas
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u/greenwhiteblackblack Jun 26 '23
I will steer clear, thank you for the heads up. How far do you recommend staying away?
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u/engiethemalinois Jun 26 '23
I'm not sure what the most regular border crossing is maybe there is something in nador; driving from Tangiers to Nador should be fine. But just as you know Morocco and Algeria are sort of at war with each other and every intruder shall be shot by the Algerian army, there is polisario, army protecting their contested areas. also if you arrive in Algeria not sure if you will be able to travel back to Morocco
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u/engiethemalinois Jun 26 '23
You should be a good driver since rural areas are mountainside with trucks motorbikes all crossing the roads at high speeds when it rains the rocks start rumbling down
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u/greenwhiteblackblack Jun 26 '23
I don't have a driver's license. How good is public transport in the region? I also have basically unlimited time so walking long distances is completely fine by me as long as it's safe
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u/engiethemalinois Jun 26 '23
Public transport is okay, but can be very crowded an packed to travel the rif you can go in a sprinter but they also drive as maniacs you should have some stress tolerance
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u/_lucian_b_ Jun 11 '23
Hi. I am just going to copy/paste the question I have posted on the thread.
My girlfriend and I will be going to Marrakech soon and we would want to go on one of the 3 days desert tours. The problem is there are a lot of them, and we don't really know which one we should choose. My first question is if Merzouga and Erg Chebbi are a part of Sahara? I have come across some contradictive discusions about that. If they are not, can you reccomend some tours that take people to Sahara since visiting the desert is on our bucket list?
One other thing that I've read somwhere (but stupidly didn't save) is that some riyads are offering these tours, and since we are comming to Marrakech in the evning we would like to go on a tour the next morning and it would be much easier for us if the riyad or a hotel we are staying in has this offer.
I also would like to ask for first hand reccomendations and reviews from people who have been on one of the tours, what did and didn't you like etc. ?
I have google and read a lot of reviews on tripadvisor and similar sites but I decided to ask for more information on this sub.
Thank you all!2
u/engiethemalinois Jun 11 '23
So you want a 3 day tour through the Sahara and I think I can recommend that you ask dakhla kite planet on Instagram
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u/beerandbackpack Jun 13 '23
Hi Lucian, I recommend reaching out to Safa from https://moroccanzest.com. she can definitely help arrange a tour, for an affordable price. We worked with her, she is amazing!
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u/Salt-Consideration31 Jul 26 '23
Hello! Can you share how much I should be paying for a 3-day merzouga dessert trip?? I have a pre-booked trip from trip advisor, staying at a deluxe camp is it cost me $300 per person (there's 2 of us so $600 total). I was told by someone who just went that this is VERY expensive and I should wait until I'm there to book. Can you provide any details as to how you recommend I book a tour and how much I should expect to pay?
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u/xundre Apr 20 '23
Just completed a trip , happy to share details
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u/Salt-Consideration31 Jul 26 '23
Hello! Can you share how you booked the trip? I have a pre-booked trip from trip advisor, staying at a deluxe camp is it cost me $300 per person (there's 2 of us so $600 total). I was told by someone who just went that this is VERY expensive and I should wait until I'm there to book. Can you provide any details as to how you booked and how much you paid?
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u/_lucian_b_ Jun 11 '23
Hello fellow travelers.
My girlfriend and I will be going to Marrakech soon and we would want to go on one of the 3 days desert tours. The problem is there are a lot of them, and we don't really know which one we should choose. My first question is if Merzouga and Erg Chebbi are a part of Sahara? I have come across some contradictive discusions about that. If they are not, can you reccomend some tours that take people to Sahara since visiting the desert is on our bucket list?
One other thing that I've read somwhere (but stupidly didn't save) is that some riyads are offering these tours, and since we are comming to Marrakech in the evning we would like to go on a tour the next morning and it would be much easier for us if the riyad or a hotel we are staying in has this offer.
I also would like to ask for first hand reccomendations and reviews from people who have been on one of the tours, what did and didn't you like etc. ?
I have google and read a lot of reviews on tripadvisor and similar sites but I decided to ask for more information on this sub.
Thank you all!
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u/globaltrotter196 Jun 13 '23
Hi r/travel - I need advice and feedback on a nine day Morocco trip I am planning. I am open to suggestions on alternative ideas relative to what I am thinking for this trip below.
This is what's confirmed so far:
Day 1 - Arrive in Marrakech, hotel confirmed
Day 2 - Marrakech, hotel confirmed
Day 3 - 8 - Need help planning this
- Day 3 - 4: Dessert tour
- Day 5-8: Beach at Essaouira
Day 9 - Leave from Marrakech at 11:50AM
- Take 6:30AM-9:30AM train from Essaouira
- Is this pushing it also? Should I spend an extra night in Marrakech to play it safe?
Quick background:
I have been to Morocco before and have visited Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, and Meknes already.
Feedback requested:
I'm not sure how to best plan this trip because I want to do the following thing, but I'm afraid I may be trying to do two much:
- Desert tour - I know this is likely two days and a long journey, possibly days
- Beach at Essaouira - Following the desert tour I would like to spend the rest of the time at the beach at Essaouira.
- See above, should I spend day 8 back in Marrakech to catch my flight in the morning to play it safe?
Is this doable? I would greatly appreciate your advice and feedback!
Thank you!!
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u/beerandbackpack Jun 13 '23
I think you will need more time for the desert tour. We worked with a Moroccan travel planner and she recommended at least 2 nights in the desert. Less nights apparently mean you will not go to the "real" desert, and you can be quite disappointed. Essaouira is also a small city so 2 days should be fine, unless you are planning on taking extensive surf lessons. Another option is the Atlas Mountains Hike and or a balloon tide. It's close to Marrakech and a great experience if you like hiking and nature. If you are willing to spend a few bucks to plan your trip, I highly recommend working with her. She is exceptional. I will leave her website here:
https://moroccanzest.com/product/custom-moroccan-travel-plan/
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u/greenwhiteblackblack Jun 26 '23
Hi, I am planning to go on a month long trip to Morocco in July and I have some questions. I am planning to travel in the Rif region, from Tangier to the Algerian border in the East, and I would like to specifically focus on traveling in the countryside and rural areas.
I had hard time finding the answers for my questions online so I hope you could help me out.
Is the countryside safe compared to the cities? I am aware of what I need to watch out for in cities in Morocco, but I am not sure what precautions I should take outside of cities or if it's even unsafe in the first place.
How reliable is public transport in Morocco between cities and towns? I don't have a driver's license so renting a car is out of the question. If I'll try to go to remote places, will local public transport have me covered?
-Last question is a bit odd, but is there a need to stay clear of the Algerian border in the East? Is the border region safe to travel in?
Thank you very much
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u/Professional-Pair-74 Jul 13 '23
Hello. I will be in Andalucia (Sevilla and Ronda) and would love to end the last 5 days of my Euro trip in Morocco and fly out of Morocco back to the United States. Given that constraint: (will probably ferry from Andalucia Spain to Morocco, and that I have to leave out of an international airport in 5 days, how would you recommend I spend that time?
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u/Immediate_Ad_4487 Aug 14 '23
Try the south a little. 🙏 https://tourmoros.blogspot.com/2020/02/legzira-beach.html
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u/kiki_kaka_kuku Oct 20 '23
Is it a good time to visit Marrakech in February? What to keep in mind given the recent earthquake in the region?
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u/Alien_Invasion76 Nov 05 '23
Any advice on travelling to marrakech please, do i need visas(UK) do i need to get any jabs, best places to visit, places/things to avoid, best places to eat and different kinds of food, customs/traditions and expected dress codes, wheres best to change money and how much to carry at one time, any important information that maybe helpful
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u/alan_s Wandering the world but still call Australia home Oct 21 '14 edited Oct 21 '14
A few random tips after my short visit last year.
Transportation.
The ONCF trains are cheap and the ones I took ran on time. They are a pleasant and inexpensive way to get around the major towns. The comfort difference between first and second class was well worth the small extra fare. Web-site: http://www.oncf.ma/Pages/Accueil.aspx. It is in French. I used it for planning but there was no advantage to online booking so I bought at the stations.
Grand taxis are the world's oldest Mercedes and are used for travel between towns and villages. I was quite surprised that some of them actually ran, but none I used broke down. They are basic. No aircon, no seat belts, window winders are available from the driver. Fares are usually cheap and, if at a rank, arranged through a man running the rank. There seems to be no logic for the fares. If there is no manager haggle for the best fare.
Petit Taxis are for travel within the cities. Most have meters and fares are cheap. They will often stop to add more passengers if you have spare seats, even if you did not want them to. It is worth flagging them down even if occupied. They may take you on board if you are heading roughly the same way as their existing passenger.
The new light rail system in Casablanca is clean, cheap and reliable. Tickets are available from self-serve machines at the stops.
Accommodation.
Dars and Riads can be wonderful examples of Moroccan architecture and sometimes cheap but sometimes very expensive. A Dar has a central garden, a Riad has a central courtyard. In some the beauty of the art, tiles and architecture is balanced by lumpy beds, non-working air-cons and poor plumbing. For that reason I recommend only booking for the first night if booking in advance, to allow you to wander the region to look at better accommodation for the rest of your stay if the booked room is unsuitable.
Medinas.
The Medina is the old part of town. I found them fascinating but it is easy to get lost in the bigger ones such as Fes. If wandering alone allow plenty of time. The alleys are usually quite steep, progress is slow and you will need to pause regularly for the Medina taxis - mules - to pass. If you hear 'Attention!' (a-ten-see-on!) behind you step swiftly to the side or be charged by a mule.
Guides.
Negotiate the price in advance and stick to it. In my own case I encountered a very smooth bait-and-switch, too complex to post here. If in doubt, move on to a different guide.