About Morocco

The exotic and beautiful country of Morocco is filled with rich culture, exquisite architecture, delicious food and a fascinating history. Morocco budget travel is ideal for those seeking to explore the romantic and fascinating cities of this beautiful cultured country.

Morocco Budget Travel

Below is a list of Morocco's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Casablanca, High Atlas, Marrakech, Tangier, Todra Gorge, Valley of the Kasbahs, Volubilis

Fast Facts

Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Dialing Code
212

AIDS

Morocco has a fairly low AIDS rate, with approximately 21,000 adults living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2007 at a rate of 1.0%. As a very conservative Muslim country, sex outside marriage is seen as a criminal offense, which could play a significant part in the low AIDS rate.

Airports

Morocco airports include the following:
• Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
• Tangier Boukhalef Souahel International Airport
• Fes International Airport
• Rabat-Salé Airport International Airport

Birdlife

Morocco birdlife is fairly diverse, with an estimated 46 Important Bird Areas (IBA's) across the country's various habitats. Bird habitats include key fresh water wetlands as well as coastal wetlands, with a number of covered ecosystems ranging from shrub to woodlands, marshes, deserts and forest areas. With a range of beautiful birding areas and a fascinating culture, Morocco remains one of the most popular bird watching areas in Africa.

Conservation

With a number of wildlife and bird species facing extinction, and a high deforestation and desertification rate, with additional problems such as land abuse and over-grazing, Morocco conservation is key to preserving the precious ecosystems within the country. A number of efforts are in place to try and address the country's conservation problems however.

Culture

Morocco culture influences include:
• Literature plays a key role in history and tradition
• Food is an important social pastime
• Fabric and clothing are part of the country's cultural identity
• Art plays a vital role in past and current cultures
• Film is a fairly new but thriving culture form

Customs

Morocco customs free import includes:
• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 400g tobacco
• 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre wine
• 5g perfume
• sporting guns and ammunition require special permit

Health

Morocco health care is typically third world, despite the larger cities having fairly adequate facilities many towns do not have high hygiene levels and disease is fairly common in some of the smaller towns. To ensure that you stay healthy and safe, ensure that you follow basic precautions, and keep vitamins plus a first aid box on hand on your travels.

Innoculations

The following Morocco inoculations are required:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

Languages

Moroccan languages include:
• Moroccan Arabic (official language)
• Hassaniyya Arabic
• Standard Arabic
• Spanish
• Tachelhit

Malaria

Morocco malaria information is as follows:
• Malaria is not endemic in Morocco
• You will not need to take malaria medication unless you have entered Morocco from a malaria zone country
• Speak to your doctor if you are travelling between non-malaria and malaria countries
• Do not ever take malaria medication if it is not required, as side effects can be serious

Money

Morocco money and banking info includes the following:
• Moroccan Dirhams can only be obtained in Morocco, usually through ATMs
• Banking hours are Monday-Thursday from 08h30-12h30 and 15h00-18h30 and Friday from 08h30-1200 and 15h00-18h30
• Dollars, Pounds and Euros are cheapest and easiest to exchange
• Credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants and shops
• ATMs are widely available and often accept foreign cards such as Visa

People

Morocco people includes the following groups:
• Arab-Berber 99.1%
• Other 0.7%
• Jewish 0.2%

Phrase

Useful Moroccan Arabic phrases include:
• Thank you - Choukran
• Good bye - B slema
• Good morning - Sabba elkir
• How are you? - La bas?
• How much - Shahal taman?

Plants

Morocco plant life varies, with trees such as juniper, pine, cedar and oak, to dry shrub and grasslands with sparse desert areas in between. Wetland areas contain marsh vegetation, and there are also a number of palms to be found throughout the country. With a varied climate, Morocco's plant life is mostly fast growing and strong, although the country also faces problems from deforestation and desertification.

Population

A 2008 UN estimate puts the population in Morocco at 31,352,000.

Religion

Morocco religion includes the following groups:
• Islam 99.7%
• Christianity 0.3%
• Baha'i 0.1%
• Judaism <0.1%

Safety Tips

Morocco safety tips include the following:
• Avoid large crowds or protests that could turn violent
• There is a fairly large terrorist threat in Morocco so be on guard at all times
• Road safety is a big concern and accidents are common
• The crime rate is fairly low but is growing, especially in busy cities
• Do not walk around alone after dark and keep all valuables safe and out of sight when walking in the daytime

Transport

Morocco local transport options include:
• Bus
• Car
• Train
• Taxi

Travel Books

Morocco travel books include:
• Morocco Lonely Planet Country Guide by Paul Clammer
• Morocco Eyewitness Travel Guide by DK Publishing
• The Rough Guide to Morocco by Mark Ellingham, Daniel Jacobs, Hamish Brown, and Shaun McVeigh
• Culture Shock! Morocco: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Orin Hargraves
• Frommer's Morocco by Darren Humphrys

Visa Requirements

Visa information for Morocco includes the following:
• Passports must be valid for 6 months
• Many countries to not need a visa to enter, speak to your travel agent or local embassy to find out which countries require visas
• Tourists can stay in the country for up to 3 months
• Visa requirements can change at any time
• Proof of funds as well as return tickets are often needed for visa acceptance

What To Buy

What to buy for Morocco safaris:
• Morocco travel guide and language book
• Good sized backpack plus a decent moneybag
• First aid box with basic supplies and equipment
• Sleeping bag if you are on an overland trip
• Plug adapter for US and UK visitors

What To Pack

What to pack for Morocco safaris:
• Lightweight, loose, long-sleeved clothing
• Long skirts and t-shirts covering shoulders for women
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Swimming costume and snorkel gear for beach visits
• Camera, spare film or memory and extra batteries

When To Go

When to go to Morocco:
• The peak tourist season in Morocco is July and August
• Winter months run from November to March
• The best times are the months before or after peak season
• July and August are the hottest months
• Many businesses and restaurants close during Ramadan

Wildlife

Morocco wildlife is varied, however many species face extinction, with a number of species already extinct. There are about 18 highly endangered mammal species as well as a small number of endangered reptiles. Despite this, Morocco has a range of beautiful national parks where a wide range of species can be seen, including rare monkeys, oryx, jackals and many other species.