Frequently Asked Questions

Hotels in Morocco are available for every budget, from simple riads to luxury resorts. You can find affordable accommodation starting around 80€ per night, mid-range boutique hotels for a comfortable stay, and luxury desert camps or five-star hotels that can cost 3,000–4,000€ per night. At Moroccan Guides Travel, we can adjust your stay to your budget just tell us what you need, and we will find the best option for you.

Keep in mind that star ratings in Morocco can differ from other countries, so a 4-star hotel in Morocco may not be exactly the same as a 4-star hotel in Europe. Despite this, accommodation in Morocco is generally very reasonably priced, especially compared to Europe or North America. Whether you want a cozy riad in a medina, a modern city hotel, or a luxury desert camp, Morocco has something for every traveler and every budget.

Yes, food in Morocco is generally affordable for tourists. Street food and local restaurants are usually very cheap and offer delicious Moroccan dishes. However, since COVID-19, prices have been increasing due to inflation, and you may notice this during your trip.

If you enjoy street food, sometimes there may not be a menu. In these cases, always ask the price before ordering to avoid surprises. In big cities like Marrakech, Tangier, Casablanca, Fes, or Rabat, there are also expensive and fancy restaurants, but the prices are usually listed clearly.

Tipping is not included in the bill, so leaving 10–15% is appreciated if you are happy with the service. Following these simple tips will help you safely and stress-free enjoy Moroccan food while keeping your travel budget under control.

Alcohol is not illegal in Morocco, and tourists can enjoy it safely if they follow local rules. Morocco is actually a large producer of wine and beer, especially in regions like Meknes, Fès, and Casablanca. Many Moroccan wineries offer tours and tastings for visitors, making it easy to try local drinks.

You can buy alcohol in licensed shops like Victoria, supermarkets like Carrefour, hotels, and many restaurants. Some hotels and tourist resorts even have bars where you can enjoy cocktails or Moroccan wine. However, it is not allowed to drink alcohol in public streets or non-licensed areas, so always follow local laws to avoid trouble.

With millions of tourists visiting Morocco each year, enjoying a drink safely and legally is simple. Just remember to respect the culture and local rules, and you can enjoy Moroccan wine, beer, and cocktails during your trip.

When traveling in Morocco, be aware of common tourist traps to avoid wasting money or having a stressful experience. One common trap is fake guides in medinas. Some people pretend to be licensed guides and offer to show you around, but they may take you to shops where they earn a commission. Always ask for official guides or book through trusted tour companies like Moroccan Guides Travel.

Another trap involves taxis without meters. Some taxi drivers may quote a very high price if you don’t agree on the fare in advance. Always confirm the price before getting in to avoid surprises.

High-pressure shops, especially carpet or souvenir shops, are also common. Sellers may insist you buy something. Sometimes tourists are encouraged to trust foreigners or expats in the city who take them to certain shops where the seller gives the expat a high commission, even though the prices are fixed. This is why it’s better to stay cautious and only go to shops you choose yourself.

Even in restaurants or small markets, always agree on prices before ordering. Being aware of these tips helps you avoid tourist scams in Morocco and enjoy your trip without stress. Most locals are friendly and honest, so a little caution is enough to have a safe and fun experience.

No, we don’t provide travel insurance or international flights. Please make sure you are adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance which must include cover for medical emergencies and the cost of rescue/evacuation by helicopter. It is your responsibility to check that all adventure sports (i.e. including but not limited to camel-back trekking, desert trekking by foot, mountain trekking at altitude by foot, horse-riding, mule-riding, water-sports) to be undertaken on your tour are covered by your policy.

You can book your air travel independently of your booking with us, it is thus subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant airline. We accept no liability for this element of your tour.

You can book one of our exemplary tour itineraries, day excursions, or tailor made tours by contacting us via phone, email or our contact form on the website. After we confirm the availability of your tour to you (in writing) we ask you to pay a non-refundable 25% deposit of the total tour cost to finalize your booking.

We send you the details on how to pay this deposit and the rest of the balance by email. We generally give you the flexibility to either pre-pay the rest of the balance by bank transfer within two weeks prior to the start of your tour, or settle it in cash by paying the final balance to your driver / guide on the first morning of your tour. Please let us know what you prefer upon booking and we can agree an arrangement.

In case of cancellation, we wish to receive a written notification from you. Your cancellation is effective on the date we receive your notification. The following charges are applicable upon cancellation:

• cancellation 30 days or more before start date – loss of 25% deposit;
• cancellation between 29 and 10 days before start date – 75% of total tour cost;
• cancellation less than 10 days before start date – 100% of total tour cost.

Cancellation charges may be covered by your insurance policy, you can check this with your insurance provider.

To really enjoy Morocco, 10 days is ideal. In 7 days, you can visit one or two cities and do a Sahara Desert tour. However, this plan involves a lot of driving. In winter, you may arrive at your next destination in the evening because the days are shorter. In 10 to 15 days, you can explore the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, and the desert in a more relaxed way. Morocco is very diverse, so staying longer provides a better and more comfortable travel experience.

If you have fewer holidays and plan to visit Morocco more than once, we recommend starting with Marrakech and enjoying a laidback adventure. You can explore the vibrant medina, beautiful gardens, and local markets. Around Marrakech, you can visit Imlil in the Atlas Mountains for hiking and nature, experience the rocky desert of Agafay Desert, and enjoy an authentic Moroccan cooking class. This is a perfect introduction to Morocco before discovering other regions on your next trip.

If you dislike extreme heat, avoid visiting Morocco in July and August, as the desert and many cities become very hot. However, if you enjoy beaches, you can still visit Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal cities, which are cooler and perfect for summer. If you want an active nightlife, Ramadan may not be the best time to visit because most local restaurants and cafes close during the day. Choosing the right travel season is important for a comfortable and enjoyable Morocco holiday.

Tourists should drink bottled water in Morocco. Even though tap water in big hotels is usually treated and safe, your stomach may not be used to it, especially in rural areas or small towns. To avoid stomach problems, always carry bottled water with you.

Bottled water is very affordable in Morocco. A regular bottle costs around 5–6 MAD, while a large 5-liter bottle costs about 12–14 MAD.

When it comes to food, it is also safer to stick to cooked meals. Avoid raw salads or uncooked vegetables at small local restaurants or street stalls, as they may have been washed with unsafe water. Cooked dishes, hot soups, and freshly baked bread are usually safe and very tasty. Following these simple tips will help you enjoy Moroccan food and drinks without any stomach problems during your trip.

Yes, Moroccans are very friendly and welcoming to tourists. Hospitality is an important part of Moroccan culture, and many visitors say the people are one of the best parts of visiting Morocco. At the same time, Morocco is considered one of the safest countries in North Africa for travelers. Popular tourist areas like Marrakech, Fes, and the Sahara Desert have strong security and a regular police presence. Millions of tourists visit Morocco every year without problems. Like in any country, it is important to watch your belongings and avoid empty streets late at night. Overall, traveling in Morocco is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for international visitors, and the friendly locals make your trip even more memorable.

There are currently no official requirements for travellers to have specific inoculations before arrival but we recommend that you be up-to-date with jabs for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and polio. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary.

Morocco is situated in the far north-west of Africa, and its name in Arabic (“al-Maghreb”) literally means “the West”. The country is just 13km from Spain separated by the Street of Gibraltar. Its neighbor on the east is Algeria, in the south its disputed region of Western Sahara borders on Mauritania. Morocco has 3500 km of coastline with the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, which offers a great opportunity for hiking along its shores and charming coastal towns, such as Essaouira, Asilah and Oualidia. The country is divided in two, north-east to south-west, by the Atlas Mountain ranges (Middle, High, Anti), and in the north the Rif Mountains drop off in the crystal clear Mediterranean.

The city where we are based is Marrakech, and as the southern-most of the four Imperial Cities (together with Fes, Meknes and Rabat in the North), it is ideally located to get into the great outdoors; 1hr to the Atlas, 3hr to the beach, 5hr to the start of the pre-Saharan oases, and 7hr to the Sahara itself!

The preferred currency to use for all purchases is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). We recommend that you simply use an ATM on arrival (at the airport or in town), or change USD, GBP or Euro at a bureau de change. There will be ATMs in towns on tour (e.g. Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate, but also smaller rural towns generally have at least one ATM). Your guide will always assist you with this or notify you in time in case there will be no ATMs for one or more days on route.

You shouldn’t need to carry large amounts of cash with you (just to cover lunch, drinks, souvenirs, etc). Credit cards may be used in the riads/hotels, upscale restaurants/bars and large shops. Rural shops, cafes, and guest-houses will only accept cash.

Approx. exchange rates are £1 : 13.8 MAD and €1 : 11 MAD.

Bottles of water (1.5l) cost around 6-10dh, small coffee or mint tea around 12-15dh, short taxi ride in Marrakech no more than 15dh, lunch/snack around 80dh each in the main square of Marrakech, lunch on tour no more than 100dh each (with a drink).

Yes, it is safe to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco if you book with a licensed and experienced tour company. Desert tours from cities like Marrakech or Fes are well organized and operate regularly with professional drivers and guides.

For safety, you should never travel alone in the desert. Always go with a local guide who knows the area well.

Some travelers confuse the Sahara Desert in southeast Morocco with Western Sahara. The popular desert tours go to areas like Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi, which are located in southeast Morocco near the Algerian border. These areas are safe and are among the most visited places in the country. They are very different from the Western Sahara region in the far southwest. When people speak about Sahara Desert tours in Morocco, they usually mean the desert in southeast Morocco, which is safe and well developed for tourism.

Yes, it is safe to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco if you book with a licensed and experienced tour company. Desert tours from cities like Marrakech or Fes are well organized and operate regularly with professional drivers and guides.

For safety, you should never travel alone in the desert. Always go with a local guide who knows the area well.

Some travelers confuse the Sahara Desert in southeast Morocco with Western Sahara. The popular desert tours go to areas like Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi, which are located in southeast Morocco near the Algerian border. These areas are safe and are among the most visited places in the country. They are very different from the Western Sahara region in the far southwest. When people speak about Sahara Desert tours in Morocco, they usually mean the desert in southeast Morocco, which is safe and well developed for tourism.

We all know that big tourist cities like Rome, Barcelona, or Lisbon can be busy and crowded, and Morocco is no exception. In busy medinas, some travelers may experience light hassle from street sellers, high commissions, or fake guides. This is normal in popular tourist areas. A polite “No, thank you” usually works. Most interactions are harmless, but staying confident and aware will help you enjoy your Morocco trip safely.

Yes, all our guides are certified mountain and/or city guides and our drivers are certified as well, with many years of experience in tourism. There are many faux-guides working in the field, but you are sure in booking with us to get a fully qualified, experienced and trustful guide!

Tipping is entirely discretionary, but is a very welcome and appreciated way for our guides, drivers, cooks etc. to support their incomes. We generally leave it up to you and your satisfaction with our services, although if preferred, we can include tipping in your tour quote so you don’t have to worry about that during your trip.

A small tip at the hotels, desert camp (for the camel drivers) and when you are hosted by a local family will be highly appreciated. In cafes, it’s usual to round the bill up or to leave a few coins for your waiter. In restaurants, 10% of the bill is about right.

Alcohol is easily purchased in shops and hotels in bigger cities and towns such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Fes. Most restaurants / bars will also be able to serve you alcohol.

As Morocco is one of the largest producers of Kif in the world, you may be offered drugs especially when traveling the northern regions. Please bear in mind drugs are illegal to use or posses in Morocco and our team cannot be held accountable in any way for the use or possession of drugs during your tour.

In the souks of bigger cities such as Marrakech and Fes – when shopping for souvenirs, homewares, items of clothing, etc., – do expect to have to haggle over the price: this is perfectly normal and all part of an elaborate bargaining game between you and the shop-keeper! Have a price in mind before you start the negotiations and try to keep to it. Don’t forget, you can always walk away from the negotiation at any time (this often helps the shop-keeper come round to your price!).

Commission shops are all over Morocco, and if you are buying something in the company of your guide he might receive a commission as this is common practice in Morocco. However, our guides never oblige or encourage people to buy something and don’t stop at a particular shop just to make you buy. If you are looking for something specific, your guide can recommend you places to go to or can take you there.

When you travel to Morocco, it is important to respect the local culture and traditions. Morocco is a Muslim country but very modern, so modest clothing is recommended, especially in small towns and villages. Always ask before taking photos of people. Do not publicly criticize religion, the King, or the government. Avoid sensitive political topics like Western Sahara, and do not wear T-shirts with political messages. Do not drink alcohol in public streets. These simple Morocco travel tips will help you enjoy a safe and smooth trip.

Women do not have to wear a headscarf in Morocco. However, modest clothing is recommended, especially outside tourist areas. In cities like Marrakech, tourists dress freely but you may be judged the way you are dressed. In villages, it is better to avoid very short skirts or very open tops. Respecting local dress culture helps female travelers feel more comfortable and safe.If you book a shared tour on platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, you will usually join a large group of tourists from different countries. In these groups, you may see people dressed in very short skirts or wearing very open clothes. This is their personal choice, and Morocco is used to international visitors, especially in tourist areas.

However, it is always better to dress with respect for the local culture, especially in small towns and rural areas. Even if other tourists dress in a very relaxed way, you do not have to follow them. Remember, one person behaving badly is already enough there is no need to copy them. Dressing modestly and acting respectfully will always give you a better travel experience in Morocco.

In Morocco, greeting people is very important. You can say "Salam" or "Salam Alykum" Always say hello before asking for something. Use your right hand when giving or receiving items. Dress modestly outside tourist areas. During Ramadan, avoid eating in public during the day. Respecting these cultural rules improves your Morocco travel experience and remember that we travel to discover not to compare.

Morocco is small compared to many states in America. However, its diversity makes it very popular, together with the vision and development projects of Mohammed VI. In a short distance, you can see mountains, desert, beaches, and historic cities.

The nicest part of Morocco depends on what you want to see. If you love culture and colors, Marrakech is very popular, but it can feel overwhelming sometimes because some sellers can be pushy. If you like blue streets and mountain views, Chefchaouen is beautiful and peaceful. For history and old architecture, Fes is an amazing city, famous for having one of the oldest and largest medinas in the world. If you want beaches and a relaxing atmosphere, Essaouira is perfect. For desert lovers, Merzouga offers unforgettable Sahara Desert experiences.

These places are the main landmarks of Morocco. However, there are also many beautiful hidden gems. You may fall in love with places that are off the beaten path, such as the dunes of Erg Chigaga, the colorful town of Tafraoute, and the central High Atlas Mountains like Ait Bouguemez or the famous Ouzoud Waterfalls. Morocco truly has something special for every traveler.

When visiting Morocco, understanding local customs and cultural etiquette will enhance your experience and show respect to the people and traditions of the country. Here are some key guidelines:

1. Dress Modestly

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and modest clothing is appreciated—especially in rural areas, religious sites, and medinas. For women, covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees is recommended. Men should also avoid wearing sleeveless tops or very short shorts.

2. Greetings Matter

A friendly greeting goes a long way. A common Moroccan greeting is a handshake combined with a touch to the heart. In more conservative settings, men should wait for women to extend their hand first. A polite “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) is always appreciated.

3. Use Your Right Hand

When eating, giving money, or passing items, use your right hand. The left hand is traditionally considered unclean and is reserved for personal hygiene.

4. Respect for Religion

During the call to prayer or when visiting mosques, show respect by lowering your voice and dressing appropriately. Non-Muslims are generally not permitted inside mosques, with some exceptions like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

5. Photography Etiquette‍

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. In some areas, locals may refuse or request a small fee.

6. Tipping Is Customary

Tipping (or "baksheesh") is part of Moroccan culture. It's polite to tip guides, drivers, hotel staff, and even small service workers like porters or café servers.

7. Public Displays of Affection

Public kissing or overt affection between couples is frowned upon in Morocco, especially in conservative areas. A more reserved approach is recommended.

Novels and Literature

• Tahir Shah. The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca (2006).
• Tahir Shah. In Arabian Nights: A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams (2007).
• Esther Freud. Hidious Kinky (1992).
• Paul Bowles. The Spider’s House (1955).
• Gavin Maxwell. Lords of the Atlas: The Rise and Fall of the House of Glaoua 1853-1956 (1966).
• Edith Warton. In Morocco (1919).
• Mohamed Choukri. For Bread Alone (1973).
• Peter Mayne. A Year in Marrakech.
• Michael Palin. Sahara.
• Leila Alami. Secret Son.
• Jeffrey Tayler. Valley of the Casbahs.

History, Politics, Anthropology and Photography

• David Crawford. Encountering Morocco. Fieldwork and Cultural Understanding (2013).

• Bart Deseyn and David Crawford. Nostalgia for the Present. Ethnography and Photography in a Moroccan Berber Village (2014).
• Bart Deseyn. Amazigh. De berbers en hun habitat in zuidelijk Marokko/ Habitats et habitants berberes au sud du Maroc (in Dutch/French).
• Steven Adolf. Marokko Achter De Schermen (2005) (in Dutch).

Islam and the Middle East and North Africa region

• Reza Aslan. No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam (2005).
• Paul Danahar. The New Middle East: The World after the Arab Spring (2013).

Cooking and Interior

• Angelika Tasschen, ed. Morocco Style (Icons) (2004).
• Claudia Roden. Arabesque: A Taste of Morocco, Turkey, and Lebanon (2006).
• Marcel van Silfhout and Yassine Nassir. Kookkaravaan. Smaakroute door Marokko (2011) (in Dutch).
• Sophia and Rob Palmer. Colour of Maroc (Uit Marokko in Dutch) (2014).

• Hideous Kinky with Kate Winslet: A must-watch about an English hippy woman and her two children traveling through Morocco in the ‘70s.
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• Horses of God by lauded director Nabil Ayouch (2012): An interesting and fantasticly done movie by Ayouch about life in the Casablanca slums and the men who committed the 2003 Casablanca bombings.
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• La Source des Femmes (2011): a drama/comedy film depicting life in a North African Berber village where the women go on strike because they have to fetch water from a well far away.
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• Gladiator by Ridley Scott: A few scenes depicting a Roman settlement in Northern Africa are shot in the famous village of Ait ben Haddou, where many other movies were also shot such as Kingdom of Heaven and Lawrence of Arabia. If this village is on your journey through Morocco, make sure to watch Gladiator as you will recognize much!
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• Babel (2006): in which Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett play a couple traveling through Morocco, and Blanchett gets shot by mistake. Beautiful images of Southern Morocco, Saghru region.