Country Guide - Morocco
The Evil Eye
The power of the evil eye is a potent force for many Moroccans. One way of warding it off is to show the open palm of the hand, fingers pointing upwards. This 'hand of Fatima' (the Prophet's daughter) can frequently be spotted on stickers, painted on doors or as jewellery.
Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities stir a hint of spice in the nostrils. Jostling crowds, the piquant tension of debate, space in perpetual motion - the minute you set foot in the country you know you've arrived somewhere very different.
Spend a weekend in a luxury riad in Marrakesh, Fès or Rabat, exorcise your shopping demons in some of the most colourful markets in the world, or indulge in some off-piste desert driving over sugar-soft dunes... And this fantastically varied destination is barely three hours flying time from Europe.
Full Name
Kingdom of Morocco
Capital City
Rabat
Currency
Moroccan Dirham
Timezone(s)
GMT 0
Area
446,550 km2
Population
33,000,000
People
55% Arab, 44% Berber, 0.7% foreigners
Languages
- Arabic (official)
- Spanish; Castilian (other)
- Tamazight (official)
- French (other)
Plug Types
Voltage: 127/220V
Frequency (Hz): 50Hz
Geography
Spectacularly diverse, Morocco combines sand, sea and snow in a way that Club Med developers can only dream about. The southern coast stretches to the edge of the disputed Western Sahara territory, while to the north, the bulk of Morocco's population fills the foothills of the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Between the mountains and Morocco's Atlantic coast are plateaus and plains that are fertile and well-watered. In the extreme south, at the edge of the Anti Atlas, the gorges, like the rivers that flow at their bases, gradually peter out into the endless sand and stony wastes of the vast Sahara.
When to Go
On the northern coast the weather is tourist-friendly pretty much all year round, although winter can bring cool and wet conditions. Beaches further south are prone to fog in the summer months, a phenomenon caused when the heat of the desert meets the chill Atlantic current. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions demands some serious insulation. If you're heading into the hills, the ski season usually lasts from December to March. April to October is the main trekking season, when the mountain snows start to thaw. In high season (mid-June-mid-September) you'll need to book or you may find areas full.
Events
Morocco is one of those religious frontiers where orthodoxy and local custom have met and compromised. The veneration of saints is frowned upon by orthodox Sunni Muslims but, in Morocco, mainstream Islam blends with the mystical practises of Sufism, which involves devotional dancing, poetry and trance. Because of this, the Moroccan calendar retains many moussems (non-Islamic 'holy' days), honouring holy men like Moulay Idriss. It's worth asking around for details of festival dates because they alter a little every year.
The two largest moussems in the Moroccan calendar are Moussem of Ben Aïssa, held in Meknès in June, and Moussem of Moulay Idriss II, held in Fès at the end of September when thousands gather to watch the processions to the saint's tomb.
Other, non-religious events, that pull in impressive crowds are the world-famous Gnawa and World Music Festival, held in Essaouira, and the Festival of World Sacred Music held in Fès in June. The Marrakesh Film Festival, held between September and December, is also growing in popularity and showcases Arab and African cinema to an often star-studded audience. Independence Day, one of five national secular holidays, is celebrated on 18 November.
Weather
On the Atlantic-Mediterranean coastline June to September are the most pleasant times to visit Morocco, offering mostly rain-free days and moderately humid and warm conditions, with the mercury lingering around the high 20°Cs (low 80°Fs) during the daytime. Further inland, rain is sparse the year round and it can get quite hot. More comfortable conditions on the central plateau will be found during March to June and September to December. Don't underestimate the extremes of heat and cold in the higher mountains, where some peaks can remain snow-capped from November to June.
Activities
There are loads of trekking possibilities in Morocco, a highlight being the beautiful trail between Tacheddirt and Imlil above the High Atlas snow line. Other outdoor fun includes rock climbing in the Todra Gorge, camel trekking in Erfoud and M'Hamid, desert quadbiking around Ouarzazate and surf fishing in the southwest. The winds and resulting surf off the Atlantic coast are great for surfing and windsurfing.
Places of Interest
Fès el-Bali
The medina of Fès el-Bari (Old Fès) is the largest living medieval city in the world. Its incredible maze of 9400 twisting alleys, blind turns and souqs are crammed with shops, restaurants, workshops, mosques, medersas (theological colleges), dye pits and tanneries. A riot of sights, sounds and smells, 21st-century Fès is groaning at its 9th-century seams.
Aït Benhaddou
Aït Benhaddou is one of the most exotic and best-preserved kasbahs in the entire Atlas region. This is hardly surprising, since it has had money poured into it as a result of being used for scenes in as many as 20 films. In recent years its population has dwindled, but it is under Unesco protection.
Djemaa el-Fna
This huge square is the backdrop for one of the world's greatest spectacles. Lively at any hour of day, Djemaa el-Fna comes into its own at dusk when the curtain goes up on rows of open-air food stalls infusing the area with mouthwatering aromas. Jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and acrobats fill the remaining space.
Hassan II Mosque
The crowning achievement of King Hassan II, this phenomenal building is the world's third-largest mosque. It was built to commemorate the former king's 60th birthday and rises above the ocean on a rocky outcrop reclaimed from the sea. It's a vast building that can hold 25,000 worshippers and accommodate a further 80,000 in its courtyards.
Volubilis
Volubilis is the site of the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Dating largely from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, excavations have revealed that the site was originally settled by Carthaginian traders even earlier. At its peak, it is estimated that the city housed up to 20,000 people. Take a guide, a hat and plenty of water. Magical at dusk.
Terrorism Concerns - Western Sahara
In March and April 2007 several suicide bombings were carried out in Casablanca targeting Western interests. The overall threat of further attacks has increased, particularly in Casablanca. Travellers should exercise caution, pay attention to news reports regarding safety and heed any local advice regarding potential dangers.
The disputed territory of Western Sahara has a history of political instability and insecurity. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.
Visas
All visitors require a passport. Citizens of the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas. Three-month visitor's stamps can be extended by Immigration or Bureau des Etrangers in most large towns.
Further Reading
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The Conquest of Morocco
Douglas Porch
Examines the takeover of Morocco by Paris, leading to the establishment of the protectorate.
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A Year in Marrakesh
Peter Mayne
Highly readable account of Mayne's time spent living among the people of Marrakesh.
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Their Heads Are Green
Paul Bowles
An intriguing collection of short stories about North Africa by the famous author and one-time Tangier resident.
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Morocco: In the Labyrinth of Dreams and Bazaars
W M Weiss, Stefan Tobler
Travels through Morocco's social and geographical contrasts with interesting and unusual characters along the way.
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The Sand Child
Tahar Ben Jelloun
A critique of contemporary Islamic society in North Africa, particularly the treatment of women.
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Tangier: city of the dream
Iain Finlayson
An intriguing look at some of the Western literati who found a new home in Morocco at one time or another.
