Highlights Of Morocco

Luggage
A normal suitcase on wheels is fine and what I imagine most people will have with them. I took a rucksack only because that's what I always use (and I don't have a decent suitcase!) but most of my group had soft sided bags with wheels and a handle.

Clothing
The only thing I found handy which I don't think is on the packing list was a light scarf - good when it's sunny to protect you and also if it's windy or dusty in the desert. You can also just pick up something similar locally in one of the markets (the souk in Fez is amazing and great for shopping).

In terms of footwear, you would get away with something like a solid trainer or walking/ trail shoe. Something with ankle support isn't a bad idea for a couple of the walks but this is really erring on the side of caution more than anything else.

Do I need to cover up?
They are quite used to tourists in the larger cities, it's more in the countryside and smaller towns that you probably need to be more aware of clothing. Shorts to the knee should be fine. You will see in the more touristy cities (Marrakech, for example) some tourists walking around in less (I saw some French girls in bikinis walking down the main avenue!) but this is not advised, both in terms of cultural sensitivity and safety.

Money
There are plenty of places to change money, from the airport to banks in the cities. You'll usually meet the leader before you do anything else and he will advise where is best, depending on who wants to change what and how much. I just changed my money at the airport when I arrived, and then I think topped up at an ATM towards the end which was quite easy. Make sure you let your bank know in advance if you want to do this.

Internet
I didn't use the internet a lot myself, apart from sending some emails when we passed through Fez. I'm pretty sure some of the hotels have Wifi, and some definitely had computers in the lobbies you could use. There are also internet cafes in all major towns and cities. Again, just ask the leader when you want to use something and he can point you in the right direction.

The hotels
The gite has mattresses on the floor and it's just nice to have something between you and them, so a liner is advised. They have big blankets but to be honest, some people found them a bit smelly (not all of them, but some!) so it's just more comfortable to have something between you and them.

Pretty much all the hotels will have towels, but I take a small hand towel with me normally anyway, and it's handy for the gite and camp.

Will Shoubridge - Sales

Yes! When not staying in a hotel, you will always have a foam sleeping mat or full mattress if staying in a gite.

Danuta Janik - Customer Operations

Marrakech is truly a taste of Morocco at it's best. Grab a seat in the huge main square, the Djemma el Fna, and watch the world go by while sipping some mint tea. It's been a place of entertainment for locals for hundreds of years and is packed with everything from food stalls to snake charmers! The Majorelle and Menara gardens are also well worth a visit, and offer some peace in the middle of this hectic city.

At night, anyone looking for somewhere to chill out in the heart of the medina should try the Café Arabe, which has some of the best modern Moroccan food around, as well as great views from their rooftop terrace!

Kim Christie - Customer Operations

Fez is one of the most exciting cities I've ever been to! It's a city locked in time, with it's endless miles of alleyways, shops, hawkers and craftsmen working in gold, silver and pretty much anything you can imagine. Noisy and pungent, hot and claustrophobic, it's one of the most authentic places you can ever visit for a real taste of North African life.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Moroccan cuisine is very diverse, with many influeneces due to the interaction of Morocco with the outside world for centuries. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Berber, Moorish, Mediterranean and Arab influences. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous, usually eaten with beef or lamb. Chicken is also very common and the importance of seafood is increasing, especially on the coast. Vegetarians won't have any problems either, although choice can be more limited in remote locations.

The common and tasty tajine is everywhere, a mouth watering stew with meat and vegetables. Green tea with mint is the drink of choice, and you can pick up bocadillos (sandwiches) from street stalls everywhere - you won't go hungry!

 Olly Leicester - Sales

Riding a camel is a fun and truly memorable experience and, although it can be a bit bumpy at times, it is a true taste of this part of the world and shouldn't be missed. Saying that, if you really would rather not do it, you can always walk alongside the group, but this will be hot and tiring - much easier just to jump on board!

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

You will find taxis everywhere but the only way to travel around the city and soak up the atmosphere is to jump in a Calesh! If there’s one thing, you do make sure you enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride around the old walled city or medina. Your hotel can arrange for a caleche to collect you pick one up from the ‘taxi rank’ at the entrance to the Djemma el Fna or main square.

Ben Roseveare - Marketing Director

For departures from June to late September, a sleeping bag liner will be sufficient (so a sleeping bag is not needed) and blankets are provided locally should there be the occasional chilly evening. For April, May and October departures, a 3 season sleeping bag is needed. As it becomes colder between November and March, we recommend a 4 season sleeping bag, however it is best to check the weather before departure as it can be warm enough for a 3 season.

Amanda Ceraolo - Product Manager

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham and cannot be imported or exported, as it is a 'closed' currency. We suggest you take your personal spending money in good condition notes, either in £, Euros or US$. Local costs - it depends! - £2-4 per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc; £15 a day for food is fine (if it's not included).

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Morocco where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place from the 20th of July to the 18th of August 2012 (dates can shift slightly). This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities. 

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!