Tour Guide, Marrakech, Morocco
| 13 mins read
Climate
Marrakech city has seen temperatures exceeding 45 degrees and even fiercer than this. Though the Atlantic shore enjoys a temperate climate all year, summertime sometimes feels warmer than winter due to stronger sea breezes. Rainfall is never prolonged here, however intense, and witnessing rain in the desert is surely special here. The snow-line doesn’t pass below 1800 m. It gets very cold during the night, so layering is crucial during winters.
In the summertime, Morocco has an average of over 300 days of sun annually and sunlight is strong even in winter. As other countries globally, weather conditions in Morocco have also become far less predictable.
Geography
The country is dissected in two, north-east and the south-west by the Atlas Mountain ranges (Middle, High, Anti) and shares a border with Algeria and Mauritania. The Rif Mountains in the far North are observable from Spain’s Sierra Nevada.
It take 1 hour to the Atlas, 3 hour to the beach, 5 hour to the beginning of the pre-Saharan oases and about 7 hours to the Sahara itself. Western Sahara is Moroccan-held territory, although disputed that the Arabic name given for Morocco by medieval historians and geographers is”al-Maghrib al-Aqsa”, interpreted as a furthest westerly kingdom of Morocco which is 13 km from Spain. This is smaller compared to it's neighbor, regardless of it's land bordering about 3500 km of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
Marrakech is the southern-most of the four Imperial Cities (together with Fes, Meknes, and Rabat from the North).
Culture& Custom & Traditions
The country is suspended with Islam and is very traditional. We, therefore, remind you to be respectful of particular aspects of society here, in particular with your apparel and that of Moroccan cultures.
Morocco is a very safe, tolerant and a relaxed country. It's ample hospitality knows no bounds and you will be exceptionally well looked after wherever you stay. In rural regions, avoid having too much skin on display. Cover up your arms and legs as much as you can.
When shopping for souvenirs, homewares, items of clothing etc. in the souks (markets) expect to have to haggle over the cost; this is absolutely 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 attempt to stick to it.
You can stay away from the negotiation at any time (this often helps the shop-keeper come round for your price!).
Don’t forget, you can always walk in particularly sacred time for Muslims and you ought to be mindful of your apparel in Marrakech. Also, at this time, think twice before publicly drinking, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Back in Marrakech, and on the beach,”anything goes” dress-wise but hope to get noticed if that’s the case. Smoking or eating in public spaces during the day is not advised, especially near the places of worship.
Food & Drink
From the embers of a fire, along with flavorsome salads or enjoy delicious Moroccan tea with us. Dessert isn’t really a huge deal in mealtimes. Generally, fruits like pomegranate, melon, peaches, grapes etc. are served with a glass of the ubiquitous mint tea. Other fruits particular to Morocco are all figs, dates and sweet pears. It is a pleasure to get invited into a Moroccan home.
Probably experience this from the desert; observe that the staple of every meal, bread, baked fresh in the hot sand under the coals of the campfire and take part in the art of it's making. Other notable dishes include pastilla (full filo pastry package, sweet & savoury), mechwi (roasted whole lamb or sheep, occasionally cooked in a fire-pit from the floor).
Tipping is also an established practice in the tourism service. Tipping stays completely optional but is a good way of welcome and accepted way for most guides, drivers. From a European perspective, something as simple as making a cup of java or carbonated a loaf of bread carries huge cultural significance.
The having of tea really is a social network that opens conversations and connects people with their own heritage. You will without doubt enjoy countless glasses of exotic food; fresh, seasonal fruit & veggies all grown in Morocco and of course, lean meat (often lamb). Sweet snacks are wonderful Moroccan pastries that are made with honey and almonds. They create a thoughtful gift to take along if you use Earthenware pot. The dishes are slowly cooked over charcoal and couscous (semolina steamed three times to keep it mild ).
Arab & Berber identity
The Berbers were of course, the original people of Morocco that the Arabs didn’t invade before the 7th C. Eventually, almost all Berbers converted to Islam and were accepted.
You will be fortunate enough to be absorbed in this culture. The dialects of Berber spoken are based on certain areas in the country, ever since the Constitution of 2011 got the”Berber speech”. Today, most Moroccans can claim both Berber and Arab heritage. From the Rif and Atlas Mountains and in the South, including the desert, all groups of pure Berbers stay.
Today, Berber individuality is powerful in Morocco and also among the people. Berber habits are unique in terms of design & art, music, dress & jewelry, and wedding rites. It is also formally known as Morocco’s second speech (alongside Arabic).
Gitting Of Morocco
Flights from the United Kingdom have an average of only 3.5 hours to Marrakech and there are 6 airlines on scheduled routes. Marrakech airport is just a 15 minute drive from the city and we can also arrange for your transfer from the airport. There are currently no official requirements for travelers to have specific inoculations before coming into this country. However, we recommend that you be up-to-date together with jabs for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. Alternatively, with time to spare, you can also reach Morocco by train in approx. 42 hours from London (we have done it!) . This includes an overnight at Algeciras (or Tarifa). EU nationals do not need a visa to enter Morocco and are allowed to remain here for 90 days at a time. You should have atleast 6 months of validity remaining on your passport.
Currency
We recommend that you use a cashpoint on arrival, or change GBP or Eur at bureau de change. The Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD) and is a closed currency (though it could be possible to purchase it at certain airport exchange desks). Approx. Exchange prices are 1: 14.5 MAD and $1: 10.5 MAD.
Bottles of water (1.5l) are priced around 6-10 dh, small coffee or mint tea around 12-15 dh, short taxi holiday in Marrakech are no higher than 15 dh. Lunch/snacks are about 80 dh in the primary square.
Some Vocabulary
For the first visit, you may like to try out the below Arabic words and even if you don’t speak it may help you to understand some of the common phrases that you may hear around you.
La bas? – how are you?.
BeKhir – good, well (as in beKhir? are you well?).
Salam Alaikum – peace be upon you.
the response to being greeted with salam –Wa Alaikum salamalaikum.
Sabah l’kheer – good morning.
Msa l’kheer – good evening.
Leila saeeda – goodnight.
Bislama – goodbye.
Shoukran – thank you.
Afak / please – minfadlik (to a woman) – minfadlak (to a man).
Naam – yes.
La – no.
Shwiya – a little.
Bzaf – a lot, very.
Mezyen – good.
Safee – that’s enough, that’s it.
Wakha – ok
Kayn? – is there?
shahaal? – how much?
Kabir – big
Saghir – small
Security Matters
We advise people to the Kingdom of Morocco to read through their very own government’s foreign office advice prior to traveling. It is important to know and understand while traveling to other countries. We invite you to read our blog article on Morocco’s Spirit of Community, please see there.
Understand the cultural facets of Morocco, gleaned from living in a little community. To put it differently, know the reasons why we believe Morocco is a safe tourist destination to visit.
Further points to deal with any concerns :
We don’t operate desert tours in Morocco from the land of Western Sahara. This is more than 1000 km away from the region you will see.
You will find a police presence around the country, not just in cities. This has been the situation for several years and is a simple fact of life.
Police check-points on main roads to not only check speeding of vehicles but also to control vehicles/road users.
The border with Algeria was closed for 23 decades. The military patrols the boundary at frequent intervals, although this will not be visible to you during your desert excursion. You will not see the border.
There is an important overseas investment in high-profile infrastructure projects (like the NOOR solar energy plant at Ouarzazate and the high-speed TGV rail line in the North), and at the tourism sector (e.g. that the December 2016 opening of a new airport terminal in Marrakech and afterward at Fes). Global resort brands have been increasing their numbers here for quite some time in Morocco (e.g. Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Sofitel, Fairmont). Airlines have also been raising the number of flights to Morocco (like Ryanair, EasyJet, Austrian, Royal Air Maroc).
Annually, Morocco also have many renowned sporting and cultural events (Marathon des Sables; Marrakech Film Festival; Fes Festival of World Sacred Music).
Please do contact us incase of any questions.
Footwear for the desert
Even in winter, it’s comfortable to trek in the desert in sandals (with socks) because this minimizes the possibility of blisters. Running shoes/trainers will also be fine to attract. But if you are walking in hot weather, you will find trekking in sandals/trainers more comfortable. All footwear should be worn-in. Barefoot is the option if you have got hard bottoms (particularly for the evenings) yet you will discover that the sand will probably get beneath your insoles. Canvas ankle boots are fine (perhaps for the first morning/cold weather).
Animal Welfare
The global charity, SPANA, has created an internet, ethical creature tourism manual,’Holiday Hooves’. You may get this manual here - www.spana.org/ethical-animal-tourism. SPANA quotes that there are just two million operating animals (donkeys, mules, horses) at Morocco. The manual encourages people to encourage owners that treat their animals with respect and kindness. SPANA also motivates anyone to examine that the mistreatment of animals to the neighborhood.
Never provide to pay to save an animal out of the keeper.
If you are interested in animal welfare, then you might like to take into account for a visit from Marrakech into Jarjeer Mules’ monster refuge.
Wifi and staying connected
There is no WIFI connection in the Sahara desert. When you have an urgent need to remain connected, you need to buy a SIM card out of network operator Orange. You should have the ability to discover from time to time that complimentary SIM cards are handed out in the Marrakech airport.
These won’t operate in the desert (only the Orange system works via the Iriqui National Park/Erg Chigaga area ). Orange outlets are found in the Marrakech medina around Boulevard Mohamed or close to the Place Ferblantiers. You can also expect to find WIFI in the guest houses.
Weather Forecast
We notice the ‘meteoblue’ forecast fairly accurate. Search for MHamid El Ghizlane for the Sahara desert: Alternative forecast on ‘weather underground’:
www.wunderground.com
Tipping
Tipping is totally optional and is a very welcome and approved way for drivers, guides, cooks etc to encourage their low incomes. 50 dh per night a person at Berber Sea camp. In pubs, it is normal to round the bill up or to leave a few coins on your server. In restaurants, 10 percent of the invoice is all about perfect. Acceptable figures are — 100-150 dh per day for the motorist, 50-100 dh per day per guide on trek (variable in an additional% of the tip for the camel-handler on trek),
Your Driver
He’s experienced and knows the roads (and desert terrain) tremendously nicely. He’s your traveling companion and route guide. Please don’t hesitate to ask him to stop if you need to and don’t be afraid to ask him questions. After all, you are going to be spending a few hours in the car together and that is a great opportunity to gain some cultural insights (from either side ). He does understand the best areas for comfort breaks, snacks, opinions, and photographs.
Times Kipping
Time-keeping this really is more’fluid” than you could possibly be employed to back home. However, what is extremely important to stick to — flight schedules and sunset in town! We offer you with the collection and/or passing times each morning. Timings are approximate and are for advice after all this is your holiday so nothing Is pre-determined — it doesn’t matter if you would rather spend an additional 20mins more than breakfast!
Marrakech Hamman
We advise that you encounter a hammam if in Morocco — actually, it is among Our Best 5 Things To Do In Morocco. Many people coming to Morocco try out this experience at a personal spa (we could advocate spas for you personally incase your riad does not have you ). You need to bring a change of swimwear or underwear alongside you. But you may pay a visit to a public bathroom as the regional inhabitants would do once a week (segregated men/women naturally ). The neighborhood hammam lies adjoined to the neighborhood mosque.
Marrakech restaurants
We can advise on a few of our favorite places to eat (inside / beyond the medina) — however, please see our remarks about dining in town!
Alcohol: It is easily purchased in Marrakech shops, and even at Ouarzazate at almost all riads/ hotels in Marrakech. There are a few rural guest-houses which likewise do this.
Shopping
From the souk in Marrakech — when shopping for Memorabilia, homewares, items of clothes, etc. do hope to have to haggle over the price; this is absolutely normal. If you are coming to Morocco with a view to picking up some regional handicrafts please let us know. True, you are likely to get what you are looking for in Marrakech. If you don't have any intention of purchasing, don’t act interested. However, if you would rather wait till you are on the road, then go directly to the origin. For more affordable pricing with no hassle involved, we can take you to some pottery Cooperative at Tamegroute and a carpeting cooperative in Taznakht. Family-run cooperatives support their local communities.
You will also have to see how the goods are made, using centuries-old methods. We only suggest this as we have purchased products here ourselves. Many riads/hotels in Marrakech sell it. There are a few rural guest-houses which do so.
Managing goods & showing any kind of mild interest, when browsing in the souk, is often interpreted from the shop-keeper as a certain purchase. You can always walk away during the discussion anytime (this often assists the shop-keeper to come around to your cost!). Take a price in mind before you begin the negotiations and attempt to keep to it.