Basics About Morocco

Traveling in Morocco will give you the opportunity to experience the incredible linguistic abilities of Moroccans.

Morocco boasts two official languages, Arabic and Berber. The majority of people use Moroccan Arabic (Darija) in their everyday conversations. Berber is widely spoken in the country. Berber has been primarily an oral language without a major written form until recently. Street signs are in Classical Arabic with some including the written form of Berber: Tifinagh.

French plays a prominent role in the country as the language of business, government, and higher education, making it a "third unofficial" language of Morocco. Additionally, Spanish is spoken in the northern regions due to their proximity to Spain.

As the youth of Morocco become increasingly educated, English is quickly becoming their second language of choice. Explore the diverse linguistic landscape of Morocco and witness their unmatched language skills.

If you're a citizen of the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, or Singapore, you can visit Morocco without a visa. But if you're from a country not listed, you might need one. Always double-check with your local consulate.

Here's an important reminder for everyone: before you jet off to Morocco, make sure your passport has at least 6 months left before it expires. Oh, and don't forget, you'll need a blank page for that entry stamp.

The official currency is the Moroccan dirham. The dirham is a closed currency, so remember to bring money to exchange upon arrival.

Rest assured, you'll have no trouble obtaining dirham as there are various convenient locations to do so. Whether you choose to exchange at the airport, local banks, or even select hotels and Riads, you'll never be far from acquiring the currency you need.

While credit cards are accepted in many places, it's advisable to always carry cash as not all establishments accept cards. For additional convenience, ATMs are available for you to withdraw dirham using your debit card. Keep in mind that ATMs are more abundant in larger cities, but may occasionally be out of cash. Additionally, note that there is a daily limit on cash withdrawals.

Experience the wonders of Morocco any time of year, with a little preparation and careful planning. For the best weather, opt for spring (March-May) or fall (September-October), particularly if you're heading to the Sahara. Even in the summer heat, there are still plenty of thrilling activities like surfing along the coast or trekking in the High Atlas Mountains. Winter brings snow at higher elevations and cool desert nights, but with the right preparations, you can embark on an incredible adventure without battling the daytime heat.

The public transit system connects main towns with rail service, while buses and taxi cabs cater to inner-city trips. Navigating the country on public transportation does come with its issues: understanding the schedules and pricing can be difficult.

The other option is to take one of our customized tours. For small private or group tours, our large vans and sedans provide comfort and convenience. And for larger group holidays, we offer spacious motor coaches. Explore Morocco with ease and style.

Experience a captivating family vacation in Morocco. With a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Soar above Marrakech in a thrilling hot-air balloon ride, delve into the picturesque Ourika Valley, embark on a majestic camel ride through the Sahara Desert, and immerse yourself in the vibrant medina of Fez. Discover the wonders of this moderate Muslim North African country, destined to enchant all travelers.

Discover the LGBTQ experience in Morocco: A unique blend of acceptance and conservatism. While Morocco has made strides in embracing LGBTQ visitors, it's important to understand the cultural sensitivities surrounding this issue. Dive into the enchanting city of Tangiers, a historical haven for LGBTQ travelers, and witness Marrakech's growing acceptance. But remember, discretion is key, as conservative attitudes still prevail and same-sex acts remain illegal.

Vacations in Morocco with Discover Sahara Tours

Our service focuses on responsible tourism and cultural immersion. While other agencies may offer a standard tourist experience, we ensure that our clients have an authentic and enriching journey. We deeply respect the local culture and environment, and we ensure that our clients do as well. We design each itinerary with a unique and personal touch, offering an experience that other travel agencies can't match.

Experience the true value of a Moroccan tour with Discover Sahara Tours. We believe in providing an exceptional experience, tailored to your preferences. Unlike cookie-cutter tours, we create customized itineraries that guarantee amazing memories and new friendships. Our commitment to quality means we only take a limited number of bookings at a time, ensuring personalized attention and excellent drivers and guides.

But it's not just about the experience for us. We are dedicated to fair wages for our local hosts, addressing the disparity in the tourism industry. By choosing Discover Sahara Tours, you support local communities and help uplift families who often struggle to make ends meet. Our high standards for driver and guides and their genuine love for their work ensure exceptional service and meaningful interactions with our guests.

Please note that we do not provide itemized cost breakdowns, as our focus is on delivering an unforgettable journey rather than simply a price tag.

Experience the best of Morocco with Discover Sahara Tours. Our mission is to create incredible experiences while respecting the local culture. Don't miss out on the authentic Moroccan experience that can only be found with a local guide. Our drivers are the key to unlocking the beauty and diversity of Morocco, and they love sharing their country with our guests.

Forget about the hassle of planning and logistics - let us handle everything from the moment you arrive to the time you depart. Sit back, relax, and fully immerse yourself in the magic of Morocco.

At Discover Sahara Tours, we believe in fair wages for our drivers and guides. They are passionate about their work and deserve to be properly compensated for their expertise. Unlike other tour companies, we prioritize their well-being and ensure they are well taken care of.

Rest assured, you'll have the best of both worlds - a knowledgeable driver and, if needed, a licensed guide. In cities like Fes, we always provide guides specifically trained to navigate the city's captivating Medina.

Choose Discover Sahara Tours for an unforgettable vacation in Morocco. Let us show you the hidden gems and untold stories of this captivating country.

Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture by staying in a traditional riad. These charming homes, located in the historic medinas, have been transformed into cozy boutique hotels. The heart of the riad is a stunning courtyard or garden, surrounded by rooms on multiple levels. Unwind on the rooftop terrace, the perfect spot for relaxation and dining.

To respect Islamic traditions of privacy, riads forgo large windows facing the outside. Instead, each room opens up to the courtyard, providing a peaceful oasis. On the exterior, riads blend in with their simple doors, but step inside and you'll discover a beautifully decorated palace, offering a sanctuary away from the bustling medina.

Experience the Desert: Your Ultimate Guide

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the desert on a trip that will leave you in awe. But before you embark on this adventure, here's what you need to know:

Plan for a Minimum of Three Days (Preferably Four)

To truly soak in the wonders of the desert, a minimum of three days is essential. However, for an even more immersive experience, we highly recommend extending your trip to four days. Trust us, it will be worth it.

Combine Your Desert Trip with a Longer Tour

For the best way to explore the desert, consider including it in a longer tour. With so much to see and experience, a short time period just won't do it justice. Plus, the desert is quite distant from the primary cities, so including it in a longer tour makes logistical sense.

Beware of False Claims about the "Marrakech Desert"

Let us debunk a common misconception. There is no desert directly outside Marrakech, despite what some tour operators may tell you. Those offering tours to the "Marrakech Desert" are simply trying to sell you a trip to the Agafay Desert where you will find rocky hills rather than towering sand dunes. There are camel rides, quad bikes and Berber camps set up here - but it is not the Sahara - so if you do choose to go here know what to expect.

Don't Settle for Subpar Tours

If you come across a tour offering prices between $100 and $200 USD, be skeptical. It's simply impossible to provide a private tour for such a low amount. These shared tours typically have up to 17 people per vehicle, which is not the ideal way to experience the desert. For an unforgettable journey, opt for a private tour in a high-quality vehicle or 4x4 that can handle off-road terrain. And who better to lead you than an experienced driver and guide who has grown up in the desert? It's the opportunity to have a true local guide you through the Sahara. Trust us, it's an opportunity that doesn't come by often.

Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime

Enrich your life with an extraordinary trip to the Sahara Desert. Immerse yourself in its enchanting landscapes and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Preparing for your Vacation in Morocco

Experience the comfort of our Sahara desert camp in Morocco! Equipped with running water, toilets, and showers, our tents provide double or twin beds to suit your needs. Don't worry about sharing with strangers - the tents are private.

You will want to pack a backpack or small duffle bag for the overnight stay, as your main luggage will be securely stored. Embark on an unforgettable camel ride, led by experienced guides, to reach the camp in approximately 90 minutes. Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings near the dunes. (If are not interested in or unable to ride a camel, let us know and we'll make alternate arrangements.)

At the camp, you can climb the dunes to your heart's content and witness the breathtaking sunset. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious dinner and music by the fire (weather permitting). For photography enthusiasts, you will have the opportunity to capture stunning night shots in an isolated, unlit area.

The camps we work with have electricity, but, as they are powered by solar, responsible usage is key. It is helpful if you ensure your batteries are fully charged before arriving in the camp to make the most of your experience.

Don't forget to pack these suggested items for your trip:
Layered clothing for warmth and sun protection
Gloves, sweaters or jackets, and warm socks (for winter trips)
Hat or turban
Sunscreen

Once You've Arrived

Enjoy your stay with us worry-free! While our guests rarely encounter issues, a few may experience mild stomach discomfort, usually due to adjustments to local food. To ensure your well-being, we suggest sticking to cooked vegetables and peeled fruits, avoiding tap water-washed food. In certain places, fruits and vegetables are washed in bottled water, providing a safe opportunity to try them.

We have also had people who have had a positive experience with taking chewable Pepto Bismol leading up to and during their vacation.

Rest assured, your host will assist you in checking all these details.

Tipping is not just a courtesy, it's a smart move when in Morocco. With tourism driving the country's economy, showing your appreciation with a small tip goes a long way.

One place that tipping is important to be aware of is the bathroom. While it's customary to tip the bathroom attendant with 2 dirhams for their service, remember that cleanliness and toilet paper availability are pivotal. If the bathroom falls short, don't hesitate to withhold the tip.

Morocco has a liberal attitude towards alcohol, despite being a Muslim country. Sip on the country's delicious wine and popular local.

Here are some helpful tips for accessing alcohol:

Inside the Medinas and near mosques, alcohol is not served or available for purchase.
Look out for cafes and restaurants in the modern parts of big cities that serve alcohol, as well as bars in large hotels.
While most riads and smaller hotels can't sell alcohol, many allow guests to bring their own. Check with your accommodations for their policy.
Grab alcohol from designated sections in most major grocery stores.
Remember, public consumption of alcohol is not allowed and intoxication is strongly frowned upon. Open containers in public are also against the law.

Most places offer Wifi - but it may be slow or unreliable.

Stay connected in Morocco with an unlocked phone and a Moroccan SIM card. Get reliable data on the go for just $5.00 USD. With wifi and data, you'll have more consistent internet access throughout your trip. Top up cards are easily available, so you can pay-as-you-go. We'll assist you in choosing the best phone, text, and data operator based on your tour location.

Option 1: Unlock your phone and get connected in Morocco with a Moroccan SIM card. For only $5 USD, you can have access to Whatsapp, the Internet, and other web apps. Plus, use your phone as a hotspot wherever you have connectivity. Orange is the best phone company in Morocco with the widest coverage. We will assist you in setting up your SIM card.

Option 2: If you're from the US, many carriers offer daily or monthly add-on access that is valid in Morocco offering you access to your plan's text and data allowances. GoogleFi service also works in Morocco. These options don't include phone calls - but messaging and calls work through iMessage/FaceTime, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. (As a side-note, most locals have WhatsApp on their phones - including many businesses)

For calling in Morocco, remember the country code is 212. To call Morocco from the US, dial +212 followed by the destination number. To call the USA from Morocco, dial +1, the area code, and the destination number.