MARRAKECH
TIME ZONE
GMT+1
GENERAL
A trip to Marrakech is an adventure for the senses. From the moment you step off the plane you’ll be surrounded by a heady buzz of sounds, sights and smells – all rich, exotic and filled with the local culture. Visitors can explore the bright colours bursting from the streets of the Central Souqs, surrounded by local foods and the local way of life. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the crowds is easy too, with the majestic beauty of the Atlas Mountains only a day trip away.
GEOGRAPHY
Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca, Fez and Tangier. It’s the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi. Located to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, it is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery. Just outside of the city is its Palmeraie which features 130,000 hectares of greenery and over 180,000 palm trees making it an oasis of rich plant variety. Throughout the seasons, fragrant orange, fig, pomegranate and olive trees display their color and fruits in Agdal Garden, Menara Garden and other gardens in the city.
LANGUAGE
The official languages are Arabic and Berber.
CURRENCY
Moroccan dirham is the currency (abbreviation MAD). Cash can easily be exchanged in major hotel chains, authorised banks and travel agencies. International credit cards are only accepted in larger hotels, shops and restaurants, much of the smaller outlets are cash only. The exchange rate varies and must be checked at the hotel front-desk.
WEATHER
In March this land locked city has mild spring days averaging 20 degrees but chilly desert nights. Proximity to snow capped Atlas Mountains means there is chance of rain.
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS:
We strongly encourage you to discuss any required vaccinations for your travel with
your GP.
Insect-borne diseases (including leishmaniasis and typhus) are common in Morocco. Malaria is less common. Protect yourself against insect-borne diseases:
- Ensure your accommodation is insect proof
- Take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent and wearing long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing
- Consider taking malaria prevention medication
- Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Some water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases are prevalent.
- Use good hygiene practices including frequent handwashing.
- Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water.
- Avoid ice cubes.
- Avoid raw and under-cooked food.
- Don't swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases.
- Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering diarrhea.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory and a copy of your policy must be provided to CWT M&E.
CWT M&E are offering all AHA Study tour attendees 20% off travel insurance. Please email AHA@cwt-me.com or call 1300781 011 for a quote.
The standard of medical facilities in the major cities is generally good but medical services in smaller cities and rural and remote areas can be extremely limited. Private hospitals can insist on up-front payment prior to admission. If you can't pay up-front, your treatment could be delayed.If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 150 and ask for an ambulance.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid ice cubes. Avoid raw and undercooked food.
VISAS:
You won't need a visa to visit Morocco for less than three months.
However, visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice.
Other entry & exit formalities
When entering Morocco, make sure your passport is stamped. Some tourists have experienced difficulty leaving the country because their passport bears no entry stamp.
Local laws & customs
Morocco is a Muslim country which follows Islamic laws and customs. Be aware of your actions to ensure they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. Avoid public displays of affection, particularly outside the main tourist areas and near religious places.
Sexual relations outside marriage are punishable by law. It’s not uncommon for hotels to ask couples to show evidence of marriage at the time of check-in, and if such evidence is not available, to insist on separate rooms.
Public display of affection and homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco. Be sensitive to local laws and customs and be aware when in public places.