15 Day Morocco Adventure

Have you always wanted to go to Morocco, but hesitated because you didn’t want to go by yourself? This trip is for those who dream of waking up in the Sahara desert and watching the sun rise over the dunes; of walking through the hustle and bustle of the medinas, the air filled with the scent of spices; or of experiencing the hospitality of Berber nomads.

Moroccan culture is very inviting! Each person you encounter on our tour will be happy to meet you and enjoy your company.

Please know that we’ll do everything we can to provide an amazing trip, but if you’re having issues of any sort, please let your group leader know as soon as possible.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule, most countries expect that you have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport.

At the time of publication, Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Morocco. Given that situations can change, it is recommended to stay in touch with the Wikipedia page on the subject, which is regularly updated, but please confirm with us upon booking.

Medical and Health Information

All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip, please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assessed your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Patch reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons, our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs, including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Currency

The currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD), divided into 100 centimes. Bank notes come in denominations of MAD 200, 100, 50, and 20. Smaller values are issued as coins in values of 10, 5, 1 as well as 50c, 20c, 10c, and 5c. Changing money is easy! You’ll find banks and exchange bureaux in Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, and in all major airports. Please note that sometimes Australian dollars are not accepted in exchange bureaux or banks, so the safest option is to bring US dollars. In the desert and Atlas Mountains, opportunities to exchange money are limited. There are ATMs in all major cities, which accept Visa, Mastercard, and other credit cards connected with Cirrus. Some ATMs that belong to smaller banks will not work, so occasionally you may need to try two or three before you are successful.

We strongly recommend bringing a combination of cash and credit cards. Credit cards are useful for large purchases such as carpets or gold from a large store, but generally speaking they are not accepted in many places. Local restaurants, markets, and many hotels will only accept cash as payment for goods or services. Please ensure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers, or hotels to change currency. We also suggest that you keep your receipts. Do not change money with street touts as this is illegal.

Tipping

For each trip, we establish a tip kitty to avoid the hassle and discomfort of paying tips during the trip. The recommended contribution is $200, and this will be managed by your guide.

Prices in Morocco

Morocco is often misjudged as being an inexpensive destination. With tourism booming, due in large part to the influx of cheap flights from Europe, prices for some items are becoming more equivalent to prices you would be used to at home. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls, and from markets can be inexpensive, but for nights out at tourist-friendly restaurants, you can expect to pay much more. With drinks, tipping, and of course shopping, it can all add up. Budgets are a personal choice, but please bear in mind that you should not expect Morocco to be a budget destination.

Bargaining

In Morocco, some services and products are not a fixed price, which means that your bartering skills will be tested, from hiring taxis to buying a souvenir in the medinas. This can be challenging for travellers who have not experienced this before. Ask your leaders for advice when you arrive! We find that the best approach is to smile and have fun, as this is an entrenched part of Moroccan culture.

Emergency Funds

Please make sure you have access to an additional $500 to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g., a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action, or an outbreak of avian flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Your tour includes breakfast each day and several other meals as indicated in the itinerary. You will therefore need additional funds to cover all additional expenses not included in your tour cost. Credit cards are accepted in most goods shops and restaurants, though smaller outlets will generally only take local currency.

Shopping is a personal thing that varies enormously. On average, people spend between 25-50 euro on knick-knacks, ceramics, and other souvenirs. If you plan on purchasing a carpet, prices can be anything from 100-500 euro or more.

You should carry sufficient funds for shopping and any additional sightseeing/optional activities you may wish to undertake. You will find a suggested list (with approximate costs) in your trip notes.

Clothing & Footwear

Bear in mind that the weather will vary significantly from place to place, and also depending on the time of year. Morocco is a dry country, but rain is possible anywhere – please come prepared for this eventuality. Laundry facilities are available in some destinations.

Please also bring appropriate footwear for your trip and remember that we’ll be engaging in multiple walking tours and hiking activities. Bring comfortable shoes that support your feet/ankles. Your body will thank you!

Climate and Seasonal Information

Being a desert country, Morocco can have a lot of variation in its weather conditions. The night time in winter (November through March) can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to 5 degrees or less overnight. This is especially the case in mountainous or desert regions.

Summer can be very hot everywhere we go, and it can get quite uncomfortable. You’ll need to come prepared for this, remembering the cultural standards of dress in Morocco. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat!

You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.

You also know that it’s worth spending a little more to have a great night’s sleep. You just love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation! You also know that a “great trip” doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.

You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’d least expect. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.

You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others.

You are passionate about responsible travel! All of the operators that we have partnered with to bring you this itinerary practice responsibly — for example, the animals (camels and mules) whose help we will enjoy are well taken care of. The cuisine featured on this tour is quite meat-heavy — please understand that it will be very difficult to accommodate vegetarians.

We will be on our feet a good amount on the trip, both walking through cities and neighbourhoods as well as hiking in the Atlas Mountains. We’ll also be riding on camels and in 4WD vehicles during this women only trip! We may be in the car for long stretches (6 hours or so) as well. If you have any questions about this, please get in touch with us, and we’d be happy to answer any and all you may have.

If this fits you, then welcome aboard! We’ll see you in Morocco.