Where to go, what to do and how to get around in morocco?

Question

HAve you ever been to morocco?
I have booked flights only in and out of marrakesh, going in august, and would like to know the best places to go and ways to get around. I'm on a budget... And want to see a wide variety of places (There for two weeks, and thinking of 3-4 days in 3-4 places...)

Do i need to book travel before i get there? How much will it cost to get around?


Any answers to any of my questions will be appreciated, thank you :)

Answer 1

There are taxis that will take you wherever you want to go. Remember you are talking about a COUNTRY and not a city, so to go from Marrakech to say Casablanca is about 350 miles.

You can also take the train which is a much faster and less expensive way to get from city to city. Morocco, like Europe has a decent train system.

Remember also Marrakech in August is going to be HOT. The AVERAGE temperature in Marrakech in August is 101°F (38°C)!

Some other cities...

Temperatures in °Farenheit

Aug
Agadir79
Casablanca81
Essaouira70
Fes97
Marrakech101
Ouarzazate100
Ouirgane94
Rabat82
Oualidia70
Taroudant100
Zagora106


Remember your papers, your shots, your sunscreen!, remember not to drink the water, remember to learn a little arabic (and some French), and most of all have fun!

Answer 2

I have been to Morocco. We did some on our own and some with a tour. Personally, I have found it the most difficult place to travel in so far and I have travelled extensively. The people harass you from morning to night to get you to buy things. It seems to never stop. We even had some guys follow our tour bus on a motorbike to get the sale from a British lady at the next stop. And people who seem to follow you around the bazaars.

I would make sure to have a hotel booked when you arrive so you can ask the taxi driver to take you directly there. This will remove some stress. Make sure he uses the meter or he will overcharge you for sure. We had taxi drivers refusing to take us to our hotel from the train station in Casablanca for less than the equivalent of US$20 however when a friendly local diplomat told the driver off and made him use the meter the fare was less than US$5. After that I fought with each driver to ensure he used the meter and the fares were quite reasonable (usually about $5)

To get around the train is fairly cheap (try to get in 1st class as it is more comfortable - but still quite cheap) I think that unless you are a very confident traveller a tour might be a good way to go to see the best places in your available 2 weeks. This would get you to Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara and the coast. Otherwise you would need to read up on your favourites and travel by train to each and stay there for a few days. You would probably only get to see 3-4 places this way.

When buying things make sure you haggle. I usually offer no more than 1/5th of the original asking price to start with and never pay more than about a third. I regularly got things for less than other travellers using this method. If they don't want to give it to you for that price walk away and they will usually follow you to make the sale. I'm sure if you were a local you could get it for a lot less but I wouldn't let that thought spoil my holiday. Afterall, it was still a really good deal for me.

Having said all this, although difficult, this trip is still one of our favourites for what we saw and experienced and we are happy we went on it. We got quite a few nice souvenirs. Sat on the sand in the Sahara next to our camel and watched the sunset. Experienced the Marrakech markets. Bought a fez in Fez. Saw beautiful oases, magnificent mosques and exciting souks.

Answer 3

Check with the local Mapsco store and bookstores for complete travel information. Those books should also have phone numbers for questions (the Mapsco person may be able to help some). Make sure you get all required shots before you go. Make a list of everything you will need to do and get it done quickly, then have a list and information for during the trip as well. Be careful of your I.D. and money - theft is a biggy in foreign places. When I went to Italy I kept I.D. & money in fanny pack underneath big shirt or sweater. Be careful and have fun.

Answer 4

been there a few times. love it ! Marrakesh is my favorite city. they do have some nice hotels(not sure on the price). taxi's or train is a good way to get around. cheaper yet ---walking. a lot of people walk or ride bikes/scooters there. they have a cool tour bus to see the sites around town. also, it will be very HOT. so, there is a new water park there in Marrakesh, called the Oasis. Awesome!
plenty of places to get good food & coffee too. lots of shopping,also.
learn the phrase ------ la shokron ( no thank you).
the venders will hassle. but,this is their means of living. don't seem so much like a tourist,plan your moves wisely.
enjoy & have fun.

Answer 5

Train travel round Morocco is excellent and extremely cheap! The journey from Tangiers to Meknes takes about 5 hrs and costs less than five pounds. www.oncf.ma for train timetables.

Answer 6

well my friend! i guess i can help you out with all this. I'm the president of A youth Association In Morocco and normally we do arrange trips for foreigners coming to visit! the trip is so much fun and you need no guide to show you around cause we give you everything you need in advance. and morocco then is just easy for you to go through.
if you really need information about it try to contact us at [e-mail] or [e-mail]