Is it worth spending 3 weeks in Morocco when Ramadan starts right in the middle of it? Should i still go?

Question

will my vacation be affected by ramadan? Will I be able to find places to eat or guides to take me trekking?

Answer 1

Ramadan is one of the best reasons FOR going. It is a wonderous holiday that is full of partying, fun, and an all around good time... at night.

This year Ramadan is right smack in the edge of Summer leading into fall and should be an excellent time to see the sights of Marrakech at night and the mountains during the daytime.

I would advise that if you do not observe Ramadan itself, that you be respectul to those who do (no smoking, holding hands with your loved on or other public affection, drinking, etc...) during the daytime.

Other than that go out and have yourself a blast... you'll love it.

Answer 2

I would wait if I were you.

I travel there last year during Ramadan on business. Although, as non-Muslim, was not required to fast, my Moroccan counterparts did. They could not eat, nor drink (even water) until sundown. It was tough on them. I chose to fast too, which earned me respect with the locals. To be honest, it was just to hot to eat.

What you’re going to find there at this time, is many of the restaurants, which cater to the tourist closed during the day. Moreover, most Moroccans consider Ramadan family time, and some might consider it a intrusion with you there. Plus, many people will be more irritable as the Ramadan wares on.

After sundown, it is a festival atmosphere. The break-fast meal is high carb, with Moroccan pastries, dates, soups, and rich yogurt shakes. People will walk around the neighborhoods until 2 in the morning. The stores and restaurants will be open then too.
The next morning most locals will sleep-in; they will sleep-in late. I guess that is how they survive the month fasting.

I guess if you are still interest in visit Morocco at this time, perhaps arriving just before the end of Ramadan is the answer. That way you could experience a little of Ramadan and more importantly the party after wards.

Answer 3

Yes, it is. Although for tourists Ramadan can be frustrating (in terms of eating), the rest of the country pretty much moves along, albeit a bit more slowly.

You should plan treks for earlier in the day, as guides will want to break the fast with their families or companions at sunset. As for eating, it's disrespectful to eat in public, but people do it, and a lot of Moroccans don't seem to mind if it's foreigners. Do some food shopping at night and eat in your hotel room out of sight if you feel uncomfortable. Or hit up McDonald's (in Marrakesh/Casa/Rabat there are other restaurants open since those cities have larger expat and Jewish populations).

Whatever you do, DON'T smoke in public during daylight. While Moroccans can tolerate people eating in front of them (after all, menstruating women don't fast), smoke can be really hard on a smoker who is fasting.

I should also mention, on the positive side, that tourist who fast or at least give a display of fasting get a lot more respect than those who don't, and you may very well be invited to break the fast with a family, which can be extremely fantastic - great food, camaraderie, and the best comedy shows are on TV at that time (although they're in Arabic).

Answer 4

Oh no you should not wait. That is the best time to go. Yes, be respectful, but after breaking fast Morocco is beautiful

Answer 5

My answer will not be better than "nomadic" upthere, give her the five points..pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee

Answer 6

go for it!!

you shouldn't waste the chance to have those experiences, just go and enjoy!!

you only live once so go for it!

enjoy!