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Plan Your Trip to Morocco: Best of Morocco Tourism

Explore Morocco

The fragrant air of Morocco seems spiked with local spices. Cradled by the dunes of the Sahara, the Kingdom has been inhabited for hundreds of thousands of years. And from the bustling Medina of Marrakech to the mosaic of leather tanning vessels in Fes, Moroccan culture is still steeped in rich tradition. The collection of blue-bottomed boats in Essaouira has become a monochromatic hallmark of the city, while the cafés of Casablanca will invoke your inner Bogie or Bergman.

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Morocco travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Desert Tour Recommendations

Some travelers recommended extending desert tours to 4 days instead of 3 to enhance the experience, as the desert is about a 10-hour drive from Marrakech. This allows for more time spent in the desert rather than in transit.

Company Suggestions

Travelers have suggested checking TripAdvisor for reviews on tour companies. It's advised to contact multiple companies to compare offers. Also, for solo travelers, a private tour might be more expensive, so joining a small group could be more economical.

Specific Tour Advice

For a more comprehensive desert experience, users have highlighted Merzouga and Erg Chebbi as notable destinations. These locations are often included in tours that also feature stops at other attractions such as the Dades Gorges and Todra Gorge.

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Online Purchase Difficulties

According to forum posts, purchasing train tickets online via the ONCF website can be problematic for non-Moroccan credit card holders, with transactions often not processing correctly. Some travelers have noted improvements, but issues like payment errors and site glitches persist.

Buying at the Station

Many users recommend buying tickets directly at train stations upon arrival in Morocco. Stations accept cash, and tickets are generally available even for travel on the same day, except during major holidays or for first class and sleeper services, which may require advance purchase to guarantee availability.

Alternative Purchase Methods

For those unable to purchase online or preferring to secure tickets before arriving, travel agencies like MarrakechTickets can assist with purchases, although this might involve additional fees. Moreover, purchasing first class or specific service tickets in advance can often be done at any major station once in Morocco.

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Train Travel

According to forum posts, trains in Morocco offer a comfortable and economical way to travel between cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Fez. Trains run frequently, approximately hourly, and first-class compartments provide amenities such as toilets.

Bus and Taxi Options

Some travelers mentioned that buses and grand taxis are common for intercity travel. Buses like CTM are available for routes such as Marrakesh to Essaouira and are relatively quick, taking about 3 hours. Grand taxis are an alternative, often used for shorter or less accessible routes.

Car Rental and Private Transfers

For those seeking flexibility, renting a car is suggested by many users, especially for covering multiple cities or less accessible areas. Private transfers are also available, although they can be more expensive, with some quotes around 200 euros for certain routes.

Alternative Transport

In rural or less connected areas, options like shared minibuses or even camionettes are used, especially on market days, providing a more local form of travel.

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General Advice

According to forum posts, when renting a car in Morocco, it's essential to be cautious of the driving conditions, especially in cities like Marrakesh where the roads can be hectic. Travelers have recommended opting for comprehensive insurance to cover all potential damages and ensure peace of mind.

Credit Card and Payment Tips

Some travelers mentioned that it is possible to rent a car without a credit card by using local companies that accept cash payments upfront. This is particularly useful for those who prefer not to use credit cards or do not own one.

Car Type and Costs

Travelers have called out that while SUVs are popular for the extra space and higher seating, they are not necessary for most itineraries unless planning to go off-road, which might invalidate the rental insurance. The cost of renting a car can vary, and there may be additional charges such as one-way fees if the car is picked up in one city and dropped off in another.

Insurance and Safety

For many users, full insurance coverage is advisable. This often helps avoid potential conflicts with rental companies over damage claims. Moreover, documenting the car's condition through photos at the time of rental is recommended to avoid disputes upon return.

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Family-Friendly Activities in Marrakech

According to forum posts, Marrakech offers a myriad of activities suitable for families. Some travelers recommended taking a drive into the Atlas mountains, exploring the local souks, and visiting places like Lake Lalla Takerkost and the Agafay Badlands. Additionally, the Jarjeer Donkey Sanctuary was suggested as a worthwhile visit for families.

Activities in Casablanca

For those visiting Casablanca, some users highlighted amusement parks as a great option for children. Specific parks weren't named, but the general recommendation was to check the attractions list for suitable options. Another suggestion was to explore smaller parks within the city, which are liked by children.

Exploring Other Cities

In other cities like Agadir and Essaouira, forum contributors pointed out beaches as prime spots for relaxation and family fun. The beach at Agadir and the historical charm of Essaouira provide a pleasant environment for families looking to enjoy Morocco's coastal beauty.

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ATM Availability and Fees

According to forum posts, ATMs are widely available across Morocco, particularly in cities like Marrakech and Essaouira. Travelers should be aware that while many Moroccan banks charge a fee ranging from 23 to 32 Dirhams per transaction, ATMs operated by Al Barid (the post office) and BMCI do not charge these additional fees.

Withdrawal Limits and Strategies

Some travelers mentioned that the maximum amount one can withdraw per transaction is typically 2000 Dirhams. However, it is possible to perform multiple withdrawals back-to-back if more cash is needed. It's recommended to withdraw odd amounts like 1880 Dirhams to obtain smaller denominations, which can be handy for smaller transactions.

Currency Exchange and Card Usage

Travelers have advised against using credit cards in ATMs due to high fees and immediate interest charges. Instead, using a debit card is preferred. It's also noted that paying directly with foreign currencies like Euros or U.S. dollars in Morocco can result in poor exchange rates; therefore, withdrawing local currency (Dirhams) from ATMs is generally the best approach.

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Layover Duration

For a 5-hour layover at Casablanca Airport, several travelers strongly advise against attempting to leave the airport to tour the city. The consensus is that the transit time to and from the city, coupled with security and immigration processing, would significantly risk missing the connecting flight.

Activities at the Airport

Travelers recommend staying at the airport during the layover. Casablanca Airport offers facilities such as food courts, lounges, and free WiFi, which can comfortably accommodate passengers during their waiting period. Specific suggestions include enjoying local pastries and sandwiches from establishments like Paul located just off the main concourse in departures.

Alternative Suggestions

Instead of trying to squeeze in a city tour, it's suggested to utilize the airport amenities to relax or catch up on personal tasks. The airport is equipped to provide a reasonable level of comfort and connectivity, ensuring a restful and productive layover for travelers.

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Ferry Routes and Companies

According to forum posts, there are direct ferry services from Tangier Ville to Tarifa, which is the most convenient option for foot passengers. Travelers have noted that this route provides a free shuttle bus from Tarifa to Algeciras included in the ferry ticket.

Travel Duration and Frequency

Some travelers mentioned that the ferry ride from Tangier to Tarifa typically lasts about 35 minutes. The service is frequent, allowing flexibility in travel plans.

Booking and Weather Considerations

Forum contributors suggest that while ferry tickets can often be purchased on the same day, it is advisable to check weather conditions before travel, especially during winter months when the service might be disrupted due to rough seas.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.