Morocco FaQs

Frequently Asked Questions

your gateway to unraveling the mysteries of this enchanting North African gem. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, here you’ll find a treasure trove of essential insights and practical tips to ensure your Moroccan adventure is nothing short of extraordinary. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of cultures, from the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene oases of the Sahara. Delve into the tapestry of flavors, savoring tagines and mint tea under the North African sun. Navigate the labyrinthine medinas, discovering hidden riads and ancient mosques. With answers to questions ranging from navigating local customs to unearthing hidden gems, our FAQs page is your compass to make the most of your Moroccan sojourn. Embark on a journey that promises a symphony of colors, scents, and experiences that will linger in your heart long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating land.

Where is morocco located?

Morocco’s location is in the far north-west of Africa, and its name in Arabic (“al-Maghreb”) literally means “the West”. The country is just 13km from Spain separated by the Street of Gibraltar. Its neighbor on the east is Algeria, in the south its disputed region of Western Sahara borders on Mauritania. Morocco has 3500 km of coastline with the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, which offers a great opportunity for hiking along its shores and charming coastal towns, such as Essaouira, Asilah and Oualidia. The country is divided in two, north-east to south-west, by the Atlas Mountain ranges (Middle, High, Anti), and in the north the Rif Mountains drop off in the crystal clear Mediterranean.

The city where we are based is Marrakech, and as the southern-most of the four Imperial Cities (together with Fes, Meknes and Rabat in the North), it is ideally located to get into the great outdoors; 1hr to the Atlas, 3hr to the beach, 5hr to the pre-Saharan oases, and 7hr to the Sahara golden dunes!

Do I need A visa to travel to Morocco?

No visa required by UK , USA, EU, CANADA, AUSTRALLIA, and New Zealand  passport holders.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

What is Morocco’s Timezone?

Africa/Brazzaville WAT (GMT +01:00) 

Insurance – are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

When is the best time to visit Morocco?

The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to Jun) or autumn (September to mid-November) The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer. It’s also a good time to visit in the summer if you like the warmer weather. The coastal regions can be visited.

Can I use my mobile while in Morocco?

 Mobile coverage is generally quite good in urban areas of Morocco, however may be spotty or unavailable at remote areas. Make sure to enable global roaming before leaving home to be able to use your mobile. 3G access may be unreliable. Alternatively, purchasing a SIM card in Morocco can be a cost-effective option; your guide will be happy to advise on this. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave home so a local SIM will be compatible. The three largest telecommunications networks operating in Morocco are Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange.

What is the internet access like in Morocco?

Most cafes, hotels and restaurants in large cities of Morocco provide Wi-Fi, but the connection may be spotty or slow. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G, although the connection may be unreliable in some rural areas. Purchasing a Moroccan SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective alternative. Your guide will be happy to advise on this.

Can I drink tap water in Morocco?

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Morocco unless it is clearly stated to be safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and available throughout the country. However please consider using a reusable water bottle, especially if you’re on a longer trip, and reduce your use of plastic. Alternatively, you may carry water purification tablets with you.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Morocco?

Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted by large retailers, hotels and at touristic sites. However, small shops and vendors may not accept cards, we would recommend to carry cash with you for small purchases. American Express may not be accepted in most places in Morocco.

What is ATM access like in Morocco?

 ATMs are easily found in large cities and touristic areas in Morocco, however are not as common in remote areas or smaller towns. Please note that cards may not be accepted in more remote areas, so we recommend that you have enough cash before departing urban areas.

Are airport transfers included and how do I arrange them?

All tours starting in Marrakech include arrival airport transfer if your flight lands in Marrakech on the first day of your tour between 5am and 11:59. You must inform our call centre or email info@atlasodysseytravel.com of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travelers) at least 2 weeks prior to your departure date. If you do not receive confirmation that your pick-up is arranged, please contact us. You will be picked up by Atlas Odyssey  representative holding a ATLAS ODYSSEY  sign at the airport. For tours ending in Marrakech, there is only one return shuttle to the airport on the last day of the tour between 05:00 and 15:00. Departure transfer is not available with post-accommodation in Morocco.

Where is the welcome meeting on day 1 of my tour?

The welcome meeting will be held in the hotel lobby around 5-6 pm with your group and tour manager. If there is any change in your arrival hotel, we will send you an e-mail to inform you before the trip. Don’t worry if you will miss the welcome meeting on Day 1 as some travellers arrive late in the day – just make sure to let us know in advance.

Do you have solo Travellers on your tours?

Solo travellers often join our tours to meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, forming longstanding friendships. We also strive to provide a relaxed and sociable tour experience to allow the group to weld throughout the journey. Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement.

I’m a solo passenger, do I need to pay single supplement?

 There are always solo travelers on our tours. If you don’t mind being roomed with another single traveler of the same gender, you do not need to pay the supplement. Single supplement is for travelers who would like to stay in a single room for the duration of their tour.

Can I be roomed with my friends?

Please contact us with your request & we will do our best to arrange your room accordingly. info@atlasodysseytravel.com

Do you arrange flights?

Our tours do not include airfare to/from the destination, and we do not advise on, ticket or sell flights. It is your responsibility to make it to the starting point of your tour on time.

Will my dietary requirements be catered for?

If you provide your dietary requirements at the time of booking, we will do our best to make the necessary arrangements where available. You can leave a comment under the “Notes” section when making an online booking or simply contact us. Please note that gluten-free & vegan options are quite limited in the country.

What currency should I bring?

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. Although you can pay with USD/EUR/GBP in some places, you’ll always get a better deal paying in the local currency. You can get MAD from ATM’s using your debit card or travel card — withdrawing cash on credit card is less favourable. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at tourist sites and large cities, however may not be accepted in rural areas or smaller shops. Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the city. Your tour leader will be pleased to help if you need any assistance.

Is there any luggage restriction?

Good news, there isn’t any luggage restriction on our tours as long as you’re able to carry your own luggage – usually just for a very short distance. If your tour includes camping in the Sahara, we would recommend to also bring a small bag. This will allow you to leave your luggage on the bus and take your smaller bag while staying at the camp.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping service staff is common in Morocco – typically around 10% for a restaurant meal. It is also standard to round up the fare or the bill, and to tip taxi drivers and porters around 10 MAD. Your tour Manager and crew would be especially appreciative and honored with this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

Will my tour be affected if I travel during Ramadan?

Ramadan is the Islamic holy month, during which Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. Fasting means ‘nil by mouth’ including food, water and cigarettes. Ramadan dates move every year, please see below the dates for 2023. Some local cafes and restaurants close during the day; however tourists are not expected to fast, and there are many cafes and restaurants that stay open to cater for you. During Ramadan, you are encouraged to show your respect by not walking around in public eating, chewing gum, smoking or drinking (especially alcohol). It is fine to do so in your hotel or in a cafe/restaurant recommended by your tour leader. Your tour leader will organise lunches and dinners to make Ramadan easier for you. During the month you will find that tourist sites often close early to allow staff to return home in time to break their fast, and shops often open late and close early.

Ramadan 2024: March 10^th  / April 9^th

Can I skip the camel ride?

Yes, depending on your tour, you can either walk or ask your guide to help arrange an altarnative ride to the next stop. The camel rides usually last around 1-1.5 hours.

Should I bring sleeping bag for the tours with camping acccommadation?

It is not required to bring a sleeping bag for Sahara camping as we provide beds, covers and blankets at our sedentary camps.

How can I book a Tour?

You can book one of our exemplary tour itineraries, day excursions, or tailor made tours by contacting us via phone, email or our contact form on the website. After we confirm the availability of your tour to you (in writing) we ask you to pay a non-refundable 25% deposit of the total tour cost to finalize your booking.

We send you the details on how to pay this deposit and the rest of the balance by email. We generally give you the flexibility to either pre-pay the rest of the balance by bank transfer within two weeks prior to the start of your tour, or settle it in cash by paying the final balance to your guide on the first morning of your tour. Please let us know what you prefer upon booking and we can agree an arrangement.

Are your Guides, and drivers certified?

Yes, all our guides are certified mountain and/or city guides and our drivers are certified as well, with many years of experience in tourism. There are many faux-guides working in the field, but you are sure in booking with us to get a fully qualified, experienced and trustful guide!

Can I drink Alcohol during my tour?

Alcohol is easily purchased in shops and hotels in bigger cities and towns such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Fes. Most restaurants / bars will also be able to serve you alcohol. 

As Morocco is one of the largest producers of Kif in the world, you may be offered drugs especially when traveling the northern regions. Please bear in mind drugs are illegal to use or posses in Morocco and our team cannot be held accountable in any way for the use or possession of drugs during your tour.