General Information and Tips

1. Why travel to Morocco?
2. Downsides
3. Weather / When to go
4. Language
5. Religion
6. Culture
   • Local Customs
7. Shopping, haggling, anti-hassle tips
   • Shopping
   • Haggling
   • Anti-hassle tips
8. Tips
   • What to wear
   • Dress code
   • Safety
9. General tips for getting around
   • Taxis
   • Moped & Bicycle
   • Horse-drawn carriage
   • Buses
   • Walking around, crossing the road
10. Morrocan beaty treatments
    • Hammam
    • Tips for visiting public hammam
      • What to wear
      • What to take
      • What to expect
      • What to do
    • Henna

1. Why Travel to Morocco

Morocco is a fascinating mix of Islamic, Arab, African and Berber cultures with the added dash of the French culture. The people are very friendly and extremely hospitable. Throw in some pleasant cities, eye-boggling landscapes, colourful people, excellent beaches, good trekking, plenty of interesting shopping and there's something for everyone.

Marrakech is a uniquely exotic short holiday destination offering an astonishing sensual profusion of colours, aromas, sounds, sights and sensations in a medieval atmosphere. Explore the souks, watch fire eaters and snake charmers in Jemaa-el-Fna, sample incredible food, dine on romantic rooftop restaurants, sip mint tea in elegant colonial-style cafes and generally soak up the atmosphere. Staying in a riad, the traditional Moroccan home with an inner courtyard, is the ideal way to experience the authentic Moroccan way of life without having to give up your creature comforts.

You just have to experience the fantastic atmosphere in “La Place” Jemaa-el-Fna, a world heritage site, with its vast array of food stalls offering you everything from freshly-pressed orange juice to freshly-cooked brochettes (skewered meat), quite apart from the snake charmers, storytellers, dancers, acrobats, fire-eaters and fortune-tellers. It attracts tourist and locals alike. As dusk falls, over 100 food stalls are set up and clouds of smoke drift over the square as the evening wears on. Wander around until you see something you like, then squeeze onto one of the benches. Bread and fingers are used instead of cutlery and orange juice is brought from one of the many juice stalls.

Surrounding “La Place” are also several restaurants and cafés, some with roof terraces overlooking the goings-on in the square.

Other places to see include the Marjorelle Gardens, Jardin Menara, Jardin Agdal, Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs, the Musée de Marrakech, Medersa Ben Youssef (Koranic School) and Museum Dar Si Said.

2. Downsides

Marakkech is not for the faint-hearted! It is a culture shock! At times you feel as though you have gone back in time by 500 years and got lost in the maze of tiny alleyways! It is fascinating – but, on the other hand, if you prefer to stay in a pristine environment, then the Medina of Marrakech is not for you.

If you want to experience life in the Medina, then staying in a riad is the ideal way to do this. The medina is chaotic, colourful and exciting! It is also noisy, dusty and hectic – all happening in the narrow streets and alleyways, so getting back to a peaceful haven is more than welcome.

Over 250.000 people (not counting the tourists!) live in the Medina, the old town, so it is not surprising that the streets and alleyways are crowded! Even though the locals clean the streets every morning they quickly become dirty during the course of the day with mopeds, cycles, donkey carts and locals going about their business (not to mention the tourists!). Children usually play in the quieter streets.

Marrakech has wonderful aromas in the spice market but back on the streets the aroma is more from the mopeds speeding by.

Simple things like crossing the road can seem scary until you know the Moroccan “highway code” – read our tips on crossing the road. 

The dark alleyways can seem intimidating at first, and for some, finding your way can be a nightmare. Don’t worry, everyone gets lost in the Medina! In fact, the souks are not large and once you have found your bearings you find that it is not as difficult as you first thought.

Although local people are friendly, it sometimes seems that every male over 7 years old wants to be either your guide or take you to his brother's shop. If you are happy for them to show you the way, then only pay them 3 - 5 dirhams – max 10 dirhams, if they really did a good job. If you don’t want them to show you the way, behave as if you know the way (even if you don’t) and walk on purposely.

If you want to ask the way then ask a woman or a shopkeeper – they are unlikely to tag along with you and pester you.

We are happy to provide you with a mobile phone during your stay, so that if you do get completely lost all you have to do is ring the riad and someone will come to collect you. 

You are in an Islamic country, so be prepared to hear the first call for prayer at around 5am! If you are a heavy sleeper it is no problem. If not, we recommend bringing ear-plugs!

Speaking French is not essential, but your school French could prove extremely useful.

Some salesmen can be aggressive, but read our tips on how to deal with this!

Women on their own can be harassed – again, read our tips on how to deal with this!

3. Weather / When to Go

Marrakech weather - Sunshine all year round

Marrakech weather is sunny most of the time, making Marrakech an ideal year-round city break destination.
Most visitors and residents consider spring, early summer and autumn to be the best time to visit Marrakech. March to June and September and October have some of the best weather in Marrakech, avoiding the extremes while being warm enough for hotel swimming pools. It can rain between November and March. Average temperatures in Marrakech vary widely between night and day. Winter weather in Marrakech is mild and generally sunny by day but prepare for the winter nights, which can be very cold.

 

Source: www.bbc.co.uk/weather

 

4. Language

The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but French is widely spoken and it is the main language of business and commerce. English is becoming an increasingly popular language, particularly in the major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat.

 

In addition to the official language, about 10 million Moroccans (mostly in rural communities) speak Berber.

5. Religion

Islam, the official religion of Morocco, has co-existed peacefully with other religions for many years and there is a sizeable community of foreigners in the country, including French, Italian and American. As with other Muslim countries Ramadan is the most important religious festival and is observed by the vast majority of people. During the month-long festival Muslims refrain from drinking, eating and smoking from sunrise to sunset and you will be presented with a few more challenges than tourists visiting at other times as many establishments for food and drink will be closed. Not to worry; you still will be able to find many places open to eat during the day.
Ramadan (Muslim fasting month, August 11- September 10, 2010) can be an awkward time as many locals neither eat nor drink during the day and may be tired and irritated. At the end of Ramadan Moroccans celebrate a lively feast day, Eid al-Fitr, where sheep are herded along the streets of the Medina to be later roasted and eaten by several families. Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar and gets earlier each year.

 

6. Culture

Morocco is one of the most liberal Islamic countries - but you should respect and be sensitive to their customs and restrictions.
The main restriction a tourist will encounter is banned entry into the mosques if you are not a Muslim. This is unfortunate, as many mosques feature beautiful artistry of design. There are a few note-worthy exceptions: the Hassan II in Casablanca, Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat, Malay Ismail Mausoleum in Meknes and the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum at Rissani are open to all visitors.

 

Local Customs

The Moroccans are extremely hospitable people. Traditionally, the men spend a lot of time in the streets and in cafés while the women are in charge of the home. It is not unusual to be invited by a Moroccan family for a meal. In this case, take your shoes off when entering the house, wash your hands as a symbolic gesture and wait for the master of the house to intone the bismillah (prayer). It is a good idea to take a gift, such as pastries or even a live chicken in rural areas! Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. You should, therefore, always eat with the right hand as the left hand is supposed to be used for the toilet.
Following some basic guidelines will further enhance your enjoyment of Morocco:

• Avoid wearing provocative clothing.
• Accept mint tea when offered, this is considered a sign of hospitality. There is an exception - don’t feel obliged to accept mint tea from a shopkeeper!
• Avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public in daytime during the period of Ramadan.
• Most Moroccans are friendly and hospitable and will extend warm invitations if you do not act rudely or unfriendly towards them.
• If you would like to take a photo of the locals, be courteous and ask permission first. You might be asked for a tip for this! They really don’t miss out on any opportunity to earn money! As a guideline, give between 5 and 10 dirhams, which for Moroccans is a generous amount.
• If you are a woman and strike up a friendship with a Moroccan woman she will probably invite you to her home or to a hammam (see separate notes on the hammam experience). If you are a man or a couple you may be invited into a café for some tea or a meal.

 

7. Shopping, haggling, anti-hassle tips

Morocco can be a culture shock for some – the almost medieval hustle and bustle of Marrakech is so completely different from what most travellers know that they often find themselves in situations to which they have no idea how to react. Here are a few tips:

Shopping

Shopping in Morocco is an exceptionally unique experience. There are many beautiful items to be found: exotic Moroccan carpets, spices, textiles & yarn, metal ware, jewellery, woodwork and much more.
If you cannot face the bargaining experience, then please ask the riad for the name of an “Aladdin’s Cave” style shop, where there is no bargaining but loads of typical Moroccan trinkets and plenty of choice. It is vast, so expect to spend several hours there!
Before hitting the souks read these few practical tips:

Haggling

Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you usually won’t have to go far to find one. You can get some great bargains, but you can also get ripped off! Remember that the Moroccans have a lot more experience than you when it comes to haggling. Carpet sellers or any souk holder, come to that, can be a total pain and you need to understand the rules to turn haggling into an enjoyable experience.
Shopkeepers will normally set the initial asking price for an item several times higher to its potential selling price and you are expected to bargain every bit as hard as the shopkeeper! Otherwise, you will pay several times what a local Moroccan would and possibly purchase an item you don't even want!
Be clear in your mind how much you would be prepared to pay – divide by 10 to quickly calculate the price in € and ask yourself if you would pay that amount in Europe for the item.
Do not point or show great enthusiasm (sometimes difficult!) but rather demonstrate indifference whether you buy or not. Offer at the most 1/3 of his price as your opening bid. Stick to your gut instinct, be patient and pay only what you think is fair. Don't be afraid to walk away if you feel you have reached your limit! This is, in fact, a great tactic as they usually come running after you and drop the price yet again!
The trick is to treat the shopkeepers firmly but politely – here are a few useful phrases:

• Leh!                         =         No!
• Leh, shookrun!          =         No, thank you.
• Mish eise hagga.        =          I don’t want anything.
• If you’re getting on well with a Moroccan say “Al hamdou lillah” when either of you mentions something positive – which means “Praise God”.
• Say “Inshallah” when referring to the future. You will find that this word is used in virtually every conversation.

Anti-hassle tips

• Unless you are dying for a cup of tea while shopping or really want to buy something, turn down any offers of a cup of tea – this is the opening ritual for some tough bargaining and they have you as a captive audience. Westerners usually feel guilty if they don’t buy anything after having accepted some mint tea – so don’t fall into the trap to begin with!
• Don’t trust what young men on the street tell you and don’t tell them where you are staying. They sometimes deliberately tell you the wrong way!
• Be very clear and firm  about your needs. If you show any indecision or vagueness they put on the pressure.
• All kinds of tricks are used to involve you in conversation – e.g. where are you from? Are you English, German, French etc...
• Best to remain polite, friendly but firm and walk on as if you know where you are going, even if you don’t! 

8. Tips

What to wear

Check the temperature for the time of year you are arriving in Marrakech so that you bring the correct clothing. For the months from November to March it is also advisable to take a rain jacket, as it can rain.

In the hot summer months wearing light, loose, cotton clothing is advised. A hat or turban is a must to protect the head against the heat and sun.

In autumn and spring a light jacket or fleece is recommended; the evenings can be quite cool. Although it may be sunny and warm during the day, evenings are often cool requiring a wrap or jacket.
In winter, warm clothing is a must.
If you are going to the desert during the winter months, please note that the temperatures drop considerably and you will need winter layers to stay warm at night and early in the morning.

Dress Code

While Morocco welcomes all visitors, it is an Islamic country and following cultural standards of modesty is advisable to prevent problems during your stay.

Wearing short skirts, short pants, and tight clothing is not recommended - especially in small towns and rural areas. Legs and shoulders are considered private body parts in Morocco and should be kept covered.

So as not to get hassled, we advise women travelling on their own to dress modestly. You will see tourists wearing all kinds of skimpy outfits and it is tolerated, but it is easier to do if you’re in a group. 

 

Safety

Marrakech is generally safe and violent crime is not considered a major problem.

Pick-pocketing can occur, so it is best to follow common sense travel safety tips such as avoiding dark alleys, keeping your valuables in a safe place and travelling in groups. Dress conservatively and respect the local culture to avoid problems.

The government is very keen to promote tourism and have introduced plain-clothes policeman who patrol the souks and tourist places. This has certainly reduced the harassment which, at one stage, had reached ridiculous levels. 

Guides offering their services should display an official badge issued by the local authorities. The riad is happy to arrange an official guide, where you can be sure that the guide is properly trained and registered.

There will, however, be a lot of people trying to part you from your money. Street hustlers and scam artists posing as guides, as well as harassment of women are all common, but in fact are more irritating than a real safety concern. Please read our tips on how to deal with this.

 

9. General tips for getting around

The best way of getting around Marrakech is on foot, especially in the Medina and the souks, where it is the only sensible option. However you will need transport to visit more distant Marrakech sights and to shuttle between the Medina and the new part of town. The best options are normally taxis, many of which can be shared.

The medina (old city) is generally very safe. As the small alleyways can be confusing, we recommend that you ask our gardien to accompany you until you know the way yourself.

From the Place (main square Jemaa al Fna’) at night, we recommend that you get a taxi back and then you have just a short walk back to the riad.

Please also ask to use the cellphone available for clients (returnable deposit of 100 dirhams) so you can easily call us if necessary. If you cannot find the riad or if you are returning from an evening out and would like someone to accompany you please call the riad and a member of staff  will come and collect you.

 

Taxis

Marrakech taxis are plentiful, cheap and normally the most convenient way to visit Marrakech attractions outside the Medina. There are two types of Marrakech taxis. Grand taxis are usually old Mercedes cars carrying up to six people for a fixed fare on specific routes. Many grand taxis start from Marrakech bus station, Djemaa el Fna and the post office in the new town.  Petit taxis can be hailed down, are smaller, more expensive, and go anywhere. Taxis can be hired for city tours and excursions. Limousines can be hired for longer tours.

Taxi drivers are supposed to put on their meters. Sometimes they don’t and just ask for a flat rate, 20 dirhams. Again, some have got lucky in the past, such that they sometimes increase this amount to 40 dirhams or even more. In general, taxis can charge 50% more at night.

If they have not put their meter on, then you can ask them to. Either they will do that (fares start at 1.60 dirhams during the day and 2.40 dirhams at night), or they will state simply that it does not work. At that point you have a choice to either agree on a fare or get another taxi—depends on if you’re in a hurry and if there are plenty of other empty taxis around and perhaps how hot you are!

Another tactic is to let the taxi driver take you to your destination, get out of the taxi and give him what you think is the correct fare. You need to have a fairly good idea of taxi fares to do this confidently. As a guideline, the taxi fare from the Medina to Guéliz is between 10 dirhams and 15 dirhams during the day. Add on 50% more at night. Compared to European taxi fares Moroccan taxis are really good value, so there is no need to haggle over 5 dirhams.

Around noon and late afternoon it is harder to find a taxi because either they are changing shift and are not interested in taking new fares, or because they are really busy. If you’re standing by the side of the road trying to flag down a taxi, they may stop and ask where you’re headed – if it’s in a direction they don’t want to go, they will say they can’t do it – especially if they already have a passenger in the car going somewhere else. So if they don’t stop, it’s not because they are being picky or don’t like tourists – in general they do, because they pay more! It’s because they are heading somewhere else or are going off shift.

Remember that, at the end of the day, a taxi driver may take home between 50 and 100 dirhams, as he has to pay the holder of the licence, and the owner of the taxi if he doesn’t own it, and most don’t seem to own their own taxis. In addition, he has to pay for gas and repairs. 

It is not required to tip taxi drivers, but if you’re paying according to the meter, it is nice to round up the amount.

If you take a taxi for a day’s excursion, again it is not really required to pay a tip in addition to the rate for the day. It’s entirely up to you.

Moped & Bicycle

Mopeds are a popular way of getting around Marrakech but not for the faint-hearted. Bicycles are easy to hire and are allowed in the Medina.

Horse-drawn carriage

Romantic caleches are a good way of getting around Marrakech. They have space for five people. The carriage should have a sign with the fare written on it. If there is no set fare you will have to agree the price before setting off. Expect to pay around Dh 80 per hour. Find Marrakech horse-drawn carriages at El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Djemaa el Fna and the classier Marrakech hotels.

Buses

Marrakech buses are frequent and very cheap but not especially attractive for getting around Marrakech as they are often crowded. The number 1 links the Medina and the new town.

Walking around, crossing the road

You may find yourself standing at the side of the road wanting to get to the other side and wondering how you’re going to do it and arrive in one piece the other side.  It’s a good idea to tag alongside Moroccans – but if you’re not comfortable with that because they seem to putting themselves in the path of a car, then here’s what to do.

Look for a gap in traffic, then start walking into the road. Keep going slowly. Motorcyles, mopeds, bikes will move around you. So be predictable and keep going rather than stepping back or suddenly standing still unless, of course, the situation requires it!  You will find that the cars slow down and even stop, leaving you space to cross.

Kids are very keen to offer their services, particularly if they realise that you are lost. If you are happy for them to show you the way, then only pay them a few dirhams – max 10 dirhams, if they really did a good job.

If you don’t want them to show you the way, behave as if you know the way (even if you don’t) and walk on purposely. Remember that we are happy to provide you with a mobile phone in case you do get lost, so that you can ring the riad for someone to collect you. 

10. Moroccan beauty treatments

Hammam

No trip to Morocco is complete without having tried the typical Moroccan hammam. 

Hammam means “spreader of warmth.” It is a bathing retreat that has its origins over a thousand years ago in Rome and is still found today in Morocco as well as Turkey and Spain. This detoxifying body treatment brings the whole body to a state of balance and well-being and leaves your skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom!

Guests often combine a visit to the hammam with a relaxing and energizing massage or other luxurious beauty treatments.

There is no better way to de-stress and de-tox than visiting the hammam. The floors and walls are heated with steaming water running through pipes under the surface. 

Enter the hammam naked (if you are in a private hammam), fill up the basin with hot water and sit and absorb the heat, which will help relax your muscles. After about ten minutes, test the water and adjust to what is comfortable for your skin. Then use the containers to pour water over your head. Scoop up a palm-sized blob of black soap* (more a beautiful dark amber), and cover all your skin with the soap.  Allow it to sink in for about ten minutes.

Then use the exfoliating mitt to scrub the skin, stripping away all the dead skin cells.  You can see the skin peel off you like tiny rolls of dirt. This exfoliation is both painful and pleasurable; it's like a chemical peel without the chemicals.

Use plenty of hot water to rinse, leaving your body cleaner than you've ever been in your life, and your skin as smooth as silk. The water in the basin should be left clear. You use the cups or bucket to scoop up clean water and to throw over you. All used water thus falls directly on the floor to be evacuated through the floor drain.

There are bath robes to slip into when you leave the hammam and enter the relaxation area.  It is recommended not to undertake strenuous activity after a hammam. Instead choose a relaxing activity, maybe even have a massage or other beauty treatment.

* Black soap has 100% natural ingredients from the olive tree. It removes impurities from the skin, while hydrating and nourishing. It does not foam but becomes a cream as soon as you add (warm) water to it.  Your skin will feel super clean and soft. It is particularly recommended for dry skin and for the treatment of acne.

Hair care:
It gently cleanses, detangles and strengthens the hair by giving volume and brightness. It can be used like and instead of shampoo.  Your hair will have more volume, a healthy shine and will be soft.  Can be used on all types of hair.

Riad Ariha has its own private hammam. Massages and other beauty treatments can be arranged in both Riad Ariha and Riad Chi-Chi.

 

 

Tips for visiting a public hammam

Most Moroccan dwellings do not have their own bathroom so going to the hammam is a part of daily life. They are also incredibly cheap.
Hammams are also a great place to find out the latest gossip and even find future daughter’s-in-law. To visit a public hammam is a truly authentic Moroccan experience you won’t forget so quickly. It adds a colourful, humerous touch to your repertoire of “Moroccan” tales.

You can normally spot the hammam if you see a donkey cart piled high with sawdust waiting patiently, see a communal bakery nearby (they share the heating facilities) or people walking by with buckets full of toiletries. You may even smell it as burning the sawdust and wood gives off a pleasant, smoky smell.

 

What to wear

To save you the embarrassment of not knowing whether to take all your clothes off or how else you are expected to behave, read on.

The tradition in Morocco doesn’t usually involve getting nude, with the exception of small children. Both men and women tend to wear only their underwear, go topless but leave the g-strings at home. Foreign women who insist on wearing their bras while bathing will look and feel ridiculous.

Bring something to cover your wet hair when you leave. Moroccans are convinced that the quickest way to catch a cold is a bare, wet head (even if it is 30° outside), and if you don’t cover yourself on the way out, someone will do it for you and who knows what with!

 

What to take

For a more authentic experience, first hit the souk to buy the traditional black soap or ghasoul and the exfoliating mitt, really a black scratchy glove called a “kiis”. Both cost next to nothing. Look for plastic buckets filled with sticky black goo – this is the “black soap”.

Also take what you normally use in the shower - shampoo, conditioner, razor, towels.  If you plan to get scrubbed down by the hammam attendant (the highlight of any visit), be sure to take your black soap and “kiis”. Buy a small plastic bowl for dousing yourself with water inside the hammam.

If you’re a clean freak, bring a small plastic stool or mat to sit on to avoid placing your derriere directly on the hammam’s stone floor. 

 

What to expect

Women and men are segregated and usually have different times to visit the hammam.

Don’t expect anything luxurious - rose petals on the floor and fluffy bathrobes are not part of the real deal. There’s a small changing area near the entrance where you can hang your towel and clothes.

The baths consist of several rooms centered on large cisterns with gushing water. The further you venture into the hammam the closer you get to the wood fire and the hotter the water in the fountains gets. Everyone sits on the floor, against the walls, to bathe. Buckets are provided, but usually it’s up to you to collect the water from the hot and cold fountains and mixing them for the perfect temperature back in your area.

The hammam ceiling is usually domed and pierced with small holes to allow natural light to stream in. This has the added advantage of putting your body in a very flattering light!

It’s not always as tranquil as it sounds, however, as mothers attempt to lather up their screaming children while gossiping at high volume.

The scrub-down experience is quite something – be prepared for one seriously abrasive massage. You lay down on the stone floor and the attendant will rub your skin until several layers peel off like strands of dirty spaghetti. You’ll be amazed and slightly put off by your own filth falling off your body. At the end you will feel like a new person and will literally leave in a new skin.

 

What not to do

The hammam floors are slightly sloped for drainage, so spend a few seconds when you first arrive watching which way the water flows to make sure you don’t sit where all the dead skin is floating down!
Don’t take more than two buckets for water as other bathers consider this greedy and will give you dirty looks.
If you decide to douse yourself with cold water at the end of your visit, be careful not to splash the people around you - a fierce verbal lashing is pretty much guaranteed if you give a fellow bather an unexpected icy shower. 
This will be an unforgettable experience!

Henna

Ladies: please be aware that as you walk through the main square, you may be approached by women who ask you to have a henna tattoo and before waiting for your answer, you may find yourself tattooed up to your armpits before you can blink your eyes. So in order to avoid being demanded for a rather large amount of money (like 200 dirhams), make it quite clear if you don’t want it. A reasonable sum for a couple of minutes work is 20 dirhams – but it’s up to you to negotiate.

Before having a henna treatment you should know that it will stain your clothes, towels, bed sheets etc.