Morocco Notes

For those who have not visited an Arab country before, we think you will find it very different and interesting from our Western Culture. Your visit will be all the more enjoyable if you observe in a minor way just some of their customs. This applies particularly to female clothing. For your own peace of mind, when we are in towns it is a good idea, for females especially, to be discreet in their clothing, although it is not necessary to wear ankle length dresses, long sleeves or anything like that.

CLOTHES



It is of course best to travel light , especially if you or a mule is going to have to carry it! Practical clothing is what's needed with perhaps (not essential) one smarter set for the hotels. It is important to realise that we are staying in the mountains at heights of over 2,000m, so extremes of temperature can be encountered , especially if travelling early or late in the year. It is difficult to be exact about the temperatures to be expected as it can vary so much depending on the prevailing weather conditions.In winter, once the sun goes down, the temperatures can drop rapidly and sub,zero temperatures would not be uncommon at altitude at night , therefore one set of really warm clothes is essential plus a four season sleeping bag. Equally you must be prepared for hot sunny days where shorts etc could be the order of the day, so for those that need one, a sun hat is useful (these can be purchased on the square in Marrakech). Anyone with fair skin, as well as the various sun lotions should also bring a complete sun block. Day time temperatures in the 20's can be expected, with the possibility of much hotter days on the plain of Marrakech and in the South. In summer, day time temperatures will be in the 30's and even hotter in Marrakech and the south where temperatures into the 40's can be expected, however cool evenings are also possible.
As a guideline your total luggage should not exceed 26lbs in weight (excluding sleeping bag).

Toiletries etc....


ACCOMMODATION & FOOD


Hotels


The hotel that Discover uses in Marrakech is situated right in the heart of the city close to the famous square and the old medina with gardens opposite. The Hotel provides pleasant Moroccan cuisine with continental breakfast. Wine etc is available.

The Kasbah


The Kasbah was designed to provide a friendly and airy environment with guest rooms off a large central meeting space and access, as is traditional in Morocco, to the roof which allows wonderful views and additional space for eating or sleeping under the stars!
The kasbah affords a very reasonable level of comfort and space and comprises of the following:


Berber Houses


When we stay in Berber houses as part of an extended trip, it is important to realise that although paying, we are still guests in the Berbers own houses and villages and therefore privileged to be able to experience their way of life, eat their food and sleep in their houses for a number of nights, it will be an experience you will never forget! Everyone who we have taken to these villages are unanimous in that they all would have not missed it for the world.
But there are hardships, because we are guests we eat the evening meal when it is ready which tends to be rather late, after the work in the fields is done, plus the added problem of cooking for more that the usual number over open fires. You can rest assured that we will receive the best that they can offer and it is pretty good!
The evening meal is often a form of stew, tagine, with freshly baked bread. So as the meal times are less in our control it is useful to bring a secret store of munchies! Fruit and nuts can be brought cheaply in the market in Marrakech. Sleeping arrangements are in communal rooms of our own or on flat roof tops gazing up at the stars. As you would expect in a lesser developed mountain area there are basic toilet facilities.
You will be free to wander around the villages and it is possible to have very genuine hospitality/friendship shown to you, invited into people's houses for tea etc. Obviously the success depends on the individual but anyone with even moderate artistic ability should bring pen and paper, drawing seems a very successful way of making friends, especially with the children. Playing cards and books are also useful to bring along and also a torch as there is no electricity in these villages If doing fieldwork, be respectful of other people's property and land.


CAMEL RIDING



For those that wish, and we highly recommend it, a one day camel expedition is arranged spending the night under the stars in a nomadic tent of the Tauregs , the blue men of the desert. We ride on camels out into the desert, where our guides set up camp and prepare an evening meal in the traditional fashion including the fascinating activity of making bread on hot stones. The night is spent under the stars and then waking up to a desert sunrise is a truly unforgettable experience!

WASHING
Obviously the hotels in Marrakech have modern facilities. If staying in the villages it will be a case of washing in the stream etc.


DRINKING WATER



It is essential to have your own water container to carry with you. There will be regular access to refill these from safe supplies , springs etc. However as a precaution it is best to carry your own purifying tablets or equivalent to sterilise your own water as necessary (particularly important if trekking). In the towns the tap water is officially drinkable but of course it is possible to buy mineral water if preferred.


INOCULATIONS/MEDICINE



Although it is not necessary to have any inoculations to enter Morocco we recommend that you have a typhoid, cholera and tetanus injection. Also check that your polio inoculations are up to date. Check with your doctor about the current advise for malaria tablets and hepatitis injections.


PHOTOGRAPHY



Bring all the film that you think you will need. Although the official line allows you to bring into Morocco only 2 rolls of film duty free, most people have no problem bringing in all they require. Print film is available in the major towns and is reasonable priced, slide film tends to be more expensive.
If you have a video camera tapes tend to be more expensive and Hi8 or S-VHS difficult to obtain. Special batteries too can be difficult.
Remember you will be taking photographs in areas of strong sunlight, for example external views, where fast film is more useful and also in the Souks where the light is much dimmer and a slower speed film recommended. You might also be taking flash photographs, for example on the square in Marrakech. Its worth talking to an experienced photographer before you leave as you will treasure the pictures you take.


SLEEPING BAG



Even in the summer the nights can be cool in the mountains. If travelling late/early in the year a good quality four season sleeping bag and mat is essential. These can be hired from us.

PASSPORT



British full passports are necessary. If you are from outside the UK please check the current documentation required at the Moroccan Embassy or legation in your country.