How to Plan a Morocco Itinerary
Morocco works best with 7-14 days minimum. Start in Marrakech, add Fes for culture, the Sahara for desert experience, and Chefchaouen for mountain scenery. Book riads in advance for imperial cities and expect to haggle for most purchases.
- Choose your anchor cities. Pick 2-3 main bases. Marrakech and Fes are the cultural heavyweights. Casablanca is mostly for flights. Chefchaouen offers mountain charm. Essaouira provides coastal relief.
- Plan your desert experience. Book a 2-day Sahara trip from either Marrakech (to Erg Chebbi) or Fes (to Erg Chigaga). Overnight in desert camp is essential. Book through established operators like Sahara Desert Trips or Epic Morocco.
- Map your transport. CTM and Supratours run reliable buses between major cities. Marrakech to Fes is 8 hours by bus, 3 hours by train via Casablanca. Rent a car for Atlas Mountains flexibility but avoid for cities—traffic and parking are nightmares.
- Book accommodation early. Riads in medinas fill up fast, especially in Marrakech and Fes. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season (March-May, September-November). Budget 80-120 euros per night for decent riads, 30-50 euros for guesthouses.
- Prepare for haggling culture. Everything except restaurants and hotels involves negotiation. Start at 30-40% of asking price. Learn key Arabic numbers. Carry small bills—shopkeepers often claim no change for large notes.
- Is Morocco safe for solo female travelers?
- Yes with normal precautions. Harassment can occur but is usually verbal. Dress conservatively, stay in reputable riads, and use official guides in medinas. Many women travel Morocco solo successfully.
- How much should I tip?
- Restaurants 10-15% if service charge not included. Guides 100-150 dirhams per day. Hotel staff 20-50 dirhams for assistance. Hammam attendants 50 dirhams. Small services like directions warrant 5-10 dirhams.
- Can I drink alcohol in Morocco?
- Yes, but availability is limited. Tourist hotels and some restaurants serve alcohol. Look for Casablanca or Stork local beers. Wine is expensive. Avoid drinking during Ramadan and in conservative areas.
- Do I need to speak Arabic or French?
- English works in tourist areas and with younger Moroccans. French is widely spoken from colonial period. Arabic numbers and basic greetings help with shopping. Download Google Translate offline for emergencies.
- What's the WiFi situation?
- Most riads and restaurants offer WiFi but speed varies. Buy local SIM card at airport for data—Maroc Telecom or Orange offer tourist packages. WhatsApp works well for communication.