Embarking on a journey to Morocco with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) promises a rich tapestry of experiences. This guide aims to provide valuable insights for those considering or preparing for this adventure, ensuring a memorable and seamless trip.
Pre-Trip Essentials
- Chefchaouen: If a pre-trip to Chefchaouen is offered, seize the opportunity. Its unique charm and picturesque landscapes are not to be missed.
- Tetouan: Consider spending extra time in Chefchaouen instead of taking the optional trip to Tetouan. The main trip will provide ample exposure to medinas and mellahs.
- Volubilis and Meknes: The optional trip to Volubilis and Meknes is worthwhile, especially for history enthusiasts.
Packing Smart
Packing appropriately can significantly enhance your comfort and experience. Here are some tips:
- Weather: Expect perfect weather in October, requiring only a light jacket. Heavier pants may be useful for desert sunrises.
- Clothing: While cultural norms are evolving, shorts are generally acceptable in many places. Pack slip-on shoes for convenience, though you may not need to remove them often.
- Swimsuit: Most riads and hotels have lovely pools, making a bathing suit essential, especially in the Sahara.
- Hairdryer: Hairdryers are typically available in accommodations.
- Laundry: Laundry service is available in Fes, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech. This is a convenient and inexpensive option.
- Backpack: Be sure to bring a backpack.
Photography
Capturing the beauty of Morocco is a must. While iPhones take great photos, true photographers will find carrying a dedicated camera worth the extra weight.
10 Best Places to Visit in Morocco - Travel Video
Food and Health
Moroccan cuisine is a highlight of the trip. To avoid digestive issues:
- Be cautious with uncooked vegetables.
- Follow your guide's advice on safe foods.
It's also worth noting that every bathroom has an adequate supply of toilet paper. Be sure to drop the used paper on the waste basket and don’t flush it.
Read also: Essential Morocco Travel Guide
Staying Connected
Staying connected is easier than you might think:
- Cell Service: You can get cell service in the desert, but Wi-Fi may not be available.
- Charging: It has been easy to charge phones everywhere, including the Sahara.
Shopping
Morocco offers unique shopping opportunities:
- Scarves: For good quality scarves, buy from the weaving shop on Fes. If you don’t care about quality, then you can get a great deal in the market in Rissani.
- Caftans: The Rissani market is a great place to purchase a caftan, which is perfect for the desert.
Personal Experience
Traveling to Morocco with OAT offers a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion. The experiences, from breathtaking scenery to interactions with welcoming Moroccans, create lasting memories. The perfect weather, great food, breathtaking scenery, once in a lifetime activities together with welcoming, friendly Moroccans, congenial travel companions and an excellent guide make this trip unforgettable.
Additional Tips
- Luggage: They say no hard shell luggage but it’s only hard around the edges.
- Laundry: I don’t mind hand washing undies as I have found that in some Muslim countries they will not do your underwear.
- Attire: I plan on bringing a few pairs of lightweight quick drying hiking pants and a couple of longish skirts.
Potential Issues
- Tummy Issues: Did anyone experience tummy issues? We have traveled to Egypt and India which are notorious for this but we did not get sick just by keeping the water out of our mouths and good hand hygiene.
- Walking Tours: Did you find that the walking tours were rushed or too fast paced? Sometimes tour companies try to pack 10lbs of stuff into a 5 lb bag so to speak.
Read also: Surfing in Morocco
Read also: Morocco Day Trip
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