For the modern tourist Morocco has complemented its
fascinating history and cultures with the pleasures and comforts
of the highest standards in its hotels and restaurants.
HISTORY
Morocco is a country steeped in history which has been inhabited
since early prehistoric times as testified by prehistoric remains.
Then came Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Berbers, Byzantines, Romans
and Vandals before the Arab invasion in the 8th century. Morocco
became an independent state in 788 AD and is today a constitutional
monarchy.
CLIMATE
Annual sunshine levels can exceed 8 hours a day with average
temperatures of 21 C. To explain the diversity it is possible
to travel from a sandy beach on the Atlantic ocean, through the
snow capped Atlas mountains to the Saharan desert in just one
day.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham. This is a controlled
currency so is not available outside of Morocco but is easily
obtained within the country from banks and within hotels. At the
time of writing the exchange rate is in excess of 16 Dirhams to
the pound which is very favourable. Credit cards are widely accepted
and most banks have cash dispeners. No commission is charged when
changing currency which can be changed back at the airport on
departure.
LANGUAGE
The everyday language of Morocco is dialectal Arabic with classical
Arabic being the language of education. The second language is
French, which basically everybody speaks. You will not find a
language problem however with English. This is now widely spoken
in the hotels, restaurants and shops as well as by the locals.
FOOD
Moroccan cuisine offers refined preparations of sun-drenched
fruit and vegetables, rare and aromatic spices, delicate fish
and succulent meats. This is the very best of Oriental cuisine
and is famous throughout the world.
RELIGION
Islam is the religion of Morocco but it exists in perfect co-existence
with other religions.
SPORTS
Visitors can participate in golf, surfing and windsurfing, skiing,
white water sports, riding, four-wheel drive, hunting, fishing,
aerial sports, sailing, yachting and water skiing. Several hotels
have thalassotherapy institutes.
MUSEUMS and HISTORICAL SITES
The countrys rich past has left impressive ruins in many centres
and some surprising cave dwellings as well as many museums. A
brochure is available on request.
HEALTH
Morocco is a healthy country, however a certain number of minimal
precautions should be taken. Avoid water from wadis and water
sellers. Visitors should only drink the excellent bottled spring
water. No vaccination certificates are required for visitors from
the UK and anti-malarial treatment is not necessary. Precautions
should be taken against sunburn and insects in desert areas.
DRIVING ON THE ROADS
The highway code is of international standards. Roadsigns are
prominently visible in French and Arabic and speed limits are
actively enforced. Road surfaces are generally good but you need
to drive carefully because apart from other motorists you will
have to avoid pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, carts and
even animals so dont be afraid to sound the horn. Do not drive
'off piste' ie rough tracks. If you have an accident or damage
the car you will incur costs.
RAILWAY
There is an excellent railway system with 2,000 km of track
mainly in the north. The express trains are fast, comfortable
and air-conditioned with bar service and buffet car.
BUSES
These are the most popular means of transport and will take
you everywhere at very low cost. CTM is the main bus company who
operate comfortable air-conditioned coaches.
TAXIS
'Petit taxi' (maximum 3 people) operate in each town and 'Grande
taxi' (maximum 6 people) operate between towns and airports. You
can usually negotiate and fix the price in advance.
SHOPPING
Stolling through the souks is a wonderful experience and not
to be missed. The specialities are embroidery, carpets, pottery,
leather goods, carved wood, metal goods inlaid with silver thread,
mosaics, shoemakers, sewing, spices, jewellery, marquetry, weaving
and brassware. In each town you will find craftwork centres where
you can buy genuine articles offering good value for money. Bargaining
is a national passion and should be practised with a smile but
please do not start negotiating unless you want to buy. To get
the best price keep the conversation friendly and amicable.
GUIDES
Please only choose official Moroccan Tourist Ministry guides.
They know the history of the country and its monuments in great
detail. They can be identified by their traditional costume and
identification badge.
FOLKLORE
Traditions and folk art remain very much alive in Morocco. Music
is present everywhere in the country, accompanying festivities
and ceremonies in an instrumental form of traditional classical
and popular Arab music and is intimately linked with poetry and
dance. There are many Festivals held throughout the country.
FANTASIAS
Fantasias are held in most towns where men on horseback perform
an extraodinary war exercise and acrobatic feats while firing
their 'moukhala' (old powder charged rifle) during a frantic gallop.
These are usually held in purpose built arenas in conjunction
with a traditional Moroccan dinner and folklore evenings. |
