morocco

Morocco is in many ways a country apart. It nestles on the northwestern tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by the towering Atlas Mountains and by the Sahara itself. Its climate, geography, and history are all more closely related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa, and for this reason visitors are often struck by the odd sensation of having not quite reached Africa in Morocco.

Total Area: 710,850 km², 172,487 sq mi

Capital: Rabat

Country Code: +212

Country Population: 36,359,737

Credit Cards: Master Card and Visa are the predominant cards within the tourist areas in Morocco.

Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Departure Tax:There is no departure tax when leaving Morocco.

Drives:  Right

Electricity:  220 – 240 V (European configuration)

Ethnic Groups: Arab – Berber

Location: The Atlantic to the west, the Mediterranean to the north, wonderful beaches, four mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls and plains to the threshold of the desert.

Official Language(s): Arabic, Berber

Religion: Islam is the official religion of Morocco, but it exists in perfect coexistence with the other religions (freedom to practise other religions of revelation is guaranteed by the constitution). The day is marked by five calls to prayer. The muezzin announces them from the top of his minaret. During the month of Ramadan, the Moroccans fast, refraining from eating and smoking from sunrise to sunset.

Time Zone: WET (UTC+0)

Tipping: There are no rules to tipping unlike in North America. Some restaurants add a service charge to the bill, just check it before you leave anything. People often let you know, subtly or otherwise, when a tip is appropriate. Don’t forget waiters in cafes and restaurants, porters in hotels and terminals, toilet attendants, and taxi drivers.

Driver/Guide: 1 week USD 125-150 per couple
National Guide (when included): 1 week USD 200-250 per couple
Group tour: Driver 1 week $13 per person up to 10 pax and $10 for more
Group National Guide 1 week $25 per person up to 10 pax and 20 for more
Camel ride: USD 5 per couple
Local Guide Roman ruins: USD 10 per couple
Local Guide Fes: USD 25 per couple
Local Guide Marrakech: USD 25 per couple