Thinking of planning a trip for a few days but completely novice to the country would appreciate hints tips hot spots to see , places to stay, best way to get there ( can we drive over from the boat..where do you get the boat?), best time of year, currency etc
Thanks in advance
Trip to Morocco
We visited Morocco last Christmas. Went on a well organised day trip. Whilst we found it fascinating, parts were also very intimidating. We were forewarned to stay in our group, wearing our 'group badge' prominently at all times. Particularly important when visiting the old town - known at the Medina.
From the minute the passengers embarked anyone not obviously belonging to a group was approached by the natives persistently offering their services as guides/taxi drivers.
The 'locals' were extremely persistent attempting to sell their wares. During this part of our visit we had three guides who did an excellent job of keeping us together, nevertheless every step of the way we had to ward off street sellers - who wouldn't take no for an answer. Even to the point of walking backwards in front of anyone who showed the slightest interest or worse still touched anything, as they perceived this as an intent to purchase.
Personally we were glad we weren't visiting this area on our own, without native speakers/protectors, but would go again under similar circumstances.
From the minute the passengers embarked anyone not obviously belonging to a group was approached by the natives persistently offering their services as guides/taxi drivers.
The 'locals' were extremely persistent attempting to sell their wares. During this part of our visit we had three guides who did an excellent job of keeping us together, nevertheless every step of the way we had to ward off street sellers - who wouldn't take no for an answer. Even to the point of walking backwards in front of anyone who showed the slightest interest or worse still touched anything, as they perceived this as an intent to purchase.
Personally we were glad we weren't visiting this area on our own, without native speakers/protectors, but would go again under similar circumstances.
-
alaninspain
- Resident
- Posts: 920
- Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2005 8:28 am
- Location: Benalmadena
We visited Tangier for a day trip about 4 years ago and hated it. Ferry was fine as it was a new Italian made catamaran. Once landed we were pestered by beggars and street vendors, eben though we were in an escorted party. Eventually, I had to resort to anglo-saxon vocabulary. ed. Why he thought I might want to buy a plastic camel I do not know, but we saw him no more. We were taken to see some moth eaten camels for a photograph, a snake charmer who must have owned the laziest snake in the world, and a shop in the souk where everything was expensive and tatty. The only good bit was the pharmacy where we treated to an in depth presentation of natural products, which was both enlighteneing and helpful.
As far as the rest of Morocco is concerned we did spend a week on a whistle stop tour spending a little time in Fez & Marrakesh, both brilliant. Casablanca, Rabat and Larache were scruffy and uninteresting.
It is a big country and distances between the main cities would take you most of a day. Hotels are overrated by one star, i.e. a 3 star in Spain is a 4 star in Morocco. As far as safety is concerned wear money belts, have handbags lopped over your necks, and use the guides around the souks and medinas in the cities, not just for safety ( we did not feel threatened) but they are a maze of little alleys and it would be easy to become lost. take the guided
As far as the rest of Morocco is concerned we did spend a week on a whistle stop tour spending a little time in Fez & Marrakesh, both brilliant. Casablanca, Rabat and Larache were scruffy and uninteresting.
It is a big country and distances between the main cities would take you most of a day. Hotels are overrated by one star, i.e. a 3 star in Spain is a 4 star in Morocco. As far as safety is concerned wear money belts, have handbags lopped over your necks, and use the guides around the souks and medinas in the cities, not just for safety ( we did not feel threatened) but they are a maze of little alleys and it would be easy to become lost. take the guided
I think the time of year you go could make a difference to how much you're pestered.
I've been over twice. The first time, in the summer, we walked around without any problem whatsoever. Noone tried to sell us anything or hassle us in any way.
However, going again in early March was a different story. Presumably the tourists weren't very plentiful, so everyone was making the most of the few around.
Ironically, myself and my husband both speak Arabic, and know the right words to say to make it perfectly clear we weren't interested (for example someone trying to sell a dozen girls knickers to my husband!) and they still wouldn't leave us be!
Having said that, I like the place, especially in the evenings when it really comes alive.
You just have to take them for what they are. Mostly traders trying to make a living, and don't let them get to you. They are used to 95% rejection, so say no and just walk on. They probably take the view that potentially you could be one of the 5% and have to pester a bit just to make sure!!
During the summer, the ferries are more plentiful, you should check the timetable before making the journey to the port, and for planning your return. You can't take a hire car over with you, and if you're taking your own, make sure you have all the vehicle documents with you. Personally, I wouldn't recommend taking the car. You can leave your car at the port and in Morocco take a taxi when you get there, they're really cheap, and the drivers can be quite helpful.
I've been over twice. The first time, in the summer, we walked around without any problem whatsoever. Noone tried to sell us anything or hassle us in any way.
However, going again in early March was a different story. Presumably the tourists weren't very plentiful, so everyone was making the most of the few around.
Ironically, myself and my husband both speak Arabic, and know the right words to say to make it perfectly clear we weren't interested (for example someone trying to sell a dozen girls knickers to my husband!) and they still wouldn't leave us be!
Having said that, I like the place, especially in the evenings when it really comes alive.
You just have to take them for what they are. Mostly traders trying to make a living, and don't let them get to you. They are used to 95% rejection, so say no and just walk on. They probably take the view that potentially you could be one of the 5% and have to pester a bit just to make sure!!
During the summer, the ferries are more plentiful, you should check the timetable before making the journey to the port, and for planning your return. You can't take a hire car over with you, and if you're taking your own, make sure you have all the vehicle documents with you. Personally, I wouldn't recommend taking the car. You can leave your car at the port and in Morocco take a taxi when you get there, they're really cheap, and the drivers can be quite helpful.
-
Valencia_Paul
- Resident
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:04 pm
- Location: Liverpool and Valencia Region
I haven't been for 10 years but imagine the levels of pestering have not changed much. If you want to explore Tangier I reckon you are better paying a guide to stop everybody else hassling you.
The smaller coastal towns are ok and we found on the open road and in smaller towns the levels of hassle dropped to near zero.
As others have said Marrakesh is a great place to visit. We also went to the Roman ruins at Volubilis which was stunning.
The smaller coastal towns are ok and we found on the open road and in smaller towns the levels of hassle dropped to near zero.
As others have said Marrakesh is a great place to visit. We also went to the Roman ruins at Volubilis which was stunning.
Asilah is lovely (take the normal ferry from Tangiers) for a short visit. But stay in town and not along the beach outside. I hate Tangiers and think anyone would be advised to arrive and leave as quickly as possible.Marina wrote:I'm going later this year and am staying in Asilah which looks nice. I don't know where we'll get the ferry from though.
IMHO if visiting Morocco on a short visit (i.e. no able to trek in the Atlas´s which are great) priority is to go to Marrakesh first, second Fez and then Cheouen and possibly Asilah. The latter two just for a couple of days. But you are best flying to the first two as distances are long and roads still (tho improved) not good with little between towns. Outside Tangiers, everyone was really friendly and I got no hassle at all when shopping. It´s just Tangiers that gives Morocco such a bad name. Melilla is much nicer!
Más vale un "por si acaso" que un "¿quién lo iba a saber?"
-
El Cid
- Andalucia Guru
- Posts: 16081
- Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2004 10:42 pm
- Location: La Herradura, Costa Tropical, Granada
I spent a week in Morocco three years ago. We went on a 7 day coach trip to Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat and Tangiers. It was described as the "Imperial Cities Tour".
A number of tour companies run these trips and we had a great time. The hotels are very good and for a small supplement you can opt for the best hotels which as good as anythning in Europe, particularly in Marrakesh.
The new mosque in Casablance is a must - it is absolutely amazing. Tangiers is not worth a visit - it shows quite the worst and least typical side of the country.
Chouen and Tetuan are also worth a visit.
Sid
A number of tour companies run these trips and we had a great time. The hotels are very good and for a small supplement you can opt for the best hotels which as good as anythning in Europe, particularly in Marrakesh.
The new mosque in Casablance is a must - it is absolutely amazing. Tangiers is not worth a visit - it shows quite the worst and least typical side of the country.
Chouen and Tetuan are also worth a visit.
Sid
I wonder if you ever went beyond Tangiers, Katy? I went travelling inland Morocco a month ago, fell and injured my leg badly and had to be taken to be ambulanced to hospital. I have never met such helpful people and the whole town came out to help me. Their tourism has been so affected by ignorant comments from people who have hardly visited the country. I can honestly say that I felt a million times safer and less pestered walking round Chaouen than on the CDS. Moroccan tat? I agree, that gets sent to the CDS where there´s a demand for cheap stuff. Inland Morocco has some wonderful handiwork on sale that I´ve never seen outside the country.katy wrote:Think its a place to go once, wouldn't want to go back, hate being pestered. The really needy never get your tips anyway its the same touts and sharks everytime. All the moroccan tat is for sale cheaper on the CDS. It's not a very safe place either, islamic fundamentalists on the increase.
Más vale un "por si acaso" que un "¿quién lo iba a saber?"
-
Valencia_Paul
- Resident
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2005 12:04 pm
- Location: Liverpool and Valencia Region
We stayed here for a couple of days, very relaxing town called Azrou:-
http://www.world66.com/africa/morocco/azrou
The coastal town of Essaouira was also a good place to visit:-
http://www.world66.com/africa/morocco/essaouira
Despite what some may say, we drove 1000 miles in 6 days in a hire car and didn't have many problems once out of Tangiers.
http://www.world66.com/africa/morocco/azrou
The coastal town of Essaouira was also a good place to visit:-
http://www.world66.com/africa/morocco/essaouira
Despite what some may say, we drove 1000 miles in 6 days in a hire car and didn't have many problems once out of Tangiers.
Morocco
We actually had a better time WITHOUT any guides...but at least when we did we had lots of stories to tell...how we were told it was 20 euros and saw him give the shop owner 10, but on the whole I love Morocco, So close to go from here but feels like you've been so far!
Does anyone know of any good taxi's from the port? the last one we had was not only a rust bucket but the smell of diesel was too much! But it adds to the adventure!
Given the import duty on a 1000 camels is a bit steep....he brought her home instead. 
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Baidu [Spider] and 96 guests