Morocco

RoxieW

Hi there
I wondered if any one has been to morocco and has any tips or recommendations?
We have booked flights in February but we only have a week. But we would like to travel about abit in that time and see some different areas. We're currently thinking 2 nights in Marrakech, 1 night in high atlas, 2 nights in desert and 2 nights coast somewhere to chill. Is this tfeasible? Not sure about actual travel times between places. Am I right in thinking that high atlas is between Marrakech and sahara so it would be a good 1 night stop off between the two places? Also, my oh would prefer not to drive as he says he would feel safer with a driver but I don't know how to go about finding a trustworthy one?
Also, my oh is really into Astrology and would like to do some stargazing in the desert. I've searched online and not come up with much with regards to this. Has anyone done this or know if it is possible to arrange?
Thanks in advance

hieveryone

Hi

I went to Morocco in July 2010 and to be honest was a little disappointed. I'd say I was a 'savvy traveller' but found it quite intimidating, although I was there just with another female so perhaps it will be better with a man with you.

I can't remember how far away the mountains are - something about 120km rings a bell but I could be way off. Drivers will take a days 'fee' and take you wherever you want to go. I certainly would not advise driving yourself there - it is absolute chaos and there was a good few tense moments in the back of cabs for me!

Sorry I know this isn't actually much help - only other thing I can think of is do not pay the first price that anyone tells you - they expect you to be rich and want to throw your money away.

PompeyPete

We did Morocco in late January a couple of years ago.
We flew into Marrakesh.

The temperature was pleasant once the sun woke up, but it was chilly at night. I can imagine that even in February it'll get cold, especially in the mountains. So make sure you do your homework and plan appropriate for the worst case weather.

There is a seaside town called Essaouira, about 2 hours drive from Marrakesh. Never went, but apparently it's alright with decent accommodation. One warning though, it's on the Atlantic coast, and apparently at that time of year the winds can be strong, very strong!

We stayed for 4 nights in a cheap riad in Marrakesh, just off Jemma el Fna (the main square). Dress modestly in Marrakesh, wear long sleeves, shoulders and knees covered. Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact, and don't get into conversation with local males. Your male partner can get away with shorts and T-shirt (if it's warm enough). Keep a tab in restaurants, so you can check the bill (which probably won't be itemised). If your waiter can see you are keeping a note, there's less change of a nasty surprise and possible confrontation. Most places don't sell alcohol, but if you want it, it ain't too difficult to find it.

Marrakesh is a great place, very colourful, busy and loud. The souqs go on forever. The centre comes to life at sunset. A lot of the entertainment you'll witness isn't put on for tourists, and you'll see crowds of local men stood in circles listening to, or watching whatever is going on.

We moved around a bit, by train. We stayed in Casablanca (yuk!), Fez and Rabat, before heading back to Marrakesh. Casablanca is a big Port, not much to recommend it, but it has some decent restaurants near the the fishing harbour. Fez is absolutely fascinating, getting lost in the souqs is a bit scary, but all part of the journey. Rabat is by the sea, it's the capital city, very colonial French, and laid back.