After examining countless Morrocan itineraries and crafting numerous personalized plans, I’ve compiled a list of the top five mistakes travelers often make when planning their dream vacation in Morocco. Trust me, with ten years of experience living in Morocco, traveling extensively throughout the country, and making these very mistakes myself, I speak from experience.
Let’s prepare for your Moroccan adventure wisely!
1. MOROCCO IS HUGE
This is the most common mistake I encounter in many self-created itineraries! Many travelers aim to see everything during their seven-day trip, forgetting that a direct drive to the Sahara desert or Chefchaouen can take up to nine hours. Therefore, if you have only a week in Morocco and prefer not to spend most of it on the road, narrow down your destinations.
📍 For your first trip, concentrate on the Marrakech/Sahara desert area and coastal towns like Essaouira, Taghazout, or Imsouane. Alternatively, explore the High Atlas mountains near Marrakech if you’re a hiking enthusiast.
2. Respect Religion and Cultural Customs
As Morocco is a Muslim country, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
- Ramadan: Be aware of the dates before booking flights, as travel schedules may vary during this holy month.
- Prayer: The call to prayer (adhan) is announced five times a day and can be quite loud, particularly near mosques. Expect it to start around 5 a.m. If you’re a light sleeper, check reviews of hotels before booking.
- Public Displays of Affection: Avoid it! Kissing in public is frowned upon. While hand-holding is acceptable, it’s best to be modest, particularly in rural areas.
- Photography: Do not take pictures of individuals without their permission, and never photograph someone who is praying out of respect.
- Greetings: In Morocco, women greet each other by kissing both cheeks (though they will kiss the air rather than your cheek). Men generally shake hands, and exchanging cheek kisses is common among friends, regardless of gender.
- Alcohol Consumption: Locals do consume alcohol, and there are numerous shops (which close at 8 p.m.) that sell it. However, drinking in public places or on terraces is not permitted. Even restaurants with terraces will only serve alcohol indoors.
- Fridays: This day holds significance for Moroccans due to the Jumu’ah prayer, which typically occurs from noon to around 1:30 p.m. Afterward, people rush to eat couscous, a dish traditionally made only on Fridays. Be mindful of traffic, as many men will be seen after prayer wearing white with prayer rugs in hand.
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3. SUMMERS CAN BE EXTREMELY HOT
Yes, I know most of you prefer summer vacations. However, be aware that July and August can see temperatures exceeding 50°C in Marrakech and southern regions. If you still choose to visit during these months, consider beach towns or northern Morocco.
📍 It’s advisable to plan your trip to Morocco between October and May. Keep in mind that high tourist influx during school holidays may require early bookings for accommodations and activities.
4. TRAVELING TOO FAST
Morocco has so much more to offer than mere sightseeing. While many tourists prioritize major attractions, museums, and monuments, genuine immersion in Moroccan culture often comes from personal interactions. The memorable parts of your trip will likely include the people you meet, the flavorful tagines you savor, and those spontaneous conversations with locals.
📍 My recommendation: Incorporate some slow travel into your itinerary—engage with locals, take a cooking class, hire a local guide, or spend leisurely hours exploring the souks while enjoying a coffee.
I always say that if your entire vacation in Morocco goes exactly as planned, you might miss out on the true Moroccan experience.
5. EMBRACE SPONTANEITY
Morocco is about so much more than tourist attractions. The real gems lie in personal experiences—meeting locals, relishing tagines, and engaging in spontaneous conversations. Things may not go according to schedule, with places closing unexpectedly or restaurants forgetting your reservation. Instead of getting frustrated, embrace the opportunity to relax and appreciate life’s simple pleasures, as Morocco teaches you.
📍 My HUGE advice: Slow down. Connect with locals, enroll in a cooking class, hire a guide, or simply explore the souks while enjoying a cup of coffee.
