Morocco is located in the far west of North Africa, bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Among African countries, it’s relatively easy to visit, and while it’s already well-known as a holiday destination among Europeans, it remains a hidden gem for many travelers from other parts of the world. In this post, I want to share essential tips and information about Morocco that I found invaluable during my recent trip-perfect for anyone planning a visit.
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Morocco Travel Itinerary
Morocco is a fairly large country, and getting between cities isn’t always straightforward. Your itinerary will depend greatly on how long you plan to stay.
For my trip, I spent 5 nights and 6 days in Morocco, including a 2-night, 3-day desert tour. Aside from the desert tour, I spent the rest of my time exploring Marrakech.
Many travelers these days also take ferries from southern Spain to Tangier in northern Morocco. So, I’m breaking down the itineraries into two options below.
- If you’re focusing on Marrakech, I recommend staying in the city for two or three days to enjoy the Medina and surrounding historical sites, then joining a Sahara Desert tour.
- If you’re arriving from Spain and just want to see Tangier, a day trip is possible, but if you’ve come this far, plan at least 3-4 days to fully enjoy Morocco’s northern region.
The north also offers the famed blue town of Chefchaouen and Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most famous cities-a great combination for anyone who loves variety.
Sample Itineraries
- Central Morocco (4 nights, 5 days):
Marrakech (1) – Sahara Desert (2) – Marrakech (1) - Northern Morocco (3 nights, 4 days):
Tangier (1) – Chefchaouen – Fes (1) – Tangier (1)
If you have more time, you can easily combine both regions. Depending on your interests, consider adding a trip to the Atlas Mountains for hiking or waterfalls as well.
Detailed Itinerary: Central Morocco & Sahara Tour
Day 1: Arrival & Marrakech Highlights
- Morning: Arrive in Marrakech, check into your riad in the Medina.
- Afternoon: Wander through Jemaa el-Fna square-street performers, food stalls, snake charmers.
- Evening: Explore the souks (textiles, ceramics, spices) and dine at a rooftop café overlooking the square.
Day 2: Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Tinghir
- Early morning – Depart Marrakech via minivan. Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m).
- Mid-morning – Photo stop at a Berber mountain village (1,600 m): souvenir stalls.
- Late morning – Panoramic viewpoint over the N9 highway, admire the Atlas’s red hues.
- Early afternoon – Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage): tour the ksar, climb to the old fortress.
- Mid-afternoon – Quick photo stop at Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and the Cinema Museum.
- Evening – Check in at Hotel Bougafer in Tinghir. Enjoy Moroccan tagine and rest for tomorrow’s gorge.
Day 3: Todgha Oasis & Todgha Gorge → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
- Morning – Stroll through the lush Todgha Oasis, fed by Atlas meltwater.
- Late morning – Explore Todgha Gorge: sheer sandstone cliffs, picnic by the shallow river.
- Lunch – Traditional Berber carpet shop demo, then tagine in a local café with live music.
- Afternoon – Drive to Merzouga (gateway to Sahara). Check in and prepare for desert camp.
- Sunset Trek – Camel caravan into the golden dunes. Watch sand rippling in sunset light.
- Overnight – La Source Des Désert Camp near Merzouga: dinner and sleep under stars.
Day 4: Sahara Sunrise → Return to Marrakech
- Early morning – Enjoy the mesmerizing sight as the sun rises, painting the dunes in golden hues.
- Mid-morning – Depart desert, drive back across the Atlas via Ouarzazate.
- Late afternoon – Stop at any missed viewpoints or villages, returning to Marrakech by evening.
- Evening – Free time in Marrakech for hammam spa, dinner in the Medina.
Day 5: Free Day in Marrakech & Departure
- Option A: Shopping in souks or visit Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
- Option B: Cooking class in a riad-learn to make tagine & couscous.
- Afternoon – Transfer to Menara Airport for your flight home.
Flights and Visa Requirements
How to Visit
Currently, there are direct flights to Morocco from many European countries, as well as from the US. However, there are not many direct flights from East Asia. Direct flights from Western and Southern Europe to Morocco typically take about 3 to 4 hours. For travelers from the US East Coast, such as New York or Washington D.C., the flight time is around 7 to 8 hours.
In addition to international flights, travelers can consider alternative routes and modes of transport depending on their starting location and travel preferences.
- From Spain: Ferries cross the Strait of Gibraltar, and there are direct flights from Madrid or Barcelona.
- From Middle East: Direct flights are available from Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, and more. These flights offer convenient connections for travelers coming from the region.
Visa Information for International Travelers
Morocco has a relatively relaxed visa policy for tourists. Citizens of over 70 countries-including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand-can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. For the most current visa information by nationality, check the official travel advisory before you go!
Weather and the Best Time to Visit
Marrakech has an arid climate with less than 300 mm of annual rainfall. Summers can be extremely hot, making spring and fall the most pleasant seasons to travel. If you visit in winter, you can even go skiing in the Atlas Mountains.
The northern region of Morocco, including Tangier and Chefchaouen, enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate. Winter brings more rainfall, so it’s best to avoid the wettest months. From April to September, you’ll find ideal travel weather just about everywhere.
Safety in Morocco
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, Morocco ranks 112th out of 193 countries for crime-comparable to or even safer than many Western countries. Personally, I found Morocco to be quite safe, even walking around at night. However, as with any tourist destination, beware of common scams targeting travelers.
Note for solo female travelers: While not dangerous, catcalling and street harassment (whistling, unsolicited comments) can be a nuisance and make solo travel feel uncomfortable for women.
Moroccan Dirham Exchange Rate
The current exchange rate is about 1 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) = 0.10 USD. For quick mental calculations, 50 MAD is approximately $5–6 USD. Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to exchange some cash in advance if the rate is favorable. Historically, the rate has ranged between 1 MAD = 0.09 to 0.12 USD. If you see the rate around 0.09, it’s generally better to exchange your money beforehand.
Prices and Travel Costs in Morocco
For a six-day, five-night trip, I spent about $300 USD (roughly €260 EUR), around $50 (€45) per day. Overall, Morocco is affordable, but costs can vary.
My biggest expense was the desert tour, which covered 2 nights’ accommodation, dinner, and transportation-excellent value for the price! Getting around in Marrakech was quite cheap. Walking is easy and free within the city, but airport transfers cost about $5-6 USD each way.
Accommodation is relatively expensive. Considering Morocco’s general prices, hotels can seem pricey-expect to pay at least $30 USD per night for a good room in the Marrakech Medina. For food and drinks, eating at local restaurants is cheap; you can have a hearty meal for around $4 USD. If you hit upscale restaurants serving alcohol or frequent touristy spots, your food budget will go up.
Budget Summary
For two people traveling for 6 days and 5 nights, plan a budget of $500-$600 USD for a comfortable and enjoyable trip, including tours.
Today I’ve shared everything you need to know before your trip to Morocco: from planning your itinerary and booking flights, to tips about the weather, safety, currency, and travel costs-based on my own experiences. I hope this guide helps you prepare for your Moroccan adventure and makes your trip even more enjoyable!
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