GENERAL PACKING TIPS
In keeping with many Muslim countries you will find that people in the capital and other major towns such as Marrakech are used to foreigners, and are therefore likely to be more liberal and more tolerant of your clothing.
However, if you travel out to areas of Morocco with less tourism then the population are more traditional and rigid, so please be sure to cover your shoulders, stomach, hips and bare legs.
During the day it's hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight, loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton that will keep you cool and are easy to wash and dry.
Our advice would be to keep clothing modest and loose - it will keep you cooler and you will get less unwanted attention.
On any trip into the desert, be sure to take along a scarf or wrap to tie around your face to keep out the blowing sand, and wear a long sleeved shirt and full length pants - otherwise the mosquitoes will have a feast.
A lightweight day sack will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a Water-to-Go Filtration Water Bottle.
Wear sunglasses and a sunhat, plus plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection).
Morocco has a 'closed currency', so you'll need to buy your Dirhams at the airport when you get there. Make sure you keep your receipts, as you'll need them to convert your left-over cash back into your own currency when you leave.
CLOTHING TIPS FOR WOMEN
Short tops, short skirts and shorts, tight or body revealing clothes etc should be avoided.
Cotton or other natural fiber shirts or T-shirts, with cotton pants or ankle length skirts are good, and do cover your shoulders or you will be looked at.
Our advice would be to keep swimwear to the beach and pool, and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around public areas.
Remember to cover your shoulders, stomach and bare legs if you are going to visit any religious sites - your wrap will come in handy again for this.
A skirt or loose-fitting pants are good in the heat and will protect you from the sun.
Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime and it is best to avoid heels - flat sandals for the evenings and preferably closed in shoes for the day as the streets are often uneven and dusty. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range - using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light. Or why not try Hotter shoes, they are amazingly comfortable and look great too.
CLOTHING TIPS FOR MEN
There are no specific things to bring to your attention, check out our packing list for our suggested capsule wardrobe.
PACK FOR THE WEATHER
The winter months of November, December, January, February and March are mild in Morocco, but none the less cooler especially in the evenings - so pack a jacket or sweater/pullover or pashmina. It is also wetter so it's a good idea to pack a raincoat .
REGIONS OF MOROCCO
If you are planning on visiting the Atlas mountains during your stay then you will need to pack a sweater or warm jacket even in the middle of summer as the temperature is cooler there. In the winter pack warm layers and a waterproof raincoat. merino wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours - even after prolonged wear.
If you are planning on including Marrakech on your trip, you may want to pack a smarter outfit if you will be eating out in the more up-market restaurants in the modern city. You can get away with a lower neckline and a shorter skirt at smarter restaurants.
Essaouira is a pretty port with lots of cobbled streets in the medina so comfortable shoes are a must for exploring.
