Anyone lucky enough to get a glimpse of Marrakech with its fabled medina, ancient Islamic architecture and cosmopolitan ville nouvelle will have other things on their mind than what to wear. Travelers should bring comfortable, weather-proof attire that allows them to explore the city. Cultural considerations are important here, too, since Marrakech residents, like most Moroccans, expect visitors to dress modestly.
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Spring and Summer
For those visiting Marrakech in the warmer spring and summer months, sun protection and light, breathable clothing are key. March through September is the hottest time in the city, with average daytime high temperatures ranging anywhere from 73 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors should bring short-sleeved shirts, knee-length shorts and jeans or pants in light-weight materials such as cottons or linens. Sunglasses and a brimmed hat plus a reliable sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher are also must-packs for consistently sunny Marrakech. Though daytime temperatures can be sweltering, spring and summertime nights tend to be much cooler, with average temperatures from the mid-50s to high 60s, so don’t forget to pack a few long-sleeved sweaters and a light jacket. Visitors heading to Marrakech in March and April should prepare for scattered rainfall and bring a windbreaker or rain jacket.
Autumn and Winter
Visitors heading to Marrakech in autumn or winter can expect to enjoy mild, frequently sunny weather. Average daytime temperatures in October through February range from 65 to 82 degrees with chilly nighttime temperatures from 40 to 57 degrees. Take sun-protective gear, including sunglasses and hats plus some long-sleeved shirts, pants and scarves. Once November hits, rain becomes much more common in Marrakech, so those visiting from this time until March should pack rain jackets, umbrellas and rain-proof shoes.
Cultural Considerations
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative clothing standards, especially for its female population. While there isn’t an enforced dress code, men and women should respect the local culture by leaving short, tight or otherwise revealing clothing at home. To avoid stares or unwanted attention, particularly in the old city’s crowded el-Djema Fna square, it’s best to keep shoulders covered and stick to pants or knee-length shorts, skirts or dresses. For visitors planning to stop in at one of the city’s hammams (public bathhouses), a swimsuit and flip-flops or other open-toed shoes are the norm.
Shoes
A pair of comfortable walking shoes is indispensable for a trip to Marrakech. Unless you plan to get around solely via horse-drawn taxi or battle chaotic traffic through the narrow medina streets on a rented motorbike, you’ll likely be walking a great deal. In Marrakech’s old city especially, the streets are often cobbled or jagged, so bring footwear with a solid grip. Depending on when you visit, you may want to pack walking sandals, sneakers or comfortable boots, but forgo flip-flops and heels for long days of sightseeing.
Packing
Pack just enough clothing for your trip with a few outfits that you won’t mind wearing repeatedly so you’ll have enough space in your luggage to stow an extra pair of Berber slippers or an authentic Morocan tea set from Marrakech’s seemingly endless souqs. However, you may want to pack one dressy ensemble for nights out exploring the restaurants, bars and galleries of Marrakech’s ville nouvelle. The wide, cheap availability of (mostly) quality Moroccan goods throughout the city also make it easy to pick up an item or two you may have forgotten at home.
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Moroccan Women's Clothing-Morocco Travel Information
Moroccan Women's Clothing
Morocco Travel Information
Traditional clothing for women in Morocco consists of brightly colored, long flowing robes, headscarves, slippers, button down blouses, and, sometimes, even veils. This style of clothing has been cultivated since the ancient times of Moroccan history, and is still a part of the living tradition and culture of the country today. Typically, the women of Morocco continue wearing the traditional clothing of their forbearers without extensive variation or influence from the realms of Western fashion, but modern alterations of the historic Muslim-influenced styles of dress are rapidly creeping into wardrobes. Heterogeneous fashions - mixes between traditional Muslim/ Moroccan and modern women's clothing fashions - can now be observed in the streets of Morocco today, but the principles of hijab, the Muslim idea of modest dress, still prevail. There are various different articles of clothing that make up the Moroccan woman's wardrobe, and this paper is meant to shine some light on these pieces, as well as discuss the ways in which Muslim women's fashion has been changing in Morocco.
Hijab and its effect on Moroccan women's fashion:
The idea of hijab - to cover or provide privacy - is a central factor in any discussion of Moroccan women's clothing. "In some Arabic-speaking countries and Western countries, the word hijab primarily refers to women's head and body covering, but in Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality" . Thus being, the essential philosophy behind Moroccan women's clothing is to cover the body with clothing which preserve for the wearer an impression of modesty, piety, and highly reserved sexuality. The Qur'an (24:31) states that:
�And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display their ornaments except what appears thereof, and let them wear their head-coverings (khimars) over their bosoms (jaybs), and not display their ornaments except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex . . . "
In practice, hijab means that women must keep the essential forms of their womanhood covered from view with clothing that does not provide much of an indication of the shapes and graces found within when in public or in the company of men that are not of their family. This means that the women of Morocco tend to publicly wear long and loose robes (djellaba), button-up blouses which extend down to the knees or the ankles (kafkan), and headscarves (khimar) which cover most of the hair, the ears and the neck. Young girls in Morocco are except from the practice of hijab until the time of puberty, when they too are required to begin donning the concealing clothing of their mothers.
Although hijab - the wearing of modest clothing - is highly regarded in Morocco it is not compulsory for a woman to dress this way. It is becoming fairly common in Morocco for women to go out in public without wearing headscarves, long sleeves, and in Western style clothing. But for formal occasions, such as weddings or religious festivals, the principles of hijab prevail and women tend to wear traditional style Moroccan clothing (Wikipedia).
Examples of hijab mandated Muslim women's fashions are below:
Various examples of hijab throughout the Muslim World. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Hijab article.
Although the clothing that the Moroccan women are wearing in the above photo appear to be modern or Western, they still sort of conform to the principles of hijab, as the dress is still modest in appearance and cover the entire body.
The Djellaba:
The base article of clothing that makes up the wardrobe of both Moroccan men and women is the djellaba. This is just a long, loose fitting robe which has a hood attached. The woman's djellaba is usually brightly colored and is ornately stitched with various patterns and/or is beaded. The djellaba generally covers the wearer from head to ankles and, keeping with the principles of hijab, is meant to provide a look of modesty. But the woman's djellaba is becoming adapted to meet with modern fashions and, "are becoming slimmer and shorter" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djellaba. The traditional women's djellaba can also be considered a jilbab, "which refers to any long and loose-fit coat or garment worn by some Muslim women"
The djellaba's, "hood is of vital importance for both sexes as it protects the wearer from the sun and in earlier times was used as a defense against sand being blown into the wearers face by strong desert winds. It is not uncommon for the hood to be used as an informal pocket during times of nice weather, and can fit loaves of bread or bags of groceries". The hood of the djellaba, which is called a "cob," is also what distinctly defines it from the kaftan, which is simply a button-down cloak that extends to the ankles or, in modern cases, the knees of the wearer that does not have an attached hood.
Examples of the Moroccan woman's djellaba are below:
This is an example of the Moroccan woman's djellaba.
Another photo of women in a market in Casablanca wearing the traditional Moroccan djellaba robe.
An example of a Moroccan woman's djellaba. Notice the hood at the back of the garment.
These are examples of how Moroccan women's clothing is adapted with designs and accessories to be more feminine. Such djellabas as the ones pictured above are very common in Morocco.
The Kaftan:
The kaftan is another important article of Moroccan women's clothing. It is essentially a long, over-grown, button up shirt which extends to the knees or ankles of the wearer. These garments are worn in the Arab/ Muslim world from Morocco to India, and are part of the standard form of dress for both men and women in these regions. But "In Moroccokaftans are only worn by women, and are substantially different from their Turkish counterpart. They are probably of Turkish origin though, through neighboring Turkish dominated Algeria." The kaftan complies well with the demands of hijab, as they tend to be modest articles of clothing which completely cover a woman's body without giving much sign of what lays beneath
Below are some photographs of kaftans in the Muslim world:
The above photo is from Wikipedia Morocco Culture and shows an example of an elaborate Moroccan kaftan.
Morocco Travel Information
Traditional clothing for women in Morocco consists of brightly colored, long flowing robes, headscarves, slippers, button down blouses, and, sometimes, even veils. This style of clothing has been cultivated since the ancient times of Moroccan history, and is still a part of the living tradition and culture of the country today. Typically, the women of Morocco continue wearing the traditional clothing of their forbearers without extensive variation or influence from the realms of Western fashion, but modern alterations of the historic Muslim-influenced styles of dress are rapidly creeping into wardrobes. Heterogeneous fashions - mixes between traditional Muslim/ Moroccan and modern women's clothing fashions - can now be observed in the streets of Morocco today, but the principles of hijab, the Muslim idea of modest dress, still prevail. There are various different articles of clothing that make up the Moroccan woman's wardrobe, and this paper is meant to shine some light on these pieces, as well as discuss the ways in which Muslim women's fashion has been changing in Morocco.
Hijab and its effect on Moroccan women's fashion:
The idea of hijab - to cover or provide privacy - is a central factor in any discussion of Moroccan women's clothing. "In some Arabic-speaking countries and Western countries, the word hijab primarily refers to women's head and body covering, but in Islamic scholarship, hijab is given the wider meaning of modesty, privacy, and morality" . Thus being, the essential philosophy behind Moroccan women's clothing is to cover the body with clothing which preserve for the wearer an impression of modesty, piety, and highly reserved sexuality. The Qur'an (24:31) states that:
�And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and do not display their ornaments except what appears thereof, and let them wear their head-coverings (khimars) over their bosoms (jaybs), and not display their ornaments except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex . . . "
In practice, hijab means that women must keep the essential forms of their womanhood covered from view with clothing that does not provide much of an indication of the shapes and graces found within when in public or in the company of men that are not of their family. This means that the women of Morocco tend to publicly wear long and loose robes (djellaba), button-up blouses which extend down to the knees or the ankles (kafkan), and headscarves (khimar) which cover most of the hair, the ears and the neck. Young girls in Morocco are except from the practice of hijab until the time of puberty, when they too are required to begin donning the concealing clothing of their mothers.
Although hijab - the wearing of modest clothing - is highly regarded in Morocco it is not compulsory for a woman to dress this way. It is becoming fairly common in Morocco for women to go out in public without wearing headscarves, long sleeves, and in Western style clothing. But for formal occasions, such as weddings or religious festivals, the principles of hijab prevail and women tend to wear traditional style Moroccan clothing (Wikipedia).
Examples of hijab mandated Muslim women's fashions are below:
Various examples of hijab throughout the Muslim World. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Hijab article.
Although the clothing that the Moroccan women are wearing in the above photo appear to be modern or Western, they still sort of conform to the principles of hijab, as the dress is still modest in appearance and cover the entire body.
The base article of clothing that makes up the wardrobe of both Moroccan men and women is the djellaba. This is just a long, loose fitting robe which has a hood attached. The woman's djellaba is usually brightly colored and is ornately stitched with various patterns and/or is beaded. The djellaba generally covers the wearer from head to ankles and, keeping with the principles of hijab, is meant to provide a look of modesty. But the woman's djellaba is becoming adapted to meet with modern fashions and, "are becoming slimmer and shorter" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djellaba. The traditional women's djellaba can also be considered a jilbab, "which refers to any long and loose-fit coat or garment worn by some Muslim women"
The djellaba's, "hood is of vital importance for both sexes as it protects the wearer from the sun and in earlier times was used as a defense against sand being blown into the wearers face by strong desert winds. It is not uncommon for the hood to be used as an informal pocket during times of nice weather, and can fit loaves of bread or bags of groceries". The hood of the djellaba, which is called a "cob," is also what distinctly defines it from the kaftan, which is simply a button-down cloak that extends to the ankles or, in modern cases, the knees of the wearer that does not have an attached hood.
Examples of the Moroccan woman's djellaba are below:
This is an example of the Moroccan woman's djellaba.
Another photo of women in a market in Casablanca wearing the traditional Moroccan djellaba robe.
An example of a Moroccan woman's djellaba. Notice the hood at the back of the garment.
These are examples of how Moroccan women's clothing is adapted with designs and accessories to be more feminine. Such djellabas as the ones pictured above are very common in Morocco.
The kaftan is another important article of Moroccan women's clothing. It is essentially a long, over-grown, button up shirt which extends to the knees or ankles of the wearer. These garments are worn in the Arab/ Muslim world from Morocco to India, and are part of the standard form of dress for both men and women in these regions. But "In Moroccokaftans are only worn by women, and are substantially different from their Turkish counterpart. They are probably of Turkish origin though, through neighboring Turkish dominated Algeria." The kaftan complies well with the demands of hijab, as they tend to be modest articles of clothing which completely cover a woman's body without giving much sign of what lays beneath
Below are some photographs of kaftans in the Muslim world:
Photo of a Moroccan woman wearing a kaftan in Marrakech.
The above photo is from Wikipedia Morocco Culture and shows an example of an elaborate Moroccan kaftan.
The Headscarf or Khimar:
The headscarf or Khimar is a major part of traditional and modern women's clothing in Morocco. Historically, most women in the country would cover their heads and necks with some type of covering in respect to hijab. But today these issues are not so stringently withheld to, and women in Morocco are free to go in public with or without head and neck coverings.
From my observations based on traveling in Morocco at the end of 2007 and again in the beginning of 2008, many of the young women in the country seem to be taking traditional Islamic dress as the main bearing upon their modern fashions, and retain the headscarf. I was actually surprised at how many women, both young and old, still cover their heads and necks. It seems as if this has much to do with a certain revival in Muslim culture and traditional fashion that is somehow blended into a 'modern' wardrobe.
I have learned that this was not the case twenty years ago in Morocco, when many upper and middle class women were moving away from traditional Islamic clothing and towards more Western fashions. The author, Pamela Windo, writes that, "In the 1980s and 1990s, when I lived in Marrakech, the headscarf was a simple affair. In Gueliz, the New Town, few women wore either a headscarf . . .[but] in 1997 . . . [I] was surprised, alarmed even, to see how many more women are now wearing headscarves, most noticeably in the modern cities of Casablanca and Rabat. Not older women, but young ones; the same age group as the young women who had so exuberantly discarded them a decade before. And instead of scarves tied under the chin, they have now adopted the hijab, which is swathed closely around the head in the stricter Middle Eastern way" (Newsweek, Hijabs and High-heels). This was definitely the case when I was traveling in Morocco, as the headscarf has come back in "style."
Below are photos of Muslim headscarves or Khimar:
Photo of a Moroccan woman in a headscarf while talking on a cell phone in Meknes.
Close-up picture, from the Hijab, of a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf.
Footwear:
The footwear that Moroccans tend to wear are slippers called babouches, and are usually made of soft leather, do not have a heal, and are oftentimes brightly colored. Both women and men in Morocco wear these slippers. The Moroccan slippers that the women wear are usually very decorated and come in many different colors and have a large variety of designs and patterns over them. Many women also wear high-heeled sandals that are often decorated with sparkly finery.
The below photo is of Moroccan women's babouches:
Moroccan women's babouches stacked on top of each other in a market in Marrakech.
The Future of Woman's Clothing in Morocco:
Morocco is a very progressive Muslim culture, and the way of dress for women and hijab is much less strict than in other Islamic countries. There have even been governmental and cultural movements in Morocco to "modernize" the dress code for women in an effort to seem more open to international appeal. In the 1970's and 80's these movements were very popular with the county's upper classes, but today the steam seem to have worn off a little, as "traditional clothing" seems to be very much in style now.
In an article in the BBC's World News website the headline reads, Morocco Moves to Drop Headscarf, and is about how the Moroccan government is slowly removing some images of women in headscarves from school textbooks. But this movement has not yet gone beyond superficial trimmings, as woman's dress is a major issue in Islamic cultures, and any teetering of this balance could provoke a wide-spread fundamentalist movement to counter any government sanctioned changes to women's clothing. But this effort to Westernize women's dress does not seem to have much of an effect on the youth of Morocco, as young women have found ways of combining hijab with modern fashions. As Pamela Windo wrote in an article for Newsweek:
"Although they [headscarves] are made of colorful fabrics with pretty clips at the back, what most struck me was the blatant dichotomy between the hijab and their other clothes. While a few women wear it with a subdued djellaba, and others with their everyday modern suits, skirts and coats, a startling number of young Moroccan women combine the hijab with figure-revealing blue or black jeans, elaborate glittering belts, modern sexy tops and designer sunglasses. Equally striking is the glossy-magazine-style make-up, heavy on the lipstick and black kohl eye-liner" .
This is an interesting phenomenon and is on par with a traditional Islamic revitalization that is taken place throughout the Muslim world. "In more secular Muslim nations, such as Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt, many women are choosing to wear the Hijab, Burqa, Niqab, etc. as an act of defiance against the secularization of society, but also because of the widespread growth of the Islamic revival in those areas[citation needed]. Similarly, increasing numbers of men are abandoning the Western dress of jeans and t-shirts, that dominated places like Egypt 20 to 30 years ago, in favour of more traditional Islamic clothing such as the Galabiyya" . Many young people in these regions seem to be going back on the "modernizing" efforts of their parents and are reveling in their Muslim identity, as least as far as in the way they dress. This can be said of Morocco, as the majority of the young women that I observed in the streets seemed to at least referenced traditional Islamic dress in their clothing, even if the look that they portrayed was overwhelmingly modern.
Photo showing modern dressed Moroccan women.
It is my impression that clothing and style of dress can be used an indication of the ebb and flow of a particular society at a certain point in time. From an analysis of Moroccan women's clothing, I must conclude that the visible manifestations and vestiges of traditional Islamic culture are very strong amongst young women. I can only wonder if this Islamic revival spans beneath the kaftas, babouches, and headscarves." What is considered modest, or daring, in one society may not be considered so in another. It is important, they say, for believers to wear clothing that communicates modesty and reserve in the situations in which they find themselves" . From my observations in Morocco, the clothing of the women seem to very much display the modesty and reserve inherent to the traditional Islamic idea of hijab.
10 things to know before visiting Morocco
Rainbows of color, spice-market smells, an urban orchestra of sounds: Morocco can be overwhelming at first.
Lying 13 kilometers, or 8 miles, from the coast of Spain, the North African country mixes Middle Eastern magic, Berber tradition and European flair.
Tourism has more than doubled since 2002, to nearly 10 million visitors in 2011. King Mohammed VI wants to increase the annual visitor numbers to 18 million by 2020.
The royal ruler's strategy is underpinned by infrastructure development, making traveling around the country even easier.
Add to this a program of ongoing social, political and economic reforms, and Morocco is one of the most moderate and peaceful countries in the region.
Cafes dominate life in Tangier
Cafes are the key place to socialize, for Moroccan men at least. They gather to drink sweet mint tea and watch people as they go about their affairs.
The northern port city of Tangier has a history of literary bohemianism and illicit goings-on, thanks to its status as an International Zone from 1923 to 1956.
The Interzone years, and the heady decades that followed, saw writers, rock stars and eccentrics flock to the city's 800-plus cafés.
Two must-visit spots: Cafe Hafa (Ave Hadi Mohammed Tazi), overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, was a favorite hangout of Tangier's most famous expat, writer and composer Paul Bowles.
Smoky and slightly edgy, Cafe Baba (1 rue Sidi-Hosni) is the coolest spot in the Kasbah. A photo of Keith Richards, kif-pipe in hand, still adorns the grimy walls.
Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims
Nearly 99% of the population is Muslim, and hearing the muezzin's melodic call to prayer for the first time is a spine-tingling moment.
While very few Moroccan mosques are open to non-Muslims, one exception is the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah; +212 522 22 25 63).
Located on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque was completed in 1993 and can hold 105,000 worshipers inside and out.
Tradition and technology sit side by side, with colorful zellij (mosaic tiles), intricate stucco and carved cedar complementing the retractable roof and heated flooring.
If you can't make it to Casa, Marrakech's 16th-century Ali ben Youssef madrassa-turned-museum (Pl Ben Youssef; +212 524 44 18 93) is open to all and also features impressive Islamic design.
Multilingual Moroccans will put you to shame
Arabic is the official language, but you\'ll also hear French, Spanish, Berber and various dialects.
Arabic is the official language, but you'll also hear French, Spanish, Berber and various dialects.
Moroccans switch languages mid-sentence, reflecting the cultures -- Berber, Arab, French and Spanish -- that have crisscrossed the country.
Arabic is the official language, and you'll hear the Moroccan dialect, Darija, spoken on the street.
French continues to be widely spoken in cities; foreigners are often addressed in this first. Spanish is still spoken in Tangier.
There are also three main dialects spoken by the country's Berber majority: Tashelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit.
You'll be able to get by with English in the main tourist hubs, although "La, shukran" ("No, thank you" in Arabic) is one phrase to master.
Don't get stuck in Marrakech
Marrakech is justifiably popular, but there's so much more.
Fez tops the list for its maze-like medina, fabulous foodie scene and annual Festival of World Sacred Music.
For a slice of the Sahara, there's the desert town of Merzouga, near the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes, accessible via camel treks.
Active types can hike between Berber villages in the High Atlas or head to the blue-hued Andalusian town of Chefchaouen to explore the Rif Mountains.
Beach bums will love laid-back Essaouira and Sidi Ifni on the Atlantic coast, while surfers often head south to Taghazout.
For quiet contemplation, Morocco's holiest town, Moulay Idriss, is hard to beat. Plus, you'll have the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis pretty much to yourself.
If you don't like cumin, you may starve
Cumin is one of the main spices used in Moroccan cooking. This pungent powder is used to flavor everything from tagines to mechoui (slow-roasted lamb).
Cumin is used as a condiment on most Moroccan tables, along with salt and chili. It's also a popular natural remedy for diarrhea.
"Cumin has anti-parasitical properties, so if you've got an upset tummy, a spoonful of cumin knocked back with water will help," said food guide Gail Leonard with Plan-It Fez.
Trains are cheap, comfortable and reliable
First class train travel in Morocco is affordable and worth it. Just be prepared to share your food.
First class train travel in Morocco is affordable and worth it. Just be prepared to share your food.
Train company ONCF operates one of the best train networks in Africa, making it the easiest way to travel between cities.
It's worth paying extra for first class, which comes with a reserved seat and A/C.
First class carriages have six-seat compartments or open-plan seating. Stock up on snacks, or buy them onboard, as it's customary to share food.
When it comes to traveling to smaller towns and villages, buses and grand taxis, usually old Mercedes sedans that can seat six (at a squash), are best.
Couscous is served on Fridays
You'll see it on every restaurant menu, but traditionally, couscous is served on Fridays, when families gather after prayers.
This is because the proper (not packet) stuff takes a long time to prepare.
Coarse semolina is hand-rolled into small granules to be steamed and fluffed three times. It's pale in color, deliciously creamy and served with vegetables and/or meat or fish.
Bread is the staple carb and is served with every meal, except couscous.
It's baked in communal wood-fired ovens, one of five amenities found in every neighborhood (the others being a hammam, or bathhouse; a drinking fountain; a mosque and a preschool).
Riad rooftops rock
The traditional Moroccan house (riad) is built around a central courtyard with windows facing inwards for privacy.
They're decked out with elaborate zellij, stucco and painted cedar and are easily the most atmospheric places to stay.
While Moroccans tend to use their rooftops as clotheslines, a riad roof terrace is the place to be come sunset.
In Marrakech, Italian-designed Riad Joya (Derb El Hammam, Mouassine Quarter; +212 524 391 624; www.riadjoya.com) has prime views of the Koutoubia Mosque minaret, while five-star La Sultana (403 rue de la Kasbah; +212 524 388 008;www.ghotw.com/la-sultana) overlooks the Atlas Mountains.
Top picks in Fez are the bohemian Riad Idrissy (13 Derb Idrissi, Sieje, Sidi Ahmed Chaoui, +212 649 191 410; www.riadidrissy.com) and its suntrap terrace, while Dar Roumana (30 Derb el Amer, Zkak Roumane; +212 535 741 637; www.darroumana.com) has sweeping views of the world's largest living medieval Islamic city.
When you hear 'balak!' watch out
The narrow streets of Morocco\'s souks are filled with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
The narrow streets of Morocco's souks are filled with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
Morocco's souks are not for the faint-hearted. The narrow streets teem with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
Rule No. 1 is to step aside when you hear "Balak!" It means there's a heavily laden handcart or mule bearing down on you.
You'll inevitably get lost, as maps don't usually include the warren of small alleys that make up the medina.
A guide can help you get your bearings and fend off touts, but be aware that anything you buy will have his commission built in to the price.
Alternatively, taking snaps of landmarks with your smartphone can help you find your way back to your accommodation.
It's not weird to be bathed by a stranger
There are plenty of posh hotel hammams, but nothing beats a visit to a no-frills public bathhouse.
Spotting the entrance can be tricky, as most signs are written in Arabic. Look for a shop selling toiletries or a mosque, as these are usually nearby.
It's advisable to stock up on black olive oil soap, ghassoul (clay used as hair conditioner), a kiis (exfoliating glove) and a mat to sit on. Visitors need to take their own towels, comb and flip-flops.
Women strip to their knickers (no bra), and men wear underpants. Then you'll be steamed, scrubbed and pummeled until you're squeaky clean.
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Lying 13 kilometers, or 8 miles, from the coast of Spain, the North African country mixes Middle Eastern magic, Berber tradition and European flair.
Tourism has more than doubled since 2002, to nearly 10 million visitors in 2011. King Mohammed VI wants to increase the annual visitor numbers to 18 million by 2020.The royal ruler's strategy is underpinned by infrastructure development, making traveling around the country even easier.
Add to this a program of ongoing social, political and economic reforms, and Morocco is one of the most moderate and peaceful countries in the region.
Cafes dominate life in Tangier
Cafes are the key place to socialize, for Moroccan men at least. They gather to drink sweet mint tea and watch people as they go about their affairs.
The northern port city of Tangier has a history of literary bohemianism and illicit goings-on, thanks to its status as an International Zone from 1923 to 1956.
The Interzone years, and the heady decades that followed, saw writers, rock stars and eccentrics flock to the city's 800-plus cafés.
Two must-visit spots: Cafe Hafa (Ave Hadi Mohammed Tazi), overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, was a favorite hangout of Tangier's most famous expat, writer and composer Paul Bowles.
Smoky and slightly edgy, Cafe Baba (1 rue Sidi-Hosni) is the coolest spot in the Kasbah. A photo of Keith Richards, kif-pipe in hand, still adorns the grimy walls.
Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims
Nearly 99% of the population is Muslim, and hearing the muezzin's melodic call to prayer for the first time is a spine-tingling moment.
While very few Moroccan mosques are open to non-Muslims, one exception is the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah; +212 522 22 25 63).
Located on a promontory over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque was completed in 1993 and can hold 105,000 worshipers inside and out.
Tradition and technology sit side by side, with colorful zellij (mosaic tiles), intricate stucco and carved cedar complementing the retractable roof and heated flooring.
If you can't make it to Casa, Marrakech's 16th-century Ali ben Youssef madrassa-turned-museum (Pl Ben Youssef; +212 524 44 18 93) is open to all and also features impressive Islamic design.
Multilingual Moroccans will put you to shame
Arabic is the official language, but you\'ll also hear French, Spanish, Berber and various dialects.
Arabic is the official language, but you'll also hear French, Spanish, Berber and various dialects.
Moroccans switch languages mid-sentence, reflecting the cultures -- Berber, Arab, French and Spanish -- that have crisscrossed the country.
Arabic is the official language, and you'll hear the Moroccan dialect, Darija, spoken on the street.
French continues to be widely spoken in cities; foreigners are often addressed in this first. Spanish is still spoken in Tangier.
There are also three main dialects spoken by the country's Berber majority: Tashelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit.
You'll be able to get by with English in the main tourist hubs, although "La, shukran" ("No, thank you" in Arabic) is one phrase to master.
Don't get stuck in Marrakech
Marrakech is justifiably popular, but there's so much more.
Fez tops the list for its maze-like medina, fabulous foodie scene and annual Festival of World Sacred Music.
For a slice of the Sahara, there's the desert town of Merzouga, near the impressive Erg Chebbi sand dunes, accessible via camel treks.
Active types can hike between Berber villages in the High Atlas or head to the blue-hued Andalusian town of Chefchaouen to explore the Rif Mountains.
Beach bums will love laid-back Essaouira and Sidi Ifni on the Atlantic coast, while surfers often head south to Taghazout.
For quiet contemplation, Morocco's holiest town, Moulay Idriss, is hard to beat. Plus, you'll have the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis pretty much to yourself.
If you don't like cumin, you may starve
Cumin is one of the main spices used in Moroccan cooking. This pungent powder is used to flavor everything from tagines to mechoui (slow-roasted lamb).
Cumin is used as a condiment on most Moroccan tables, along with salt and chili. It's also a popular natural remedy for diarrhea.
"Cumin has anti-parasitical properties, so if you've got an upset tummy, a spoonful of cumin knocked back with water will help," said food guide Gail Leonard with Plan-It Fez.
Trains are cheap, comfortable and reliable
First class train travel in Morocco is affordable and worth it. Just be prepared to share your food.
First class train travel in Morocco is affordable and worth it. Just be prepared to share your food.
Train company ONCF operates one of the best train networks in Africa, making it the easiest way to travel between cities.
It's worth paying extra for first class, which comes with a reserved seat and A/C.
First class carriages have six-seat compartments or open-plan seating. Stock up on snacks, or buy them onboard, as it's customary to share food.
When it comes to traveling to smaller towns and villages, buses and grand taxis, usually old Mercedes sedans that can seat six (at a squash), are best.
Couscous is served on Fridays
You'll see it on every restaurant menu, but traditionally, couscous is served on Fridays, when families gather after prayers.
This is because the proper (not packet) stuff takes a long time to prepare.
Coarse semolina is hand-rolled into small granules to be steamed and fluffed three times. It's pale in color, deliciously creamy and served with vegetables and/or meat or fish.
Bread is the staple carb and is served with every meal, except couscous.
It's baked in communal wood-fired ovens, one of five amenities found in every neighborhood (the others being a hammam, or bathhouse; a drinking fountain; a mosque and a preschool).
Riad rooftops rock
The traditional Moroccan house (riad) is built around a central courtyard with windows facing inwards for privacy.
They're decked out with elaborate zellij, stucco and painted cedar and are easily the most atmospheric places to stay.
While Moroccans tend to use their rooftops as clotheslines, a riad roof terrace is the place to be come sunset.
In Marrakech, Italian-designed Riad Joya (Derb El Hammam, Mouassine Quarter; +212 524 391 624; www.riadjoya.com) has prime views of the Koutoubia Mosque minaret, while five-star La Sultana (403 rue de la Kasbah; +212 524 388 008;www.ghotw.com/la-sultana) overlooks the Atlas Mountains.
Top picks in Fez are the bohemian Riad Idrissy (13 Derb Idrissi, Sieje, Sidi Ahmed Chaoui, +212 649 191 410; www.riadidrissy.com) and its suntrap terrace, while Dar Roumana (30 Derb el Amer, Zkak Roumane; +212 535 741 637; www.darroumana.com) has sweeping views of the world's largest living medieval Islamic city.
When you hear 'balak!' watch out
The narrow streets of Morocco\'s souks are filled with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
The narrow streets of Morocco's souks are filled with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
Morocco's souks are not for the faint-hearted. The narrow streets teem with hagglers, hustlers, mule-drivers and motor scooters.
Rule No. 1 is to step aside when you hear "Balak!" It means there's a heavily laden handcart or mule bearing down on you.
You'll inevitably get lost, as maps don't usually include the warren of small alleys that make up the medina.
A guide can help you get your bearings and fend off touts, but be aware that anything you buy will have his commission built in to the price.
Alternatively, taking snaps of landmarks with your smartphone can help you find your way back to your accommodation.
It's not weird to be bathed by a stranger
There are plenty of posh hotel hammams, but nothing beats a visit to a no-frills public bathhouse.
Spotting the entrance can be tricky, as most signs are written in Arabic. Look for a shop selling toiletries or a mosque, as these are usually nearby.
It's advisable to stock up on black olive oil soap, ghassoul (clay used as hair conditioner), a kiis (exfoliating glove) and a mat to sit on. Visitors need to take their own towels, comb and flip-flops.
Women strip to their knickers (no bra), and men wear underpants. Then you'll be steamed, scrubbed and pummeled until you're squeaky clean.
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Taking Trekking Tours in Morocco
All regions of Morocco can be trekked if you want adventure. Unfortunately, some regions of Morocco require summer trekking experiences. Jbel Toubkal is the highest mountain peak in the Atlas Mountains. The higher elevations experience heavy snow fall during winter. It can also turn very cold up there during the evenings. For this reason Morocco tours will hike the mountain at certain parts of the year.
This is only a concern for individuals wanting the ultimate adventure. Anyone who is visiting Morocco to soak up culture can find Morocco trekking all year. These types of tours can be day hikes, overnight treks, and even a few days out in the mountainous regions of the country.
One of the easiest trekking experiences to have is the Ourika Valley. This hike is three hours of walking, with three hours of driving. You will visit Berber villages, the salt mines, and a beautiful waterfall in the High Atlas Mountains. The valley is lush with plants and animals. If you are lucky you may even see a Barbary Monkey on the trek.
For anyone wanting a more involved High Atlas trekking sojourn Imi Ourlad to Imlil may be the right tour. This trekking High Atlas Mountains tour lasts for three days with four to five hours of trekking a day. Like many of the trekking excursions you will begin in Marrakesh and drive to Imi Ourlad before starting the hike up into the valleys and gorges of the regions. From Imi Ourlad it is possible to reach Tizi Nlbour at 1600 meters. This area provides a guest house for lunch called Imsker. Once you have lunch with a beautiful view as a compliment, you will move on to Ait Aisa. Ait Aisa is at 1400 meters. It is a village, with a very long history. The traditions of the area help you immerse yourself in the culture of the region.
The next day you move on to Imnan Valley, Arg, Amssakrou, Ikiss, and then stop in Tinghrinn. All the while you are on this trip look out for the natural wildlife of the area. Tinghrinn is at 2100 meters. The last day takes you back down the High Atlas Mountains and to Marrakesh. All along the way you will spot waterfalls, streams, and running rivers teaming with the runoff from higher elevations. Whether you want a day hike or several days to experience Morocco the options are there for you.
Marokkaanse huis dat Ideeën verfraait
Tired of looking at the same bedroom, same dining room and same living room again and again? Then it's time for a change. This time to not just change the furniture or the color of your home, rather go for a completely different look. Decorating your home in Moroccan style is the latest trend these days. Morocco is like a melting pot of different cultures and styles and so the Moroccan style decor will have some of the features of every culture and style. One can even see hints of Arabic style in it.
Moroccan home decor can be classified into two types - urban Moroccan decor and rural Moroccan decor. The urban décor involves the use of ceramics, metal, wood and leather. On the other hand, the rural decor has more of the Middle Eastern influence, with an emphasis on the use of rugs, fabrics and embroideries. The best feature of having a Moroccan style decoration is that the objects used in it are usually those that have use in practical life too. Given below are some tips that will help you in decorating your home in the Moroccan style.
Moroccan Style Decorating Ideas
Use of Bright Colors
When decorating your home Moroccan style, make sure to use bright natural colors. The colors like green and blue, found in the sea of the area, and the ones like gold and yellow, found in the surrounding desert, should be used as much as possible. You can combine other colors like vibrant red, orange or purple with blue or gold to create an effervescent ambiance. Feel free to use of vibrant colors such as pink fuchsia, lavender, and orange while keeping the aesthetics in mind.
Bring Nature Home
For creating the tropical atmosphere seen in Morocco, you can make extensive use of plants. The more exotic the plants, the better look they will bring to your house. At the same time, they will also provide you with some greenery in the 'concrete-jungle' world of today. If it is feasible, you can also get textured walls.
Lighting
Lighting plays a very important role in adding that perfect Moroccan flavor look to your home decor. Moroccan light fixtures are totally different from those used in the other parts of the world. Moroccan light fixtures include Moroccan sconces, Moroccan chandeliers, Moroccan lanterns, Moroccan hanging pendants, and Moroccan lamps. A great source for quality handmade Moroccan light fixtures as well as Moorish lighting is a California company called Saint Tropez Boutique that design and handcrafts Moroccan light fixtures in Casablanca, Morocco and exclusively distributes them in the U.S.A. The reason why I like Saint Tropez Boutique because they are unique Moroccan light fixtures designs, plus they handcrafted from top quality Moroccan solid brass that has been carved into refined and intricate patterns. Addition to that Saint Tropez Boutique is the exclusive dealer in the U.S.A that has Moroccan light fixtures pre-wired for the UL-Standard (pre-wired for the U.S Standard wiring). To learn more about Moroccan lighting by Saint Tropez Boutique, please visit them online at: http://www.sainttropezboutique.us
Extensive Use of Textures
Moroccans love extensive use of textures in their home. So, if you want to have a Moroccan style look, rule out too much use of smooth and sleek materials. In fact, the fusion of multiple textures and shapes will be best. You can have darkened wood plank floors, which can be covered with natural fiber rugs of sand-ish color. This will not only add texture to the room, but also provide you with some comfort under the feet. You can also try draping fabric from the ceiling.
Some Other Tips
Colorful mosaic tables not only give a Moroccan feel to your place, but also help to brighten up a dull room. Use of handmade Moroccan tiles will go a long way in creating a Moroccan decor. Use of Moroccan tent as a Moroccan lounge getaway in your own backyard. Use of Moroccan wood lattice screens also known as Jali Screens in your windows doors, kitchen and bath cabinet doors, or even as a room divider wall. Last but not the least, you can buy silk bedcovers or cushion covers, in jewel tones, to create that perfect Moroccan look.
To learn more about Moroccan decorating ideas, please contact:
Saint Tropez Boutique
25 Evelyn way
San Francisco, California 94127
Phone: (415) 513-5920
Email: sales@sainttropezboutique.us
Website: http://www.sainttropezboutique.us
For more info, please contact:
Mark Logan
Saint Tropez Boutique
25 Evelyn way
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415)-513-5920
sainttropezboutique.us
Tips on What to Pack Before a Tour to Morocco
Wanneer ze reizen naar Marokko, mensen vragen zich vaak af wat ze moeten pack. Sommige mensen zijn bezorgd over de veiligheid, zodat ze belangrijke items zullen vergeten. Marokko is echt heel veilig, en het is twijfelachtig dat om het even wat van u zal worden gestolen. Mensen soms de meest voor de hand liggende dingen vergeten, en uiteindelijk betreurend dat het. Uit persoonlijke ervaring zijn hier een paar hoogste dingen die u zeker met u op uw tour nemen moet.
Een ding dat u moet doen is je zwembroek, vooral als u van plan bent een meer luxe tour. De meeste van de mooiere hotels en riads in Marokko hebben schone, mooie zwembaden voor uw plezier. Het weer in Marokko heet in de zomer en als u naar de Sahara reist, de woestijn is altijd warm en zonnig.
Een ander ding dat is van essentieel belang voor u om op uw reis naar Marokko is een camera. Marokko is niet goed-gekend voor zijn diefstal, en u en uw elektronische apparaten zullen beschermen tegen ongewenste handen. Marokko is ook een prachtige plek, en het is al bekend te veroorzaken veel mensen te vullen hun gehele geheugenkaart! Er zijn zo vele prachtige bezienswaardigheden en met uw camera kunt u vastleggen van momenten in de tijd dat u zult nooit willen vergeten. Het lopen door de Medina winkelen of rijden op kamelen, deze herinneringen zal zij met u voor eeuwig.
Juiste kleding is altijd leuk om te hebben waar je mag gaan. Marokko's weer verandert dramatisch tijdens de seizoenen, dus het is altijd goed om te worden voorbereid. In tegenstelling tot populair geloof, Marokko's winters zijn erg koud en op veel plaatsen sneeuw zal vallen. De meeste mensen geloven dat omdat Marokko in Afrika, vooral in de buurt van de Sahara is, het nooit koud zal krijgen. Nu, uw snowsuit niet nodig zal zijn, maar een jas van pas zou komen. De woestijn, ongeacht wat het seizoen, heet. 'S ochtends kunnen koel in de winter, maar door halverwege de ochtend zal de temperatuur aanzienlijk zijn gestegen. Lichte kleding wordt gezocht tijdens de zomers. De cultuur Morocco heeft meer strikte ideeën van bescheidenheid voor vrouwen; Dus als dat is een punt van zorg van jou, probeer om korte mouwen, niet zonder mouwen, en lange broek te dragen. Het misschien wel doordachte voor u aan te passen aan hun cultuur. In de meer moderne steden, zoals Casablanca, Rabat en Marrakesh, capris aanvaardbaar zijn maar shorts zijn niet.
U kan uw computer, pak zoals WiFi heel gebruikelijk in Marokko is. Als u breng uw computer, maar het zou kunnen zijn leuk om te gebruiken het zelden, aangezien dit een vakantie, niet zakelijke is. U hoeft alleen te betalen een paar dirhams om uw Internet en de mooiere hotels en restaurants bieden dit kostenloos.
Een ander ding om te brengen is uw adapter voor een dubbele ronde stekker. Marokko is niet uitgerust met vierkante pluggen of drie fronten stekkers. Houd in gedachten dat adapters Wijzig niet de huidige. Zelfs als u de juiste adapter hebt, moet u een transformator te veranderen naar 220. Het zou zeer ongelukkig te ruïneren van een apparaat door aan te sluiten op de verkeerde huidige.
Geniet van uw verblijf in Marokko!
Vijf essentiële Celebrity ervaringen in Marokko
Seks en drugs eerst gelokt beroemdheden naar Marokko in de swingende jaren zestig. Jimi Hendrix en de Rolling Stones behoorden tot de eersten om te komen in 1966, en het was in Tanger die Cecil Beaton nam de beroemde breuk van de ' stenen door het zwembad van het hotel. Nu dat de seks en drugs zijn voor het grootste deel verdwenen, houdt de goedkope filmen kosten en Boheemse levensstijl Zuid-Marokko celeb quotiënt hoog. Echter, u hoeft niet te worden op een beroemdheid begroting om te genieten van de A-lijst levensstijl die Marokko te bieden heeft. Hier is een lijst van de top vijf celebrity ervaringen in Marokko met iets voor elk budget.
Inname van Afternoon Tea met Richard Branson
Hoog gelegen in het Atlasgebergte, Richard Branson's exclusieve is 'Kasbah Tamadot' een wereld weg van de drukke souks (markten) en de Medina van Marrakech. De retreat, die voornamelijk een luxehotel in Marokko is, is alles wat je zou een multimiljonair Afrikaanse schuilplaats te denken. 'S nachts, kunt u genieten van de culinaire hoogstandjes van de twee onsite restaurants, maar Kasbah Tamadot is ook open tijdens de dag voor een traditionele Marokkaanse mint thee, de traditionele Berber manier gediend met zweepslagen van suiker en ziekelijk zoete baklava.
Geniet van uw thee terwijl met uitzicht op de beroemde weerspiegeld zwembad en daarna worden zeker kijkje nemen rond de luxehotel in Marokko met zijn individueel ingerichte kamers en onsite kameel kinderboerderij. Nadat vulling omhoog op zoete thee, mis niet de gelegenheid om een wandeling naar een nabijgelegen Berber dorp, zal degenen onder u met onder-12 of na een meer ontspannen Marokkaanse vakantie, blij te merken dat er ook de optie van reizen er eersteklas door mule.
Bezoek Yves St. Laurent Marokkaanse Muse
Binnen de ommuurde stad waar vervuiling producerende vervoer verboden is, is de optimale manier om uit en over door koets. Er is weinig meer romantisch dan reizen per paard en het bezoeken van de prachtige blauw-hued tuinen van Yves St. Laurent. Deze tuin werd vaak aangehaald als inspiratie voor Algerijnse geboren, Yves St. Laurent kleding en zijn as zijn hier bestrooid op de gronden.
Als u ervaren sommige islamitische cultuur tijdens uw Marokkaanse vakantie wilt, dan keren tijdens de uren met daglicht en bezoek het Museum van islamitische kunst, waarvan kobalt blauwe muren de perfecte achtergrond aan Marokkaanse muze Yves bieden'.
Boven Par op een cursus geschikt is voor een President
Golf is meestal niet het eerste ding om te lente tot de geest als Marokko wordt genoemd, maar nog veel luxehotels in Marokko zijn niet compleet zijn zonder hun eigen golfbaan. Marokko is snel in opkomst als een van de grootste golf bestemmingen in de wereld, dankzij het perfecte klimaat en de prachtige achtergronden, en terwijl nieuwe cursussen regelmatig te openen zijn, op dezelfde plek Royal Golf De Marrakech heeft gestaan sinds 1923. De cursus is gelegen aan de voet van het Atlasgebergte sneeuw bedekte en verfraaid door een aromatische mix van Oranje, abrikoos, eucalyptus en cipres bomen. Winston Churchill, die beschreef Marokko als 'gewoon de mooiste plek in de wereld', keerde terug naar deze golfbaan op nu minder dan vijf gelegenheden, hij bracht zelfs Amerikaanse President, Ike Eisenhower langs voor een ronde.
Souk winkelen Sienna stijl
Met hun modieuze nemen over Bohemen, het is niet moeilijk te zien waarom Sienna Miller en Kate Moss Gratis-spirited Marokko worden aangetrokken. Geen Marokkaanse vakantie is compleet zonder "fine-tuning"-uw vaardigheden van de onderhandeling in één van Marrakesh de beroemde souks (markten). Echter, als je notoir slechte op koehandel, maken, zoals Sienna en huren uzelf haar persoonlijke shopper, Laetitia. Laetitia viel in liefde met de souks tijdens een vakantie met het gezin naar Marokko, en heeft nu het opzetten van winkel runnen van een bedrijf dat Topshop met lederwaren levert. Laetitia is een rijkdom aan informatie over Marokko en met haar kennis kunt u ontdekken verborgen pareltjes, zoals een make-up winkel verklaard een UNESCO world heritage site en de exacte winkel die Sienna Miller koopt haar Boheemse riemen uit; ze zal de prijs zelfs omlaag ruilen voor u. Hoewel als je met een luxe vakantie in Marokko of op Sienna Miller begroting bent, is dit iets minder van een probleem voor je.
Verblijf in Angie's luxe Hotel in Marokko
Terug voor Brad, en terwijl het filmen van Alexander met Colin Farrell, viel Angelina Jolie in liefde met Marokko. Haar voorkeur luxehotel in Marokko is Le Meriden N'Fis en het was terwijl Alexander die haar mede-ster, Colin, beroemde tot op $64,000 bill pijnigde filmen. Het hotel ligt in de zuidelijke Marrakesh, een bestemming begunstigd door film-makers vanwege de lage kosten van filmen en uitzicht op de schilderachtige bergen. Het hotel is gevestigd in 5 hectare aan tuinen en het hoogtepunt voor gasten is de serene olijf watervallen, die het beste in het land hebben goedgekeurd. Met een overvolle zwembad en 24 uur per dag kinderopvang plichten is het geen wonder dat Angelina keert terug naar dit hotel opnieuw en opnieuw met Brad en de familie.
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