Planning a vacation to Morocco is exciting, but you probably have a lot of questions and maybe some concerns. We want you to be prepared and have all the facts to have a carefree trip.
Below you will find detailed information about our company, expeditions, ecotourism, tourist logistics, local culture, currency, and documentation.
If you have any other questions, contact us, so that we can organize your Moroccan adventure!
Yes we are open for business! While our offices remain closed due to the pandemic, we are working remotely and actively booking tours.
As of February 7, 2022, the borders in Morocco open for international travellers. The state of emergency remains in place and is currently scheduled to be lifted or extended on February 28, 2022. The state of emergency allows The Kingdom to take exceptional measures against COVID, such as:
Be aware that Moroccan regional or local authorities may put into place (sometimes with little notice) travel or other restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
We are waiting on entry requirements to be released.
Every passenger entering Morocco must present a Public Health Passenger Form – Coronavirus, available at www.onda.ma/form.php. Passengers must list 2 telephone numbers allowing Moroccan authorities to locate the passenger, if necessary, within 10 days of arrival in Morocco.
Due to the constantly evolving nature of the pandemic. do not rely on this information and contact your local Moroccan embassy or airline for current information prior to travel.
The Kingdom-issued state of emergency remains in place until at least February 28, 2022.
The state of emergency allows The Kingdom to take exceptional measures against COVID, such as:
Please contact your local Moroccan embassy for current information prior to travel.
Contact us with concerns or for additional information.
It was announced on July 11, 2021, that Morocco ranked 24th in Global Finance’s “World’s Safest Countries 2021” list, outperforming other North African countries. The news outlet ranks the world’s safest countries based on three “fundamental factors,” namely, war and peace, personal security, and natural disaster risk — which includes various problems that arose with the emergence of COVID-19. There is little gun violence in Morocco due to gun control measures. As Morocco experiences some of the same criminal activity found in other major countries, we advise you to take precautions as you normally would for travel in a foreign country.
We have implemented certain measures to protect clients and staff from COVID-19, based on the procedures mandated by the Kingdom of Morocco, local jurisdictions and generally accepted best practices at the time of your tour, and the status of the pandemic at the time of travel. These measures are not meant to be overly burdensome but rather as protection measures.
These include but are not limited to:
We understand that this is a trying time for everyone and that none of us can predict what will happen tomorrow let alone next month and onward. Many COVID-19 related concerns can impact your travel and we want to work with you as best we can. We encourage you to carefully consider whether this is an appropriate time for you to travel to Morocco.
If you have a confirmed tour and you need to cancel due to COVID-19, please contact us as soon as possible at Info@desertmorocco.org. We will do our best to present options to you that are reasonable for both you, our suppliers, and Desert Morocco. These options may include rescheduling your tour for a later date, or canceling your tour and receiving a voucher for future travel.
It is possible that we may need to cancel your confirmed tour due to COVID-19 reasons, if for instance, Morocco’s borders are open now. If we cancel your tour, you will have the options of us refunding any deposit that we have received from you (less any fees that we have incurred), or rescheduling your tour to a later date.
Although there’s always a risk while travelling during these unprecedented times, we’ve been working with our partners for decades and carefully vetting on-trip standards to ensure your health and safety is their number one priority. With restrictions still in place, many of our travellers have been delighted to experience new destinations without the crowds. From desert camp glamping to private guesthous’s to faraway nature places with no one else in sight, we offer a wide range of experiences that’ll have you away from the crowds and feeling safe throughout your journey.
Our standard tours include:
Our custom tours include enhanced services which are reflected in your tour itinerary.
Our standard tours do not include:
Our custom tours include enhanced services which are reflected in your tour itinerary.
To see the list of our standard tours, Discovery All Our travel ideas page. We also offer customized tours according to your desires and needs.
We want you to get everything you hope for from your tour, but if a change should happen at the last minute, rest assured, it is usually not difficult to change your itinerary even shortly before your arrival. However, for lodging, last minute changes are difficult and depend on availability, especially during high season. If you want to change your itinerary before arriving, contact us for options.
Regarding clothing, our suggestion is conservative. You can dress however you like especially in the larger cities, but our suggestions are geared to make you fit in and show respect to the locals.
The best dress is in layers, cotton or other fabric that is lightweight and absorbs perspiration. A light jacket, sweater or wrap is recommended at all times, except the hottest of summer months. Ladies do not need to wear a scarf however you will show respect in the small villages (and at your homestay events) if you cover your head with a light scarf.
Good walking shoes and or sandals with an ankle strap are also necessary, especially in the desert.
We can also provide you with other suggestions specific to your tour.
As they say here, Morocco is a cold country with a very hot sun. Morocco enjoys an average of 360 days of sunshine a year. In the desert, you are subject not only to the rays of the sun coming from above, but also from below, because they are reflected off of the sand. Sunburn and heatstroke are common problems in the desert, for those who are not prepared. Bring good anti-UV sunglasses, sunscreen with high protection index (50-70 SPF is recommended), head covering, and a good water bottle.
Our tours usually include half-board (breakfast and dinner) and sometimes full-board (3 meals) per day and are noted in your itinerary. Meals are prepared by local chefs and served in the traditional Moroccan way. Please let us know in advance if you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten free.
As soon as we receive your deposit, your tour is confirmed and we begin making arrangements for lodging, drivers, and other aspects of your tour.
Our drivers can pick you up at your airport of arrival in Morocco. We can also pick you up at other locations throughout Morocco or your lodging facility. Our driver will accompany you throughout your visit.
It’s best for you to travel with 1 main suitcase, if possible (group tours are limited to 1 piece of luggage per person). For the desert, we recommend that you also bring a carry on travel bag or a light backpack which is the one you will take with you to the desert camp. Your main suitcase will be securely stored while you are at the camp. In addition, a small daypack to use during your tour is recommended for items you want to carry easily (camera, sunscreen, water, money, etc.).
Yes! We have specific lodging partners that we use depending on the quality of the accommodation and price included in your tour. If you would like a specific lodging facility, please inform us before confirming your tour. Lodging price is based on a double room with 1 double bed or 2 twin beds, a private bathroom, and breakfast (dinner may also be included as noted in your itinerary).
We accept payment by bank transfers, or a express company transfers. Your deposit must be received by us at least 30 days in advance of your tour start date. The balance will be due at the beginning of your tour. If you book your tour 30 days or less before the start date, full payment is due upon booking. Also we accept PayPal, we prefer cash payment in Moroccan dirhams.
We understand that sometimes things happen that might prevent you from attending your tour and we want to work with you in the best way possible.
Your tour is only confirmed upon our receipt of your deposit. Once we receive your deposit, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start date of your tour and we will refund your full deposit, less any costs we have already incurred. If you cancel your tour 30 days or less from the start of your tour, we will refund half of your deposit less the costs we have already incurred. If you cancel your tour 7 days or less from the start of your tour or do not show up for your tour, your deposit is nonrefundable.
If you have special circumstances that require you to cancel your tour, we will work with you in good faith on available options.
