Morocco Archives - thefaraway.com

Morocco has always been at the top of my list of countries to visit, and it was the first North African country I had my sights set on. Last year, we finally had the opportunity to visit in September. What are the odds? An earthquake occurred while we were there—the first significant one since 2004. Despite this unexpected event, we had a beautiful 14 days making our way through this captivating country. We drove through winding roads, chased waterfalls, watched the most stunning sunsets over the ocean, and stepped into traditions as old as time. Morocco truly offered an unforgettable experience.

Planning Your Trip: Everything You Need to Know

Getting a Visa & Requirements

As a Nigerian, you’ll generally need a visa to enter Morocco. However, if you hold a valid UK, US, or Schengen visa, you can apply for a Moroccan eVisa online, which allows for short stays of up to 90 days.

For those who don’t qualify for the e-Visa, you’ll need to submit your application at the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja, as there is currently no embassy in Lagos. The official visa fee is approximately $35 (around 50,000 NGN), but many travelers use an agent to help with the process. Using an agent can increase the cost, with fees reaching up to 200,000 NGN per visa, but it can make the application process much easier. Required documents include a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary, and a copy of your bank statement to show financial capability. Processing a traditional visa typically takes 10-15 business days, so be sure to plan.

Flying from Nigeria to Morocco

When flying from Nigeria to Morocco, you have several options depending on your preference for direct or connecting flights. We flew with Egypt Air from Kenya, which included a stopover in Cairo. This allowed us some time to explore the pyramids of Giza and the Nile River, though we almost missed our connecting flight! 😂

Airlines to Consider:

Royal Air Maroc: Offers direct flights from Lagos and Abuja to Casablanca.
Egypt Air: Provides connecting flights with a stopover in Cairo, which can be a great chance to explore Egypt if time allows.
Other International Airlines: Options like Air France or KLM may involve layovers in their hubs (Paris or Amsterdam).

Pro Tip: Check Skyscanner for the best rates and flight options.

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any potential flight delays or missed connections.

Advance Booking: Book your flights early—ideally at least 3 months in advance—to secure the best rates and flight times.

Layovers: If your flight includes a layover, plan accordingly to maximize your stopover experience and ensure you have enough time for connections. check visa requirements and If your layover is overnight, accommodation options.

Planning Your Itinerary

1-2 weeks in Morocco is a fantastic start, but it’s not enough time to explore the entire country. To make the most of your trip, you’ll need to focus on the experiences that matter the most to you. Here’s a glimpse into the highlights we enjoyed:

Marrakech: Dive into the bustling energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and experience the vibrant nightlife. At night, the square transforms into a lively hub with street performers, food stalls, and horse carriages.
Tangier: Enjoy the unique blend of cultures in Tangier, which has a vibe reminiscent of Spain. The city’s coastal charm and rich history offer a distinct Moroccan experience.
Casablanca: Discover the modern side of Morocco with its impressive shopping malls and contemporary architecture. It’s a great place for retail therapy and a taste of urban Moroccan life. It’s also home to the famous Rick’s Cafe.
Rabat: We ended up in Rabat because that was where we found a car rental company but we saw some of the most spectacular sunsets here. The capital city also offers historical sites and a serene atmosphere.
Chefchaouen: Stroll through the picturesque blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, a town renowned for its stunning blue architecture and relaxed vibe.
Fes: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Fes. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval medina.
Agafay Desert: Experience the rugged beauty of the Agafay Desert. Unlike the classic sandy dunes, this desert features dramatic rocky terrain and breathtaking views. It’s perfect for a desert excursion or a sunset camel ride

Some other cities worth considering that we didn’t make it to –

Essaouira: A charming coastal city known for its historic medina, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful beaches.
Ouarzazate: Often called the “Gateway to the Sahara,” it’s famous for its kasbahs and as a filming location for movies like “Lawrence of Arabia.”
Meknes: A city rich in history with impressive gates, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis nearby.
Taroudant: Known as “Little Marrakech,” it offers a more relaxed atmosphere with traditional souks and ancient walls.
Sahara Desert: Experience the vast, mesmerizing sands of the Sahara. Known for its stunning dunes, camel treks, and spectacular sunsets, it provides a quintessential Moroccan adventure.

What to Eat in Morocco

1. Tagine: This iconic Moroccan dish is a fragrant, slow-cooked stew named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in. Tagine blends tender meats or vegetables with a symphony of spices, dried fruits, and nuts, creating a hearty and soul-satisfying meal that embodies Moroccan hospitality.

2. Couscous: Often enjoyed as a Friday meal, couscous is steamed semolina wheat served with a savory stew of meat and vegetables. It’s a comforting dish that brings families together around the table, offering a taste of Moroccan tradition with every bite.

Getting Around in Morocco

If you plan to drive in Morocco, be prepared to handle a manual car. We rented a reliable 4×4 for about $60 per day, but renting an automatic vehicle can easily cost three times that amount.

Important Notes for Renting a Car:

International Driver’s License: You’ll need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Morocco.

Payment: A credit card is required, or you may need to provide a deposit of around $1,000, which is refundable upon returning the car.

Alternative Option: For larger groups or longer trips, consider renting a car with a driver. This can offer more convenience and comfort. For Solo travelers especially females, I recommend getting a driver from the hotel you stay at for security purposes.

The roads in Morocco are generally well-maintained, with speed limits enforced by speed cameras. However, some roads can be winding and challenging, offering breathtaking views but also testing your driving skills. Be ready for these twists and turns—they can be both thrilling and a bit dizzying!

Drivers outside of Marrakech are generally less aggressive, making for a more relaxed driving experience. However, parking can be a challenge in many parts of Morocco. It’s a good idea to check with your accommodation ahead of time about parking options or find paid public parking nearby.

Trains

Morocco’s train network is a smooth and scenic way to travel between major cities. ONCF operates reliable and comfortable trains connecting Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez. With options ranging from first class with reserved seats to cozy second-class accommodations, you can choose your comfort level. Tickets are available at the station or online, but don’t forget to validate them before boarding.

Where to Stay

A visit to Morocco isn’t complete without experiencing a traditional riad. These centuries-old Moroccan homes are celebrated for their intricate architecture, featuring ornate tilework, carved wooden screens, and peaceful inner courtyards. Staying in a riad offers a unique immersion into Moroccan craftsmanship and history, providing a charming retreat from the bustling city streets. For those seeking modern amenities, luxurious hotels and resorts are also available, blending elegance with contemporary comfort.

Best Time to Visit Morocco

Spring (March to May): Ideal for pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes.

Autumn (September to November): Great for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Summer (June to August): Hot inland but perfect for coastal cities and beaches.

Winter (December to February): Cool temperatures; good for skiing in the Atlas Mountains and mild coastal cities.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Morocco.

In Conclusion

Morocco is not just a destination; it’s a remarkable adventure that stays with you. Is Morocco on your list? let us plan a private trip for you or join a group trip here.

It has become a sort of tradition to spend my birthday in a new country. 25 was in East Africa– Tanzania, and 26 was in West Africa, Senegal— and for 27, the choice was North Africa, Morocco. A Kingdom peculiar to the North African heritage– Morocco is diverse, yet intensely conservative with their practice of Islam. While Morocco travel is highly sought after in Africa, for good reason– there are very few dark skinned Africans within this population.

Akchour waterfalls, Morocco

I spent hours researching everything what could possibly go wrong for a Black female traveler in the country, and printed over 30 pages of documents which included bank statements from the day my mama popped me out, and what my neighbor liked to eat for dinner. I actually had to write a letter introducing who i was, where i worked and reasons why I won’t abscond should Morocco permit my travel.

Tourist guides all around Scarlett Johansson’s internet warn visitors, especially black women to avoid walking the medinas (markets) of Marrakech alone and cover up every skin pore. Armed with that information, I curated a new wardrobe stacking long dresses alongside skirts and scarves. After an agonizing 3-week wait, our passports were finally released with a one month visa stamp. This trip was one of many firsts, a stamped visa application, my first time in North Africa and my first time in an Arab country.

We flew from Kenya aboard Egypt airways, it was a 13-hour flight with an 8-hour day layover in Egypt so we planned to explore Cairo during the time. I dressed the part in a pair of loose brown linen pants, and a loose silk shirt. When we landed in Cairo by noon, I was not prepared for the heat that hit. We spent 30 minutes scurrying from one counter to another trying to find out what the process of getting out of the airport was. It didn’t help that it is a french speaking country, and we spoke no french. Eventually when we got to the right counter, our passports were seized and we were told to go wait with a group of people that looked like they had been sleeping in the lobby for a week.

I had anticipated some hiccups with Egypt – everybody I know that has been on Egypt air swears to never do it again so indeed it had begun. After about an hour of visiting the counter at least 10 times and raising my voice twice, we finally got our passports back. We were grouped with the only other two travelers heading the same way, an elderly man and a middle aged lady, both Moroccans. Surprisingly, we were also given a hotel voucher which we weren’t expecting, seeing as it was a day trip. We later found out it was because the they were both first class passengers and it was easier to group us.

After three hours of unsuccessfully trying to check in, we abandoned that plan and decided to grab a quick lunch instead before heading into the city. The food was surprisingly good; I almost forgot about the heat. By this time, my shirt was off.

The lady could speak some English, and that eased our stress very much. From there on, she coordinated our tour for the day to the pyramids of Giza and river Nile. She also prevented us from getting scammed by everyone we tried to buy souvenirs from. She called me Laila – an Arabic name given to pass me off as a North African and avoid paying tourist charges. By the time we boarded the final leg to Casablanca, she had invited us to spend the night in her home. You know what they say, never reject the kindness of a fellow traveler.

On arrival, the immigration queue was pretty long but it moved fast and by the time it finally reached my turn, I’d managed to work up an anxious sweat even though the temperature was under 20 degrees. “Welcome to Morocco,” the officer smiled as he leafed through my passport looking through my collection of stamps. I was granted entry, (surprisingly easily. everything i’d read prepared me for snide comments and racist misogynistic questions) grabbed our luggage and quickly caught up with our new travel friend & host for the night. It was 12:30am in Casablanca and it was chilly outside. Her driver pulls up in a sedan, and we all pile in, ready to begin a 2-hour-drive to Rabat where she lives. Rabat was not included in our itinerary initially, but the beauty about travel is embracing the unknown and so we canceled our reservation in Casablanca that night.

As we made our way home, I noticed how truly it did feel like a scene from Aladdin. Palm trees and ornate lamps lined the entire stretch of the drive interjected by little gardens of colorful flowers and benches.

“Are we around the government house? “ I asked “It feels presidential around here”

“Actually, this is how this area of Rabat looks. Everything is beautiful and these lamps are very normal around Morocco “

For a Nigerian like myself, Morocco is an anomaly of what a nation should look like. They have a certain mindfulness in their culture and approach to life, or the arts. It was also at this moment that I realized one of the key lessons I would learn from this trip: thankfulness. I am finally in Morocco, and the country is delivering on its promises through the beauty of the environment, and kindness of its people. I couldn’t have been happier.

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