Details
Important
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.
Trip Notes & Expectations
ACCOMMODATION
Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation. This program features tourist-class hotels that are comfortable and clean but may not match what you're used to at home.
What to Expect: Not all locations offer air conditioning. Some older accommodations may have limited hot water, slower-draining showers, or an earthy scent from traditional materials. Hotels in busy centers like Marrakech and Chefchaouen can be loud at night. Wi-Fi may be limited or inconsistent, especially in the Sahara and High Atlas Mountains. If you encounter issues, contact reception to request a different room.
The Gite Experience: The Atlas Mountains Gite requires a challenging hike to reach (or you can pay for a taxi). The setting is beautiful, though interaction with the host family may be limited.
TRANSPORTATION
We use a 16-seater minivan for this tour. With a full group, every seat will be used and legroom may be smaller than you're used to - taller passengers may find the space cramped. Your vehicle may not be equipped with seat belts as this is not legally required for buses in Morocco.
Long drives are part of this comprehensive tour. If you're prone to motion sickness, bring medication. Air conditioning in the vans may not always be as powerful as you'd like, especially in the back rows.
ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE
This itinerary is fast-paced and covers considerable ground with early starts, long drives, and less free time than other GEEO programs.
Daily walking: This trip involves a significant amount of walking; the itinerary is active but not overly strenuous. Daily activities often take place on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones, gravel paths, sand, and stairs. The most physically demanding activities are the optional hike in the Rif Mountains (Day 3) and a trek to the mountain gîte in Aroumd (Day 10). A taxi is available for those who prefer not to walk to Aroumd. We suggest always carrying snacks, as meal times can sometimes be far apart due to the busy schedule.
CAMEL RIDE
Camel riding is slower-paced and not strenuous, but requires the ability to mount and dismount. Participation in the camel ride is optional. If you prefer not to ride, you are welcome to relax at the hotel or explore the nearby sand dunes. Please note that the sunset viewing point, located in the middle of the dunes, is not accessible by 4WD/vehicle. Walking is possible, but can be hot and physically demanding.
HEAT & COMFORT
On very hot days, air conditioning on transport may not be able to keep up. In some hotels, A/C may be weak, not functioning well, or not available at all. To stay comfortable, plan to dress in light, breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, and consider bringing small items like a travel fan or cooling towel.
DRESS
At religious sites: Cover shoulders, chest, and legs - no tank tops, short shorts, mini skirts, or low necklines. Long pants or calf-length skirts work well. You may need to remove shoes at mosques.
In General: Loose-fitting, breathable clothing works best for Morocco's climate and culture. Think "school-appropriate:" lightweight trousers or chinos, wide-legged pants, flowy maxi dresses or skirts, knee-length shorts, loose-fitting t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and tank tops (with wider straps and modest neckline). In cities like Marrakech and Casablanca you'll see more variety, but in smaller towns and rural areas, conservative dress is appreciated.
Practical Tips: Lightweight scarves—you can buy one in Morocco—are versatile for covering shoulders when needed and protecting from the sun. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for uneven medina streets and desert terrain.
MONEY & TIPPING
Tipping is a significant part of the culture and economy in Morocco, and past travelers have noted they spent more than they anticipated. To avoid any stress, it is best to bring extra cash, as you will need it for tips, as well as for meals and shopping, where credit cards are not always accepted. See the “Estimated Trip Costs” section for suggested budgeting guidelines.
RESTROOMS
In Morocco, access to public restrooms often requires a small fee, usually 1 or 2 Dirhams. We recommend keeping some small change handy. You’ll have opportunities to visit banks or ATMs early in the trip and regularly thereafter to ensure you can break larger bills into smaller denominations. While public bathrooms are normally quite clean, they may not always have toilet paper, so it's best to carry some with you.
GETTING HOME
This program ends in Marrakech. Most international flights depart out of Casablanca. Make sure that you arrange your flights correctly. Keep in mind there are flights from Marrakech to Casablanca as well as a train that runs a few times a day and takes 3.5 hours.
GROUP LEADER
All GEEO/G Adventures trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight—giving you the best of both worlds.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Single Travelers
Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same.
Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion.
Want a private room? Most trips offer a
“My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the
Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
My Own Room Exception: Receive private accommodation every night except night 10 at the mountain gîte.
Emergency Contacts
Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
G Adventures Operator – Morocco
Open 5 days a week, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time (GMT).
During Office hours: +212 (0)528 824898
After hours emergency number: +212 (0)661 861950
If you are unable to reach anyone at either of these numbers, please call the G Adventures Regional Operations Manager Emergency Cell Phone: +44 (1858) 378000
If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
See our blog post of
staff recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring
one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and
one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination on a site like
Weather Spark for the time of year you will be traveling.
SuggestedOptionalDocuments
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants (for certain mosques and your flights, which can be cold)
- Sun hat
- Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (t-shirts, shorts, etc.)
- Daypack
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
- Sport sandals or flip-flops
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
- Toiletries – some hotels may not have shampoo and conditioner
- Camera (or use your phone)
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Light weight silk sleep sheet/blanket (for mountain gîte)
- Swim suit (Some hotels have pools)
- Travel pillow
- Money belt
- Water bottle
- Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- eSIM or data plan to stay connected (e.g., Airalo)
- Chargers for electronics, as well as converters/adapters, if needed
- AirTags or Tile trackers
- Packing cubes
- Earplugs
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy
- Ziplock bags
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD/EUR cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
: Laundry facilities are offered at some of our hotels for a charge, or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is located. In
Fez (Day 4) you can drop your laundry off at a facility and pick it up the next day for approximately 50 dirham ($5 USD) per kilo with a $5 minimum.
If you want to do your own laundry (which is very doable!), we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Many of the hikes take place during the hottest part of the day, so re-wearing clothes without laundering them may not be an option. Clothes dry very quickly in the dry, hot temperatures of the Moroccan summer. Be sure to bring enough clothes to last a week without being able to do laundry.
Passports and Visas
Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.
PASSPORT
All travelers must have a passport valid for
at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps.
Need to apply or renew? Start here.
ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the
U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary.
Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.
Money Exchange
Currency: The local currency in Morocco is the
Moroccan Dirham (MAD). As exchange rates fluctuate, refer to www.xe.com for current rates.
Credit/Debit Cards: Major credit cards are accepted in many shops and restaurants.
Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, and
debit cards with Cirrus or Plus logos are generally usable at ATMs. Ask your bank about international fees before you travel. We recommend that you get cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency.
Cash: We recommend starting the trip with
at least $300–500 USD worth of Euros or USD to exchange, and then use to pay for tips, small purchases, and situations where cards aren’t accepted. You can replenish as needed from ATMs. Make sure bills for exchanging are in good condition (not torn, wrinkled, or marked) and dated recently.
Emergency Funds: Bring
at least $200 USD (or the equivalent in local currency) in cash for emergencies in case of ATM or card issues. Always carry more rather than less to avoid feeling short of funds while traveling.
See the Estimated Trip Costs section at the bottom of this page for budgeting guidance.
For more advice, see our post,
Smart Travel Finances: Your Guide to Money, ATMs, Fees, and Safety Abroad
Tipping
Morocco has a strong tipping culture. Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. It is also one of the most direct ways you can have a positive economic impact within the local community. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Here are some guidelines for tipping:
- Tipping Kitty: Your tour leader will likely collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to cover group tips for local drivers, guides, and support staff. This helps streamline tipping throughout the trip and avoids repeated small collections. The amount is typically the equivalent of $30–40 USD per person, payable in MAD or USD. Your tour leader will confirm the exact amount and how it will be used.
- General Tipping: For service providers such as waiters, tipping around 10% is customary, depending on the service.
- Local Guides: You may tip your local guides individually, or your tour leader may offer to collect money and tip on behalf of the group. Recommended tipping ranges from $1–2 USD per person per day, depending on the quality and length of service.
- Main Driver: Your main driver will be with the group throughout the program, covering long distances across Morocco. A tip of approximately $60–75 USD total per traveler is customary and greatly appreciated in recognition of their service.
- Tour Leader: At the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated and sometimes expected. The amount is entirely up to you, but as a guideline, $8–11 USD per person per day is typical (approximately $120–165 USD total).
Your tour leader can provide specific recommendations based on the circumstances and expectations during your trip.
Vaccinations
GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting
Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the
CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
Flights
Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
*
This program begins in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech.* Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Casablanca, which usually means departing the U.S. one day prior. You may want to arrive in Morocco one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1.
You can depart from Marrakech at any time on the final day of the program. Most participants opt for a multi-city flight—arriving in Casablanca and departing from Marrakech. This approach is generally the most straightforward and usually adds less than $100 to your airfare compared to a round-trip ticket to Casablanca.
However, if you choose a round-trip flight from Casablanca, here are a few options for your return from Marrakech to Casablanca at the end of your trip:
- Fly: There are affordable non-stop flights from Marrakech to Casablanca, but booking a flight separate from your transatlantic ticket could cause issues if you experience flight disruptions.
- Train: Take a train from Marrakech to Casablanca and then another train or taxi from the train station to the airport. We recommend buying train tickets at least a day in advance—your Tour Leader can assist with this. From Casablanca’s train station, you can continue to the airport by train or taxi.
- Private Transfer: We can pre-book a transfer for you from your hotel in Marrakech directly to the airport in Casablanca, but it is likely the most expensive option.
Plugs and Converters
Morocco uses
Type C and Type E outlets, and the voltage is
220-240V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider:
1.
Adapter (plug shape)
Adapts your U.S. plug to fit another type of socket. See our recommended
all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post.
2.
Converter / transformer (voltage)
Steps the outlet voltage down to 120V for U.S. appliances that can’t handle higher voltage.
How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An
“Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows
“Input 120 V” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), it could be damaged on high voltage. Pack both an adapter and a travel voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.
Weather
The Coast of Morocco has a moderate, subtropical climate, cooled by breezes from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Inland, the temperatures can be quite extreme, getting very hot in the summer. In Marrakech, the average temperature in summer is a sizzling 100°F (38°C)! In mountainous areas (like the Atlas range), temperatures are cooler and some mountain peaks remain snow-capped throughout most of the year.
Food
Even when meals are not included in the itinerary, our groups tend to eat together. This allows you to try a wider variety of dishes and enjoy the group experience. There is no obligation to join group meals, and your Tour Leader can suggest alternate options when available. However, please be aware that in some areas, dining choices may be limited, and quick or inexpensive options may not be readily accessible. Meals typically cost around $10–15 USD per person, so we recommend budgeting accordingly and carrying sufficient local currency.
Breakfasts: Many breakfasts are included as part of your trip. Moroccan breakfasts tend to be simple, offering a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee. Some hotels will have buffets where you will have more variety. While you are experiencing what a Moroccan family would eat, some travelers do find the provided breakfasts a bit “bread heavy” and enjoy buying fruit the day before to supplement their breakfast.
Lunches and Dinners: Moroccan cuisine is world-famous, and your tour leader will be taking the chance to show you the best of it.
Staples include cous cous, a type of grain, topped with stew; tagine, which is actually the name of the pot this dish is cooked in; and brochette, the local variety of barbecued meat skewers. These dishes will generally cost between 45- 80 MAD, depending on the type of restaurant and which part of the country you are in.
Other plates not to be missed include pastilla, a sweet pasty with a savory filling and which is traditionally made with pigeon; and harira, a soup made from chickpeas that is quite filling when paired with fresh bread. When you are on the coast, the fresh seafood cooked at one of the local markets is a must-eat!
Snacks: Morocco’s fresh orange juice is highly recommended, and you should not leave without trying a glass. The brave can try the tiny snails, which are perhaps the local’s favorite snack but you might prefer a cone of piping hot bite-size fried cake donuts.
Language
Arabic is the official language of Morocco, spoken in the distinctive Moroccan dialect. Approximately 40% of the population (mainly in rural areas) speak Berber in one of its three different dialects (Tarafit, Tashelhiyt, and Tamazight). French is Morocco’s unofficial second language and is taught universally, serving as the country’s primary language in economics and commerce, as well as being widely used in education and government. Many Moroccans in the north of the country speak Spanish, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Advice From Past Participants
Money & Tipping - You'll Need More Cash Than You Think
"I was not prepared for the amount of tipping that had to be done and did not bring enough cash for it which forced me to dip into my cash reserves for a different trip."
"I would have brought more USD to exchange for all of the tipping and water."
"As far as money goes, I needed way more small bills (especially change) than I had."
Don't Count on Credit Cards
"Do not rely on credit cards. Many places say they take cards, but when it comes to actually paying, they do not."
Ask About Shopping Opportunities
"I recommend asking your tour leader about the shopping opportunities throughout the trip. I found it hard to apportion out my spending money because I didn't know what might be coming up."
Shopping - Skip the Cooperatives, Hit the Medinas
"Don't wait to buy goods at the cooperatives. The cooperatives are VERY expensive, and you can find the same things much cheaper at local medinas."
"I ended up buying a lot of stuff at the cooperatives. While you know that you are getting good quality, you can find quality stuff for cheaper prices in places like Essaouira and Marrakech."
Bargaining is Essential
"In case you get to Casablanca early, know that you can and should bargain over EVERYTHING. In fact, you probably shouldn't buy anything until your guide has explained to you how this works. Prices can be 5x normal because you are American."
Physical Activity - It's More Intense Than You Expect
"Even though the description talks about all of the travel, you really can't comprehend it until you do it."
"There is a considerable amount of climbing up and down on uneven surfaces on this trip. A hiking stick and the wisdom to know when it is too much, is advised."
Lots of Walking
"If anything, I would just add that there is a lot of walking. Most days it was not difficult, but there were long days. Also, if you are short like I am, some of the stairs are steep."
The Rif Mountain Hike is Challenging But Worth It
See GEEO Staff member Katie’s GPS stats for elevation and distance here
Advice from Katie: The trail is very rocky and steep, so it is not ideal if you have any recent injuries or ankle/knee issues. You should be used to hiking steep terrain, or at minimum, be someone who can easily walk 5–8 miles at a time. Wear shoes with good grip—the rocks can be slick.
"The Rif Mountain hike was tough. It was hot, long, and you walk straight up. I was warned by our guide, but it was even harder than he said. You need to be in shape to do it."
“The hike is moderately difficult in Chefchoen, but worth the food at the end of the hike. Do not pass up on this added opportunity.”
The [Rif Mountian] hike is not as easy as it sounds. If you live in a flat area it is important to be in shape.”
"The hike in the Rif mountains was an absolute must. It was not as hard as I anticipated, was beautiful, and ended with the best meal of the trip."
"This hike ended up being one of my top five experiences of the trip."
Transportation - Prepare for the Roads
"Be prepared for the driving if you are sensitive to it! Definitely take Dramamine if you get carsick easily, and be sure to take at least 30 minutes before any long drives."
"It was on the itinerary, but really being prepared for the long car rides between locations."
"No WiFi on the tour bus and weak A/C."
Summer Heat - Bring Cooling Strategies
"How HOT it would be. Glad I brought as much electrolyte tablets and Imodium and Pepto with me. My traveling friend brought a portable fan with her and that was helpful on those long bus rides."
"Be prepared for very hot temperatures. My fan (with a strap to wear it around my neck) stayed on most of the day and night."
Stock Up Early
"Ask to go to grocery store before you take off - buy waters, soda, etc... maybe ask guide if there would be room for a cooler to put peoples drinks in… know that drinks will not be cold."
Health & Wellness - Come Prepared
"Yes, chances are you will get sick either from the food or dehydration so see your doctor in advance for some medication."
"I wish I'd brought some sinus medication, as I really underprepared for how much the general dry conditions of Morocco and the blowing sand in the desert would aggravate my sinuses."
Electrolytes are Essential
"Taking electrolyte powder is a very good idea... it's hot and it's hard to drink enough water at all, sometimes electrolytes are really needed."
"Recommend people bring electrolytes, especially for the trips offered in July and August."
Dress Codes are Flexible
"Don't worry about dressing conservatively. The people we encountered were not offended by tank tops. Be considerate but don't feel like you have to cover up all the time."
"I wish I would have known that as tourists we didn't have to dress as conservative as the locals. I would have brought more shorts/skorts, instead of pants."
Luggage & Essentials
"For luggage handling–even if it is on wheels, super large suitcases packed heavily can be difficult to carry up steps at hotels and takes up a lot of space in the back of the van."
"Bring a bathing suit! The bug spray is for the nature walk."
"The electrical outlets are all recessed into the wall so not all converters fit. You have to have a round one or one that is smaller than one and one half inches wide."
Cultural Notes & Experiences
"A good number of people you will encounter do not want to be photographed. Make sure you ask first."
"Morocco has a LOT of stray cats. Feeding them encourages them to hang around."
Don't Miss These Experiences
"On the day you go to the gorge, wear sandals or bring a towel. Wading in the gorge is a highlight."
"The hike is moderately difficult in Chefchoen, but worth the food at the end of the hike. Do not pass up on this added opportunity."
Final Thoughts
"Morocco is a friendly and relatively safe feeling place and the food is outstanding--enjoy it!"
"I didn't have a hard time finding vegetarian foods! There is also a vegetarian restaurant in Marrakech."
