Scenset's Guide to Morocco

Morocco has a wonderful and celebrated film industry that explores history, culture and human connection.

A few of our favourites we recommend you watch before you go or during your flight are:

• Ali Zaoua, the critically acclaimed film by Nabil Ayouch, delves into the lives of Morocco's underprivileged youth, depicting the experiences of young boys struggling to survive on the streets of Casablanca. The film explores themes such as suffering, child exploitation, and prostitution as the powerful narrative unfolds - trailer here.
  
• Headbang Lullaby is a comedy released in 2017 that tells the tale of Daoud, a police officer tasked with spending a day on a bridge near Casablanca that marks the boundary between two adversarial neighborhoods; all in anticipation of a visit from the Moroccan king - trailer here.
  
• Adam generated significant Oscar buzz upon its 2019 release, and rightfully so. The movie revolves around Samia, a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy who seeks refuge with a widow in a Moroccan village - trailer here.
  
• A Thousand Months is a 2003 movie that takes place during the holy month of Ramadan in 1981; a must-watch! It narrates the journey of a woman and her son as they navigate life when her husband is imprisoned for political reasons — a secret she must shield from her child - trailer here.
  
• A Thousand and One Hands, released in the 1970s, was a significant film in Morocco's contemporary film industry. It offers a glimpse into Moroccan society and explores themes of revenge and motivation, focusing on Moha and his son Miloud, who runs a fabric dyeing business - more information here.

A few books we love that capture Moroccan life are:

• A House in Fez, written by Suzanna Clarke, is a delightful read chronicling the challenges and adventures encountered while restoring a dilapidated riad in the Fes medina, as well as the heartwarming connections forged during the journey. Believe us when we tell you that the final result of the riad is much more than meets the eye - click here for more information.
  
• The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca follows author Tahir Shah longing to return to his homeland and recounts the challenging process of restoring the Caliph's house in Casablanca; a place he frequented during his summers - click here for more information.
  
• A Street in Marrakech by Elizabeth Fernea, tells the story of her relocation with her family to Marrakech in the 1970s. Fernea shares her journey of adapting to a new culture and the process of building trust with her neighbors. Her personal narrative highlights the contrasts between her American upbringing and the Moroccan way of life, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the city that eventually became her home - click here for more information.
  
• The Travels of Ibn Battuta, the renowned book by Ibn Battuta himself, follows the journey from his hometown of Tangier across Asia and the Middle East in the pursuit of job opportunities. Surprisingly, he wouldn't return for another 29 years, surpassing even the renowned travels of Marco Polo. His compiled journals provide a captivating glimpse into the medieval world and the practice of Islam during that era - click here for more information.
  
• The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. This moving, historical fiction spotlights Estebanico — a Moorish slave from Azemmour, Morocco. He survived the ill-fated 1527 Narváez Expedition, entering slavery to rescue his family from debt, and embarking on a perilous journey across the Atlantic that ultimately led to modern-day Florida - click here for more information.

Here are the Spotify playlists we have designed for your trip, including local talent and great vibes:

• Moroccan Hits is a selection of our favourite Moroccan artists, popular songs and local talent!
  
• Summer Chill is the perfect soundtrack for the beach, full of laid-back, summer vibes!
  
• The Open Road is what road trips were meant for; great songs and beautiful views.

A few Darija phrases to try during your trip are:

• Hello: Salam (sah-lem). This phrase is an abbreviated form of 'salam alaykom,' which carries the literal meaning of 'peace be with you.' You would respond with 'wa-alaikum salaam.
  
• How are you?: Labas? (la-bahs)
  
• Good, thank God: Al-hamdullah (ham-doo-lah). This is the polite response to 'how are you?'.
  
• Nice to meet you: Mtcharfin (mm-char-fin)
  
• If God wills it: Inshallah (een-shah-LAH)
  
• Thank you: Shokran (shoo-KRAHN)
  
• Excuse me (to get past someone): Smaa llaah (smeh-lia)
  
• How much is it?: mch7al taman? (mm-chall tah-man)
  
• Yes: Aywa (eye-wah)
  
• No: La (lah)
  
• Beautiful: Jameel (ja-mee-l)
  
• Where is the bathroom?: Fin toilet? (feen toy-let)
  
• What is your name?: Shnoo smitk? (Shnoo smee-tick)
  
• Goodbye: Bslama (bess-llama)

France controlled Morocco in the early 1900s, and though Morocco gained independence in 1956, French remains widely spoken by Moroccans of all ages throughout much of the country.

For your trip, we recommend bringing the following:

• Pack light and loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay comfortable in the warm weather. Include T-shirts, shorts, skirts, dresses, and lightweight pants.
  
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Sandals are great to bring with you as well.
  
• A scarf for chilly evenings, but also for covering your shoulders if heading to a mosque or religious site.
  
• Pack layers as Morocco has different climates depending on whether you're by the coast, in the mountains or the desert.
  
• Swim/beach shoes if your feet are sensitive.
  
• Sun cream, sun hat, lip balm and sunglasses.
  
• Swimsuit, for the pools and sauna in the spa at all properties, as well as the beach.
  
• A modest outfit if you are visiting mosques that covers the top of your legs, chest, shoulders and top of your arms. Long trousers are also recommended but not essential.
  
• Semi-casual clothes for eating out.
  
• Semi-formal clothes if you're eating out at a fine dining restaurant; it's always nice to dress up on holiday!
  
• Day-pack for excursions
  
• A European adapter
  
• A power bank to keep your phone charged for all those great pictures!

Morocco has 2 main socket types: Type C and Type E:

• Type C: two small pins.
  
• Type E: two round pins and a hole for the earth pin.

We recommend bringing a travel adapter that has multiple specifications so you're always prepared.

Hotels may have adapters you can use, but they may not always be available or working, so it's best to have your own.

Here are some tips on health, safety and general rules to be aware of:

Security

• Dial 190 and ask for the police if you have an emergency.
  
• It's important to remember that, like all major global cities, pickpockets operate in highly populated areas; especially areas frequented by tourists.
  
• It is highly recommended not to bring or wear valuable or sentimental jewellery, watches or items with you that you do not wish to lose or have stolen.
  
• While most visitors do not have any issues whatsoever when visiting, it's always good to be aware of your surroundings and your personal items.

Health

• Dial 150 if you have a medical emergency and ask for an ambulance.
  
• If you are under special medical treatment, you are advised to take enough medicines with you to cover your trip and any delays, as there is a high possibility that you may not find the same medicine in Morocco.
  
• Ensure you check that any medication you are bringing with you is allowed into Morocco.
  
• Ensure you have travel insurance with you that covers medical, if you are not already covered by your supplier.
  
• Pharmacies are widely available and are well stocked. It is very common for the pharmacy to have English-speaking staff.
  
• Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for all travellers going to Morocco but depending on the activities you have planned you may need additional vaccines.
  
• Pharmacies are available 24/7 in every city and district in Morocco.
  
• You can find a list of English-speaking medical facilities in Morocco here.

Local laws

• Morocco is a Muslim country, which follows Islamic laws and customs. Please be aware of your actions to ensure they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
  
• It is important to respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions, as well as avoid public displays of affection, particularly outside the main tourist areas and near religious places.
  
• Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims and can be a wonderful time to visit Morocco. The dates vary by year and country, but your travel advisor will advise you if your travel dates fall during Ramadan.
  
• If you are travelling during Ramadan, be mindful of the local customs and practices (especially regarding the consumption of food and drink in public).
  
• Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and in tourist areas. Drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Natural Disasters

• Local flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in the mountain regions, so be aware and follow local advice.
  
• Morocco can experience large earthquakes, the most recent being in 2023. Please click here for information on what to do during an earthquake.

When you receive exceptional service, leaving a sign of your a gratitude is always appreciated.

• Restaurants: 10% of the total of the bill is generally appreciated and expected.
  
• Guides: $20-40 per day is the amount we recommend
  
• Drivers: $10-20 per day is the amount we recommend
  
• Hotels | Housekeeping: $2-5 per day
  
• Hotels | Porters: $1-2 per bag

• Morocco's official currency is the dirham (MAD; abbreviated to dh within Morocco), divided into 100 centimes.
  
• Coins are issued in denominations of 1dh, 2dh, 5dh, and 10dh, as well as 10, 20, and 50 centimes. Bank notes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200.
  
• The dirham is considered a 'closed currency' and can't be taken out of the country, cannot be traded, and theoretically isn't available abroad; this means you will be unlikely to exchange money before arriving in Morocco.
  
• Whilst card payments are becoming increasingly popular, Morocco is still a cash society so it's important to have cash with you; and smaller notes where possible. This is especially true when traveling to rural areas or small shops in less-touristic areas that may not accept card.
  
• Cash is usually withdrawn from automatic teller machines at bank branches and within hotels or at the airport. At the airport, the exchange rate is usually very good.
  
• You can exchange your unused MAD to EUR/USD/GBP when returning at the airport. Important: remember to keep the exchange slip you are given when you withdraw money at the airport as you will need this to exchange unused currency back.
  
• A Revolut card is a great way to keep local currency on you with a card payment to avoid transaction fees.

Moroccan cuisine is usually a mix of Berber, Andalusi, Mediterranean, and Arab cuisines; with minimal European (French and Spanish) and sub-Saharan influences.

Here are a few of our favourite dishes to try in Morocco:

• Couscous, the national dish, is typically served with meat or vegetables, consisting of tiny semolina balls steamed over stew. While reserved for special occasions, you can find couscous year-round in Moroccan restaurants.
  
• Tagine is an iconic method of cooking, found throughout Moroccan cuisine, takes its name from the distinctive clay pot it's cooked in. Tagine dishes require minimal water and result in a warm stew with tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It's usually served with a side of bread.
  
• Bastilla is a unique savory pie with thin layers of dough filled traditionally with a mix of meat, spices, and more, topped off with icing; commonly made with chicken, beef, or fish.
  
• Zaalouk, a popular Moroccan dish, combines eggplant and tomatoes with a smoky flavor from ingredients like olive oil, garlic, coriander, cumin, and paprika. You'll find it as a salad or dip alongside kebabs or tagine, and it's delicious on traditional Moroccan flatbread.
  
• Harira soup is typically given to break fast during Ramadan, but can be enjoyed throughout the year. Harira is a zesty tomato-based lentil and chickpea soup, filled with flavor from spices and herbs.
  
• Brochettes are popular kebabs seasoned with salt and spices, grilled and served with khobz (flatbread), harissa, cumin, and salt. Popular choices include lamb, chicken, kefta, and a flavorful 'mixed meat' blend.
  
• Mint tea is not to be missed! Part of everyday life for most Moroccans, it symbolizes family and friend get-togethers and is often the first thing prepared to warmly welcome guests.

Najat Kaanache is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and owner of Nur, a Moroccan restaurant in Fez, Morocco. Follow her recipe below to cook Marmitta - enjoy!

• Watch here.