 | The Austrian Foreign Ministry has one for this country partial travel warning released (Web link) Partial travel warning [...] for trips to the interior of the Western Sahara, which is disputed under international law, and to the remote Saharan zones of southern Morocco! Date of the last travel warning: 03/03/2020. |
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| Capital | Rabat |
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| Form of government | Constitutional monarchy |
| currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| surface | 447,000 km² |
| population | 32.6 million |
| languages | Arabic (official), Tamazight (official), French (common) |
| Religions | Muslims 98.7%, Christians 1.1%, Jews 0.2% |
| Connector system | 127-220 V / 50Hz (European plug) |
| Phone code | 212 |
| Internet TLD | .ma |
| Time zone | UTC (CET-1) |
Morocco is a kingdom in the northwest Africa. That is to the north Mediterranean Sea and to the west extends the North Atlantic. National borders exist in the south Western Sahara, in the east too Algeria and in the north to the Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean coast. By the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is from Spain and the British Crown Colony Gibraltar Cut.
From the coast you have a direct and clear view of mainland Europe, especially Gibraltar, which is only 14 km from the Moroccan coast. Ferries run numerous and every hour from Africa's largest and most modern port in Tangier, whereby when booking a ferry / arriving from Spain, make sure that the port of Tanger Med is approx. 60 km from Tanger-Ville.
Regions
- 1 Atlas Mountains (جبال الأطلس).
Worth visiting in summer for a day hike as well as for week-long trekking tours. - 2 Erg Chebbi (عرق الشبي).the dune fields in the southeast of the country.
Cities
- 1 Agadir is known for its beaches. The city is very modern and doesn't have much to offer historically. It is advisable to take the bus to a few towns north for a few cents or Dh (Dirham) to enjoy the less crowded and beggar-lined beaches.
- 2 Asni is a good starting point for tours into Atlas-Mountains.
- 3 Béni Mellal is an important center of agriculture at the foot of the Middle Atlas and a stop on the journey from Marrakech to Fez.
- 4 Casablanca has a large international airport and will therefore be the starting point of a holiday in Morocco for many tourists. The historic old town and the modern mosque, which is the second largest in the world, are worthwhile destinations for a nice half-day excursion. In 2011, Africa’s largest shopping center with a multiplex cinema, the Lafayette (33 ° 34 '33 "N.7 ° 42 ′ 24 ″ W.), many international chains and beautiful outdoor areas with cafes and water features on the man-made bodies of water. It's right on the beach.
- 5 Chefchaouen lies in the hinterland of Tangier. Winding streets, blue doors and old olive trees create a picturesque atmosphere and offer a welcome change from Tangier.
- 6 Essaouira is an old, historical coastal town that was (re) discovered by tourism and is almost flooded by day tourists. The streets and squares of the city have been extensively renovated in recent years. The old town is one of the UNESCO world cultural heritage.
- 7 Fez is the former capital of Morocco and one of the largest medieval cities in the world. It consists of the old to UNESCO world cultural heritage belonging Medina (old town), a new town from the French occupation and a sprawling new town of the present.
- 8 Ifrane at the foot of the Middle Atlas at an altitude of 1,700 m above sea level. NN is known as the "St. Moritz of Morocco".
- 9 Marrakech is the perfect combination of old and new Morocco and is actually worth a visit on its own. You should plan several days to explore the labyrinthine souqs (bazaars) and the ruins of the old town. A tip is a visit to the large Djeema El Fna at dusk, which is also at UNESCO world cultural heritage counts.
- 10 Meknes is a modern and relaxed city that is a quiet resort for tourism-plagued visitors to the nearby Fez offers. Here, too, the old town belongs to UNESCO world cultural heritage.
- 11 Ouarzazate is the "capital" of the south. Ouarzazate has a good example of how tourism can be smoothly integrated into a historic city without changing the atmosphere too much. Ouarzazate is often used as a location for international film productions. The Hollywood production gladiator was created here.
- 12 Rabat is the capital of Morocco, the city has a calm and well-kept character. It has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 13 Rissani (Moulay Ali Chérif) is a small oasis town on the edge of the Sahara in central Morocco.
- 14 Tangier is the main port for tourists who come by ferry from Spain, also very rich in history and worthwhile, with a lot of European flair. The world's most environmentally friendly car factory (Renault / Nissan) is also located here, with a capacity of 400,000 vehicles per year.
- 15 Tetouan is the most important city in the north with beautiful beaches and a good starting point for tours in the Rif-Mountains. The old town is also part of the here UNESCO world cultural heritage.
- 16 Guelmim
Other goals
- 3 Source Bleue de Meski Blue Eye. Oasis with a small lake for swimming under palm trees. The adjoining campsite is rather dirty, especially the sanitary facilities. Overall, however, definitely worth a stop if you are on the way to Merzouga. The castle ruins are about 500m away Ksar Meskiwhich is well worth a visit. The best thing to do is to let one of the locals lead you to the oasis.
- 4 Merzouga (مرزوكة).The small village is a popular tourist destination on the outskirts Sahara Desert, best known for the impressive sand dunes, which have been used as a backdrop in many films. The dunes are actually very beautiful, but unfortunately all too well known.
- 5 Draa valley (وادي درعة).The large dune seas in the southern Draa Valley are also extremely worth seeing. Accessible e.g. from Marrakech via the high atlas, Ouarzazate, then Zagora and even further to the region of Mhamid. The southern part of the Draa Valley (between Agdz - Zagora - Mhamid) is known as one of the most beautiful routes in all of Morocco.
- 6 Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou (قصر أيت بن حدو).That for World Heritage belonging fortified Ksar (village) at the foot of the High Atlas in the southeast in about 30 kilometers distance from Ouarzazate is always worth a trip, but whether the stream of tourists and the lack of rain is threatened by gradual decline.
- 7 Volubilis (وليلي).The excavation sites up close Meknes between Fez other Rabat also belong to World Heritage. The site shows the best preserved excavations from the Roman Empire in the western part of North Africa.
- 8 Ouzoud falls (شلالات أوزود).The waterfalls in the Middle Atlas east of Marrakech are among the most beautiful in Morocco.
- 9 Gorges of the Moulaya (وادي ملوية, Moulouya)
- 10 Todra river
- 11 Todra Gorge (مضيق تودغا)
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- The valley 12 Valley of Ait Bouguemez.
- Canyons on 13 Dades Gorges.
- 14 Dra upes tarpeklis (at Agdz).
- Gorges in the 15 Azilal Province
- Rock formations 16 Amtoudi Valley
- 17 Paradise Valley.with waterfall.
- 18 Ifni lake
- 19 Rock arch by the sea
- 20 Legzira Bay
- 21 Imilchil. High mountain lakes.
- 22 Hercules grotto
- 23 Friouato caves
background
See also:Moroccan customs and traditions
Morocco has been under the former colonial power since 1956 France independent and an autonomous state. In the same year, Tangier, which previously had international status, was returned to Morocco. In the second half of the 1970s, Morocco annexed the Western Sahara after Spain gave up colonial rule and continues to regard it as Moroccan territory to this day. The area applies because of the conflicts of interest with the Polisario-Group established on February 27, 1976 in Bir Lehlu die Sahara Arab Democratic Republic had proclaimed as a crisis area. Tourists are advised not to enter the country.
General information and tips on customs and traditions in Morocco, which largely apply throughout the country, can be found at Moroccan customs and traditions.
getting there
Entry requirements
Germans need a passport for Morocco, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Children either need a child's passport. Tourists automatically receive an entry stamp that is valid for a stay of up to 90 days. An extension of the stay is possible, but it can be very time-consuming. It is easier to go to the Spanish enclaves Ceuta or Melilla to leave and to re-enter again. Exceeding the length of stay has criminal consequences.
The validity of each individual ID is checked upon entry; a DIN A6 document must be filled out for entry and exit. (Tip: take a ballpoint pen with you, there is a constant shortage of it!) In addition to personal data, details of the destination and address are required. The tour operators usually indicate which address is to be entered. The customs officer puts a stamp with a number in the passport, which is requested again in the hotel. Some tour guides give out lists on the way to the hotel in which you enter an entry number. This makes checking in a lot easier.
The entry form can here be filled out and printed out.
The border with Algeria is closed. The border with Western Sahara and further south with Mauritania is open.
See also: List of diplomatic missions in Morocco
Customs regulations
A vehicle brought with you must be exported again, this also applies to vehicles involved in an accident (see below under Car).
The import of aerial drones is prohibited.
The Exchange regulations prohibit the import and export of local currency Dirham. There is a risk of criminal prosecution if this is not observed. Upon departure, dirhams will be exchanged on presentation of an exchange receipt. The export of up to 2000 Dh is tolerated.
By plane
Most European airports have connections all over the country. Even low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet now offer flights from Germany, some for less than 100 euros. The state-owned airline Royal Air Maroc also flies from Europe to the most famous cities in Morocco. It flies from many cities in Europe (e.g. Amsterdam, Düsseldorf (seasonal only), Frankfurt am Main) to Morocco. Air Arabia Maroc also flies from Europe to many cities in Morocco.
By train
There is a rail connection to and from Algeria, but due to disputes with Algeria is the border between Morocco and Algeria Closed for several years and cannot be passed. You can only get to the border by train Oujda.
In Spain there are trains that go up to Algeciras (Frankfurt am Main - Paris - Barcelona - Algeciras, 29 hrs), but from there you have to go to the ferry port and take the ferry to Tangier translate. Of Tangier From there you can drive to all major cities that are connected to the rail network. These include Rabat, Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech. Overcrowded trains are to be expected, especially in summer.
From the port in Tangier to the new train station Gare Tanger Ville) it's best to take a taxi.
In the street
Entry via Algeria is not possible. But you can take a car ferry, e.g. B. from Algeciras in southern Spain Tangier or Ceuta translate. An entry from Mauritania is now possible without any problems.
When entering the country with your own car, this must be declared at customs. You can do this directly on site or via the Internet.
The green insurance card is required. It must be ensured that MA for Morocco is not crossed out. If you enter with a vehicle that has not been registered in your own name, you must have a power of attorney from the vehicle owner. The easiest way to get this is from ADAC before your arrival.
When leaving the country by car, difficulties may arise if someone else takes the car from the one that imported it.
GPS devices must be registered with customs.
Some distances (road km)
- Tangier - Rabat 250 km, 3 hours
- Tangier - Casablanca 340 km, 4 hours
- Tangier - Marrakech 580 km, 6:45 h
- Tangier - Agadir 800 km, 9 h
- Tangier - Souk-el-Arba-du-Rharb - Fez 306 km, 5 hours
- Rabat - Fez 205 km, 2:30 h
- Fès - Beni Mellal - Marrakech 495 km, 6:50 h
By boat
Especially from Spain there are ship connections to Morocco. Mainly the ports of Tangier, Nador as well as those of the Spanish enclaves Ceuta and Melilla controlled. Ferries depart Algeciras, Tarifa, Málaga and Almeria in Spain Sète at Montpellier and Port Vendres at Perpignan in France, from Genoa and Naples in Italy. Between Tangier and Algeciras an express ferry operates. Ferry or ship connections to the Canaries there is not any.
There is the possibility to sail with a sailboat from southern Spain (Estepona) for a few days in the northeast of Morocco (Smir). (Website)
Via Ceuta without your own car
If you take the ferry to Ceuta, you should know that there is no direct bus connection from there to the interior of Morocco. There is a city bus near the ferry terminal that goes directly to the border. This then has to be crossed on foot. Large numbers of taxis are already waiting right behind the border, with which, depending on your negotiating skills, you can take you to the next village for Fnideq, can drive. In Fnideq there is a bus station with connections to e.g. Chefchaouen and Tetouan. The journeys are not always marked, but the bus drivers walk around the bus station and call out their destination. There is a train connection from Tangier-Ville.
Fnideq also has the first ATM across the border.
mobility
Dynamic cardsBy train
The main cities like Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, etc. are all connected by a reliable network of routes. On most routes there is a connection every 60-90 minutes.
Train travel is comparatively cheap in Morocco. A single trip from Tangier to Marrakech costs around Dh200 in second class or Dh300 in first class.
Trains are a good alternative to the often overcrowded buses, which take considerably longer to cover the same route. Of course, trains by no means connect all cities and towns in Morocco. As a rule, Moroccans are friendly and open-minded on the trains, and travelers are often caught up in conversations about their trip. This is often a good way to get other great travel tips.
Information can be obtained from the Internet address of the Moroccan railways to get.
The high-speed train has been running since the end of 2018 Al Boraq (based on the design of the French TGV Duplex) on the route Casablanca–Rabat–Tangier. The travel time Tangier – Rabat has thus been reduced to 1:20 hours, from Rabat to Casablanca it takes 50 minutes. Nine pairs of trains run every day.
In the street
The main streets were renumbered in 2018, which is not yet visible on all maps and signs.
Is one with the own car or that Rental car on the way, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the local traffic habits beforehand. Travelers who are only familiar with the traffic in their home country should refrain from driving in larger cities in Morocco themselves! Here are a few relevant observations:
- Traffic rules, especially right of way, are often only observed when a police officer is in sight.
- Overtaking takes place wherever the opportunity arises, whether from the right or the left. Turning maneuvers are also mostly carried out spontaneously.
- Red lights are often run over: less often during the day, but almost always at night.
- As road users, not only cars, trucks and mopeds are on the road, but also bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, handcarts, pedestrians and donkey carts.
- Hardly any vehicle has proper lighting, so it is not uncommon to encounter objects that are completely unlit at night.
- Although the police seem to be powerless in the face of the chaotic conditions on the streets, one has to be careful of breaking the rules. If you get caught, you have to pay. Mobile radar measurements are the order of the day, especially on the arterial roads. In addition to speed restrictions, parking bans should also be taken seriously if you don't want to find a claw on your bike when you return. In accidents with personal injury, things get really serious: even if you are not at fault, the vehicle is first shut down and you often end up in a cell until the case has been resolved.
In conclusion, however, it should be said that with a decidedly defensive driving style and a little experience, you can move around the city traffic in Morocco quite well.
You can find it everywhere in the big cities Car rental companies. If you rent from the small companies, you should examine the car thoroughly beforehand and check, for example, whether a spare wheel and jack are on board. You should also note whether the contract allows the use of unpaved roads, especially if you want to drive to remote areas.
The road network is largely in order. The main cities are connected by toll highways that are still being expanded. The A1 / A3 leads from Tangier via Rabat and Casablanca to El Jadida. The A2 leads from Rabat to Fès. From Casablanca to the south, the A7 leads via Marrakech to Agadir. Further information can be found on the website of Moroccan Highway Administration.
Street signs are in Arabic and French. The traffic rules are by and large the same as in Europe, but are often not observed (see above). There are often police controls on the major roads, especially speed controls, these also in urban areas. Unless otherwise stated, the maximum permissible speed is 40 km / h. Grande taxisBuses and trucks sometimes seem to have their own right of way, and it is better not to insist on your rights. In the roundabout, the rule is right before left, unless there are corresponding "give way" signs. It seems to the attentive Central European tourist that the red-yellow-green traffic lights contribute to the color of Moroccan road traffic, not to traffic regulation or safety. It is also noticeable that a lot of horns - apparently also without cause - are honored. A tour guide once said that this was done "so that the person ahead wakes up".
The fuel supply is sufficient throughout the country. You can get super unleaded, diesel and Eurodiesel practically everywhere on the main roads and in the cities.
By bus
Morocco has a fairly dense bus network. Actually every place has a bus station where you can buy tickets. There are direct connections between almost all major cities. The bus stations can be very cluttered, especially if you can't speak or read Arabic. Many timetables are in Arabic only. You can find a lot of helpful people who almost always want a tip for their help. In smaller places there are no timetables or the like. It is best to ask the bus driver directly. Sometimes it is also common for the bus drivers to walk through the building, call out their destinations and leave when the bus is full.
Often you have the choice whether you want to take the more touristy buses with air conditioning and TV or the much cheaper and more uncomfortable buses that most locals use. In the latter, you get more of the country and its people. Sometimes the buses also run other routes, apart from the tourist routes. It can be an interesting adventure to take the cheap buses.
taxi
It is common to take a taxi in Morocco. Thereby between the small taxis (petite taxi) for inner-city journeys and the big taxis (grande taxi) for longer journeys away from home. The prices are comparatively cheap and the law stipulates that inner-city taxis have a taximeter. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they will work. On long journeys it is common for the taxi to stop and take other passengers like a bus. The price is usually based on the number of passengers, the length of the route and whether you are going back. Grande Taxis are usually large Mercedes where many drivers seem to be competing to see who gets the most extras and decorations on the car. A beautifully presented car often suggests a good driver. Grande Taxis are often the cheapest way to get from place to place.
Mini and grand taxis are not always state-of-the-art. If you drive into the country, you sometimes wonder why the vehicles can still move at all.
It is advisable to insist that the taximeter is switched on. Even if the night tariff is used, it is often cheaper than a negotiated price. It is also advisable to ask the hotel about taxi prices.
language
The official language is Arabic and Tamazight, however is French Widely used as a business and educational language and understood almost everywhere. Official signage is basically trilingual: Arabic, Tamazight and French. Anyone who speaks French will have no problem getting along in Morocco.
shop
The Moroccan currency is called dirham. A dirham (MAD or Dh) is divided into 100 centimes (c). Coins are available in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, 1 Dh, 2 Dh, 5Dh and 10 Dh. Notes are divided into 10 Dh, 20 Dh, 50 Dh, 100 Dh and 200 Dh. The exchange rate (March 2021) is around 1 euro = 11 Dh, 10 MAD = 0.90 €, in everyday life you change to a 1:10 rate.
Since the currency is not traded outside of Morocco, you have to satisfy your need at money exchange offices (gold logo) or at the hotel reception. You get a receipt for the free exchange, which you should keep until you leave the country in order to guarantee the exchange of money that is no longer needed, as export is prohibited. The official tolerance limit is 2000 Dh. Foreign currencies must be declared when the value exceeds 100,000 dirhams.
ATMs can be found in every place - often in modern neighborhoods. They are rather rare in souqs and in the old towns. Most ATMs accept foreign cards. Recently, however, there have been more incorrect bookings.
Often local residents offer cash exchanges. You should be very careful and never exchange large sums of money. It is always safer to exchange it at a bank or hotel.
If possible, you should spend all dirhams before you travel back. Think of the final tip for bus drivers, hotel staff and tour guides! (Only give tips with the right hand, with the left hand is offensive!) Dirhams are only used in Morocco and may not be exported. As a rule, it is not possible to exchange the money abroad.
Credit cards of the larger international institutes are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops.
Supermarkets there are more and more in big cities. You can also buy alcohol there, including international brands. The locals buy almost everything for their daily needs in markets and at small kiosks, shops and bakeries. You can find these in every city and everywhere.
Particularly beautiful Handicrafts you get in most medinas. From dishes to vases, lamps, shishas, to chests, cupboards, doors and windows, you can get an incredible amount here, often beautiful, often ugly, but with a little patience and skill for a fraction of the price you would pay in Germany .
Who is for Fossils, rocks and minerals interested, you can find it in many tourist places in Morocco.
Act
Price labels are not common. You ask for the price and then act. The price suggested by the seller is with absolute certainty at least 150% of the real price, sometimes much higher. So if you don't act, you're basically paying way too much, especially as a foreigner. You don't need to feel guilty about offering 20% of the seller's price. He will then laugh and go down with his price. At some point you will meet somewhere in the middle. If you're paying less than 60%, that's usually a good value. If the seller doesn't go deep enough, you can just go without a guilty conscience. If you are lucky, the seller will come after you and keep lowering the price. Then you can be sure that its price was way too high. If he doesn't, the final price was realistic.
If you buy expensive goods, e.g. handicrafts, you can find out the average price in a city by negotiating several vendors down until they give up. Good doing takes a few days of practice, but it pays off because it's a great way to get into conversation with the locals. If you agree, the salespeople are always happy and very talkative.
kitchen
Moroccan cuisine has a good reputation internationally and is known for the myriad dishes that combine Arabic and colonial influences. Unfortunately, the cheap restaurants often only offer a smaller selection of the rich cuisine, which seems to be similar everywhere.
Traditional cuisine
- Tagine is probably the most popular Moroccan dish. It is a spicy meat stew that is served for hours in a special, eponymous Clay pot is simmered. Different variations are often offered, such as Chicken tagine with honey and dates, Chicken tagine with lime grass and olives or shrimp tagine with a spicy tomato sauce. In cheap restaurants the dishes cost around 25 Dh.
- couscous is a very common dish in North Africa.
- Kaliya is a Berber dish and consists of lamb, tomatoes, peppers and onions. Usually bread or couscous is served as a side dish.
- Pastilla is a popular delicacy: layers of sweet, seasoned meat (usually lamb or chicken, pigeon is particularly recommended) and layers of almond paste alternate between thin layers of dough. The dough is folded to the size of a plate and, after baking, sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- Harira, French soupe marrocaine, is a delicious soup made from lentils, chickpeas, lamb, tomatoes and vegetables. Usually bread is eaten with it. The dish costs about 2.5-5 Dh.
- Besara is a traditional soup that is served for breakfast. The porridge, which consists of green beans and a good dash of olive oil, is offered in the mornings practically everywhere in markets and in the old towns. For Dh 3-5 you get a bowl of besara and some bread.
Breakfast is served in many cafés and restaurants (petit déjeuner), which usually consists of a tea or coffee, orange juice and a croissant or bread with jam. You should pay around 10 Dh for this.
Snacks and fast food
A widespread fast food chain in Morocco is Rotisserie chicken, where you can get a fried chicken quarter with french fries and salad for around 20 Dh. You can get there too Sandwiches for around 10 Dh, which is often offered at small stands. These are crispy baguettes that are available with different fillings, including tuna, chicken and various salads. Then there are french fries in the sandwich and mayonnaise on top. Often one is also approached by street vendors who carry small bags Nuts, broad beans or Popcorn to offer. The patisseries usually offer excellent pastries, both according to European and Moroccan tradition.
Sardines mariées in the Moroccan dialect they are called Sardines m'joujine (السردين المتزوجات). The "married sardines" can be fried or grilled. It is sardine fillets filled with chermoula
Chermoula is a marinade that is just as much a part of Moroccan cooking heritage as couscous. It accompanies all types of fish, but is also suitable for many other recipes, from hot to cold. In the classic version, chermoula is a mixture of cumin, coriander, paprika, parsley, garlic, lemon and olive oil. Turmeric and chilli are also added to make them more colored or spicy.
If you can't help it, you will also find a McDonald's or other international chains in all the big cities.
beverages
Bigger ones Supermarkets - have a special area where you can buy alcohol. On the main traffic arteries of the larger cities there are sometimes special ones Liquor stores, e.g. in Meknes or Tetouan.
It's easier with the "Moroccan whiskey" like that Mint tea (French thé de menthe, Arabic atay nanna) jokingly called by the locals. The tea is made from Chinese green tea, which is mixed with a few mint leaves and an incredible amount of sugar. The tea is a national drink and is consumed by locals everywhere and at any time of the day. A glass costs about 5 Dh.
Another national drink is coffeethat you can get in every café or restaurant. The coffee is usually served with a lot of milk and sugar. A cup costs about 5 Dh. The French coffee names are usually understood: e.g. café au lait, café casse, café noir, café américain, etc.
Are very common in Morocco too Fruit juice stands, where you can get various freshly squeezed fruit juices. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice costs about 2.50 Dh.
See also
- A lot of interesting information about Moroccan cuisine can be found at Koch Wiki.
nightlife
Morocco is a strictly Muslim country. The local population usually does not drink alcohol. In most medinas (e.g. in Marrakech) the serving of alcohol is generally prohibited, Bars Alcohol is therefore almost only available in the modern suburbs. However, it is very expensive there. In Marrakech, however, there are some restaurants that have alcohol in stock on request. However, this is not to be found on the menu. There are no cocktail bars or clubs in the country, you can only go to a tea room there. Hookah bars, which are often found in the Middle East, are strangely absent altogether. Liquor and alcohol shops can only be found in larger cities.
accommodation
In Morocco there are hotels of all price ranges and demands. International hotel chains With a higher standard, such as the Hyatt or Sheraton, can be found in the modern quarters of the larger tourist cities. In small towns there are often exquisite inns, mostly palatial Moroccan townhouses, (riads), which have been converted into boutique hotels, often with a magnificent courtyard with a fountain or pool.
At the other end of the price spectrum are Youth hostelswhich are present in all major cities. A bed in a dormitory costs around 50 Dh. The cheapest Hostels and hostels bieten Einzelzimmer ab 65 Dh an und sind oft in den alten und historischen Innenstädten. Diese Häuser können oft sehr einfach sein und haben teilweise keine Dusche oder heißes Wasser. Manchmal muss man dafür auch extra bezahlen (ca. 5-10 Dh). Wenn keine Dusche vorhanden ist, kann man oft auf ein nahegelegenes hamman (öffentliches Badehaus) ausweichen.
Neue, saubere und etwas teurere Hostels und kleine Hotels finden sich meist außerhalb der historischen Stadtkerne. Ein Einzelzimmer gibt es hier ab 75 Dh.
Die Hotels in den Medinas haben oft schöne Dachterrassen, auf denen man auch schlafen kann. Dies bietet sich vor allem an, wenn es zu heiß in den unklimatisierten Zimmern wird. Wenn man kein Zimmer braucht, kann man für ungefähr 25 Dh eine Matratze auf dem Dach mieten.
Auch für Campingfreunde bietet Marokko in vielen Städten und Orten Alternativen zu Hotels und Herbergen an. The Campsites haben sehr unterschiedliche Standards, sind oft mit Wasser und Strom versorgt und haben gelegentlich ein kleines Café. In ländlichen Gegenden haben die Einheimischen oft keine Einwände, wenn man auf ihrem Grund zeltet. Man sollte aber in jedem Falle vorher um Erlaubnis fragen.
Learn
Wer in Marokko studieren oder lernen möchte, wird sich in der Regel für einen arabischen oder französischen Sprachkurs interessieren. In allen großen Städten gibt es solche Kurse, und bei manchem Programmen hat man sogar die Möglichkeit, für einige Zeit bei einer arabischen Gastfamilie zu wohnen.
- The Institute for Language Communication Studies, 29, Oukaimeden Str., 10 080 Rabat-Agdal. Tel.: 212 (37) 67 59 68, Fax: 212 (37) 67 59 65, Email: [email protected]. Das Institut in Rabat bietet Intensivkurse ab 3.000 Dh an.
- The Arabic Language Institute in Fès, B.P. 2136, 30 000 Fès. Tel.: 212 (55) 62 48 50, Fax: 212 (55) 93 16 08, Email: [email protected]. An diesem Institut in Fès kann man verschiedene Kurse in marokkanischem Arabisch und modernem standardisiertem Arabisch belegen.
- 1 Dar Loughat, 8, Place Moulay el Mehdi. Tel.: 212 66 68 77 88, Email: [email protected]. Das Dar Loughat, was übersetzt soviel wie "Haus der Sprachen" heißt, bietet Sprachkurse in Arabisch in netter und akademischer Atmosphäre. Die Schule liegt im Zentrum von Tetouan.
Work
public holidays
Da Marokko ein muslimisches Land ist, gelten die entsprechenden Feiertage, insbesondere der Ramadan. Nationalfeiertag ist der 30. Juli (Tag der Thronbesteigung Mohammeds VI. 1999).
| date | französ. Surname | arab. Surname | deutscher Name | Grund |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1st | Nouvel an | rass l'3am | New Year | Jahresbeginn des Gregorianischen Kalenders. |
| 11. Januar | Manifeste de l'indépendance | ta9dim wati9at l'isti9lal | Unabhängigkeitserklärung | The Manifest des 11. Januar 1944 hat für Marokko großen Symbolcharakter. In diesem Jahr konstituierte sich die „Partei der Unabhängigkeit“ (Al-hizb al-istiqlal). |
| 1st of May | Fête du Travail | Aid a choghl | Labor Day | Weltweiter Kampftag der Arbeiterbewegung |
| 30. Juli | Fête du trône | Aid el 3àrch | Thronbesteigung | Jahrestag der Thronbesteigung durch Mohammed VI. im Jahre 1999. Der Feiertag löste den 3. März ab, an dem sein Vater Hassan II. 1961 an die Macht kam. |
| 14. August | Allégeance Oued Eddahab | Dikra Istirjaa Oued Eddahab et Sakia el-Hamra | Markiert die Rückkehr der Sahara-Provinzen nach Marokko | |
| 20. August | La révolution du roi et du peuple | Thawratou el malik wa chaāb | Des Königs und des Volkes Revolution | Der Feiertag erinnert an die Verbannung Mohammed V. im August 1953 durch die Franzosen und die Einsetzung seines Onkels Muhammad Mulay ibn Arafah als Sultan. Daraufhin wurde das Land von einer Welle nationaler Empörung gegen die Fremdherrschaft durch Frankreich und Spanien erfasst, die schließlich ihre Protektoratsmacht nicht mehr aufrechterhalten konnten. Muhammad V. konnte im Jahr 1955 zurückkehren. Heute werden an diesem Tag im ganzen Land Militärparaden abgehalten und allerorts Feuerwerke abgefeuert, und viele Menschen bekunden ihre Treue zum Land und zum König durch das Tragen der Landesflagge. |
| 21. August | Fête de la Jeunesse | Aid Achabab | Tag der Jugend | Geburtstag von König Mohammed VI. |
| 6. November | La marche verte | El massira el khadrae | Tag des Grünen Marsches | Westsaharakonflikt: am 6. November 1975 begann der "Grüne Marsch" (la marche verte) in das Gebiet der Westsahara, mit dem die Marokkaner den Einfluss in diesem Gebiert stärken wollten, nachdem marokkanisches Militär im Vorfeld in der nördlichen Westsahara eingedrungen war, um ein Eingreifen Algeriens zu verhindern und um Polisario-Kräfte zu binden. Marokko hatte 350.000 Teilnehmer organisiert, die an mehreren Stellen die marokkanisch-westsaharische Grenze überschritten und einige Kilometer tief in westsaharisches Gebiet vorstießen. Ein Vorstoß auf die Hauptstadt Al-Aiun fand jedoch wegen der spanischen Militärpräsenz nicht statt. Der Marsch dauerte bis zum 10. November. |
| 18. November | Fête de l'indépendance | Aid el istiqlal | Unabhängigkeitsfest | Ende des französischen Protektorats im Jahre 1956 (Nationalfeiertag) |
Islamische Feiertage nach dem Hidschra Kalender
| meeting | Surname | importance | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. Muḥarram | Ras es-Sana | Islamisches Neujahrsfest | August 10, 2021 (1443 AH) | 30. Juli 2022 (1444 AH) | 19. Juli 2023 (1445 AH) | 08. Juli 2024 (1446 AH) |
| 10. Muḥarram | ʿAschura | Fasten- und Rettungstag des Propheten Moses | August 19, 2021 | 08. August 2022 | 28. Juli 2023 | 17. Juli 2024 |
| 12. Rabīʿu al-auwal | Mulid an-Nabī | Geburtstag des Propheten Muhammad | October 19, 2021 | 08. Oktober 2022 | 27. September 2023 | 16. September 2024 |
| 01. Ramaḍān | 01. Ramaḍān | Beginn des Fastenmonats Ramaḍān | April 12, 2021 | 02. April 2022 | 22. März 2023 | 10. März 2024 |
| 01. Schauwāl | ʿ Īd al-Fiṭr | Ende des Fastenmonats Ramaḍān, Fastenbrechen | May 13, 2021 | 03. Mai 2022 | 22. April 2023 | 10. April 2024 |
| 10. Ḏū al-Ḥigga | ʿ Īd al-Aḍḥā | Islamisches Opferfest | July 19, 2021 | 09. Juli 2022 | 28. Juni 2023 | 16. Juni 2024 |
Practical advice
In Marokko wird das metrische System für Gewichte und Distanzen verwendet. Neuere Gebäude haben 220 V/ 50 Hz Stromversorgung, ältere bieten teilweise nur 110 V/ 50 Hz Anschlüsse. Teilweise sind die Anschlüsse auch gemischt, so dass man bei Unsicherheit nachfragen sollte.
Wichtige strafrechtliche Bestimmungen
Bereits der Besitz von kleinsten Mengen Rauschgift (z.B. Cannabis) wird in Marokko mit Haftstrafen von bis zu zehn Jahren sowie hohen Geld- und Zollbußen geahndet. Besondere Vorsicht sollte man bei Fahrten durch das Rifgebirge, dem weltweit größten Cannabisanbaugebiet, walten lassen. Aber auch an den beliebten Touristentreffpunkten in den großen Städten wird man unauffällig angesprochen, Rauschgift zu kaufen. Dem aufmerksamen Beobachter fallen auch gelegentlich torkelnde Menschen auf, die nicht alkoholisiert sind, sondern die Rauschgift in größeren Mengen zu sich genommen haben. Sofern sie im Straßenverkehr auffallen, werden sie von der allgegenwärtigen Polizei festgenommen und abgeführt. Ob ihnen eine Strafe droht oder nur die Ausnüchterungszelle, ist dem Autor nicht bekannt.
activities
security
Wie bei jeder Reise sollte man immer nach gesundem Menschenverstand handeln:
- Dunkle Gassen vermeiden
- Wann immer möglich in Gruppen reisen, wenn man wenig Reiseerfahrung hat
- Geld und den Ausweis in einer gesicherten Innentasche oder im Hotelsafe aufbewahren
- Rucksäcke und Taschen immer mit sich führen. Immer sicherstellen, dass nichts Wichtiges in den Außentaschen ist.
Alleinreisende Frauen sehen sich gelegentlich Belästigungen ausgesetzt. Normalerweise beschränkt sich das auf Hinterherpfeifen und unfreundliches Zischen. Man sollte sich nicht genötigt sehen, freundlich zu bleiben. Eine marokkanische Frau würde niemals ein solches Verhalten dulden. Dunkle Sonnenbrillen machen es einfacher, Augenkontakt zu vermeiden. Möchte jemand partout nicht mehr von der Seite weichen, sollte man nach Familien und vollen Geschäften Ausschau halten oder zur Not eine einheimische Frau um Hilfe bitten. Wenn man möchte, kann man ein Kopftuch tragen, generell ist dies aber nicht nötig. Frauen sollten aber mehr als Männer auf eine konservative und geschlossene Kleidung achten. Darüber hinaus werden Frauen, die alleine ins Nachtleben und die Bars gehen, von den Einheimischen oft für Prostituierte gehalten, die Kunden suchen. Sie sind jedoch nur Damen, die zum Getränkeumsatz animieren sollen.
In den Städten rund um das Rif-Gebirge, besonders in Tétouan und Chefchaouen, wird Reisenden gelegentlich kif (Marihuana) offered. Jedoch ist der Konsum und Handel von Haschisch und Kiff auch in Marokko strafbar!
In touristischen Gebieten finden sich auch unzählige falsche Tourguides, die Rundgänge durch die Altstadt, den Weg zu "günstigen" Handwerksläden oder sogar zu einem Drogendealer anbieten. Oft sind diese Männer harmlos, aber selbstverständlich sollte man nie Drogen oder andere Produkte akzeptieren. Man sollte klar machen, dass man an ihren Diensten nicht interessiert ist. Wenn sie zu aufdringlich werden, sollte man nach einem Taxi Ausschau halten, ein Teegeschäft oder irgendeinen Laden betreten - dann verscheucht der Besitzer meist den Guide. Wenn man einen solchen Guide für eine Führung anheuert - oft sind sie günstiger als die offiziellen Führer - sollte man den Preis in jedem Falle vorher fest vereinbaren und aufschreiben. Daneben sollte man deutlich machen, dass man kein Interesse an Shopping hat.
health
Es werden keine speziellen Vaccinations für Marokko benötigt, aber man sollte sich trotzdem vor der Abreise erkundigen, ob es zu Krankheitsausbrüchen gekommen ist, die eine Impfung erforderlich machen. Grundsätzlich empfiehlt sich eine Schutzimpfung gegen Tetanus (Wundstarrkrampf), Diphtherie, Polio (Kinderlähmung) und Hepatitis A (Gelbsucht, diese holt man sich über Verunreinigungen im Wasser), bei Langzeitaufenthalt über drei Monate auch Hepatitis B (Übertragung durch Blutkontakt). Bei besonderer Gefährdung (z.B. Landaufenthalt, Jagd, Backpacking mit wechselnden Unterkünften) kann ein zusätzlicher Impfschutz gegen Tollwut und Typhus sinnvoll sein. Am besten berät man sich mit einem Reisemediziner rechtzeitig im Voraus (einige Impfungen brauchen drei Injektionen in bestimmten zeitlichen Abständen, um Schutz zu gewährleisten).
Das deutsch-marokkanische Sozialversicherungsabkommen deckt nur Kosten zur Feststellungen der Arbeitsunfähigkeit ab, für alle anderen Zwecke ist eine Auslandskrankenversicherung nötig.
Beim Verzehr von Essen und Getränken sollte man einige Dinge beachten: Früchte oder Gemüse, das nicht gepellt wurde, sollte man nicht roh essen. Gekochtes oder gebratenes Essen ist meist kein Problem. Am besten Wasser nur aus Flaschen und nicht vom Wasserhahn trinken.
respect
Insbesondere Frauen, aber auch generell sollte man sich konservativ und geschlossen kleiden. Knappe dress sollte man abseits des Strands vermeiden. Die Achseln und die Knie sollten bedeckt sein. Aufgrund der Hitze empfiehlt es sich sowieso, lange Ärmel und luftige weite Hosen zu tragen. Mit Bikini, Badeanzug oder Badehose kann man überall ungestört baden, Nacktbaden und Oben-Ohne bei Frauen ist in ganz Marokko streng verboten.
To Begrüßung küsst man sich unter Freunden und in der Familie zweimal auf die Wange. Wenn man das Gegenüber lange nicht gesehen hat, küsst man sich viermal auf die Wange. Das gilt allerdings nur für das gleiche Geschlecht! Ansonsten gibt man sich die Hand. Wer Respekt und Herzlichkeit ausdrücken möchte, führt nach dem Handschlag die rechte Hand zum Mund oder zum Herzen. Die gleichen Regeln gelten für die Verabschiedung.
The linke Hand wird in der arabischen Welt als unrein betrachtet. Deshalb sollte man alle Tätigkeiten möglichst mit der rechten Hand durchführen, sogar wenn man Linkshänder ist. Insbesondere Geld (z.B. "Bakschisch") mit der linken Hand zu reichen gilt als beleidigend.
In der marokkanischen Gesellschaft wird Loyalität und eine devote Haltung gegenüber dem Königshaus erwartet. Überall trifft man auf Fotos und Abbildungen des Königs, sei es im öffentlichen Leben oder im privaten Bereich. Majestätsbeleidigung ist ein Verbrechen, das mit Gefängnisstrafe geahndet wird. Man sollte also seine eventuellen Ressentiments gegenüber der marokkanischen Monarchie oder Monarchie im Allgemeinen für nach der Reise aufheben.
Practical advice
phone
Public Fernsprecher finden sich in den Innenstädten. Daneben gibt es häufig private Telefongeschäfte (auch teleboutiques or telekiosques genannt), von denen man telefonieren kann. Für Verbindungen ins Ausland muss man 00 wählen, gefolgt vom Ländercode. Internationale Gespräche sind teuer. Unter Umständen kann es sich lohnen, in die spanischen Exklaven zu gehen, wenn man viele Auslandsgespräche zu tätigen hat. Oder man holt sich z.B. die Prepaid Karte von Maroc Telecom, genannt "Carte Jawal", diese ist bereits für unter 100 Dh zu haben. Damit kann man in ganz Marokko quasi umsonst angerufen werden (Reisepass wird beim Kauf benötigt). Damit ist man dann unter einer marokkanischen Handynummer erreichbar und nur der Anrufer bezahlt Gebühren, in der Regel zwischen 20 und 30 Cent.
Wichtige Telefonnummern in Marokko sind:
Polizei: ☎ 19.
Feuerwehr: ☎ 15.
Straßennotruf: ☎ 177.
Auskunft: national ☎ 160, international ☎ 120. Telegramme und Telefon: ☎ 140. Intercity: ☎ 100.
Nummern mit ☎ 080… sind kostenfrei, 089… Premiumdienste. Beide können vom Ausland nicht angewählt werden.
Mobilfunknummern beginnen mit einer „6“ also 06… bzw. international 212-6…
Das GSM Handynetz in Marokko wird durch drei Betreiber abgedeckt: Orange Maroc (zuvor Meditél), Maroc Telecom und [www.inwi.ma Inwi. Prepaidkarten werden für alle Netze angeboten (bei Orange Maroc 30 Dh, inkl. 10 Dh Guthaben). Weitere Infos zur Netzabdeckung und Roamingpartnern findet man unter GSM-World. 2G, 3G und 4G sind gut gedeckt. Dennoch funktioniert 2G und 3G meist ohne Probleme. 4G ist zwar auch problemlos, ist aber noch nicht in allen Städten vorhanden.Die Internetgeschwindigkeit und die Abdeckung ist in der Regel gut.
post
Grundsätzlich ist die marokkanische post zuverlässig. In größeren Städten besteht die Möglichkeit, gegen eine kleine Gebühr postlagernde Sendungen zu empfangen. Für das Abholen der Post wird dann ein Ausweis benötigt.
Pakete und Frachtsendungen werden am Postschalter erst untersucht, bevor man eine Sendung abschicken kann. Erst nach dem Check sollte man das Paket zukleben.
Email und Internet
Internet cafes sind in den Städten und Touristenorten weit verbreitet. Die Internetcafés haben in der Regel lange am Abend geöffnet. Eine Stunde kostet ungefähr 6-10 Dh. Oft sind sie neben einem Telekiosque located. Oftmals sind sie auch am Schild Cybercafé zu erkennen. Im Norden sind die Cafés allgemein besser ausgestattet und warten mit größeren Verbindungsgeschwindigkeiten auf als in den ländlichen Gegenden. In den meisten Internetcafés kann man auch drucken oder CDs brennen.
Seit 2004 gibt es in allen größeren Städten ADSL mit bis zu 4 Mbit/s Downloadgeschwindigkeit. Ebenso wurden Ende 2004 WLANs zugelassen. ADSL Geschwindigkeiten mit bis zu 4096 KBit/ s sind seit Ende 2005 möglich. Die Zahl der ADSL Anschlüsse zu diesem Zeitpunkt betrug ca. 220.000 mit einer Zunahme von über 13.000 Einheiten pro Monat. Die Geschwindigkeiten variieren sich je nach Anbieter und Paket
Google Earth ist in Marokko nur über VPN abrufbar.
literature
cards
- Michelin Karte 742 Marokko/ moroc: ISBN 2067009591
travel Guide
- : Morocco. Reise Know-How Verlag Rump, ISBN 978-3831 719617 .
- : Marokko fürs Handgepäck. Unionsverlag, ISBN 978 3293 206427 ; 254 S. 13,95 €, ein Kulturkompass mit Geschichten und Berichten aus einem charmanten, magischen Marokko mit quirligen Städten, majestätischen Stränden und farbenfroher Berberkultur.
Kein Reiseführer
- : KulturSchock Marokko. Reise Know-How Verlag, Rump, ISBN 978-3831 716289 . Ein 240 Seiten-Buch im Format 12x18 cm über Sitten und Gebräuche, Alltagskultur, Tradition, Verhaltensregeln, Religion, Tabus, Familie mit Mann und Frau, Stadt- und Landleben, Geschichte, Gesellschaft und Ausländer.
