FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some answers of the most frequently asked questions, please feel free to write or call us if you can’t find the answer you are looking for
Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco ?
Australia: No – Not required
Belgium: No – Not required
Canada: No – Not required
Germany: No – Not required
Ireland: No – Not required
Netherlands: No – Not required
New Zealand: No – Not required
South Africa: Yes – in advance (in general, visa processing can take approximately 20 working days)
Switzerland: No – Not required
UK: No – Not required
USA: No – Not required
Those who do not require visas to visit Morocco as a tourist, are stamped in on arrival for 3 months.
What is the best time to travel to Morocco?
Morocco is a fine destination for traveling all year round. Even the warmer summer season is a fine time for traveling, because the air will be warm and dry. In the heat of the day you may look for some shade, but in the morning you may very well participate in an excursion, while during the afternoon you may enjoy a Medina and buy nice souvenirs.
Is it safe to eat during the trek?
Food safety is always a big concern and we take it very seriously. That is why we have chosen the cleanest and most hygienically kept gites for our routs. During a camping trek your cook prepares safe and tasty meals from carefully chosen food items and only hygienic clean facilities are used.
Can I drink the water in Morocco?
Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Morocco. For environmental reasons, try to avoid bottled water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found as some hotels provide this.
What is included in the price?
- Transfer from Marrakech at the start and transfer to Marrakech at the end of the trek (to be agreed during the reservation time).
- Accommodation on the trek. This is usually in tents, occasionally in Berber houses or a refuge (depending on the trek chosen)
- All meals on the trek. Meals are freshly prepared and cooked and are typical Moroccan dishes (Tajine, Soup, Couscous) , tea and coffee included with all meals
- The services of a qualified, experienced English speaking mountain guide.
- Mules, muleteers and cook. The mules carry your heavy luggage (a rucksack or holdall is recommended). You only need carry a day pack
What is not included in the price?
- Extra Accommodations in Marrakech
- Travel insurance
- Bottled or Mineral water during the trek.
- Ski equipment (Ski Touring), Crampons, Ice Axes,…
- Medical or accident insurances ,
- personal gear (sleeping bags, shoes, ….) ;
- gratuities ;
- any expenditure of personal nature ; hot showers in some of the Gites or mountain huts.
Is accommodation in Marrakech included?
We do not automatically include accommodation in Marrakech as part of the package but we can arrange accommodation – and airport transfers – if you wish. Please let us know if you would like us to do this. We do include transport to and from Marrakech in our itineraries.
What is the accommodation on the treks?
Usually in the summer we camp, normally by a stream or river, in tents or bivouac. On many treks we also stay for at least one night in a Berber house (gite) or mountain refuge.
What is the general duration of the treks?
The duration of the trek depends on the region of the trek and on your interests. Generally speaking, your trek can range from 2-3 days to almost month time. Even the same trek can be of a different duration for different trekkers depending on their physical fitness, wishes and interests on the route.
Where do we eat our meals and what kind of food is available?
During your trek all meals will be prepared for you. If you stay in a local gite, the family running the gite will prepare a delicious Moroccan meal for you. During a camping trek, all food will be prepared by an experienced cook.
What is the internet access like in Morocco?
Morocco’s cities have internet access available in internet cafes and hotel lobbies. In some cases, free Wi-Fi can be accessed in public places. Less internet access is available in rural areas, so be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when travelling out of Morocco’s big cities.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Morocco?
Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in Morocco’s cities and metropolitan areas, although expect limited coverage in remote or mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone while in Morocco.
What are the toilets like in Morocco?
Morocco’s toilets are a mixture of modern flush-able toilets and squat toilets, so be prepared to encounter both. Carry your own supply of toilet paper and soap, as these aren’t always provided.
Are credit cards accepted widely in Morocco?
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops, hotels and restaurants, although smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash.
What is ATM access like in Morocco?
ATMs are easily found in the large cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas. When travelling out of the city, be prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren’t always an option
What will it cost for a…?
Mint tea = 8 -10 MAD
Fresh juice = 10 -15 MAD
Basic meal = 70 MAD
Expensive meal = 250 MAD
Is there a maximum or minimum number?
No, except for treks to the Saghro and Sirwa regions where we require a minimum number of 4. For other treks a good number is between 4 and 12. But we cater for solo travelers and large groups.
How do we book and pay?
Find the trek you are interested in then contact us via E-mail to discuss your trek and check availability. Once the details of your trek (duration, route and number of people) have been agreed, we will make a provisional booking, giving the dates and cost.
To confirm your booking we ask you to pay a deposit. This can be in Euros, pounds sterling or US dollars. The balance is paid in Morocco – again in Euros, sterling or dollars – at the beginning of the trek.
How do we pay the deposit or full payment?
Your deposit can be paid either by Paypal or Via Western Union money transfer , full balance should either be paid locally on arrival by cash or via Credit card (5% extra will be charged for CMI Fee ) or be transferred 10 days ahead before departure ( details will be sent via email when requested).
Do you employ local people wherever possible?
We employ local people whenever possible (muleteers, drivers, guides, guest house owners in the mountains, etc). By booking with Atlas Trekking Morocco you also help support the local economy with cash, spreads the wealth from private home to local shopkeeper in the village and beyond.
Do you ensure that the local people are given a fair price for their work or service?
Local people are sometimes badly paid. For example a porter or a muleteer with a mule gets the Moroccan Ministries’ recommended minimum. We strive to pay higher than this. Also your tip is important to support their livelihood. Please tip well when deserved!
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. Please tip well when deserved!
FAQs : What about altitude sickness?
Anyone, even the fittest, can be affected by altitude sickness above about 2700m. The symptoms are shortness of breath, headaches, lethargy and possibly diarrhea and sickness. At 4000 meters (the height of Toubkal and Mgoun) the symptoms are not severe and usually last no longer than 24 hours. In severe cases it can prevent the sufferer continuing with the trek. Most of our treks are designed to mitigate the effects of altitude sickness by gradual ascent and acclimatisation over several days. Most trekkers, however, are fine, but it is a wise precaution to bring with you a supply of headache, re-hydration and anti-diarrheal tablets.
What happens in case of emergency?
Atlas Trekking Morocco is prepared for any emergency situation and knows how to handle it. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. Every client should have his own insurance before coming to Morocco for case of emergency.