I've had a couple of PMs from people going to Morocco, so I thought I'd share my experiences traveling there..
Pace of life..
Morocco is a slow country, nothing happens fast, be prepared for a gentler way of life..
On the streets, people wander across, sometimes stopping for a chat, bicycles, donkeys, hand carts take precidence over cars and RVs.. great care is needed and it can be a bit daunting at first but you soon get used to it..
People like to talk and barter when you go shopping, it's great fun, shops are more often than not only someone's front room, you may be invited in for tea..
Some sell everything, from coffee and tea to paraffin and gas.. often jumbled together.
At fuel stations you will be served, they won't ask how much you want but assume you want filled up.. and expect cash in hand, cards are little used except in large cities.
Fill up to the brim at every oppertunity, garages are few and far between when you leave the towns.. but don't worry, Ray carries a few jerry cans of diesel..
Money
Take plenty of Euros, Dirhams are not available until you get off the ferry at Cetu., this is still Spanish territory, .. there you will find money shops who advertise the rate of exchange in the window.. it pays to shop around, don't expect an official Bureau De Change
.. these are small entrepreneurs who look really dodgy, with runners in the street changing big wedges of cash.. all very strange at first but nothing to worry about, once you agree on the rate, a runner sets off and gets the lolly..
ATMs are available in the large cities but this is an area where Morocco is still catching up... you'll seldom see the familiar Visa sign in shop windows..
Driving
The roads are generally very good but the lanes are rather narrow, on seeing an approaching truck or bus slow down and be prepared to pull onto the hard shoulder, great care is needed, the 'hard' shoulder may be a few inches below the road surface and full of pot holes and ruts. Moroccan truck drivers are good but in common with most truck drivers don't give a s**t.. slowing down and moving over is better than losing a door mirror !
Sites
Don't expect Euro class facilities, you will always get fresh water and a place to dump, EHU if available is unreliable,
don't expect showers or washing machines
, what you will get is a very friendly welcome, often a view to die for and a great experience ..
Food
Fresh fruit and veg is cheap, oranges in particular are gorgeous.
Bread is large pancake style rolls, some are made from semolina which looks yellow in colour but quite delicious.
Western food stuffs are available but very expensive.. so if you can't go without Nescafe or Marmite take it with you .
The national drink is green tea, flavoured with mint and very sweet, an aquired taste but we got to love it and bought a genuine Moroccan tea pot and set of small glasses ... Imported China green tea is subsidised and quite cheap.. coffee is expensive.
Alcohol
Not generally available, although a Muslim country it is not barred or illegal to carry for your own use so if you like a tot or three stock up in Spain.. bottled beer is a great for bartering with the locals .. nuff said
Summary
The people are warm and welcoming, always smiling, we never at any time felt insecure or in danger, the scenery is dramatic, from mountains to plains, deserts and forests it has to be the best travel experience you can have in a van.. truly motorhoming country .. where you really can 'wild' camp..
Well, that's all I can think of at the moment, can't wait to go back next Sep..
If you have any questions please ask .. I'll do my best to answer, there are a few pics in my Photo Albums, click below..
Morocco travel.
......now the ferry owners have wised-up.
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