Halal Tourism in Morocco
Halal tourism is a term that most religious people may not want to hear. However, focusing on the term directly, they would understand it pretty soon. There are millions of people all over the world who directly follow the teachings of Islam. Islam has an entire section related to tourism that speaks about what are the things Muslims can do while they are traveling to a particular destination. Halal tourism is not a new concept. It is indirectly present in the minds of people since the advent of Islam. However, it is a well-known concept only since a decade or so.
When a Muslim visits a particular destination, his/her agenda is to visit a temple or touring with family or spending time in a beautiful place. Whatever it is, they will have a specific agenda. Traveling without keeping in touch is some sort of a sin for every Muslim. However, sometimes people forget about it and get carried away. The crème de la crème; Muslim tour operators and others involved in it have changed this concept of forgetting during the time of travel. Now, these close to the heart are providing trips to tourist destinations, taking care of every little aspect that is important to Muslims. Be it searching for a halal restaurant or compulsion in finding a halal restaurant, discovery of mosques, maintaining wudhu, etc. Special care is taken to provide the same experience for Muslims as anyone else going for tourism. All bars and activities of liquor, wine, etc. in other companies are totally absent here. This can also be considered as providing the same basic itinerary carefully crowning the important aspects considered by Islam.
Halal tourism provides a peace of mind for Muslims traveling and seeing the incredible new things around the world.
2. Cultural Significance of Halal Tourism
While most of the texts actually reviewed Halal tourism products from the restricted perspective of Muslim needs, virtually none considered the broader socio cultural significance of Halal tourism, including the professionalization of both the tourism and the halal sectors; the emergence of specific collective expectations and standards regarding the Halal product; the articulation of values and social representations capable of reinforcing practices; and the fact that it meets an actual demand from tourists who are looking for products that closely correspond to their specific requirements, especially in terms of guided tours and hotels with prayer rooms and halal catering. Most of the authors emphasize, however, that halal tourism “only makes sense in Muslim destinations, such as the Middle East or Morocco,” and that halal tourism not only needs to be explicitly recognized and articulated by these destinations, but developed with a view to balancing local demand and expectations with the actual requirements of the Muslim tourists visiting them.
The cosmopolitanism of the international Muslim community, combined with their specific tourist expectations – especially in terms of halal food provision – and, more generally, the relative absence of tourists going to Arab representations of Muslim culture explain this demand. More generally, most of the authors agree that halal tourism in destinations with a substantial Muslim population provides both with a welcome opportunity to diversify their tourist offer and develop their local destinations. To these Central hosts, halal tourism provides not only an additional source of income, but also a way to reconnect with their own culture and make it accessible again to the younger generations.
3. Overview of Morocco’s Attractions
Many of Morocco’s main attractions are remarkably different from one another. It is the blend of these differences that makes the country an appealing travel destination. Its cities buzz with a wild energy, courtesy of the many locals and tourists who crowd into its souks and markets. Outside the city walls, the countryside immediately calms and entreats any weary traveler to stop and take in the view of the hills draped with vines, crops, and trees, or the vast flatlands of barley or wheat. Some remote valleys still reflect a Berber tradition that has remained unchanged for centuries but traditions are woven everywhere in Morocco. A rustic tavern in a desert town offers the best couscous you will ever eat. Local craftsmen carve pieces of cedar into beautiful and valuable furniture; potters carefully coat their vessels before throwing them in dust-covered ovens, and artisans live in the mud brick houses that draw visitors to the city of Essaouira or Marrakech. Pronounce the name of the city correctly, and you may receive a tour of Fes’ quieter, more hidden medina streets. A little ways from town, generations of Berber camel and donkey herders still work the land of the Rif and Atlas Mountains, where scenic ski spots coexist with ancient, forgotten caves. The Atlas Mountains guard still more of Morocco’s secrets, including the deserted Kasbahs of the South and the many oases of palm trees, still used by Berbers, though their nomadic journeys across the Sahara to the North Africa coast have been altered by modern means of transportation.
4. Types of Halal Tours Available
Morocco is a truly diverse country with something to offer everyone. Indeed, halal tourism in the country is fast becoming as popular as food tours, desert excursions and historical tours are. But what can you expect from halal tours in Morocco? Well, for any Muslim traveler, halal tours are ones that provide facilities that adhere to Islam. An obvious advantage of these tours is that you do not have to search for halal restaurants every time you get hungry or worry whether the company you will be traveling with will be co-ed when they don’t have to be. Another great thing about halal tours in Morocco is that they are not a carbon copy experience. Each tour is unique and you can carve out how much of your experience will be halal and how much won’t be.
The landscape here is breathtaking. You go from lush green mountains to terrifying desolation in a matter of hours. The country is rife with amazing surprises that rarely get repeated. While other tour companies decide to drone on with the same monotonous experience that barely makes it out of the city, we know that you are looking for something more. The halal tours in Morocco are an adventure unlike anything else that might make you think that travelling with kids will turn out to be a catastrophe. We offer the opportunity for guided halal culinary tours around cuisine in Morocco and where the ingredients come from. The country is rich in history and culture. The influences of both the Aryan Marathis and the Islamic Turks can be seen and felt all over. After a long day of seeing the sights, retreat back to your halal riad or hotel and relax after seeing the sights. It is all up to you. Welcome to a holiday that is structured just for you.
4.1. Culinary Tours
While certain culinary tours of Morocco tend to be oriented less toward the finer points of Halal dietary practice and more toward the sort of general travel philosophy of eschewing the touristy traps in favor of more local experiences, we here at Halal Tour are more than happy to point you toward them as well, both to provide the local flavor that Halal practice has made specific and to help pamper your palate farther than it has gone before. Which is to say that while an appeal to cuisine – be they Halal, kosher, or non-religious – is an activity on various off-the-beaten path, very much on-the-beaten-path, and mainstream tourist circuits, Halal practice has made a somewhat more niche touristic destination of Morocco. Let us take a quite literal bite out of the Morocco tourist circuit for a moment. Food, of course, is among the primary commodities going in and out of any nation, as workers and tourists exchange and consume it along their respective routes. Especially since an exploratory presentation of Moroccan cuisine may be the focus, border stations may function less as checkpoints and more as a gateway between worlds. You may wish to explore the cuisine available at the different gastronomic resorts, if culinary specialty is not your specific request. But be aware that these border tours, while related in cash payments, are not directly in the Halal niche we generally are concerned with here. However, the economies do overlap, and because the resort town districts are also extra-Halal-pertinent generally and particularly in terms of prepackaged services, we would be remiss not to mention them, for your planning purposes, before going into depth about the Halal aspect of the Moroccan culinary circuit.
4.2. Adventure Tours
There is no shortage of adventure travel in Morocco. Close to Marrakesh, Agadir, and Ouarzazate, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountain trekking are available during the winter season. For year-round summer sports, go to the beaches of Essaouria, where surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing are well developed. Beaches on the Mediterranean, such as Mdiq, Martil, and Tamuda Bay blend with the rolling hills of the Rif mountains for swimming, partying, or just chilling out under the sun. Further inland, gorge scrambling, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the Middle and High Atlas regions, and mountain trekking, and all of the above, in the massive Saharan desert can be enjoyed.
Winter wonderland outdoor sports include Alpine skiing and snowboarding. Skiing and snowboarding is available in winter resorts located in the High Atlas mountains, guided multi-day skiing tours with huts and comforts along the way. Rock climbing during spring or autumn seasons in places like Todra Gorge in Tinghir and the rural outskirts of Tafraoute are some of the most famous in Morocco. Year round outdoor adventure sports healthy ones offered that a good few, if not the majority are available come latest early spring and last until late autumn outdoors summer activities. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are well developed in some windy summer season. Surfing can be done on beaches such as the windy area and beautiful coastal surroundings of beaches such as the southern coast of Essaouira.
4.3. Historical Tours
Historical tours are available for different time frames. One day historical tours are organized for example from Marrakech to the town of Essaouira, for medina’s discovery, Jewish heritage and potteries workshops. You can also leave from Marrakech to visit the Ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, located near Ouarzazate, for its legendary history. Half-day historical tours available too are offered around the historical town of Marrakech, involving the discovery of the medina, its beautiful palaces and the Koutoubia mosque. Marrakech’s art heritage is beautiful and we recommend you to plead before the meeting, to accompany you when discovering the Moroccan secrets of colours. Historical tours are also available from Marrakech to the South of Morocco for 5 to 7 days. Tours which include Central Atlas’s discovery and the Ancient Kasbahs Road that leads from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, a Berber city, which is the set of various American and European movies. You will also discover Tinerhir and its palm-tree oasis, the Dades Valley, the Draa Valley, as well as its palm-tree oasis and by the former caravan city of Zagora, from which the caravans departed toward Timbuktu. You can also enjoy guided historical and cultural tours from Marrakech to Fes. A two-week guided tour that will lead you throughout North Morocco. You will visit ancient cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Tétouan, Meknès, Volubilis and Fes for a discovery of the Moroccan history and its various influences’ accents.
4.4. Religious Tours
For many Muslims, traveling to a new place is an opportunity to add to their religious knowledge or experience. This could be a short visit to a place where prophets and saints have lived or a visit to see something which Muslims are meant to visit given the time and ability, such as Kaaba in Mecca or Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. But for some, travel can be a new and deeper experience; it can be an experience of Islamic spirituality, history, and culture. Religious tours oftentimes combine both the Islamic and the non-Islamic experiences. They may include visits to several historical Muslim sites, as well as the sites of local, indigenous, or famous non-Muslim who had historical significance. Some of these include temples, churches, and other non-Islamic historical sites or monuments.
Much of what could be included in a religious tour depends on the country involved, as different areas have varying places of significance. These short religious holiday tours are quite popular among many Muslims of the world. Many are attracted to the deep spirituality and beauty of visiting shrines of the saints. Visitors to the religious sites, not only of important saints, but also of lesser-known and less-frequented saints, oftentimes experience a deep spiritual connection. Some Muslims view the shrines as places where the pious have become conduits to God, interceding on behalf of those who visit. Others come to pay respect and honor the role of the saints in preserving and promoting Islam.
5. Popular Destinations in Morocco
Morocco is among the most stunning and varied destinations in Africa. When you visit Morocco, you can enjoy adventure at the Sahara Desert and the thrilling surf at the Atlantic Ocean. You can explore the diverse history of the Berbers, Arabs, and French from the ancient medinas of Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira to the modern cities of Casablanca and Rabat. Or you can hike or ski in the magnificent Atlas Mountains. Morocco is full of wonders, and we can help you make the most of your time here. In this section, we discuss a few of the most popular sites travelers visit in Morocco. Most of our tours visit Marrakech, Fes, or the Sahara Desert, but we can customize a tour to include any of these destinations. The tour guides we work with love sharing their knowledge and passion for Morocco, and they’ll be delighted to show you the beauty of their country. Marrakech is Morocco’s most popular destination and recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located at the base of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech has been ruled by the Almoravids, Almohads, Merinids, Saadians, and Alawites. The travel of exotic goods, such as spices, textiles, and slaves, inspired by the Sahara Desert Caravan routes, made this city rich and cosmopolitan. In the center of the Medina is the Djema el-Fna Square, where visitors will find a lively market, entertainers, and eateries surrounded by the Koutoubia Mosque. Marrakech is well known for its riads, stunning palaces, mosques, gardens, and souks.
5.1. Marrakech
Marrakech, known as the “Red City,” epitomizes Morocco’s mystical heritage, alive with the fervor of its artisans, the warmth of its people, and the intensity of its colors. As the first step in the mesmerizing magic of Morocco, it holds the memories of a long history. A cultural center throughout the ages, Marrakech has become a crossroads of all the influences that make Morocco no less than an enigmatic, unique resting place between heaven and earth. Today, visitors to Marrakech will find a vibrant city, alive, witnessing its renaissance, boiling with meetings and creativity. A city where tourists go to seek other visitors from other horizons. Here everything mingles, perfumes and flavors, colors and emotions. It is sometimes distended, but always warm. Elegant and noble, but ingrained with popular roots. The Medina that clients are treated to is just a step. The resorts are only a short time to discover the history of a long time ago. After that, an emperor who was soon to become a Sultan had given his name to the capital of the Almoravid empire. Located outside the recorded history of the Berbers of the Atlas and the historians of the Arabs, this city gave the country its name.
Today, Marrakech has a remarkable heritage: the Koutoubia and Marrakech Souks, the Saadian Tomb, the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Bahía Palace, and many palaces in the French colonial style, the Pavillon or the Mamounia that still delight the habitual visitors. With the art of living, the culture of extravagance and excellence, history has given Marrakech a lot. It is now up to its children to keep it, make it echo and bring to the world an image of sharing, hospitality, and authenticity. For the Rothschilds and the Arabian princes, a few palaces have become exclusive with beaches or palaces and holiday resorts but even around the new and inevitable several Marks vie for newcomers’ affection.
5.2. Fes
Fes is often referred to as the cultural capital of Morocco and is where many Moroccans come to delve into their roots. The old city of Fes el-Bali is a labyrinth of narrow laneways, many of which are covered and somewhat dark. Fes is the second largest city in Morocco and has been around longer than Marrakech. It has history, crammed narrow alleyways, artisans producing exquisite handmade goods, the oldest university in the world, and it is host to the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Importantly, Fes is regarded as one of the holiest cities in Islam with many mosques and madrasas spread throughout.
Although it is often thought that Fes is a conservative city, it is very hospitable to tourists.
Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its amazing maze of old streets is filled with artisans and workshops where you can see traditional crafts. The medina is a sensory overload, from the pungent smells in the tanneries to the bright colors of the rugs and leather goods on display. There are around 800 establishments in Fes el-Bali, most are shops and food stalls, but there are also mosques, madrasas and caravanserais. Fes el-Bali is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. You’ll need to do most of your sightseeing on foot and that can be exhausting. Bring plenty of bottled water, wear loose, breathable clothing, and wear socks and shoes that offer decent support. Comfortable sandals are a good option for summer visitors. If you are not fit, getting around is quite difficult, especially as there are many steps to climb and the streets are largely unpaved or cobbled. Don’t expect to get through the many narrow alleys and winding streets in a straight line or quickly.
5.3. Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, known for its blue and white-washed buildings set against a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, is popular with tourists seeking a relaxing escape from Morocco’s larger cities. Travelers can stop by the medina to visit a variety of local shops selling artisanal handicrafts near the famous Place Uta el-Hammam, explore the Kasbah, hike the Rif Mountains, or grab a drink at a local cafe. Adding to the city’s charm, the medina’s alleyways and rustic architecture leave visitors enchanted and the views of the surrounding Rif Mountains are breathtaking. Surrounded by mountains, laid-back Chefchaouen is known for its pretty streets. Far more relaxed than other Moroccan cities, the slow pace of life is a welcome place to unwind. Its reputation as a pot-smoking haven has somewhat tarnished its image among locals, but visitors come for the blue-hued streets and breathtaking scenery. The medina’s unique buildings and peaceful hillside position are perfect for those seeking an alternative to expat-packed Marrakeck, and yet, it is one of Morocco’s most-visited cities, often crowded with just as many tourists. The Medina is very attractive, with sharp blue and white designs, unusual architecture, and traditional handicrafts. The famous Kasbah, piece of architecture and art, holds museum exhibits of Arab Authoritarianism of the 1920s. Also known for the surrounding Rif Mountains and a starting point to explore the Waterfall of Akchour, it is located less than two hours from Tangier. This place is part of our Dream Destination for honeymoon in Morocco. It is a romantic alleyway nestled in the beautiful Blue Part of Chefchaouen. Its somewhat mysterious ambiance makes it one of the best most romantic locations in the world.
5.4. Agadir
If you were to take a poll asking people to name a coastal resort city in Morocco, the overwhelming majority would name Agadir. Agadir is by no means the only coastal resort, nor is it the prettiest, but it being the closest to the larger cities of Marrakech and Fes, it is undoubtedly the largest and has the most activities and facilities. For those looking to soak up the rays, build sand castles, refresh in the warm Atlantic, dine at a seaside restaurant, sip mint tea in a beach café, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife, Agadir is a brilliant choice. However, for the more cultural traveler, Agadir may be considered a dull place as Agadir was destroyed in an earthquake in 1960 and rebuilt since then. The modern city may be practically devoid of the traditional charms seen in the rest of Morocco but Agadir’s beachfront boasts of a clean stretch of white sand bordered by hundreds of palm trees and a backdrop of the scenic Atlas Mountains. Apart from the beach, visitors can stroll along the marina and dine in its numerous restaurants, have a session at the several spas in the city, go on a fishing adventure, try the various water sports available, and get on a camel and ride along the beach. But Agadir is more than just a beach resort city. Its location and proximity to the mountains make it a wonderful base for day trips and outdoor activities such as riding, hiking, and biking. It also offers lovely views and an interesting history. Agadir is located on a hill above the city and it used to be a Portuguese fortress. You can see the remnants of the fortress and the large sign built in 1960 in accordance with the ancient city of Agadir’s Jewish history. You can also learn about the earthquake and see the memorial cemetery at the nearby memorial center simply named “La Maison des Ilse.”
5.5. Sahara Desert
Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world. Its surface area represents more or less 1/10 of the total area of the Africa continent. The Sahara desert is famous for its contrasts, beauty and diversity. It stretches on over 7 countries: Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Sudan. The Moroccan Sahara is covering about a quarter of the country. It is rich in spectacular panoramic sceneries and breathtaking landscapes, well known as endless golden dunes and stunning sandstone canyons. The Moroccan desert is there for each one! Whether you are an adventure lover, an action seeker or simply a traveler in search of relaxation and calm, you will always find a location, a spot adapted to your needs, to your desires. But on the Moroccan Sahara, rare locations offer you all what you need.
The Saharan oasis. The oasis of the Moroccan desert are a unique jewel in the landscape of the grande Sahara. Known as the “green gateway of the Saharan desert,” they are characterized by their foisoning vegetal growth, their wild and rare animals, and their blue sky and warm colors; reddish which contrast with the golden sands of the dune. They offer this visit life change of scenery, pause of riches in a natural setting of serenity; freshness with other more mat or simply more wild. The Oasis present more or less the same structure. In the center, the palm grove and small trees embrace around a course of water. Some oases also have a small garden with vegetable, medicinal and/or aromatic plants.
6. Halal Food Options
6.1. Local Cuisine
The country is a true ode to diversity, with influences from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Moroccan cuisine is also an ode to discovery, as must-try dishes are in abundance. Be sure to try tajines, pastilla, couscous, and harira. Lovers of seafood will also find delectable treats. Moroccan coastal cities are famous for their grilled sardines and other catch-of-the-day treats. For dessert, treat your taste buds to traditional mint tea and delicate pastries drizzled with honey and sprinkled with nuts.
In addition to a rich culinary offering, Morocco also has a well-organized agricultural network, thanks to a temperate climate. This allows for crops to grow year-round. Eating in Morocco is therefore a true celebration of local and seasonal food! The country is the world’s largest producer of argan oil, popularly used in cosmetics but also in savory dishes. You can also taste saffron, grown at altitude in the region of Taliouine, as well as olive oil, dates, almonds, citrus fruits, olives, and spices. Tip: don’t leave without visiting the famous spice market in Marrakesh’s medina!
6.2. Restaurants and Cafes
With elaborate architecture and a friendly atmosphere, restaurants and cafes make for an enjoyable experience. Moroccan cuisine revolves around tajines, couscous, and pastilla, which you can find everywhere. But beware — restaurateurs in tourist areas tend to advertise tajines and couscous for cheap prices, yet serve them highly marked up. If you find yourself in Marrakesh, try the local specialty: seafood. Known for its seaside location, Marrakesh offers delicious fried fish. A must-try! You can also try the fried fish stalls at Essaouira’s port. Another specialty of the region is fish chermoula, a marinade with spices and herbs.
6.3. Food Markets
Heading to Morocco is like heading to the land of spices! At the different souks, you can find a number of freshly harvested spices, which are very fragrant. Businessmen buy them in bulk and separate them into bags, which they sell on the stalls outside their shops. Spices can also be found in the souks of Marrakesh and Fes, near the medina. But that’s not all — at these markets, you can find all sorts of halal food options! Explore stalls selling roasted lamb, sweet honey pastries, and delicacies to cool you off during the hot summer days!
6.1. Local Cuisine
Although some guides recommend avoiding local food in Morocco, indulging in Moroccan cuisine is one of the unavoidable pleasures of your journey. It’s true that foreign tourist demand has somewhat altered traditional recipes, but you’ll find many small restaurants serving authentic Moroccan dishes, some for less than 50 dirhams. As a tourist, you will quickly discover which ones. Moroccan cuisine is, in a way, the result of an exchange between farmers and herders in the Middle Atlas Mountains and the sharifian elite from the plains and the coast. Under the influence of Persian, Turkish, and Andalusian cuisines, it’s characterized by a sweetness/savory association rather unusual in Mediterranean and African cooking, and by the generous use of spices.
When talking about Moroccans, the first food associated with the country is couscous. On Fridays after the prayer, families enjoy a large plate of couscous steamed with vegetables and sometimes with lamb or chicken. It’s said that it is the only excusable laziness in Morocco. If you’re invited on Friday and can’t join your host family, your Moroccan friends will be surprised! For the rest of the week, couscous is often prepared without meat, while spicy couscous with meat is sometimes prepared on special Saturdays. Another tourist myth says that couscous can only be prepared by women and that men can’t touch the dough. This is false! A few women prepare two or three couscous plates for their family back home while their husband prepares dozens for around twenty men!
6.2. Restaurants and Cafes
Numerous restaurants and cafes cater to the halal market in each city, providing guests with the opportunity to dine on both local and international dishes. When dealing with larger chain establishments, it is easiest to see their halal designation shown plainly on their signs and menus, though you’ll ultimately want to do a little extra research before entering any of these major restaurant brands just to be safe, especially if you have any food allergies or particular dietary restriction.
Some urban areas within Morocco, like Marrakesh, are chock full of vegetarian restaurants and independent cafes, particularly around Djemaa el-Fnaa and the medina. You will not need to hunt hard to look for vegetarian options, should you or your traveling companions wish to seek them out. To find one of these vegetarian establishments, do what you did to find a halal establishment: search the storefronts of the restaurants for an “الحم الحلال” or “Halal Meat” sign. While not all eateries catering to halal palettes offer vegetarian options, they are much more likely to have them.
Seafood lovers will have a bit harder time since few restaurants in Morocco offer that combination of seafood and halal. If you’re looking to get your fill of fish, nearby Essaouira is the place to be. This small coastal town offers an abundance of seafood restaurants lining the port. No fish=’meat not halal’ so at least you’ll be sure that your meals don’t contain any haram ingredients.
6.3. Food Markets
When you first enter a Moroccan market, you will be flooded with a number of sights, sounds, and smells. You’ll be overwhelmed by pain and joy all at once. Pain because you cannot carry everything you want to buy, and joy because of how alive the market feels. You will smell spices, incense, and delicious meats in the air. But nothing truly captures the essence of Morocco like the markets. The Moroccan market or souk is traditionally a place where locals do their shopping. You can find just about anything there from spices, to tiles, to meat, to souvenirs. Souks and bazaars bustled for days with men sweating from the weight of their goods, merchants loudly calling out deals and prices, and children laughing and playing. Souks are an important part of Moroccan culture and economy and shopping in them is recommended for everyone.
In every Moroccan city you will find a souk so packed full of traders selling all sorts of second-hand and handmade goods that you can hardly walk to the other side. The narrow lanes are lined with stalls selling colorful scarves, trinkets, hand-painted ceramics, beautiful rugs and leather bags. Old men puff on their pipes over stalls filled with artificially colored olives while produce sellers show off their most colorful vegetables and fruits. In one small corner, you will find it difficult to see out of the small frames made entirely of brightly colored spices because of the throngs of people arguing over the displays and shopkeepers. In another corner, you will see scarred men cutting up pieces of meat while carefully weighing out cuts for their buyers. The atmosphere of the souk is lively. Every sound of a ringing bell or barked command can be heard from miles away. Surrounded by the cries of shopkeepers and the pleasant aroma of freshly baked pastries, oils and spices, you can have the time of your life shopping or simply observing.
7. Accommodations for Halal Travelers
As a halal tourist destination, Morocco boasts an abundance of accommodation options that respect the tenets of halal tourism. The majority of the most popular riads include halal meals in their packages. The major hotel chains represented in Morocco offer some of their business as well as leisure hotels as “halal-friendly”. Although the hotel chains that operate in Morocco do not have any specific halal certification, several of their establishments for the Muslim traveler offer rooms for non-drinkers, pressure-cooked halal meals, availability of prayer mats upon request, restrooms with a water hose and families rooms for larger groups. In a report, Morocco is considered a “gateway” for international Muslim tourists traveling to Europe and the Americas. However, while global hotel brands offer halal-friendly activities, halal meals are available during Ramadan and prayer rooms are available, tourists risk going hungry upon checking into many hotels that are not halal certified. If your interest in eating halal while you travel is strong, inquiring ahead of time is suggested.
7.1. Halal Hotels
While Morocco is quite hospitable and accommodating to international Halal travelers, there is a lack of halal hotels available in the country. Although this is set to change with the increase of halal destinations, halal hotels, as we know them, are still quite sparse; offering specifically branded halal hotels and resorts is still a relatively new niche market for Morocco. If you are looking to stay in a proper halal hotel in Morocco, perhaps as a family seeking a nice beach resort with halal food prior to embarking on your Moroccan adventure, your best bet is the Mazagan Beach Resort, nearby at El Jadida, just over an hour south of Casablanca; which is a large family-friendly resort on the edge of the Atlantic where alcohol is banned and halal food is abundant. Alternatively, the Imperial and Azure Resorts along the Agadir beachfront are also mostly alcohol-free; although they do serve alcohol in indexed areas. Beyond that, you will have to settle for one of Morocco’s many luxurious hotels or resorts – where you can request that no alcohol be served in your room or suite after your arrival; and where halal meal options are generally available upon request, without much fuss.
7.2. Riads and Guesthouses
Morocco has a wide choice of guesthouses (called riads or maisons d’hôte). Many riads and guesthouses have been refurbished from old traditional houses, decorated and furnished in an Arabic-style, arranged around a flower-planted patio and featuring a decoration gallery on the first floor. Superficially, a riad looks like an up-market hotel, however, they differ from hotels in that the owners live on the premises. The general ambiance is a lot friendlier and the custom is to have dinner together with the owners and the other guests. The rooms are usually comfortable although some guesthouses have some old rooms remaining to be refurbished. Most affordable guesthouses are located in the medinas whereas riads can sometimes be found in the better-off modern districts of Moroccan cities.
International and local tourists, especially families, value riads for the warmth and friendliness of this kind of accommodation. The size of guesthouses generally ranges from about 1 to 15 rooms, with some larger hotels counted among guesthouses. Prices range from 140 for a basic room in a plain guesthouse to 900 for a luxurious riad room. Most riads serve a full breakfast. A few of the better and more expensive cushy guesthouses serve lunch and dinner, and some day-goers come to eat the tasty traditional Moroccan dishes. Because the staff do other things during the day, it is wise to inform the owners about wanting meals in advance.
8. Transportation Options in Morocco
Transportation options in Morocco vary widely, from a budget-friendly public transportation network to private car rentals for those who want to explore undiscovered regions of Morocco on their own. A combination of guide book-style travel and more unique, personalized experiences is the surest way to see Morocco with a special twist. Below are the descriptions of the main transportation options.
Public transportation—buses, trains, and taxis—are abundant in major cities and tourist areas of Morocco and travel to other cities and towns. The current government is investing in the modernization of the public transportation network. For example, some city buses are modern, air-conditioned buses and the train system is being upgraded to better serve passengers traveling between major cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. Even with improvements, circumstances make public transportation appear worn and antiquated to Americans. Buses and trains do have schedules, but it is best to confirm ahead of time, especially for trains because often they are not strictly observed. Buses and trains do not run on Sundays, although some key routes are covered by taxis.
Public buses (and taxis) can be crowded and a bit chaotic by American standards, but they are typically cheaper than traveling with a guide in a rented vehicle and offer a firsthand glimpse into the life and culture of Morocco. Arriving and departing when traveling with a rented vehicle can be hard to coordinate. Travelers wishing to stretch their budgets use public transportation for short sightseeing trips, combined with excursions for regional day trips and journeys to exotic locations further outside of the major cities.
8.1. Public Transportation
Morocco is well-served by an extensive public transportation network. For trips around cities and large towns, and a few longer distances, local buses are frequent and cheap. Larger towns and the country’s major tourist centers are connected by regional buses. These buses are reliable, reasonably comfortable, and coach-style in quality for longer journeys because of their scheduled departures. Long-haul buses rarely run to time for scheduled departures. However, they have services from smaller towns to larger towns very early in the mornings and at night, which makes up for their lateness and often can be a lot cheaper than taking trains. To get into a smaller village in the Gorges du Todra or Gorges du Dadès, it is best to take a long-haul bus, and hitch a ride from there. True night buses between major cities are also a good alternative to accommodation for travelers or groups arriving later in the evening at their destinations.
Long-haul trips to the beach areas around Agadir and Essaouira are easiest to make by long-haul bus and possibly to Fez, by train. The more sophisticated agency websites sometimes give tour and online currency exchange services in addition to bus-ticket reservations. Local buses in smaller towns can be very ancient and beaten up but still can be recommended for traveling around. If you are going to Agadir or Essaouira in summer, you will need to reserve tickets beforehand.
8.2. Private Transfers
When traveling to Morocco, better to reserve your transport services before your arrival. Booking travel transport in advance will spare you a lot of hassle during your trip. For those traveling for the first time to Morocco and not wanting to get into trouble taking taxis, buses, or trying to haggle. Consider pre-booking a reliable private transfer from the airport to your hotel, riad, or villa. Hiring a private driver with a vehicle that waits for you at the airport is more convenient than at the airport. Travel agencies in Morocco can arrange airport transfer services and get you from the airport at the best price. The private transfer service could include picking you up from the airport and dropping you off at your hotel, removing the stress of not finding the right taxi in an unfamiliar area. However, to travel between Moroccan cities, the best and the easiest way is to pre-book private drivers. They will save you time and headaches avoiding taxi cabs, bus stations, and train stations. It is a little bit long to travel between cities by public transport, but also entertaining since you can witness many beautiful landscapes along the way. When you travel across Morocco to tour around, it would be more comfortable, convenient, and quicker to book a private driver or a private transport with a guide. Traveling to Morocco is unique since the country is well known for its beautiful landscapes and different cultures. A reliable travel agency in Morocco will organize a personalized travel itinerary for you that caters to your needs.
8.3. Car Rentals
Exploring Morocco through a self-driven tour has its unique allure, and in this case renting a car allows you to make your own schedule and discover hidden gems of this fabulous country. But renting a car in Morocco is much like in any country, and there are some details to know before getting there.
The best option is to book the rental online before you get to Morocco. This way you can choose to pick it up at the airport after you arrive, or at one of the city branches, and there are special offers for long-term rentals so you can save money. When you book online, be careful which company you choose, because not all companies have the same terms and conditions. This is especially true for insurance policies, since some of the cheapest companies have hidden fees and don’t include all insurances.
In Morocco you have the option of renting a car from traditional companies. The advantages of these companies are that they are reliable and well-known. If you want to rent a car from these companies, we suggest comparing international prices to find the best deal for your dates. At the same time, you have many local companies that offer very competitive prices. It’s best to check reviews of these companies to avoid nightmares. Car rentals in Morocco no longer allow you to drive to most of the Sahara and certain mountain areas, so ask for the updated list.
9. Adventure Activities
There is no denying that Morocco is blessed with incredible natural beauty. From the high peaks of the majestic Atlas in central Morocco to the harsh expanse of the Sahara Desert in the south, and the beautiful coastlines facing the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities all over the country. Hiking and trekking are some of the popular things to do in Morocco.
Hiking and Trekking Hiking and trekking are one of the most popular Morocco tour activities to embark on. The most popular destination for trekking in Morocco is the Toubkal National Park, which lies in the High Atlas Mountains. These mountains are home to the highest peaks in North Africa, including Jbel Toubkal, which has a height of 4167m. The route to Toubkal is often walked with tourist guides and mules. Just a few kilometers from Warzazate, Tinfou is a departure for several days’ trek to the desert or to the High Atlas.
With fabulous gorges and wild beauty, the southern valleys of the Atlas are a paradise for trekking and walking enthusiasts. A range of small paths winds its way through Berber villages and oases, allowing visitors to discover these stunning landscapes conveniently and at your own pace. The best season is obviously spring or autumn when the weather is mild and cool.
The Berber realize many routes between the valleys, the high peaks of the Atlas and the desert. A simple trek through the valleys of Imlil or Ait R’Sif will allow you to get your legs and acclimatize for a longer expedition. The best way to see the valleys is to combine a few days of camping and some nights in hospitable lodges run by Berbers.
Camel Riding Camel riding in Morocco is one of the most quintessential experiences visitors enjoy during their travels. A visit to southern Morocco is not complete without a ride on a dromedary and a night spent under the stars and in the tents. Camel trekking is available from many southerly Saharan cities, however, it is best organized at Merzouga, Mhamid and Zagora.
Various companies and guide services propose trips of varying duration and distance. These excursions are usually organized over a few days with your luggage carried in a caravan using several camels. It is advisable to book in advance. There is no need to hold a camel trekking from the camel men as they are a dime a dozen in Morocco and will typically haggle with you. Be sure to check that you will get a well-treated camel.
Surfing and Water Sports Morocco has become increasingly popular among surfers from around the world. With the finest waves from September to April, Essaouira, Taghazout and Agadir have become wildly famous for their surf schools and lodges. Surfing beginners will proceed, with the help of their pros, to the testing of the small waves degrading on the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir before moving on to the strong breaks of Anchor Point, Killer Point or even Dracula.
9.1. Hiking and Trekking
Hiking and trekking are one of the best ways to explore and enjoy Morocco’s stunning natural beauty and diversity, as you can see a lot more of the country if you venture inland from the coast. From the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountain range to quirky rock formations in the Anti-Atlas and the blushing sand dunes of the Sahara desert, Morocco’s landscape is truly breathtaking. The only downside to all this is that you will have to slog uphill at times to see most of these landscapes as there are few flat areas in the interior of the country. People have been trekking in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains of Morocco for similarly long, and have been doing so on mule back at times. Today, we can hike with the local Berber people who make their home in the mountain valleys or head up for a fantastic view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Hikes are generally for between a half-day to a full day and end at a Berber house for lunch. In the High Atlas, there are many established longer trekking routes, some lasting 6-7 days, which see you walk from valley to valley, stopping at basic guest houses for tea and a meal. For these longer trips, you would generally need to book them through a trekking organization. Truly adventurous trekkers can head for the snow-capped peaks themselves, but only between March and July when the snow has melted a bit.
The real Sahara desert is a long way from Morocco’s main tourist areas, but the Erg Chebbi at Merzouga is a small fringe that offers easy access to sand dunes. Hiking or camel trekking is the only way to experience the true beauty of a sunset over the desolate sand dunes at the Erg Chebbi or the stars that blanket the desert sky on winter nights when the air is crisp and clear. From Merzouga, there are also a number of longer routes that take up to five days to circle back to Merzouga, exploring the village life of the Berbers who once roamed these sands.
9.2. Camel Riding
There’s something unmistakably “desert” about taking a ride on a camel. Moroccans consider the creature a ship of the desert and use them to navigate effortlessly across sand dunes and rocky terrain. The rise of tourism has converted the camel into a much-lauded tourist attraction, and every traveller to Morocco must try out a camel ride for that complete Moroccan experience. Riding a camel is no mean feat – it takes some time getting used to the huge creature getting up and down and swaying sideways. The camel, meanwhile, spends its time munching on their favourite snack: thorns. However, once you’ve spent some time getting comfortable on its back, the camel ride is surprisingly calm – as long as you sit still, your camel is quite the pros when it comes to walking you through the desert!
Riding on a camel at sunset is perhaps one of the most romantic experiences one can have in the desert. Climbing the biggest dune you can find in your local area of the desert, flop down on the sands and watch the sun and colours. If you’re a little more adventurous, and are in the right spot, continue to ride through the desert long after sunset to spend the night in an authentic Bedouin tent or order a tasty Moroccan tagine. The more touristy areas are less devoid of distraction, however, and your sunset ride might not be the exhilarating experience you’re hoping for. Depending on where you’re located in the country, camel rides can also be taken in the coastal areas of Morocco; some ride through the coastal areas are offered as packages that include camel riding in the waters at sunset.
9.3. Surfing and Water Sports
Surfing in Morocco usually means riding the waves on the Atlantic coast, and that’s not a bad place to droop into semi-hibernation mode, absorbing a few white sanded rays while looking for perfect waves. The northern coast has many beach areas and some good surf towns while further south lay some more remote surf spots on the coast that have even better waves.
Unlike surfing in other places, Morocco has mellow beach breaks for beginners and the less accomplished close to the actually busy towns, while it’s just a short drive away from the village beaches or point breaks where you can surf alone. Hassle free!
If you are an experienced surfer and you have the know-how, Morocco is the place to “live the dream” with surf spots around for the off season and sweet point breaks for other months of the year. Fast and hollow, the point breaks in the area are for experienced surfers only.
Surfing in Morocco usually means riding the waves outside the real touristic heavy spots and in the regions further south. The beach areas around for example are much less travelled by tourists. It offers perfect wind-surfing conditions during whole summer with stable wind conditions but in other seasons as well. You can also try surf skating, skiming, horse and camel riding, traditional Kayak Tours and other water sports.
near the border of the old region if you want to move onwards south. In short, if you visit Morocco, try surfing, with the unique landscape and the Mediterranean climate unique for Africa, you don’t regret.
10. Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences can promote understanding and dialogue between peoples regardless of their faith. Morocco is rich in folkloric cultural heritage, and sharing these real moments of life is a great way to better understand its diverse and plural identity. Our partners are present for you and will bring you a small local festival from time to time. Our friends can tell you about some of the ancestral know-how by sharing the creation of a jewel, a leather article, a caftan, or some other craft. They can also host some Hamdouchi, Lila, Haita reggae, or other awakenings of the body.
Local Festivals Most of the popular Moroccan festivals have been celebrated for centuries and have their roots in myth and legend. Each party is an opportunity for the Moroccan community to express its longings and values. These ethnic and cultural parties are religious, agricultural, or craft, such as the harvest of the Argane, in Ida ou Tanane, of almonds in the valleys of Al-Haouz, of the cherry trees in the valley of the Dadès, or of the olives, the honey, and the figs or the peas in Fez or the surrounding area. In Marrakesh, you will not miss the festival of horses, which in October is a demonstration of jubilation.
Craft Workshops In Morocco, craftsmanship represents a real cultural foundation. The diversity of crafts is expressed in their own way of bringing to life, through their gestures and their passion for detail, simple raw materials such as earth, wood, metal, or leather, sumptuous works adorned with the most beautiful colors and patterns. For more than 10 years, we have been pursuing an objective of recognition and elevation of handcrafted products to showcase them to a demanding clientele, therefore, we have partnered with our friends who have more than 1,500 artisans and offer handmade products reflecting the best of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Music and Dance Sharing Moroccan culture through music is one of the best ways to all gather together. Happy to eat together from couscous to tagine, have tea, and sing songs with your group while dancing an awakening of the body. Besides, you will learn to dance some of our ancestral dances: belly dance, Gnaoua, Haita reggae, MalGhaithà, and others.
10.1. Local Festivals
In almost every corner of Morocco – preferably the Berber corners – you can enjoy a local festival or cultural event that will offer a mesmerizing combination of colors, music, dance, food, and other attractions to motorize the good spirit of the people. From the famous festival in Essaouira to the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in the same town; from the sacred law of a pilgrimage in the Valley of the Roses to the almonds’ bloom in Tafraoute; from Gnaoua music echoed in the village of its brotherhood in El Jdida to the Tanjazz Festival in Tanger; huge local regular events show that Moroccan hospitality and generosity are sewn inside a Landiek culture, an authenticity that every day, and especially during festivals, we can contemplate and be delighted by the motley patchwork of musical styles, dances, and crafts exhibited in the Moroccan art galleries.
Just to quote some colorful and impulse festivals: the Arts in the Beach Festival, 3000 artists invited every year, numerous exhibitions, murals, and concerts are a unique attraction; the Festival of the Roses, bacchanal of femininity embellished by the colorful scents of this flower; the World Rhythms Festival in Rabat, or the Oasis Festival, focused on electronic music in Marrakech. Are you ready to be caught in the spell of spicy scents? Then embark on a voyage of flavors at the International Gastronomy Festival of Meknes, where famous chefs will welcome you; on the other hand, the jazz and nazar festival extension that began in Essaouira is celebrating returning to its roots in the creative city of its birth.
10.2. Craft Workshops
Whether it is carpets, baskets, bags, pottery, wood-work, or metal-work, taking a craft workshop in Morocco is a rewarding experience. Visitors travel and discover either a craft-making community or studio, enter a workshop and get involved in the making of an item of their own choice. Design and colors chosen by the learners create unique pieces. Lunch is often prepared in the host’s house. Workshops can be short, one to three days for visitors who travel the country and have limited time. Longer sessions of one month are for those who like to settle longer in an inspiring beautiful place and enjoy its offerings.
The list of craft workshops is long, but here is a shortlist of proposed craft workshops in Morocco.
– Pottery. Discover and experiment with the potter’s wheel, enameled pottery, or burnished terracotta. – Traditional tile. It is a long one, but you learn a craft most artists come from outside to hire the tiles already done at the tile-cutting factory. – Berber carpets. It is apparently a craft women enjoy to do. – Leather Treatment & Leather Goods. Working on leather does not appeal to everyone. Some painters have made shoes at the leather workshops. An interesting but toxic process. – Wood Work. Wood work seems to be well-known and appears to be a practice that gives immediate customers. – Glass Work. It seems to be the country where most artisans have specialized in working glass. – Metal work. It is a potential craft that couples good at and brings money. – Textiles: Easy to do at home and textiles around today is part of the feminine identity. – Marrakesh Painting. In the last 40 years, Marrakesh has become the capital of modern painters. – Mosaics: the craft of mosaics seems to be for inspired artists.
Ten days in Essouira are fun. They flash a new idea: they invite artists who are talented in one craft and open to share, and poor people stay and learn from their talent for a small price.
10.3. Music and Dance
Morocco is known for its diversity of colours, traditions, and rhythms that you will encounter in each of its regions. And the sound of its songs, religious rituals, chants, or its instrumental music, the Gnaoua, Chaabi, amazigh wedding or funerary rites, stylized music of its choreographies of men and women, are all part of the Moroccan magic to discover. Indeed, the Moroccan musical heritage is as rich and varied as its country. It was influenced by the main Berber, Arab, Andalusian, and Saharan traditions, as well as by the European and African strains absorbed by its borders according to the periods. Exoticism and local inspiration largely represent its artistic spirit. Be welcome to discover the various music and dances of Morocco!
Are music, song or dance part of your daily life? Do they accompany your happy days? Do they help you to express your joy? Do they exorcise your penitential sorrow? Or are they sometimes a simple pastime? The answer is yes, and it is the same all over the earth. Humanity uses them in every occasion to express itself, and to live. In it, even more, a country such different all over the world as much as Morocco.
Some foreigners speak of songs from the epic, to which they still remain, and are convinced that the musically least developed Moroccan, in his dances full of symbolism, makes allusion, for example, to the hunting. Our dancers of the Sahara, of the Sous on the approach of their wedding, of the Kelaa des Sraghna, animating the trans-saharan caravanserai, the men, the women of the plain of Saïss and the river Loukkos, surround a circle singing the call of nature or work, with the accompaniment of the clapping of hands. The dance is the patter of the feet on the ground, rhythm already necessary that introduces the dancers, men for men, women for women, tilted on the right or left, the hands on the hips or with a handkerchief.
11. Safety and Travel Tips
The following are tips to help ensure that your holiday is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance covering theft, loss, or medical problems, and double-check that you meet any passport and visa regulations for the countries you will visit. Beware that in several developing nations, local pharmacies may not provide the same medications and medicines as in Western countries, and therefore it is wise to bring emergency supplies with you.
While most tourists visiting Morocco don’t suffer from serious health issues, it is advisable to take health precautions both before you leave home and also during your stay in Morocco. At-home vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and typhoid are recommended. Travel medications for cholera and rabies can be an option for longer stays or adventures involving direct contact with animals. Other health precautions to consider include bringing anti-malarial medication if you will travel to southern Morocco during the spring months, as well as antibiotics and medical kits for traveler’s diarrhea. Drinking bottled water, which is inexpensive in Morocco, is also recommended.
Visitors are invited to dress conservatively in Morocco, as it is a Muslim country and traditional dress tends to be modest. For men, that means long pants and t-shirts that cover the arms. For women, skirts that come to the knee, blouses with sleeves, and scarves covering the shoulders. It’s also advisable to cover the decollete. On the beach, bathing suits are okay, but wearing them in town is not acceptable. Besides respecting the way locals dress, tourists are invited to watch their behavior in Morocco as well. Displays of public affection, such as kissing and hugging are frowned upon. In more rural or traditional areas, it’s best to avoid unnecessary talking with the opposite sex to avoid appearing disrespectful.
11.1. Health Precautions
The country has a very hot climate, which is why you should be careful and avoid excess sun. If you sunbathe, always wear a hat and sun cream and drink plenty of water. Regarding the water issue, remember that not all types of water are suitable for consumption. Water from the tap is unfit for drinking because the veins do not have the necessary protection. Request bottled water.
There is a great deal of pollution in big cities. The best way to avoid it is to visit at times of the year when there are not many tourists and it is not hot. Avoid them. You will not enjoy the country like that and it could affect your health. Assuming that the air is polluted, take precautions such as wearing a mask.
To avoid excess stomach problem stoops, there are simple basic rules that will help you. Do not eat street food. Do not drink tap water, always bottled. Avoid ice cubes and choose freshly prepared food. You could also take antidiarrheals with you.
In Morocco, there is a great prevalence of hepatitis A. This is a virus that can be transmitted through food and collections. The vaccine is a very good way to prevent it, and I would strongly recommend getting vaccinated. Hepatitis B is also a virus and is transmitted through sexual, crossing bites, or through an infected blood transfusion. In this case, too, it is possible to prevent vaccination. Rabies and measles are other viruses with a notable presence in the country. Avoid contact with wild animals, since they are the main transmitters.
11.2. Cultural Etiquette
Moroccans may be shocked if you enter into their private space without greeting them. Saying “Salam Alaikum” is your official language ticket in Morocco. Returning “Wa Alaikum Salam” seals a bond of friendship. A smile from the shop keeper or hotel employee will initiate these exchanges. When walking on the street, keep to the right. Common exceptions are narrow streets and crowded souks. If you want to squeeze by, lightly touch the person or say “Bismillah.” Politeness matters. Use “S’il vous plait” and “Merci beaucoup.” Gesticulate and talk loudly while making eye contact. Moroccans standing in groups greet each other with a handshake and wish each other health.
Moroccans may be offended if you deal with a woman without first inquiring about her husband. The colloquial extensions are: “Malam Raki” which may receive as response “Rani Tâwa,” leaving you to converse very briefly. The question or its silence will determine how long to converse with the woman. A woman’s private domain and your temporal connection concede family concerns, and how long she stays hidden from her man. When dealing in private transactions, show courtesy by standing at the door to request admittance. When invited in, compliment the family home and family appearance. When dealing with a couple or family, ensure your eye contact is broadly calculated to cover everyone, since being seen as favoring one person over others will cause resentment.
Moroccans avoid discussing religion, family problems, funerals and crimes. Many Moroccans are keen on knowing your opinion and experiences with charity. Common personal topics include: How many brothers, sisters, sons and daughters do you have? Where do you live? What do you do for a living? Have you ever donated money or things to someone who is not family? Have you ever invited someone for lunch or dinner who is not family? Do you enjoy shopping, visiting and traveling?
11.3. Local Laws and Regulations
When traveling in Morocco, make sure you are aware of local laws and customs regulations. The enjoyment of tourists is usually respected in Morocco and most people won’t bother you, but you should be aware of some minor laws, especially concerning Islamic Law. The Moroccan Police are usually easy to spot and helpful, but are not the only authority in the country. It is advisable to have any small problems with the authorities sorted out on your own, and escalate the difficulty if necessary. Good manners, polite behavior, and a friendly demeanor will usually see any situation resolved satisfactorily without major intervention. Insist politely if the situation demands it. If necessary, seek local or business help to assist, as they probably speak the local dialect.
Islamic Law forbids the consumption of alcohol in public. It is, however, available in licensed establishments. Most tourists fail to consume alcohol discreetly, and the local population usually ignores the event. Boasting is usually not a good idea, however. Alcoholic consumption is usually ignored, but putting on a consistent drunken show would be a good way to get hurt. Your passport is usually required when entering an establishment that serves alcohol, so keep it. Those who have a drink must remember that if the local police catch you with alcohol on your breath, they will require you to pay for extra drinks before leaving. Approximately 20% of the local population are non-Muslim and are usually allowed a beer. A quick question is all it takes to find out in most cases.
Help be aware, however, that possession of illegal drugs carries a heavy penalty in Morocco and that the authorities devote great efforts to keeping it that way. Getting caught with any illegal drug will put you in a Moroccan prison. Avoid the drug shops that scream for attention in some Moroccan towns, and be careful when accepting gifts known to be hashish.
12. Environmental Considerations
Sustainable tourism is travel for recreation or leisure that contributes to the preservation or enhancement of the well-being of the local people and destination. While tourism in general contributes to the destruction of the environment, sustainable tourism minimizes any negative impacts and ideally extends its positive impact beyond the tourist season. Sustainable responsible tourism agrees with the guidelines for the Travel and Tourism Industry, such as: minimizing consumption of resources and waste generation; maximizing use of local resources and services; minimizing the use of fossil fuels; consideration for primitive cultures and communities which are hosts; conservation of wildlife and the environment.
Morocco is a country that has much to offer any tourist. It has imposing mountains, surreal deserts, endless coastlines, and exotic cities. The diverse and rich culture as well as the picturesque hospitality of the Moroccan people completes the experiences of travelers who flock to this land every year. For a long time, the hospitality sector seemed reluctant to embrace environmental concerns: Organic produce was not available in sufficient quantities to cater for the tourist demand; waste separation was almost non-existent, and it was difficult for businesses to find appropriate methods or places to recycle; controlling water waste with encouraging showers only in some hotels seemed like a rule of luxury in hotels, other properties didn’t even have control on the water temperature to release no water from its sources. This means that problems such as pollution, congestion, and the destabilization of ecosystems are commonplace. In this sense, some travelers endeavor to have a smaller ecological footprint or to favor initiatives and businesses that respect the environment and their local culture as well.
12.1. Sustainable Tourism Practices
As the groundbreaking objectives of the new 12 years-long strategy that was launched at the end of the 20th century have started being met, a large range of tourism-related activities have developed in the country, curbed to be sustainable on the environmental and cultural levels. Indeed, the Moroccan agency for tourism development, as soon as the need for a development of alternative forms of tourism was identified, began mapping out the assets of the country, referred to as “niches” in the new tourism strategy. Such niches are already acting as “opposite magnets” in the geographically proximal Spain, Punjab or Punjab area, the mountainous regions of Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, which appeal to world tourism but which risk also their sustainable development.
Such a development demand introduction of mechanisms allowing strict monitoring of the influx of visitors into those so-called niches as the nurturant areas. In addition to eco-tourism for the bliss of green tourists, two other kinds of tourism have appeared in the country: cultural tourism since the introduction of the Economic Management Regionalization Law stipulates transfer of tourist investment attraction from the state to a mixed public-private sector. Beach tourism, with somewhat increasing socio-cultural conflicts, has also developed in the country along Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal strips.
Specific criteria for opening up sensitive areas to tourists to come are however more demanding in Morocco due in particular to the deteriorating ecological balances in the tropics than its Spanish neighbor. The team upon invitation developed a charter for a sustainable development conception for Moroccan eco-tourism, which charter fits fully into the more generally Urgent Charter as proposed for Spain and the countries of the Morphoclimatic Box 2 of the country.
12.2. Supporting Local Communities
When selecting a Halal trip provider to Morocco, it always adds a positive value if part of the package you are interested in includes a donation to local communities. In general, one of our best tips for sustainable tourism in Morocco is to choose a trip provider that supports local communities by donating part of their profits to local associations and charities. Voluntourism is not massively developed in Morocco, a country that is already receiving millions of visitors every year. Our suggestion is to use that small but valuable fraction of your expenses to give back to particular local groups that really need it. It is not uncommon to book holidays in a Moroccan city without being aware of the fact that there are slums at a stone’s throw from its luxurious hotels. In Marrakech and in many other cities in Morocco, the sight of poverty goes unnoticed by the visitor, fed in the tourist area and hidden from that reality. In larger tourist centers, it is our responsibility as travelers to take action, as tourists can help alleviate poverty in Morocco. By donating at least a small percentage of our expenses, we can help reduce inequality through donations to schools, orphanages, social centers, soup kitchens, and families with few resources in the country.
13. Case Studies of Successful Halal Tours
The trend of Islamization in Morocco has become a real political and social reality that is increasingly taking hold in Moroccan society. Many essays and witness accounts, from sociological or psychological perspectives, have been written about this sudden burst of culture in Moroccan society which was until then partying, enjoying secular freedoms while taking non-committal facets from the Judeo-Christian civilization, found at the base of globalization. However, so far, very few scholars have focused on the socio-cultural impact or the consequences of the emergence of this new Halal territory in Morocco, a Mediterranean destination where the risk of travel for Arab-Muslim tourists has remained currently low, thanks to the Kingdom’s cultural proximity, as well as its geographical proximity to their countries of origin. This chapter addresses this gap by providing insights from several cultures, and in particularly Islamic ones. The aim, after presenting several successful case studies of Halal tourism niches, is to bring out an exploratory study synthesis.
The lead aims to demonstrate the interest in implementing or creating new Halal Tourism packages. In this respect, the exploration of the successful models of segments or Halal niches is rich in lessons for the business fraternity. The presented examples focus on tourism niches specializing in “Halal” travel around the world. Even if it is always just about small and successful pioneers in the face of the mass tourism Charters and Tour Operators, they are nevertheless promising and interesting for larger Tour Operators and Agencies that seek to diversify their offer. In fact, these examples represent the stream from the staging of a product-service and below the waves of the Charter and the Large Operators.
14. Feedback from Travelers
This section highlights the feedback of travelers who have traveled on Halal tours in Morocco and discovered the beauty and diversity of the country, returning to their home leaving with smiles and good memories shaped from once in a lifetime adventures. Traveler feedback is an important part of building trust with potential clients when traveling overseas, taking part on adventure tours. We encourage our clients to leave us feedback after their journeys with us, so we can show the world the kind of amazing experiences available on our Halal adventure tours in Morocco.
If you’re looking for some feedback about specific tours in Morocco or have a question about Halal travel, our tours, or how to organize your own personal Halal adventure tour in Morocco, please get in touch with us. We would love to chat and help you plan your trip! Why not let the travelers speak here? These are tourists, who have visited Morocco on our Halal tours, sharing memories from their travel adventures in Morocco.
These feedbacks are signed by our clients but we took the liberty to remove their name, nationality and date of travel to respect their privacy. Each travel experience is unique in its own way. Discover the beauty of the Berber life in the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara desert dunes and oasis, the ancient kasbahs, the extraordinary landscape, the colourful souks filled of Berber arts and crafts, the aromatic spices… Come enjoy mint tea and Moroccan food with us and discover the Moroccan hospitality! Our private and custom tours of Morocco can be personalized for your family, your group of friends or school. Come and discover Morocco with us, we will share with you the best experiences, the best halal food… and the beauty of Morocco! We’ll be waiting for you!
15. Future of Halal Tourism in Morocco
While halal tourism has emerged, much remains to be done to develop, structure and promote it, in particular by the involvement of professionals in the tourism and business sectors across all regions of Morocco. The growth of halal tourism is a boon for the Moroccan tourism sector, which is experiencing a wave of demand from Muslim travelers. The enthusiasm of Moroccan hoteliers for halal-friendly and family-oriented concepts is growing with the emergence of the halal tourism trend, affirming the potential of Morocco as a destination desired by international tourists. This trend could revive the tourism sector which was the most affected sector during the pandemic. Failure to capture this market would be a missed opportunity to revive a beleaguered sector. Indeed, the Muslim tourism economy has recently capitalized on the lessons learned during the pandemic and could become an opportunity to attract travelers in search of spirituality, new experiences and wellness next to home. This global interest for the upcoming holidays has been made official through several recommendations aimed to create a portfolio of tourist products that can attract this type of tourism different from conventional tourism and to contribute to the creation of investment funds that can finance them in the short or medium term from risk funds or funds from the Central Bank.
Faced with the recovery of traditional Mediterranean destinations, it will also be necessary to communicate more strongly to promote the Islamic model specific to Morocco, which is not a theme park for halal tourism but authentic tourism in all its diversity. This authenticity accompanies halal tourism through the staging of the Muslim heritage of these countries: mosques, kasbahs, monuments. Destination countries must also promote their services: tour operators that offer special packages, travel agencies that elaborate special itineraries, transport companies that ensure special modes of transport… In short, halal tourism in Morocco is a young tourist niche that requires the guidelines of the professionals of the sector to support it, to structure it and to make it known.
16. Conclusion
By embarking on a halal-adventure in Morocco, you are sure to have a unique and enriching travel experience, as Morocco has a wide arrange of things to offer, from its history, rich culture, to its breathtaking landscapes and sceneries that vary from coastal beaches, to waterfalls clean rivers surrounded by mountains, to the mystical and colourful cities full of characters at every corner, to the beautiful desert of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga full of sand dunes and long rich nights under the stars, to its spiced traditional food, to the local Berber and Bedouin people full of hospitality and welcoming attitude. Tourism is one of the key factors in the development of Morocco’s economy. It has a major role in job creation, in wealth generation, and in infrastructural investments. The Kingdom of Morocco has put tourism issues at the top of its list of priorities with the aim of increasingly diversifying the tourism offer and making it more attractive. Holidaymakers will find rich and diverse tourist sites, with unique specificities. In recent years, Morocco’s tourism sector has successfully capitalized on its geographical proximity to Europe, and the security system put in place by the Kingdom has established it as a safe haven in a troubled region. More than ever, the Kingdom offers tourists a culturally rich destination, with extraordinary and varied landscapes. The objective is to transform Morocco into a leading tourist destination. As proof of this, travel professionals consider it one of the most attractive countries at a global level. 1001 travel brochures, hotels and palaces of an incomparable architecture, an office holiday for an always organized and seasoned guided tour.
