Moroccan Darija: Unveiling the Essence of Language, Culture, and Traditions, Online Translation, English To Moroccan Arabic Darija

Important stuff about Moroccan travel

What you should know about Morocco before you visit.

Morocco is a land of contrasts, with a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of African, Amazigh, Arab, and European influences. This makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a truly unique and immersive travel experience. In this article, we will explore why Morocco is a great destination for tourists and what makes it so special.

menara marrakech mydarija

Menara – Marrakech 

Morocco is a land of contrasts, with a rich cultural heritage and a unique blend of African, Amazigh, Arab, and European influences. This makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a truly unique and immersive travel experience. In this article, we will explore why Morocco is a great destination for tourists and what makes it so special.

mydarija images for Morocco scaled e1675181769909

Safi – Morocco

menara Marrakech Morocco

Menara – Marrakech 

Menara Morocco front

Menara – Marrakech 

First and foremost, Morocco is home to some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world. The locals are known for their warm welcome and will go out of their way to make sure you have a great time in their country. This hospitality is a reflection of the strong community bonds that exist in Morocco, where family and friendship are valued above all else.

One of the key draws of Morocco is its rich and diverse cultural heritage. From the ancient ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis to the stunning medieval architecture of the Hassan II Mosque, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The country is also famous for its vibrant and eclectic art scene, with traditional crafts such as textiles, ceramics, and jewelry blending seamlessly with contemporary forms such as painting, sculpture, and photography.

The natural beauty of Morocco is another major draw for tourists. From the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara, there is a stunning landscape waiting to be explored. The country is also home to a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including Barbary macaques, Atlas lions, Barbary deer, and numerous bird species.

When it comes to food, Morocco is a true feast for the senses. The country is famous for its delicious and aromatic cuisine, with dishes such as Tagine, Couscous, Harira soup, and Bastilla being just a few of the many delicious offerings. The locals are passionate about their food and will go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable dining experience.

In addition to the points mentioned above, Morocco is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From trekking in the Atlas Mountains to sandboarding in the Sahara, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure. For those interested in water sports, the country’s long coastline offers opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.

For history buffs, Morocco is a treasure trove of fascinating stories and legends. From the ancient city of Marrakesh, once the capital of the Almohad Empire, to the medieval city of Fes, with its intricate network of narrow alleyways, there is plenty to explore.

Another great reason to visit Morocco is its rich and vibrant nightlife. From the traditional music and dance of the Gnawa in Marrakesh to the trendy bars and clubs of Casablanca, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening of live music or an evening festival, Morocco has you covered.

For those seeking a spiritual experience, Morocco is home to a number of holy sites, including the Tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of the first Muslim dynasty in Morocco, and the Kairaouine Mosque, one of the largest and oldest universities in the world.

Finally, Morocco is a great destination for travelers looking for a unique shopping experience. From the bustling souks of Marrakesh to the colorful markets of Fes, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for traditional Moroccan crafts, textiles, or jewelry, you’re sure to find it in one of the many vibrant markets that dot the country.

In short, there are countless reasons why Morocco should be on your travel itinerary. Whether you’re a culture buff, an adventurer, a foodie, or just looking for a warm welcome, Morocco has something for everyone. So why not plan your trip today and start exploring this amazing country?

Morocco is a truly unique and special destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, delicious food, or just a warm welcome, Morocco has it all. So why not book your trip today and start exploring one of the most fascinating and vibrant countries in the world?

LOCATION

Morocco is a beautiful country with a wonderful climate. It has a large coastline from the Atlantic Ocean. It is located directly below Western Europe in Northern Africa. There are many regions in Morocco including the Sahara Desert and mountains. The capital city is Rabat and the population is 37.5 million.

LANGUAGE

Several languages are spoken by Moroccans. Darija is the most common. It is an Arab language that has influences from Tamazight, French,
and Spanish. It is fast language. When the local people have a conversation in Darija, they speak very quickly. Classic Arabic is used by the government. Tamazight and French are spoken by many of the population. Spanish and English are used as well.

WEATHER

Morocco has a tropical climate. It is mostly dry and sunny year-round. However, it does snow in the mountains during the winter months.

CURRENCY

Moroccan dirhams (MAD) are the currency used in Morocco. The currency exchange rate is around 9.2 dirhams = 1 US dollar, and about 10.9 dirhams = 1 Euro. This rate does fluctuate daily. Foreign money may be exchanged for Moroccan dirhams at banks, airports, and some hotels. The money should not have any writing on tears on it. There are lots of ATM’s in Morocco. Many places only accept dirhams. However, some places will take a credit card, debit card, or foreign money such as the United States dollar and Euros.

TIME ZONE

Morocco uses the Western European time zone (WET) or Greenwich mean time (GMT) and (GMT +1). The time changes in the summer and winter. It also changes during Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month where people practicing Islam do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. Some stores and restaurants may have different business hours during Ramadan.

PHONE CALLS & Wi-Fi

To make an international phone call to Morocco, you will need to add +212 before you dial the phone number you want. Wi-Fi is available as well

ELECTRICITY

The power outlets in Morocco run on 220 voltage and 50 hertz. Electric plugs, types C and E, are used in Morocco.

TRANSPORTATION

There are international airports located near Casablanca (CMN), Marrakech (RAK), Rabat (RBA), Agadir (AGA), Fez (FEZ), Essaouira (ESU), Tangier (TNG), and Ouarzazate (OZZ). There are trains, buses, and grand taxis that travel between cities. You can also use a petit taxi or rent a car for in city travel. You will need an international driver’s license to do this. Most rental cars have a manual transmission. People drive on the right side of the road in Morocco. Trains are a good mode of transportation in Morocco. You can get to most cities by train for a reasonable price.

ACCOMMODATION

There are hotels, riads (a house with a garden in the middle), apartments, etc. that you can stay at while on vacation. 

CULTURE & RELIGION

The Kingdom of Morocco is multicultural. Since the majority of the population practices Islam a person from a mosque will announce the call to worship, called adhan, several times every day. It is similar to church bells being rung on Sunday mornings. Talking about religion, politics, and sex makes many people uncomfortable in Morocco. You must be a Muslim to go into most mosques. However, everyone can go into Hassan 2 in Casablanca.

SHOPPING

You can negotiate the price of some things in Morocco, especially at the local market (souk). You can purchase alcohol and cigarettes from special places. You should be aware that you cannot drink alcohol outside. There are some bars where you can drink and smoke. You can buy bottled water at a Moroccan supermarket such as (Mrjane , Acima, Mall etc…) or small shop, called a hanot. Tipping is common practice at hotels, restaurants, and sometimes when taking a picture of a local person.

IMMUNIZATIONS

According to the center for disease control (CDC), everyone should receive routine vaccinations. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended before visiting Morocco but is not required.

CALENDAR

American dates are written in a  “ month / day / year ”  format. However, international dates are normally written in a  “ day / month / year ”  format

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED

Things to be aware of in Morocco...
1) You cannot eat/drink during the day in public while Ramadan is being observed.
2) Talking about religion, politics, and sex makes many people uncomfortable.
3) It is respectful to wear modest clothing.
4) Keep public displays of affection to a minimum (or not at all) including holding hands and kissing, etc...
5) A Muslim must present a marriage license to get a hotel room or place to live with their spouse.