Some anti-hassle hints for Morocco Travellers
Moroccans can be lovely, hospitable people if you get the chance to know them. However: – most offers of hospitality – ‘come in for a cup of tea!’ – in regular travel destinations will result in a sales campaign. So don’t accept any. – don’t trust what young men on the street tell you and don’t tell them where you’re staying. – be very clear and firm about your needs; indecision and vagueness could lead to unwanted pressure. – all sorts of tricks are used to develop a relationship that will lead to sales, from the simple ‘where are you from’ to ‘could you tell me what this says’. Best to reply distantly to greetings and nothing more…
Sad, isn’t it? But Morocco really is worth the hassle and non-sales people are relaxed, friendly and generous!
Related Travel Information
Morocco - Food and Dining Guide
Traditional Morocco food is nourishing though a little dull, with couscous [semolina] the national dish, served with stews of lamb, chicken and vegetables.
Main towns, like Fes, have lots of international restaurants at reasonable prices.
Alcohol is freely available to travellers.
Zambia : Travellers' Tips
In the near future the information below will be incorporated into the relevant Travel Advice Notice and the Tips will cease to exist as a separate entity.
-Get adequate travel insurance including medical insurance.
-Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice before travelling.
-Make a point of checking out local laws and customs and respect them.
-Beware of pickpockets and opportunist car thieves.
-Take medical advice on pre-travel vaccinations and anti-malarials.
-Ask before taking photographs.
-Ensure you know the validity of your visa and don't overstay.
-Leave a photocopy of your passport and travel
Introduction : Morocco
Morocco is situated on the northwestern corner of Africa. Morocco is bordered with Algeria to the east and southeast, Mauritania to the south and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
The country is divided into three natural regions;
(1) The fertile northern coastal plaint along the Mediterranean which contains Er Rif, mountains varying in elevation up to about 8,000 ft;
(2) The rich plateaus and lowlands lying between the rugged Atlas mountains, which extend in three parallel ranges from the Atlantic coast in the southwest to Algeria and the Mediterranean in the northeast;
(3) The semiarid area
Sous valley
The semi-tropical Sous valley and the Anti-Atlas mountains are two of the most unique regions of Morocco. The stunning physical beauty of the country, the welcoming Berber people and the availability of cheap flights to Agadir make it an excellent introduction to Morocco.
The people of these regions have a tradition of independence from the central government, as well as an independent culture and language. The regions are dominated by the Chleuh group of tribes who speak the Tachelait Berber dialect. The Chleuh are famous for their industry and business skill, as well as for their very unique music.
General Advice to travellers
Due to the civil war, internal security procedures are tight. Travellers should carry identity papers with them. Street crime is not a major problem in most Angolan towns, but armed robberies and attacks on travellers on roads outside the main urban centers are on the increase.
Angola has three main ethnic groups, each speaking a Bantu language: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, and Bakongo, 13%. Other groups include Chokwe (or Lunda), Ganguela, Nhaneca-Humbe, Ambo, Herero, and Xindunga. In addition, mixed racial (European and Africa) people amount to about 2%, with a small (1%) population of whites, mainly ethnically Portuguese.
