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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions with regard to traveling in Morocco:
1) Is traveling and touring safe in Morocco?
Yes, tourism is a major business in Morocco. There are many national and international travel companies to choose from for escorted travel, as well as independent guides for hire for more independent travel. Morocco has long recognized and supported America. Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize American independence in 1777. The Treaty of Marrakech or Amity and Friendship Treaty was ratified in 1787 and is the longest running, unbroken treaty between the United States and any country. Morocco was also the first Muslim country to respond with outrage and condolences to the American people after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
2) Is it safe to travel alone?
Yes, keeping in mind the basic and common sense safety requirements for traveling while in foreign countries. Women traveling alone will be seen as an anomaly or an oddity, as Muslim women are still expected to travel accompanied by parent, brother, uncle or older aunt. Women traveling, alone or otherwise, will remain safe from harm by taking the usual safety precautions, respecting the local culture and by dressing accordingly. Most unwanted attention can be verbally discouraged, as the tenets of Islam protect the traveler and women in general.
3) What amenities are to be expected while traveling in Morocco?
Just as Morocco has a varied and diverse topography and climate, so are the amenities varied and diverse. Generally when traveling in the larger or medium size cities one will find all Western and Eastern amenities available at almost all locations. This includes toiletries, clothing, food, range of hotel accommodations, etc.
When traveling in the smaller cities, villages and the desert; amenities may be simpler or scarcer to find. It is a good idea when traveling in smaller towns and more remote areas to carry your own toiletries, water and camping gear. In smaller hotels one may have a shared bath rather than private bath and the traveler will need to provide their own toiletries in almost all cases.
4) What kinds of food are found in Morocco?
Morocco is a great producer and exporter of fruits and vegetables. The most important crop is tomatoes, followed by citrus fruit (oranges, clementines, lemons), other fruits (pears, peaches, apples, plums, bananas), and olives. Moroccan cuisine is typified by the use of many different blends of spices. Some of the most widely used spices are cinnamon, ginger, cloves, saffron, coriander, cumin, thyme, and mint. Some of the most popular dishes are couscous: a popular semolina based grain cooked with vegetables and / or meat, harira: a staple soup made of chick peas, kebabs and kefta: brochettes of meat or minced meat balls, pastilla: a type of meat pie most commonly made with pigeon meat and almonds, mechoui: spit or pit roasted mutton, a specialty at festivals, and tagines: a very tasty dish of meat (chicken, fish, vegetables) baked in a special ceramic pot. Note the main types of meat are chicken and mutton, beef is found less frequently and fish. Dishes can be requested vegetarian. Pork is not found as Muslims are forbidden to eat any meat from the pig. Alcohol is also forbidden for Muslim consumption, however, Europeans are allowed to purchase alcohol and wine which can be found in the larger cities and tourist restaurants.
5) What kind of government does Morocco have?
Morocco, a small country approximately the size of Texas, and known as al Maghreb al Aqsa “ the farthest land of the setting sun”, is a kingdom ruled by a constitutional monarchy. The King, Mohammed VI, son of the Hassan II, of the Alawite dynasty, holds the position of King and retains the right to suspend the Constitution and Parliament in cases of national emergency. There is a two chamber Parliament, the upper house- The Chamber of Advisors (270) elected by trade unions, local councils, and professional associations and serve nine year terms; and the lower house- the Chamber of Representatives (325) elected by popular vote, serve five year terms. The Parliament is now responsible for initiating and approving bills and legislation for the country as a whole. Local government is organized on three levels. At the top level are governors appointed by the King over 49 urban provinces including four in the disputed Western Sahara. The second level is at the rural district level ruled by chefs de cercle, and the third level is that of the rural commune governed by qa’ids and pashas. The Ministry of the Interior, made up of the Governors appoint the second and first level officials. Any matters of personal status (domestic law and inheritance) and religious matter are presented to the local quadi , the local Muslim judge who is charged with interpreting Islamic Law.
6) What is the major language spoken in Morocco?
The official language of the country is Arabic. However, the primary language of business and government is French. There are many citizens who speak Arabic, French and their native Berber language. Some English is spoken but mainly nearer the cities or major tourism sites or among the highly educated. Spanish is also spoken in Tangiers and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
7) What form of religion is practiced in Morocco?
The predominant religion is Islam(98.7 percent of the population) and most are of the Sunni sect, the most dominant and less radical branch of Islam. The King, Mohammed VI is a sharif, descendant of the Prophet of Mohammad. Therefore he is the ultimate spiritual authority in Morocco and empowered to interpret the laws of Islam. There are also some 1.1 percent of the population practicing Christians- mostly Roman Catholic and now only 0.2 percent of the population are Jewish.
8) What should I expect during my homestay experience?
Guests should expect to be welcomed with open arms and treated as long lost friends while staying at Chez Rachid. This is a chance to immerse oneself in another culture and experience Morocco and the Berber lifestyle in –depth. The family will try to accommodate all travelers’ interests and entertain them as warmly as possible. Keep in mind that Chez Rachid is set in a remote location and is a homestay setup. Please do not expect modern conveniences ( telephone, air conditioning, electric heat, lamps etc.) or the ease of the luxury hotel. Hot and cold running water are available in the bathrooms and kitchen. Chez Rachid is a step back in time to the more simple ways, where cooking, cleaning, washing is done by hand and the pace encourages one to slow down and experience the rhythms of nature and the simplicity of life.
9) Do I provide my own bedding and linen?
Guests staying in one of the five private guest rooms at Chez Rachid will be provided with linen, blankets, and pillows. Guests who are overnighting, camping or staying in a biouvac should bring their own linens, sleeping bags, or other camping gear as they require. Electricity is not available on a regular basis, so electrical appliances are not required. Travelers may want to bring their own flashlight or headlamp for nighttime walking. Lanterns with candles are provided for general room lighting.
10) Are meals provided as part of my homestay experience?
Yes, please let us know you would like meals included during your stay and we will be happy to provide you with typical Moroccan cuisine. You may even participate in preparing and learning to cook Moroccan cuisine. Should you have dietary restrictions please make advance preparation to bring the food you require with you which can then be prepared on site.
11) Are additional activities or excursions available from this location?
Yes, please note there are many beautiful hiking treks to be taken in the hills, or along the path of the riverbed, visits can be made to nearby villages, visit nearby Ouarzazate for shopping or dining, arrangements can be made for ATV riding, camel or donkey treks, trips to the desert and the Merzouga sand dunes, trips to the ksar of Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO world heritage site), trips to the Kasbah Taourirt, trips to the Todra And Dades Gorges, etc. Please let us know what your interests are and we will be happy to assist.
12) How can we express our gratitude to our Hosts for our Homestay experience?
While no formal exchange is required beyond the customary “SHOKRAN” or simple thank you, many travelers express a wish to express their gratitude for a wonderful homestay experience by giving a gift from their hometown, or by giving from their heart to this small community, or by donating school supplies to the local schools, and some small tip for their guides and/or drivers. Of course, the most rewarding gesture would be to tell your friends and family all about your exciting adventure and encourage them to try the experience as well.
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