We have selected 10 of our most Frequently Asked Questions below. If your question isn’t here then please check out the separate question areas.
Still can’t find an answer to your question? Send us an email to marrakechdaytrips1@gmail.com and we will provide you with an answer.
Q: Who is behind Marrakechdaytrips.com?
A: The driving force behind Marrakechdaytrips.com is Ibrahim Amzil. Originally from Imlil (Berber village in the Atlas Mountains), he started out as a muleteer working with individuals and groups. For years now, he and his family have organised and led tours and treks in the Atlas Mountains and around the Kingdom of Morocco. From basic one day guided walks to full package tours and treks, including transfers, accommodation, food, guides, mules, tents, kitchen materials and much more! He has been working with different international travel organisations, such as TD Active (formally Amplify Travel), The Travel Adventure Company (Education Tour Operator) and Adventure Alternative.
In addition to his experience in, and knowledge of, the Atlas Mountains and the Kingdom of Morocco, his diploma from the centre for professional guides, makes him a qualified and certified guide.
Q: Do you employ local people wherever possible?
A: We employ local people whenever possible (muleteers, drivers, guides, guest house owners in the mountains, etc). By booking with Marrakech Day Trips you also help to support the local economy.
Q: How can I pay?
A: Before we start making the arrangements for your trek or tour we need to ask you to send us a deposit as a confirmation. This deposit can be paid either by paypal or into our bank account. Upon confirmation we will send you the payment details.
The remaining sum can be paid in any of the following currencies at the beginning of the trek/tour: Euros, US Dollars, UK Stirling or Moroccan Dirham
Q: What is the best time to travel to Morocco?
A: Morocco is a perfect destination for traveling to all year round. As far as the climate goes, the best time to visit the south – or at least the desert routes – is outside midsummer, when for most of the day it’s far too hot for casual exploration. July and August, the hottest months, can be wonderful on the coast, however, while in the mountains there are no set rules.
Spring, which comes late by European standards (around April and May), is perhaps the best overall time, with a summer climate in the south and in the mountains, as well as on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Winter can be perfect by day in the south, though desert nights can get very cold – a major consideration if you’re staying in the cheaper hotels, which rarely have heating. If you’re planning to hike in the mountains, it’s best to keep to the months from April to October unless you have some experience of snow conditions.
Q: What is the best time for trekking?
A: The best time for trekking is Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). For winter enthusiasts we also offer a Toubkal winter trek. To do a Toubkal winter trek you will need to have had experience of ice and snow conditions as you will need to walk in crampons and use ice axes.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: You need to be prepared for sudden weather changes while trekking. Sudden rain storms or snow are always a possibility which needs to be considered when trekking in the mountains. The weather during the trekking seasons mentioned above is somewhat more stable.
Q: What sort of experience do your guides have?
A: All guides we work with are government approved and have followed a mandatory training in the Center CFAMM, which makes them official and certified guides. They also have many years of guiding experience in Morocco with most of them having spent years exploring the country. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to handle any situation. All our guides speak English and French and are happy to share their deep knowledge of the country and beauty of Morocco with you. We believe in and follow the idea that it’s not enough to take visitors to special places or special cultures, we need to provide guides who can get people feel involved in what they are experiencing, explain it thoroughly and keep them entertained. Our main concern is to make your trip in Morocco safe, memorable and fun!
Q: Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
A: Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips but it is completely up to you and I can assure you that none of our guides will make you feel pressured to give them tips.
Q: Are there health risks in Morocco?
A: Morocco health information states that it is a malaria-free country. In order to enter Morocco no vaccinations are needed, but the following are strongly recommended; Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Polio and Tetanus vaccines. Your doctor will be able to advise you fully.
As sun is very strong in Morocco, you must apply sunscreen lotion to your skin and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Avoid buying food from street stalls and do not drink tap water, as it might be harmful. Drink boiled water and bottled mineral water at all times and check the seal of the mineral water that it is not broken before being put in front of you.
Q: What kind of clothes should I wear?
A: The normal dress code on the street in Morocco is to cover legs, chest and arms for both men and women. Although this is much more relaxed than it used to be, please don’t assume that you won’t offend because others dress in a western style. Though the days can be very warm between late October and April, it is usually cold at night, so it is wise to bring some warm clothing with you.
Still have a question that needs answering? Please email us at marrakechdaytrips1@gmail.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
