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Time
Local time is GMT.

Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in use.

Language
Arabic is the official language, but eight other languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the most widely spoken.

Entry requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months, providing the passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Subject, with the right of abode in the U.K. In all other cases a visa is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport and must apply for a visa in South Africa, for travel to Morocco.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note
Proof of sufficient funds are required for visa and entry approval. An extension of six months is available for visa-exempt nationals.

Health
No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. It is advisable to drink bottled water outside the main cities and towns and avoid street food. Medical facilities are good in all major towns. Health insurance is essential.

Tipping
A tip of 10 to 15% is expected in the more expensive bars and restaurants, though some establishments include a service charge. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded. Visitors should note that tips are the only income for some porters and guides.

Safety
Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities. Most visits to Morocco are trouble-free, however terrorist attacks have occurred in the past, and visitors are advised to be vigilant.

Customs
Morocco is a Muslim country and it is preferable to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or hotel poolside. Women travelling alone will receive less hassle if dressed conservatively. Smoking is practised widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The giving and receiving of things, and the eating of food, should only be done with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Homosexuality is a criminal offence, and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.

Business
Business in Morocco has been influenced by France and therefore tends to be conducted formally, with an emphasis on politeness. Dress is formal, and women in particular should dress conservatively. Most business is conducted in French, although some English is spoken. It is best to ascertain before hand what language the meeting will be in, and arrange an interpreter as needed. Visitors are expected to be punctual, though meetings may not start on time. Moroccans are friendly and enjoy socialising, trust and friendship are important bases for business dealings so be prepared to engage in small talk. A handshake is common when arriving and departing. Women may encounter some sexism in business, although this is starting to change. Most businesses are closed on Fridays, and some are also closed on Thursdays.

Communications
The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)44 for Marrakech and (0)37 for Rabat. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Two mobile GSM 900 networks cover the north of the country. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.

Duty free
Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and perfume up to 5g.

The Marrakech airport offers great facilities to their visitor which includes services like banks with ATM facilities, a post office, a restaurant matching the best of the standards including a snack bar, a general shop, a duty free shop and a medical center. It also houses a information center which caters to the different queries of the passengers about the city and the flights as well.

The transfer from the airport to the city is not an issue at all! Passengers can easily avail the taxis from the taxi stand which is just 15 minutes away from the airport. Other than these taxis the visitors can also avail the car rentals from the airport.

There is ample amount of parking place and no departure tax as well.

Excoursions

Oukaimeden
A ski resort in the desert! Indeed, thick snow envelops the Jebal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months (usually January and February), just a 46-mile (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town of Oukaimeden, which can be reached by taxi or self-drive car, is well equipped for the skiers that seek restaurants, ski equipment to rent, and comfortable hotels, set in lush greenery backed by blue mountains. Skiers can ascend the mountain by donkey or camel, but there are also modern ski lifts.

Ouirgane
The village of Ouirgane, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains about 90 minutes drive from Marrakech, stands at the centre of a popular resort area, where summers are cooler and winters less harsh than those experienced in the city. The surrounding Berber countryside offers picturesque villages and hamlets to explore, set in forests full of wildlife and groves of fruit trees, alongside streams cascading down from the High Atlas Mountains and fields of wild flowers. The area is also known for its extraordinarily beautiful rose gardens.

The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring, from late March to mid-June, when the sky is generally blue and the temperature is still comfortable. Regarding useful information of health and safety the city offers good quality of medical facilities. Though there is no malaria or yellow fever in Morocco but please avoid undercooked meat sold at roadside restaurants and local dairy products.

Sightseeing in Marrakech can really be fun if one chooses to wander, only to be greeted by surprises every now and then. A guide is not at all essential and the tourist police are also very helpful. Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance, the rest being not too far away.

The Koutoubia Mosque is a major tourist's attraction in Marrakech but entry is prohibited to non-Muslims. However, one can always marvel at the architectural grandeur which is visible from outside the mosque. Sightseeing in Marrakech would be incomplete without visiting the city's three medina-based museums, each of which have their own distinct style and are worth visiting.

If Sightseeing in Marrakech appears to be too hectic one can seek respite in the luxuriant public and private gardens surrounding the city.
The Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech is the center of attraction for tourists. Every day the carnival begins as soon as the shadow of the stately Koutoubia minaret lengthens. Musicians, snake-charmers, fortune tellers, fire eaters and dancers throng the place to entertain the bewitched tourists coming from different parts of the globe.
Very few cities in the world enjoy such a spectacular ambience as Marrakech and with so much to see one can hardly afford to miss the Sightseeing in Marrakech.

Marrakech Popular Destinations
The second largest city of Morocco is Marrakech, which has an affluent industrial area and is the major market and organizational centre of Southern Morocco. Marrakech Popular Destinations include numerous historical monuments, buildings and the enchanting beauty of Marrakech lies in the atmosphere and the spectacular location of this city. Marrakech is the city of entertainment in Morocco. Djemaa el fna is a square in the hub of Marrakech, which is the centre for entertainers like acrobats, drummers, dancers, pipe musicians, comedians and storytellers. Different kind of meals are available here, including the sight of the Djemaa el Fna food stalls, several low-priced café, restaurants and a number of high-class palace-restaurants, which offer Morocco's authentic delicacies at its very best.

It is not necessary to have a guide in Marrakech, because the maps will guide you flawlessly. Marrakech Popular Destinations are; Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Museum where you can see the cedar woodwork, the interesting open-air market place called souks and small squares, where you can frequently watch part of the making process of specific crafts. The most interesting times to visit the souks are early morning and late afternoon when the auction of products is taken place. The Marrakech Museum houses the exhibitions of Moroccan art and sculpture, both traditional and contemporary. In the entrance quad of Marrakech Museum, there is a small bookshop and café. The Marrakech Museum has many beautiful gardens with many picnic spots, lake-sized pools and calm and quiet surroundings.

Djemaa el-Fna
What it lacks in beauty, the large town square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna (Square of the Dead) makes up for in pulsating liveliness that belies its name. Every day the square is a colourful circus of performing artists where snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers vie with each other to be noticed by the milling crowds; every evening food stalls take over and the competition is fierce among them for the passing trade, offering anything from boiled snails and sheep's heads to thick vegetable soup, kebabs or fresh salads. Freshly squeezed orange juice stalls stand side by side encircling the market and offer a refreshing drink both day and night. The square is a fascinating place to sit awhile at one of the surrounding cafes, watching the swirling parade. The square is also the gateway to the souks (bazaars) of Marrakech, tucked away in the surrounding labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. It is easy to lose your way, but well worth exploring the plethora of craftsmen offering their wares. Bargain for anything from water mugs and dates to exotic Moroccan carpets. The souks are also well shaded from the searing Moroccan sun and therefore provide a respite from the heat.

Koutoubia Mosque
Towering over the labyrinthine streets and markets of Marrakech is the city's principal landmark, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, known as the 'mosque of the booksellers' because of the bazaar of the book traders that used to be nearby. The red stone mosque was first built in 1147, but demolished and rebuilt in 1199 because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque, basically a massive prayer hall, has 17 aisles and 112 columns, and room for thousands to pray within it. The ornately carved minbar (pulpit) is believed to have been a gift from the Almoravid Sultan Ali ben Youssef. The landmark minaret is 221ft (69m) high and consists of six chambers one atop the other, ascended by a ramp through which the muezzin ascends to the top balcony. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but the area around is a favourite place for an evening stroll.

Saadian Tombs
The beautiful necropolis was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a final resting place for himself and his successors. There are 66 indoor tombs, lavishly decorated with colourful, intricate mosaics. The central mausoleum, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, is exceptionally ornate with a high vaulted roof, furnished with stunning carved cedar panels and columns of grey Italian marble.

Address: Rue de la Kasbah near the city walls in the old city, beneath the minaret of the Kasbah mosque
Opening time: Wednesday to Monday, 8am to 12pm and 2.30pm to 6pm
Admission: 10 dirhams

Things to Do in Marrakech
Marrakech is undoubtedly a thrilling destination, and you will not lack for Things to Do in Marrakech. Like its magical tourist attractions, fun filled activities too are part of its undaunted appeal to the travelers from allover the world. Here you can get yourself indulged in sightseeing, visiting the historical palaces, swimming, golfing and many other things.
The Agdal and Menara gardens are a wonderful place for a stroll or a picnic. On your way to Saadian Tombs and Palais de la Bahia, right hand side you will find Dar Si Said museum where you can visit the Bert Flynt carpet collection.

There is the unique Majorelle Gardens, now owned by Yves Saint Laurent. You can enjoy your day in a dreamy idleness at this garden lolling on the green grasses and reading a romantic tale of love. You can also have a long but interesting discussion with a small group of carefully selected professional guides, who speak English and French fluently, and who have real knowledge about the history, the sites, and the culture of Morocco.

For those travelers who are fascinated by sports Marrakech has some of the best golf in the world. Besides, there are opportunities for swimming, quad bike riding, horse riding, skiing and balloon trips. Your imagination is pretty much the limit. Are you fancying a camel ride? No problem! Want to take a helicopter to the desert? Marrakech is ready.

Parks and Gardens
There are several beautiful parks and gardens in Marrakech. These have been used as some of the best places to loll on green grasses while spending your vacation in this Moroccan city. If you are tired after roaming around various tourist places in the city of Marrakech, you can just spend your evening by getting teased by the fresh air in any of Marrakech Parks & Gardens.
In the city of Marrakech, Jardin Menara is one of the most beautiful parks. You can reach this beautiful garden most easily. And probably this easy accessibility makes this garden a favorite nook for tourists as well as the local dwellers.

Looking for tranquility? Come to this garden of Jardin Menara; and you will find a peaceful ambiance. It is a very peaceful place where one can relax and escape from everyday stressors. It may remind you of the favorite poem, "To One Who Has Been Long in City Pent" by John Keats where someone gets a complete relaxation after he gets in a country side and has the scenic beauty of nature. Jardin Menara features a fine-looking still pool backed by a pavilion which dates back to 1866 and an organised collection of olive groves.

Jardin Majorelle, another superb garden, was planned and laid out by the French painter Majorelle in the year 1922. Amongst the striking array of flowery beauty, you will find Majorelle's blue villa which is now home to a modest museum of Islamic art.

Shopping at Marrakech

Money
The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in major towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are not prevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.

Attijariwafa Bank
- Rue Mohammed El Beqal, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 448 905
- Boulevard Zerktounin, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 446 620
- 213 avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 432 910
- 46 boulevard Moulay Ismaïl, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 442 034

Banque Populaire
- Avenue abdelkrim El Khettabi, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 434 561

BMCE Bank
- Avenue de Mohamed VI, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 430 101

BMCI
- 35 boulevard Zerktouni Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 448 109
- Rue Moulay Ismaïl Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 442 188

CIH
- 187 boulevard Mohammed V, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 448 830

Crédit Agricole
- avenue Hassan II, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 446 385

Crédit du Maroc
- 215 Boulevard Mohammed V, Marrakech
Tel : + 212 (0)24 434 851

Société Générale
- 59 rue de Yougoslavie, Marrakech Maroc
Tel : + 212 (0)24 448 702

Golf Courses

Agadir:

Golf Club Med Les Dunes (3x9 Loch, alle Par 36 über 3000m)
Royal Golf d´ Agadir (9 Loch, Par 36, 2760m)

Benslimane:
Royal Golf d´ Benslimane (9 Loch, Par 36, 3080m)

Casablanca:
Royal Golf d´ Anfa (9 Loch, Par 35, 2710m)

El Jadida:
Royal Golf d´ El Jadida (18 Loch, Par 72, 6539m)

Marrakesch:
Royal Golf d´ Marrakesch (18 Loch, Par 72, 5658m)
Dies der bevorzugte Platz von König Hassan II, ein landschaftliches Kleinod.
Ein alter Platz mit viel Tradition und noch viel mehr alten Bäumen. Ein Genuss!
Der fast 75 Jahre alte Golfplatz Le Royal Golf de Marrakesch liegt etwa 8 Kilometer vom Stadtzentrum Marrakesch in ruhiger Lage, inmitten von Palmenhainen mit einem satten Grün.
Der Golfplatz hat 18 Löcher, einige davon sind von künstlichen Hügeln umgeben.
Club de la Palmaire (18 Loch, Par 72, 6205m, Handicap 35)

In einer traumhaft schönen Golfoase mitten in einem Palmengarten.
Der Golfplatz de la Palmeraie liegt etwa 10 Kilometer von Marrakesch entfernt und wurde von R. Trent Jones Senior designed. Umgeben von üppigen Palmenhainen und 7 künstlichen Seen passt er wunderbar der Landschaft an und in den Bunkern der weiße Sand der Atlantikstrände.
Etwa 7 km von der Stadt entfernt. Handicap 35

La Palmeraie Golf Club Marrakech
With the Golf de la Palmeraie, the famous architect Robert Trent Jones signed a golf master-piece in 18 holes in Marrakesh’s palm grove.
The Golf de la Palmeraie is a true delight for the golfers of all levels. It’s course stretches over a plam grove of more than 77 hectares (190 acres) and faces an exceptional panorama that clearly inspired it’s creator Robert Trent Jones, the international master of the golf architecture. He managed to design a course that perfectly balances golfing skills and a breathtaking landscape. This 6 205,00 meters (6 785,87 yards) course is a golfers dream come true. As it winds up and down the famous palm grove of Marrakesh, the players alternate from hole to hole from amazing views on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the ochre of the Medina walls, the dark blue of the 7 lakes and the green of the thousands of palm trees.
This flat course was constructed in a valley that crosses the famous palm grove of Marrakesh. By playing on length, the attack of the greens as well as dog-legs and obstacles of water, the architect signed an ideal course for the golfers of all levels. The hole n ° 3, a par 4 in dogleg, constitutes one of its first difficulties. The hole n°9 punctuates the first half with a pond that forces the player to get to the green in two strikes. The return is slightly more technical with in particular n°16, a long par 5, and n°17 who demands for a lot of precision in order to avoid a lake. Hole 18 will take you near the club-house, a splendid Moorish house, decorated with relish.
At the arrival of the hole n°18, you will find with pleasure the freshness of the superb arabo-Moorish club house.

Golf Course Guide | GOLF DE LA PALMERAIE
Course : 18 holes – Par 72
Length : 6 205 m
Max Handicap : 35
Architect : Robert Trent Jones

Green-fee : 500 DH par day (for the non residents of the Palmeraie Golf Palace)

Golf d´ Amelkis (18 Loch, Par 72, 6657m, kein Handicap erforderlich)

Der neueste und schönste Platz in Marrakesch. Ca. 12 km von der Stadt entfernt.
Der D'Amelkis Golfplatz ist eine der neuesten Kreationen von Cabbel B. Robinson, ein amerikanisches Design, zwischen Wüste und alten Olivenbäumen, mit dem Hohen Atlas Gebirge als Hintergrund.
Herrliche und interessante 18 Löcher, eingebettet in Palmen, Wasserhindernisse und exotischem Rough. Sehr lang.

Meknes:
Royal Golf de Meknes (9 Loch, Par 36, 2707m)

Mohammedia:
Royal Golf de Mohammedia (18 Loch, Par 72, 5909m)

Rabat:
Royal Club de Dar es Salam (2x 18 Loch, Par 72 und 73, 65702 und 6205m)

Tanger:
Royal Country Club de Tanger (18 Loch, Par 70, 5540m)

Tetuan:
Royal Gold de Cabo Negro (9 Loch, Par 36, 3104m)

Marrakech the city of southwestern Morocco located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is also known by the name of Red City or Al Hamra. Marrakech city offers lots of options of what and where to eat. There are countless restaurants that serve traditional as well as international cuisines.

The food market or Souq el Kheir located close to Qzadria square of Marrakech is one of the most famous food markets of Morocco. Here you can find numbers of food stalls and shops selling attractive cooking pots so that you can make your own food back home. Located close to it is another market that is popular for fruits & vegetables.

Among the wide ranges of dishes, one should try Hahera. It is a kind of soup usually made of meat but nowadays one can also get a vegetarian hahera. Most of the street restaurants located at the main square of Marrakech city serve this delicious dish at night particularly. Moroccan cuisine is popular because of its spicy taste. Most of the dishes are cooked in freshly prepared spices that give altogether a different tasty and spicy flavor.

Among the other dishes the most common yet popular dish of Marrakech is its traditional Moroccan pastry that you will find easily as hundreds of street shops sell all these kinds of pastry.

There are quite popular restaurants available in the city that serves you the traditional Moroccan cuisine along with international cuisines. Among them Jad Mahal, Jacaranda, Lolo Quoi Restaurant, La Creperie de Marrakech, Sabal, Salam Bombay, Dar Moha Restaurant and Soleiman Palace Restaurant are quite famous.

Marrakech Museums feature Muslim art and architectures. Photography, paintings and ceramics are the main attractions of Marrakech Museums. Besides, jewelry of past ages, clothing, manuscripts and different mosaic designs will mesmerize you once you get in any of the Marrakech Museums.

Museum of Marrakech
Positioned near the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Museum of Marrakech is situated in the Dar M'Nebhi Palace and is aptly regarded one of the most gorgeous constructions remaining from the end of the nineteenth century. Contemporary art display includes expos of paintings, photography and ceramics here. Feel a large thematic exposition over here.

Museum of the Friends of Marrakech
The Museum of the Friends of Marrakech is located in a 19th century riad that has been outstandingly reinstated. Notice the creations by Marrakechi artists offered through expositions of jewelry, ceramics, clothing and manuscript.

Dar Si Saïd
Dar Si Saïd museum has a high-quality compilation of Moroccan works of art. Getting into it you will find treasures comprise skillfully crafted silver and Berber jewelry, intricate chests, ancient pottery, worked leather as well as an remarkable collection of carpets.

The Museum, housed in a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid, depicts the arts, crafts and culture of the Berber people, including displays of some Moorish cedarwood furniture, and artefacts from every day life in the Sahara desert. There is also a collection of door and window frames, elaborately carved and ornamented, in the museum courtyard.

Address: Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid
Telephone: (044) 442 464
Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 11.45am; and 2.30pm to 5.45pm; closed Tuesdays
Admission: 10 dirhams

Islamic Art Museum
The Islamic Art Museum is situated inside the arena of a blue villa in the Majorelle Gardens. There are exhibitions of marriage curtains and fabrics, embroideries, manuscripts, jewelry and many other masterpieces. Children are not allowed inside the museum.

Speaking of Marrakech Festivals & Events, two of the biggest annual events, which draw the crowds to the Marrakech region, are:
- The big Gnaoua and world music festival in Essaouira (early June) and
- The film festival in the Red City (late September)
Event surf groupies and post-hippies get together with ethno-beat enthusiasts and local gentry at the Gnaoua. Open-air concerts and the historic ramparts of Essaouira make a fitting backdrop.

The other is the Marrakech's big cinema-festival: the FIFM is a flashier occasion altogether. This glitzy finds the blue bloods of cinema, the stars and starlets, descend on the red carpet in their best ensemble, rubbing shoulders with the big cinema names from the South.

Huge crowds gather at Jemaâ el Fna as along with the star struck fans a number of film enthusiasts gather to see the open-air screenings of Bollywood films. In July, Marrakech hosts a grand folklore festival, where it highlights its huge range of traditional music and dance. With the new festival management taking over this festival it is expected that this event will soon be garbed in a more ethnic attire to bring it in line with the Essaouira Gnaoua bash.

There is a more discreet spring chamber music do held in Essaouira as well, not known to many. Apart from these highly publicized Moroccon events that attract the visitors to be a part of there are few long-established traditional festivals or moussems, generally in late summer, that are worth catching, especially as the tradition seems to be disappearing.

Clubs and Party
www.pachamarrakech.com