Frequently Asked Questions

Travel to Morocco

Are passports, visas, vaccinations, travel / health insurance required?

A valid US passport that is NOT due to expire within 6 months of travel IS REQUIRED. There is no visa required for travel from the US.

Renovad recommends purchase of travel insurance with health coverage. You may obtain insurance quotes from your preferred company or try Travel Insurance - Compare and Buy Trip Insurance Online

Review the latest travel information issued by the U.S. Government

Which airlines provide best access from the US?

Note that those participating in the Early Add On in the desert must fly into Zagora Airport (OZG), via Casablanca; CASABLANCA TO ZAGORA FLIGHTS ARE VERY LIMITED AND MUST BE BOOKED WELL IN ADVANCE. See Royal Air Maroc multi-city options from New York and Washington Dulles.

Those not joining the desert experience and starting with the Core Retreat program must fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). See Royal Air Maroc and Iberia options, which include convenient flights from New York, Miami and Chicago. Air France provides good access from Los Angeles and other major US hubs with options for longer layover in Paris, should you want to take a stroll by the Eiffel Tower on the way to or from Morocco.

If booking with Royal Air Maroc, the Eco FLEX fare provides the option to purchase your seat, which is the best prices option without compromising seat selection. if the booking is for multiple cities, select that option to get the most favorable prices.

We highly recommend booking airfare directly with the airline and not with an intermediary, for ease in case you need to make changes. We are glad to help you research flight options.

What is the time zone?

During the summer, Morocco is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET). After US daylight savings time ends (fall back), Morocco is 6 hours ahead of ET during the winter.

What are the options for airport transfer from Marrakech airport to arrive at the Riad accommodations?

We will arrange private airport transfers to the Riad - a riad is a home with a central garden converted into a guest house. For arrivals into Marrakech, you will be picked up outside of the Menara airport international arrival terminal by a gentleman holding a sign with the Riad’s name; he will direct you to your car. After an ATM stop for you to withdraw Dirhams, you will be dropped off inside the Marrakech Medina by the nearest entrance known as “Riad Larousse”, where a representative of our Riad will meet you and walk you to our home in Marrakech. If you have never been in Morocco, we guarantee that your first glance at the Medina will be exciting and you will likely feel a bit of culture shock; however, trust us - all the colors, sounds, movements and smells will soon feel like home. One important tip to flow into the Medina - always walk well to the right so that faster people, mules and motorcycles can pass by safely. We can’t wait to welcome you with a warm “Salam!”

What is the weather like in the Zagora desert, Marrakech & Atlas Mountains?

Overall, expect a considerable fluctuation between daytime and evening weather, typical of semi-desert climate. October temperatures in the desert range from 50 - 80°F. Marrakech is usually dry and pleasant with temperatures fluctuating between 55 – 80°F. Temperature is lower in the Atlas Mountains at average of 50 – 70°F.

What should we pack?

Other than your beauty potions and customary toiletries, we recommend LIGHT packing of casual comfortable layers of clothing to manage temperature fluctuation of 50 - 80°F. Leave space in your bag to do some kaftan shopping! While Moroccans are very used to western style, modest attire covering cleavage, back and upper legs is most appropriate, of course, without compromising on creativity and cuteness. Comfortable walking shoes for Marrakech and a pair of walking/hiking shoes/boots for the Zagora Desert and the Atlas are in order. Do not forget your Yoga attire, long pants/jeans for camel ride in the Zagora Desert and any prescription medications. Also, while trekking poles will be available for your trek in Toubkal, you may consider bringing your own to ensure you have them handy to go up and down the hill for exploring, shopping and connecting with the locals in town.

What level of experience is required to enjoy the yoga practice?

YOGA IS FOR EVERYONE! Our yoga practice will accommodate all levels within your capacity and range of motion, including guests who are not avid practitioners or might have never experienced yoga. This would be a great time to start or recommit to your practice.

Can we communicate in English? What languages are spoken?

Moroccans speak a mix of Arabic, Amazigh, French, and many also speak English and Spanish, particularly in the larger cities like Marrakech and the tourism areas. It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases in Arabic to show appreciation for their culture. Greet them with a warm Salam! and thank them with Shookran!

What is the currency and customary payment options?

The Moroccan Dirham goes for roughly 10 Dirhams per 1 Dollar. Euros are also accepted in Morocco. ATM withdrawal and exchange desks in the medina in Morocco will provide the best exchange rate for Dirhams. Please note that since ATM machines in Marrakech are sometimes not readily available or functioning, we recommend being a step ahead by bringing a starting amount of Euros with you, which can be obtained at a US bank by ordering a few days in advance. If you decide to bring Dirhams, do not exceed the 2,000 Dirhams allowed to be brought into the country.

Please note that smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs transact in cash - cash is still king in Morocco! The restaurants we recommend accept credit cards, as do the established shops. Visa and Master Card are preferred, American Express often times is not accepted. When paying with credit card, it is best to use one that does not charge for international ATM withdrawal, or currency conversion. For credit card and ATM use, it is important to make sure that you consult your bank first as many have a security locks that prevent them from working overseas, so make sure you get the lock removed before you travel.

Should we negotiate pricing when shopping?

Absolutely. If the price is not displayed in the items, bargaining is expected and part of the art of shopping in Morocco. If you are a skilled negotiator, you will pay at least 50% less than the asking price. If after negotiating you do not feel you are getting a fair price, walk away and you will likely hear the shop owner calling you back with a better offer. If you are not willing to spend $1,000+ on a Moroccan carpet, do not enter any carpet shop, even if the luring salesmen insist and offer you tea…. Just say vigorously LA LA LA! Nope.

Tip on tipping

People working in Morocco’s tourism industry (lodging, restaurants, tours, transportation) depend on visitors tips to make a living. When dining on your own, we recommend leaving a 10% tip. As far as tips for the personnel in our Zagora, Marrakech & Atlas hotels and tours, we will indicate the amount we will collect from participants and distribute accordingly to recognize their kind hospitality.

Are cabs readily available?

There are taxi stands in several spots in the Marrakech Medina, and it is a safe and efficient mode of transportation. You must agree to a price before you ride away, otherwise you may be overcharged. If you are staying within the Marrakech medina and Gueliz nouvelle ville areas, the average taxi ride during the day should be 50-70 dirhams and in the evening 100 dirhams.

Do we need electric converters?

Yes. As in Europe, Morocco uses the following 220 voltage. Good news… we will be able to charge devices while in the Zagora Desert!

Will my cell phone work in Morocco?

To ensure continued communication between Renovad hosts and among participants, we highly recommend you make arrangements for FULL connectivity with your US carrier. Purchasing a sim card onsite is the most affordable option at $25-30, but for calls you would likely be assigned a local number.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

We always recommend drinking filtered or bottled water.

Is it acceptable to consume alcohol in Morocco?

While it is forbidden for Muslims, it is acceptable for tourists to consume alcohol. You will find that alcohol is served only in select restaurants and hotels. You may purchase alcohol in a shop outside the Medina for your consumption in our Riad in Marrakech. While you may also bring alcoholic beverages to the Atlas Mountains Kasbah, in consideration for their more conservative lifestyle, we recommend consuming it privately in your room or in the library; Kasbah personnel will not be able to serve or handle alcohol during meals, thus we prefer, as a matter of respect, not to bring alcohol into the dining room.

Is Morocco safe for women travelers?

Yes, Morocco is safe for women and all visitors. As it is the case with travel to any country, one must practice caution and common sense. This includes not wearing expensive looking jewelry, not flashing large sums of cash in public, keeping a good hold on cell phone and cameras, and staying aware to avoid pickpocketing in crowded city areas. We recommend using a zipper cross body bag for comfort and worry-free exploring.

We recommend always going with a guide to hike in the Atlas beyond the kasbah area or the town; please note that our itinerary includes a guided Atlas hiking tour. NEVER accept tours offered by eager guides in Marrakech – while the intention is usually to lure you into shops where the guide gets a commission, it is best to take advantage of our Renovad guided tours, or use GPS and your sense of direction to explore on your own.

If you have never visited the country, Marrakech’s market alleys filled with people, and other quiet alleys in the residential pockets, may be intimidating. After taking couple of strolls and getting your bearings, you will likely feel up to exploring. However, do not be concerned if you get a bit disoriented in the maze of Marrakech; if you do not get lost in the Medina, then you have not been there at all. Take advantage of Pilar’s Best of Marrakech Google Selections and our Riad GPS App which includes places of interest and can help you stay somewhat on track. Do not be concerned if you hear compliments from any gentleman eager to sell you something, you may ignore it or respond with a polite greeting, Salam or thank you, Shookran.

Before you leave the U.S., leave a color copy of your passport along with information about where you will be lodging with a loved one in the U.S.

What are the cancellation policies, terms and conditions for booking this retreat?

See all terms and conditions in RSVP page.