Responsible tourism on Morocco cultural vacations

There are a lot of new cultural norms to adjust to when you travel to Morocco and just as local people greet their guests with respect, we should return the compliment. Sometimes we aren’t aware that we are transgressing cultural norms, or causing offence, so do please read our tips below.

Cultural sensitivity is very important when it comes to clothing, but Morocco is much more liberal than many Islamic countries. It’s more about modesty and moderation, or not ‘showing off’, and this refers to skin and also ‘stuff’. In Morocco, glam and glitz is considered a bit crass.

Keep it plain and keep it local, while also keeping cool in the heat is the best way to go. The other best way to do that is by shopping locally. Women may want to seek out a Moroccan kaftan, jabador or jilaba in the souks. Although there is no pressure to dress exactly as local people do, you can find some gorgeous garments. Otherwise, pack your maxi dresses, long flowing tops or pashminas that cover your shoulders. Silk or linen baggy trousers are also a great investment for any trip to Morocco. In other words, go with the cultural flow and let the fabrics flow, too.

Holding hands is fine, and common, but going for the full on snog in public or stroking each other as you sip mint tea outside a cafe will get the local tongues clicking. So, keep the cuddles for the kasbah.

Along with 73 other countries, homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, although arrests are very rare. However, you don’t want to risk a three year prison sentence, which can happen. Even kissing counts as a homosexual act, although, confusingly, Moroccan male friends are openly affectionate with each other in public. Morocco does, however, attract LGBT travelers and has done for years. Read more on this complex dichotomy in our LGBT Morocco guide.

Classical Arabic and Berber (or Tamazight) are Morocco's two official languages. The spoken Arabic is Moroccan Arabic (or Derija), which differs from the classic form. French is also widely spoken among older people, with smatterings of Spanish and English among younger people. Although at least 80 percent of the population is Berber, the language has only been taught in schools since 2009. It’s tricky, but do make an effort to speak some of the local language. It really goes a long way.

Thank you is Ake Issrebeh Moulana in Berber and Shukran in Moroccan Arabic Hello is Manzakine or Salam in Berber and Ahlan in Moroccan Arabic If you are stuck, try ‘Tkalem Ingles?’ Or ‘Parlez vous anglais’, for ‘Do you speak English?’ in Arabic and French respectively.

Haggling is very much at the heart of Moroccan culture, and one of the advantages of a guided cultural tour is that your guide can help with haggling, will know a realistic price and will also know the best artisans. If you embrace it you will have fun shopping, and there are so many wonderful artisan treats to buy in Morocco.

There is less haggling in the souks of Essaouira than in Marrakech but no matter where you go you will have to play the game and there are a few things to know which can help. Be prepared for the vendor to announce a price as high as 30 times what he expects. Don’t then just drop it to something really low, as he will be insulted. Just show all the things that could possibly be wrong with it and, with each one, let him drop the price. Another trick is to say ‘I will pay that, but you need to give me that item as well’ in a two-for-the-price-of-one sort of way. Also, if you don’t speak Arabic or Berber, try a little French, as your starting price is nearly always going to be a little bit lower that way.

One thing that is important to remember is not to be rude when haggling. It’s not a big deal to pay £2 over the odds for a pair of leather slippers which you would probably pay way more for in your local craft market anyway. Keep things in perspective and enjoy this quirky purchase process.