Morocco 101: Packing

Ok, so you're coming to Morocco! You've booked your trip, purchased your flight, and now you're ready to start packing.  Cue the inevitable question: what the hell do I bring to wear on this trip? What should I wear? What's appropriate? What will the weather be like? 

Take a deep breath and read the following info because we've got you covered. (Not literally - you have to bring your own clothes, but we can at least steer you in the right direction.)

First off, Morocco is a warm and mostly dry climate, so consider this when packing. Light fabrics, such as linen and cotton work well with the heat and keep the body cool in the extremely hot summer months. In terms of what's appropriate culture-wise, ladies should keep in mind that covering the legs, chest, and shoulders is the most common practice and will keep you and the locals feeling comfortable. Its not necessary to cover your head with a scarf - only about half of the women in Morocco wear a hijab or other veil. Loose-fitting light fabrics that you can layer are the most practical choices, especially when traveling from one side of the country to the other. 

 

EXAMPLES FOR LADIES

For optimal space and practicality, we recommend the following:

Your favorite jeans, loose-fitting drawstring trousers, long skirts/maxi dress with a wrap or scarf to cover the shoulders, a few t-shirts that can be paired with anything, flowy tops that breathe well to pair with jeans or trousers, a long-sleeve denim or flannel shirt for chilly evenings and layering, a comfy and cute pair of sandals, sneakers/close-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking, sunglasses, and a bathing suit. 

Oh, and another thing: Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Casablanca have some pretty fun nightlife, so if you're the type who likes to turn up every now and then, don't forget your LBD (little black dress) and a pair of cute shoes. The nightlife scenes are super modern and you'll find people from all around the world dressed as if they were in any international city. 

 

EXAMPLES FOR GUYS

Guys, we love you. You're so easy to style. For all of our man friends, we recommend: 

Your favorite jeans and shorts (depending on the season, but its always a safe bet to bring a pair of each), a comfortable pair of sweatpants or cotton/linen trousers, a few t-shirts and layering button-down shirts for chilly weather or a night out. For shoes, include a pair of flip flops/sandals, sneakers or comfortable shoes for walking/hiking boots, and maybe one pair of shoes that you can wear to a nightclub or nice restaurant - if that's your thing. Don't forget your swimming shorts and sunglasses!

 

OH WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Obviously we are all different and we all have different agendas when we travel, so pack accordingly.  The above-mentioned lists are for basic travel around Morocco but if you know that you'll be doing a lot of trekking/sports/adventure stuff - pack heavy on the active wear and bring what you know you need. If your plans are to sunbathe on riad rooftops and hit the night clubs in Marrakech, don't forget your finest African-chic threads and bohemian jewelry!

 

WHAT ABOUT THE BEACH?

The Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts of Morocco are stunning and shouldn't be missed. You'll find out quickly that the beach vibes are pretty relaxed when it comes to clothing, so here's a few simple do's and don'ts to make it easy for ya:

DO: Bring your favorite bikini and feel free to wear it while on the beach and in the water.

DON'T: Wear your bikini in the village, cafes, or while walking around the markets. 

DO: Feel comfortable wearing shorts and tank tops/sundresses in beach cafes and surf camps.

DON'T: Wear revealing clothing when visiting historical monuments, markets, or other places where locals tend to gather. 

 

THE FINAL SAY

Are you going to get harassed if you don't follow our advice? No. Traveling in Morocco is totally safe and easy. But these are just our recommendations to keep you feeling comfortable and to also respect the culture of this beautiful country. We want you to enjoy yourself but we also want to keep the locals feeling comfortable in their own environment. 

Here’s a little list of non-clothing items that might be helpful to bring along, especially if you’re going to the desert.

Non-clothing essentials to consider bringing:

  • reusable water bottle (share a jug of water with a friend or fellow traveler and refill when you need it…saves plastic and trips to the shop!)

  • baby wipes

  • battery pack to charge phone/camera

  • Dramamine or motion sickness meds (if you’re prone to car sickness)

  • sunglasses

So what are you waiting for? Go pack your bags! Yalah!

Jade Pleming