Travel Information

Time zone: (GMT +0) Currency code: MAD Languages: Arabic (official),Berber dialects,French

Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in North Africa with a population of 33,241,259. It has a coast on the Atlantic Ocean that reaches past the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea. Morocco has international borders with Algeria to the east, Spain to the north (a water border through the Strait and land borders with two small Spanish autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla), and Mauritania to the south. Morocco is the only African country that is not currently a member of the African Union. However, it is a member of the Arab League, Arab Maghreb Union, the Francophonie, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Mediterranean Dialogue group, and Group of 77, and is a major non-NATO ally of the United States. (...) � more Entry requirements for US citizens Passport required. Visa not required for stays up to 3 months, extendible. For additional information consult the Embassy of Morocco, 1821 Jefferson Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202/462-7727) or Consulate General in New York (212/758-2625). Mention tripwolf when you contact American Passport following the link below to ensure eligibility for special rates and services. �more

About Rabat

Rabat, the present capital of Morocco, was founded in the 12th century. It is a town of trees and flowers, and many monumental gateways, including the Gate of the Ambassadors and the Oudaias Kasbah Gate. There is a good selection of hotels and numerous pavement cafes. The nearby Mamora forest and the many beaches are popular, tourist attractions, particularly during the summer. Other attractions include Tour Hassan, the grandiose minaret of a vast, uncompleted 12th-century mosque; the Mohammed V Mausoleum, an outstanding example of traditional Moroccan architecture; the Royal Palace; the Chellah, with superb monuments, delightful gardens and Roman ruins; the Oudaias; the Archaeological Museum; the National Museum of Handicrafts and the antique Moorish cafe. The battlements surrounding the old town, and part of the new city, date from the mid-12th century. Also worth a visit is Sal�, Rabat�s twin city, at the opposite side of the river, believed to have been founded in the 11th century. About a million people live in the capital Rabat and its sister city Sale, but wandering around the Medina, the Kasbah or the Modern Town this is not the impression you get. Life is easy. Not many people harrass you. Shopowners are very nice. For this reason Rabat is a good first base to start exploring Morocco. You can get in touch with life the morrocan way at your own pace. Watch the changing of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace (Friday mornings) Several other interesting sights should be visited if time permits. Chief among these are Bouknadel and its Jardins Exotiques (fascinating gardens) You might also consider going to the beach in Rabat, although the beaches south of the city are somewhat better than those in town itself. With the total renovation of Rabat. Scheduled to be finished by 2010. The beaches of Rabat itself will be quite nice.

By Airplane

Most airlines fly into Casablanca (Mohamed V) It is one of the largest airports of Africa. Only Air France fly directly into Rabat. The train station is right at the airport. Just take the escalator down to -1 level. You can buy the train ticket right there. It is also possible to rent a car at the airport. Most international car rental companies are represented. It is possible to rent a small car from 20-25 euros pr. day. Prices go up if demands are high. Cars might not be very clean and they might have dents. Just report it before leaving with the car. There is a petrol station right at the exit of the airport (Afriqia).

By Train

Rabat is well served by train and you can get frequent connections to most places. Marrakesh is a pleasant 4 hour journey, Fez 2.5 hours (if you take one of the new express trains, and 3.5 hours on other trains) and Casablanca 1 hour. There are two stations in Rabat - Centre Ville (Medina) and Agdal.

Get Around

• Petit Taxi: All blue in color, mostly Fiat UNO. This inexpensive way to get around town usually won't exceed 25 MAD. Avoid the white, mercedes, Grand Taxis when traveling around Rabat, they are much more expensive. Be sure to check the meter is running to avoid being over charged at the end of the trip.

• Buses: Not highly recommended as there are no official listings of bus routes, but at only 4 MAD (50 US cents) a cheap way to get to know the several layers of Rabat. The buses can be of variable quality, but it could be worth taking the chance given the cost-saving and experience of what many locals experience. Bus # 3 goes from Centre Ville (including stops at the Cathedral and the train station) to Avenue Fal Oueld Omair (one of the major streets in the Agdal neighborhood) all the way to its terminus in the upscale and calm new development of Hay Riad.

• Car: Driving around yourself is not recommended. Insurance rates are high and most drivers will avoid hitting you at all costs; however Morocco does have the second highest rate of car accidents in the world, and most drivers do not abide by the traffic laws.

• Walking: If you aren't in a hurry, walking around the area of Centre Ville, Agdal, The University, the Medina, the Ocean/River and the monuments is easy and pleasant. The new Corniche on the river, leading to the Oudaias, has recently been re-done, and there are expected openings of cafes soon. The route cotiere, or coastal road, past the cemetery and the Oudaias has dramatic ocean-side views, especially charming at sunset