Calentita

Calentita is a delicious savoury chickpea flan of Spanish origins, but it remains equally native to the Northern region of Morocco locally known as Kalinti. It is a liquid mixture of fine chickpea flour, eggs, water, and oil and salt that goes straight into the oven until golden to perfection. With a creamy bottom and a custardy golden brown top layer, it is a wobbly soft and smooth delicacy, which can be enjoyed as it is or served in a baguette with some Harissah and cumin and salt.

You can recognize street vendors of Calentita in Morocco from their signature classic round stainless steel baking pans filled with the creamy Kalinti. For less than 1MAD, you can grab a slice and indulge in a high-end restaurant like experience.

Briwat

Briwat are some of the tastiest appetizers in Moroccan cuisine. Typical fillings of these delicious filled pastries are ground meat, chicken or fish mixed with vermicelli and a range of spices. However, you can also find a variety of sweet versions filled with almonds; peanuts or dates heavenly soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds or shaved almonds.

Briwat are assembled in a pastry called Warqa, similar to filo dough, which you most likely can witness the making of as you cruise around the streets of the old medinas. Wrapped in a cigar or a triangular shape, the delicious fillings go inside the butter brushed Warqa pastry and then deep-fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. You can get Briwat in medina stalls for less than 5MAD and they are a favourite among all Moroccans.

Msemmen

Msemmen is a staple soft, chewy and buttery Moroccan bread made with semolina, all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, salt and water. It is typically enjoyed for breakfast together with a fresh cup of Moroccan mint tea. You can find msemmen anywhere in Morocco. It is one of the most famous Moroccan dishes, which you can enjoy with honey, cream cheese, chocolate, or any other toppings of your choice.

You can find msemmen in the famous local shops called ‘Mahlaba’, which typically serve a pure breakfast menu. You can enjoy a piece of msemmen for 2MAD; however, the prices can slightly differ from one shop to another.

Harsha

Harsha is a type of bread native to the Atlas region of Morocco. Much like msemmen, Harsha is typically sold in a mahlaba where you can get a piece for less than 2MAD. Being a mixture of semolina, butter, olive oil and water, it is very simple yet very rich in flavour. Most Moroccans enjoy it with some kind of toppings they like accompanied with a glass of Rayeb similar to vanilla yogurt.

Sfenj

Sfenj is a delicious donut-shaped fried pastry that is often eaten for breakfast in Morocco and typically enjoyed with sugar or honey and a cup of mint tea. It is a traditional recipe that dates back hundreds of years to Andalusia. It has been eaten among Jews and Muslims in Morocco for centuries, which explains why it has gained a huge popularity in cities such as Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca and Tetouan where the majority of Jews live. Sfenj is one of the cheapest Moroccan street food that you can get for less than 1MAD.

Chebakia

Chebakia is a classic Moroccan sweet made with sesame seeds, ground arise and cinnamon. The dough is kneaded, shaped into a flower, fried until golden and directly soaked in honey. These sweets are synonymous with Ramadan and usually enjoyed with Harira. You can find chebakia anywhere in Morocco as it tends to be a staple for all Moroccans. It is one of the most delicious Moroccan street foods for less than 3MAD per piece.

Bissara

Bissara or dried fava bean soup is a favourite with very simple but hearty flavours. It is a staple Moroccan dish often enjoyed for breakfast and served with bread, some drizzled olive oil, crushed garlic, cumin and chili powder. This thick, rich and nutritious soup is typically served bubbling in these mouth-watering traditional clay pots and mostly enjoyed around winter times. You can get Bissara for less than 10MAD making it one of your must have to try cheap Moroccan street foods.

Harira

Harira is a Moroccan hearty and warm soup mostly enjoyed around winter. It is a combination of meat, chickpeas, lentils and vegetables making it the ideal rounded meal. For the majority of Moroccans, Harira is considered an essential soup in Ramadan and ideally preferred to be accompanied with Chebakia, as Moroccan cuisine is widely known for the savoury and sweet combination. Much like every dish mentioned earlier, Harira is very famous among Moroccans and you can find it almost anywhere. A bowl of Harira will cost you nothing more than 15MAD and you get to enjoy one of the Moroccans’ staple and traditional dishes.

Snails Soup

Snails cooked in a large pot of water and a ridiculous amount of spices and herbs is a favourite among all Moroccans. Apart from the delicious taste of the soup, it is of great health benefits because of its nutritious herbal broth. Many Moroccans eat snails soup mainly for its health benefits. Be it a cold, a sore throat or stomach problems, it can help ease the pain and boost your immune system. Snails Soup is a famous dish all throughout Morocco. Depending on the season, a serving of this soup ranges from 5MAD to 15MAD.

Maakouda

Maakouda is a traditional Moroccan potato patty flavoured with a variety of seasonings and herbs. It is among the best-selling street foods in Morocco and can be served as it is or wrapped in a sandwich with other goodies. Essentially, Maakouda is a patty of steamed potatoes, cilantro, eggs, garlic and spices dipped into a mixture of eggs and flour and fried until golden brown. The price of a Maakouda sandwich usually ranges from 5MAD to 15MAD depending on any additions you would want with your sandwich.

Steamed Lamb Head

Food stalls selling the succulent and juicy steamed lamb head are a no strange sight in cities such as Rabat, Fez, Marrakech and many more. Do not hesitate to order yourself a jam packed sandwich of this deliciously steamed meat drizzled with salt, cumin and chili powder. It is the ultimate Street Food experience, as you will be amazed by the taste and the aromas of the steaming hot lamb. One sandwich costs less than 15MAD easily making it one of the best cheap street foods in Morocco.

Stuffed Lamb Spleens

Stuffed lamb spleens are a Moroccan delicacy made of a rich filling of ground meat, vegetables, herbs and spices stuffed inside raw open spleens. The spleens are then transferred into a baking pan and left on a medium heat until thoroughly cooked and nicely browned. This Moroccan dish, locally known as Tihal, is an ancient delicacy that has been cooked for generations all throughout Morocco. In a warm Moroccan bread, street vendors serve it with onion slices and a splash of hot sauce. Get yourself a stuffed lamb spleens sandwich for less than 15MAD and enjoy this authentic Moroccan street food.

Morocco is you best -on a budget- travel destination, do not hesitate to visit this extraordinary country with all its irresistible street food flaming you with hunger pangs. If interested to know more about Morocco, check our article Visit Morocco on a Budget.

Further reading: Moroccan cuisine: a culture you can taste

Best 12 Cheap Street Foods in Morocco
Must Visit Morocco

A Stroll Down Memory Lane with Palais Amani

Left abandoned for over a quarter of a century, this beautiful 17^th century monument was in a sad state of disrepair and years of negligence and decay. When Jemima Mann-Baha and Abdel Ali Baha, current owners of Palais Amani, laid their eyes on the property, they were totally captivated by the palace’s disjoint memories and warm heritage. A heritage that has long stood there longing for a moment of recognition.

There is this great line by the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami that says,

Most things are forgotten over time… But still, no matter how much time passes, no matter what takes place in the interim, there are some things we can never assign to oblivion, memories can never rub away.

Admittedly, Abdel Ali Baha, born in Fez and raised in France, could never erase the part of himself that once wandered around this medieval creation of a city, breathed its air and inhaled its early mornings’ dew. Growing up reminded of the ample history of his home, the feeling of settling abroad stood no chance against the yearning desire to build a life once again in the place where he was born.

The couple, who had been originally residing in London, finally made the decision to come back home and start a never-done-before hotel business. Fuelled by this desire to open a hotel not only famous for its originality but also the authentic, and somewhat aristocratic, local experience it provides its clienteles, the moment they came across Palais Amani they recognized it to be the perfect place to attract their dream vision into life.

This whimsical riad that had been previously owned by a Moroccan merchant family is now in the caring hands of Jemima Mann-Baha and Abdel Ali Baha. With the start of restorations in 2009, the current standing Palais Amani is the result of four years of endeavour, massive renovations and remodelling.

Arriving at Palais Amani

At a distance of 20km away from the airport, your cab ride should take about 40 minutes until you arrive at the worn walls median, or what is locally known as Fes el Bali (the old city). To reach Palais Amani after a long travel, the 40 minutes ride should not be as odious as it sounds. You will most likely be fascinated by the sight of this historical monument as from the moment you step foot in Fez you are in the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage, Fez is the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Unlike the red city Marrakech, it is much laid-back with an accented heritage unlike any other. Fez was founded in the 9^th century and is now home to the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine (895CE), as well as a selection of scholars and philosophers from all around the globe. Palais Amani, with all its charms and brilliant architecture, lies in the heart Fez, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world.

The exceptional scale of the old medina cannot be fathomed and even the skilled of them all might get lost in such maze of architecture once in a while. With more than 9000 streets and alleys, it is only natural for a foreign traveller to lose one’s way. Like so, Palais Amani is tightly wrapped within a maze of narrow streets, beautifully embellished mosques, innumerable stalls, ancient madrasas and a long layout of private riads. The moment your taxi drops you outside the walls of the car-free medina, you would want to expect your porter waiting for you to cruise you around the hidden alleys and guide you to your hotel.

Massive walls swallowing you from every corner, hardly noticeable windows, tiny entrances and streets almost melting together, all of the latter might trigger your claustrophobia. Preserving the concept of modesty and privacy within Muslim communities, most of the riads within the old medina have subdued entrances and concealed lives within large walls almost appearing as monoliths. Palais Amani is no privy to this concept but do not raise a red flag when arrive at its entrance. You will be struck by the strong citrus smell permeating the air as you pave your way inside a 600sq meters garden.

Palais Amani: Elevate your Experience with these Facilities

Prepare yourself for a magnificent experience the moment you arrive at Palais Amani. The splendour riad comes equipped with more than the luxurious twenty-one rooms it provides. Rather, you have access to multiple facilities ranging from the remarkable rooftop restaurant, the candlelit hammams, the two licenced bars and the beautiful citrusy garden:

Rooftop Restaurant

Sitting on the terrace under the cool breeze of spring nights watching the electric signs come as it gets dark should fill you with warmth and longing for a life you have only booked little time in. Palais Amani’s terrace gives you a full 360° view of the old medina contrasted by the gigantic bluish mountain in the distance making the view remarkably outstanding.

Apart from the view, you will have yourself immersed within an authentic Moroccan design and architecture laying on sofas of embroidered fabric and covered in the scents of herbs, palms and bougainvillea. In addition to the fully customized Moroccan experience, make sure to check their three-course menu loaded with delicious traditional Moroccan food. Their chicken and turmeric tagine is among their best selling, but if you happen to be vegan or vegetarian the choices are abundant.

Hammams

A candlelit staircase leading you to the basement spa, every corner in Plain Amani is a sight for sore eyes. On your way, you will be mesmerized by the blue and white mosaic tiling, the beautiful carved cedar wood accessorizing the windows and the giant doors, and mostly the fictional, almost Alice in Wonderland, high ceilinged walls. Moroccan traditional hammams have grown to be famous around the world as the best spa treatment to pamper yourself. Held in spacious bathing rooms, Moroccan hammams are usually the place to connect more with your friends, unwind and make new connections.

In Palais Amani, you get to experience the authentic luxurious spa-hammam treatment with an assistance throughout the bathing process. Have you ever lived through the feeling of a new-born or, if not, a phoenix rising from the ashes? It may sound like an over-statement but I highly doubt the professional massages, the mud baths and oils and the numerous amenities you will receive on the way to not fascinate you. After your spa treatment, you are invited to a refreshing traditional cup of tea for a breather to immerse yourself even more in the heritage of Morocco.

Two Licenced Bars

Morocco is known for the high quality red-grape wine it produces. Part of your excellent experience at Palais Amani must include a wine tasting dinner. Ranging from high quality Carignan, Alicante, Syrah, Tempranillo, Grenache and Cinsaut to a nice glass of Mojito, as if brought to you from the depth of Cuba, a wine specialist will walk you through the complexities of each wine being tasted and your experience of wine tasting will be elevated through the roof.

The Garden

At the heart of the palace, there lies a calming 600sq meters lantern lit garden of citrus, olive trees and a variety of aromatic plants. Mornings for Palais Amani’s clienteles start with the garden light diffusing through the Iraqi stained glass windows and the sound of the chirruping of birds drinking from the mosaic fountain.

Palais Amani: Feed your Curiosity with these Activities

Even though Palais Amani lies near many souks, tanneries, madrasas and museums, Jemima Mann-Baha and Abdel Ali Baha are well aware of the time constraints most visitors are confronted with. Therefore, they sought to provide their clienteles with more local and authentic experiences taking into consideration their comfort, safety and the duration of their stay.

Fez Cooking School

Palais Amani is home to one of the best cooking workshops in Fez, Fez Cooking School. During your stay, take a half-day trip to the old medina’s souks with Palais Amani’s head-chef and learn more about the fascinating Fez. After shopping in local food markets, your cookery class begins once you are back at the hotel where you can create and taste some of the best Moroccan delicacies. Your experience shall round off eventually with lunch or dinner in the lantern lit gardens where you can enjoy your own creations.

Medina Tours

Fes el Bali or the old medina holds a historical significance unlike any other city in Morocco. Built in 808CE under the rule of Idriss II, it was a regarded as a cross-cultural point to philosophers and scholars from all around the world. Its educational heritage is still celebrated to this day as Fez remains home to some of the oldest and ancient schools in the world, notably Al-Attarine Madrasa and Bou Inania Madrassa, in addition to being the motherland of the world’s first university, Al-Quarawiyyine (founded in 895 CE by Fatima al-Fihri).

Cruise around the narrow alleys of the walls-warn Fes el Bali with Palais Amani’s organized medina tours. The medieval roots of Fes will keep you in awe of how far this world has developed. In Boujloud, you can still witness bare-chested men treating animal hides in a colourful array of huge vats. You can enter religious places such as Madersa Bouanania Mosque and marvel around the Moroccan architecture with all its intricacies and dazzling details. Go to al-Mellah and you will be transported to an entirely different layout of the old medina where buildings no longer feel suffocating and the windows and balconies are large enough to peak a look inside.

Calligraphy Courses

Maghreb Kufic scripts are some of the oldest art forms in Morocco, and likely in the world, that are still celebrated to this day. Almoravid Kufic, Marinid Kufic and Alawite Kufic scripts are few examples of the varieties of written scripts that are still practiced in Morocco. With the luxurious riad of Palais Amani, you can book a two hour personalised workshop dedicated to Arabic calligraphy with some of the most renowned calligraphers in Fez.

Read also: Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation

Which Room are you Booking for your Next Stay at Palais Amani?

Palais Amani is a twenty-one rooms and suites hotel. In keeping with the Moroccan inward-focused architecture of riads, rooms and suites are organized around the before mentioned 600sq meters garden. The garden allows for a natural lighting and airflow into the surrounding rooms where each space is richly decorated with authentic and local traditional Moroccan furnishings and architecture. When booking for your next stay at Palais Amani, the choices are abundant ranging from classic rooms to whole Misriah Apartments.

Rooms

In the standard category, we have classic rooms and luxury rooms. Each room at Palais Amani comes equipped with the same amenities as the other, the only difference between the two lies in size. Classic rooms at Palais Amani are not any less charming than the rest of the hotel. Each room is equipped with a queen-size bed, eloquent furnisher and a traditional Moroccan design with a European twist to meet every taste. Luxury rooms at Palais Amani, on the other hand, have doors opening directly into the garden allowing guests to enjoy the citrusy smell and the permanent residents of the hotel: the birds.

Suites

Typically larger than the previously mentioned rooms, suites at Palais Amani range from Junior Suites, Senior Suites to the Grand Suite. Junior suites are equipped with a master bedroom, a sitting area or a salon and a bathroom with both a showerhead and bath tub. Junior suites are roomy and airy allowing for up to three people to sleep in. Senior suites, in addition to the amenities of junior suites, encompass an additional room for extra comfort. Lastly, the grand suite is an outstanding 100sq meters south wing with an open view to the garden and a both his and her dressing room.

Misriah Apartments

At Palais Amani, Misriah Apartments are special accommodations for you and your family. They cover up to two floors and can be booked for up to four adults and two children under 12. Of 87sq meters surface, these apartments are the perfect booking choice to unwind and relax with your loved ones.

Make sure to inquire about the apartments with your booking agent. For more information about the hotel, check the official website of Palais Amani. And do not feel hesitant to know more about Fez, its best tour guides, cultural and religious diversity as well as a brief travel guide to all the nooks and crannies of this ancient city.

Palais Amani: Immerse Yourself in a Fairytale
Must Visit Morocco

Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation in its 7th Edition

Under the theme “heritage”, Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation aimed in its 7^th edition at introducing the Fatimid Kufic as well as exploring the intricacies of the Maghreb Kufic Scripts (notably Almoravid Kufic, Marinid Kufic, Alawite Kufic). The event proved to be a huge success with its various workshops ranging from exploring the Maghreb Andalusian, Almoravid and Qu’anic Kufic scripts to more advanced workshops unravelling Moroccan Style ornamentation with its various forms and shapes.

Celebrated Under the Theme “Stations”

Dr. Mohammed Al-Meghraoui, the general coordinator of presentations and workshops, will be supervising this year’s festival. Celebrated under the theme “stations”, this special occasion is the meeting point of a handful selection of contributors who spared no expense elevating this art form. Be it calligraphers, decorators, teachers, researchers or theorists, the festival is a middle ground to a variety of artists from all around the globe with one aim: “to create and preserve heritage”.

Cameleon: Non-Profit Organization of Plastic Arts and Arabic Calligraphy

The activities of Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation will kick off next month and close to an end on the 3^rd of September. The current edition, celebrated under the theme “stations” as stated earlier, is a marker of a prosperous beginning and a new station to the non-profit organization Cameleon of Plastic Arts and Arabic Calligraphy, which has so generously undertaken the initiative to run the festival and bring talented individuals together.

Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation: Special Workshops

The festival marks its commencement with a workshop titled “Stations of Maghrebi Calligraphy” led by the honoured guests Dr. Mohammed El-Maghraoui, Dr. Rachidz Eddimassi, Dr. Abdellah Ftini, and Dr. Fouzia Adnan. The 8^th edition of the festival aims to introduce the Maghrebi Kufic Script and explore the historical stations of Maghrebi calligraphy as follows:

Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation: Cultural Significance

This yearly held festival pays homage to the distinctive aesthetics of the Maghrebian Kufic Calligraphy. Being organized in Fez, that is home to various ancient schools, such as Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa, holds a historical significance unmatched anywhere else in the world. Admittedly, the festival brings together the rich Arab culture and its notably obliterating heritage in an attempt to preserve the intricacies of the Arab world from diminishing.

Read also: Best Calligraphy Workshops in Morocco

Fez International Festival of the Arabic Calligraphy Art and Ornamentation
Must Visit Morocco

Have you ever tried to teleport somewhere completely new, oddly fascinating, slightly exotic and breathtakingly beautiful without feeling terrified the slightest? I dare say you have never, but the idea should startle you if not terrify you.

One way or another, everyone is afraid of the unfamiliar, but it solely depends on where we go and the way we carry ourselves to determine whether a place is safe for us or not. On the northern part of the African continent, there lies a country with a population of 37 million people boarded by the Atlantic Ocean to the West, Mauritania to the Southeast, the Mediterranean Sea to the North, and Algeria to the East. That country is Morocco.

Thanks to its many geographical advantages, Morocco has gained in the last couple of years a huge popularity among foreign visitors all over the world. Just before the pandemic hit, more than 13 million
people visited the place, making it one of the most sought after countries in Africa.

However, despite Morocco’s popularity, it remains a foreign place even for a seasoned traveller. Therefore, many variables concerning safety and vigilance must be taken into consideration for a guaranteed safe travel. In this article, we will explore all the safety information for solo travelling you
need to know about Morocco before you book your next trip.

Statistically Speaking, Is Morocco Safe for Solo Travellers?

On the 2023 Global Peace Index, Morocco ranks 84^th of 193 countries recording noticeable improvements in peacefulness. It takes the 7^th place among Middle Eastern and North African countries with not a single recorded death from terrorism in 2022. That and the Global Organized Crime Index places Morocco on top of the United States in regards to the ongoing domestic and international conflict, militarisation and the societal safety and security.

In addition, Morocco is widely recognized by its stable governments, its international cooperation with both the United States and other European countries, and its national policies and strict law enforcement.

According to the statistics, Morocco is not in the least a violent or a dangerous country. Random violent crimes or attacks are very rare and the chances of you coming across someone with a gun or a machete pointed at you are non-existent. However, that does not mean that taking certain measures of safety should not be taken seriously. Much like any other place in the world, petty crimes, frauds and pickpocketing do make an appearance from time to time.

The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel in Morocco

Solo travelling has become one of those spiritual activities that one must experience even once in their lifetime to connect with one’s psyche and blend with the universe. However, one cannot but ask the question: is Morocco safe for solo travellers? Here we will go through a list of pros and cons of solo travelling in Morocco and explore the do’s and dont’s as a solo traveller in a foreign country.

The People

From the moment you set foot in Morocco to the moment you leave, you will be met with smiling faces and people who are truly interested in you. Usually when you are entering a country, the immigration process can be quite intimidating even if you are a law-abiding citizen. Morocco, however, is widly recognised for its positive security guards and its welcoming atmosphere, which can uplift your spirit as a solo traveller.

Do not be shaken if someone taps on your shoulder and smilingly offers you a piece of Chebakkiya, a traditional Moroccan sweet, as you are wandering around the Medina. Moroccans are some of the most hospitable, open-minded and amiable people out there. Though the way they converse may come as aggressive, they are most likely cracking jokes and having fun.

You will be surprised by how good locals are at foreign languages. Located only 14.5km away from Europe, Moroccans have developed a faculty of speech that encompasses more than their mother tongue. Be it French, Spanish, English, German or Classic Arabic, you can always find someone to offer you help when lost alone and stuck with Google Translate.

Urban Areas

Touristic cities around Morocco such as Fes, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech and Rabat have a strong presence of tourist police. As tourism is what many people profit from, it has become a national matter that not only concerns authorities but locals as well. Therefore, foreign visitors’ security and safety, especially in places such as souks and medinas, are taken very seriously, which will provide you with a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience.

Morocco is also a conservative Muslim country. Nonetheless, its society is considered one of the most tolerant Muslim societies in Africa. Being so close to Europe, it remains relatively different, maintaining its own properties, customs, traditions and culture, which must be respected so as not to put oneself in unfavourable situations. Still, Morocco is a great getaway and segue to your solo travel experience in North Africa.

Remote Areas

Morocco, with all its wild nature, beautiful beaches and perfect climate is every backpacker’s dream. Ranging from camping in the Sahara Desert, mountain climbing in the High Atlas Mountains to sightseeing in Akchour Waterfalls, Morocco is undoubtedly the perfect spot to embark on new adventures and feed that wanderlust.

Now, while all this sleeping under the stars sounds tempting, you still want to be surrounded by people for extra safety. Even locals regard wild camping and hiking alone in remote areas as a dangerous activity. Ideally, such activities are often carried out by a group of people or friends to provide support to each other and look after one another.

Of course, hospitality of remote villages is every Moroccan’s pride and joy but it is safer to hire a local depending on where you go and what you want to see. Remember, you can never be so sure about the safety of a place especially when you are alone. In Morocco, there are lots of safer option to explore the wilderness and be satisfied with your travels. Be it joining guided hikes or camping at reliable campsites, it is much advisable to go accompanied with people than alone.

Safety Tips for Solo Travel in Morocco

You can never be too cautious in a foreign place. As much as Morocco is a welcoming country and a touristic place by excellence, you still need to follow these safety solo travel tips to ensure your well-being:

Don’t Be Ignorant

Immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the country you are visiting beforehand to ensure a comfortable travel experience free of all awkward situations. Moroccans take social etiquettes very seriously and they do not tolerate anyone disrespecting their places of worship. Try to learn more about Moroccan social etiquettes in this link.

Be Cautious of Scams and Petty Crimes

Moroccan society is very hospitable and you are most likely going to meet with individuals who will gladly offer you help without charging a dime. However, try your best not to take unsolicited advice or help from individuals forcing themselves on you. Keep your guard up and your belongings tightly close to you.

Dress Modestly

Being a conservative Muslim society, modesty is taken very seriously as a form of respect and humility. If you are a man, a good rule of thumb is to ensure your knees are covered and avoid skimpty tight clothes. Women are free to show their hair and advised to cover their knees and shoulders.

Is Morocco a safe place for solo travellers if you follow these tips? Absolutely. It is a friendly environment more than it will ever be hostile. Now, is there anything stopping you from choosing Morocco as your next destination?

Is Morocco Safe for Solo Travellers?
Must Visit Morocco

Travelling within a limited schedule, foreign travellers oftentimes have little to no room to venture out on their own in places completely out of the ordinary. Instead of walking their life away looking for the next best place to visit, tour guides come in handy. Thanks to their astounding level of dedication and passion for their craft, they enhance your travelling experience by bringing you closer to the heart of each city, its historical significance and hidden charms. 

To make your journey truly extraordinary, we recommend that you partner with the best tour operators and travel agencies in Morocco. So here is a list of the best tour guides in Fes to consider when booking your next trip:

1. Jamal Ghanname (Fes Local Insider).

Meet Jamal, a remarkable tour guide born in a quiet village at the heart of the Atlas Mountains. At a young age, he was met with the opportunity to move to the United States of America where he experienced firsthand American culture and tremendously improved his English fluency.

Driven by an immense longing for his homeland, notably Fes, Jamal came back to Morocco fuelled with a desire to share the beauty of his country with the rest of the world.

With over 15 years of extensive experience in private tours across Morocco’s tourism landscape, Jamal’s knowledge and professionalism have been praised in countless testimonials. His passion and dedication makes him one of Fes’s best tour guides.

• Website: https://fezlocalinsider.com

2. Chakib Badrane (Guide in Fes)

Chakib, a well-known local guide, has earned a degree in Moroccan History and Hotel Management, specializing in tourism. With an impressive 20 years of experience in the field, he has honed his expertise and understanding of his profession.

Chakib’s tours are known for revealing and presenting the charm in even the smallest details, thanks to his education and his familiarity with his city. He has the unique ability to help his clients savour the beauty of every moment, no matter how tiny, which sets him apart as one of the best tour guides in Fes, as attested by multiple testimonials.

• Website: https://guideinfes.com

3. Fatima Zahrae ( Fab Fez).

As a young female tour guide, Fatima Zahrae is a passionate traveller who has mastered her craft since 2018. She holds a great connection with people especially when it comes to showcasing her country’s rich culture making her one of the best tour guides in Fes. With a charming personality and an adoring smile, she puts every traveller at ease and feel welcome in Morocco. 

4. Meryem L. (Tours by locals).

Meryem is a multilingual tour guide fluent in English, French and Arabic, with a master’s degree in English Literature. Her vast knowledge of the country allows her to narrate the rich history of Fes and thus bring tourists closer to the locals, their customs, traditions and culture.

Apart from her professional experience as a tour guide, she wins hearts easily with her glitter-embellished personality, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for every traveller. As praised by many of her customers, Meryem’s tours are highly organised and tremendously enjoyable.

5. Driss M. ( Tours by locals) 

Driss, a highly experienced tour guide since 1993, is a reputable professional with lifelong experience in the field. Growing up in the old medina of Fes, he has many captivating stories to share to make your strolls around the city even more memorable.

Fluent in English, French and Arabic, Driss is famous for his engaging communication skills and open-minded personality. If you seek someone organised, punctual and light-hearted, Driss is one of the best tour guides in Fes you can opt for.

6. Khlafa El Asefar ( Fez tour guide)

Khlafa is undeniably one of the best tour guides in Fes, with over 17 years of experience in the tourism industry. He holds a B.A. in English Literature, a DTH (Diplome de Technicien Hotelier), and a Master’s Degree in Ecotourism and heritage.

He is a fluent English, French, Spanish and Arabic speaker. His mastery of languages automatically makes him great company to converse with. He holds topics such as history, culture, culinary art, handicrafts and religion very close to his heart and is more than open to building upon that knowledge and understanding with you.

Khlafa takes great pleasure in sharing insights about his city, ensuring your trip is exceptional and assisting you in organizing your tour according to your time and budget.

7. Luxury Fes Tours.

Luxury Fez Tours is an international travel agency based in Fes under the auspices of the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism. The latter agency specializes in providing luxurious tours and activities in cities like Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Azrou. They offer you a wide range of diverse activities, including private tours, multi-day trips, and delightful food-sampling experiences.

Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, will keep you in awe at its captivating history, architecture and the traces of those who stepped foot on its grounds. Hiring a local tour guide in Fes will make your experience in this charming city even more pleasurable.

Now, is there anyone on our best tour guides in Fes you want to know more about? If so, do not hesitate and make your inquiries known to us.

Best Tour Guides in Fes
Must Visit Morocco