Any seasoned traveller will tell you that Morocco is famous for its confusing medinas (the older area of a city) and even the most confident of visitors are likely to get lost wandering around these wonderfully perplexing places.
Have no fear though, losing your way is all part of the fun on a trip to Morocco and with a number of ways to get yourself back on track again, why not embrace the unknown and take the opportunity to really immerse yourself in North African life?
Here are some top tips from Audley Travel for finding your way if you get lost in one of Morocco’s medinas:
1. In each city, make sure you know how to get back to your hotel from a main tourist site, then ask for directions to this area if you get lost. In Marrakesh, for example, ask for directions back to the Djemaa El Fna.
2. Take a photo of easily identifiable landmarks near to your hotel and use these as a guide if you get lost. Taller buildings that can be clearly spotted throughout the city are best.
3. Keep your hotel address handy when out and about. As Arabic is the official language of Morocco, ask your hotel to write the address in Arabic for you before you leave. It is also worth writing it down in French as this too is widely spoken.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there are always plenty of friendly people around. But perhaps ask a stall owner – someone behind a counter is less likely to accompany you on your onward journey!
5. Don’t panic! The sprawling alleyways and seemingly endless twists and turns of Morocco’s medinas can seem a bit intimidating and overwhelming if you do find yourself lost, but never fear, we haven’t heard of anyone not making it back to their hotel yet!
If you use these tips, you will get back on track eventually and, in the meantime, enjoy your surroundings – it’s all part of a trip to Morocco!
This post is brought to you by Audley Travel, an award-winning tour operator specialising in tailor-made trips and small group tours for the discerning traveller, to over 80 countries around the world.
Must admit I could have done with these tips when we got totally lost in Tangier’s little backstreets many years ago! Fascinating part of the world and a sensory adventure.
Beautiful photos! One of my favourite things about Morocco was getting lost down all the narrow alleyways and winding streets. At first I was nervous but always had a business card from my hotel in case I got super lost.
Good tip re the business card Monica. One of the joys of travel is getting lost (assuming you’re safe of course!) and discovering lots of new places that way …