City exploration and sightseeing

To purchase tickets for Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum, use the official website jardinmajorelle.com. Be aware that a foreign bank card is typically required for online payments. Advise checking the website for sold-out dates and times to gauge how far in advance tickets should be booked; generally, booking as early as possible is recommended. Note that even if not purchased in advance, tickets might be sold on-site via the official website. Inside the museum's shops and cafes, only card payments are accepted. While advance booking is recommended, some visitors successfully purchased tickets online on-site and entered within 15 minutes, indicating flexibility but not a guaranteed outcome.

When planning a trip to Morocco, be mindful of itinerary density. A route covering many cities in a short period (e.g., 6 days covering Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fez, Ifrane, Marrakech, and Essaouira) is often described as exhausting and can lead to a blur of destinations. It is recommended to select 2-3 cities for a more comfortable and in-depth experience. While independent travel might seem more expensive initially, it offers greater flexibility. Consider your priorities: maximizing sightseeing versus enjoying a relaxed pace.

In August, the waterfalls in Akchour are typically dried up or have very low water flow due to the summer season. While the main waterfalls may not be impressive, the area remains scenic. It is recommended to take the right-hand trail, which leads to a mountain river with cafes and the Bridge of God (a natural arch), offering a pleasant 2-3 hour excursion. The river itself usually maintains cascades and pools even in summer.

Suggest key attractions in Casablanca, Morocco, that can be visited during a layover, such as the Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche, and the Medina. Provide an estimate of what is feasible within a limited timeframe.

For early morning arrivals at Casablanca airport (around 6 AM), be aware that it takes approximately 1.5-2 hours to reach the city center. While most cafes and restaurants in Casablanca open around 8-9 AM, there is a cafe near the Casa Voyageurs train station that operates overnight.

A suggested two-week Morocco itinerary: Fly into Casablanca (transit), then Tangier, Chefchaouen (3 days), Fez (3 days), Marrakesh (3 days), Essaouira (3 days), return to Casablanca. Travel by train and bus (Supratours, CTM), book tickets in advance online (Omio). Budget: approx. €1000 per person + flights. Hotels: €60-100/night. July travel advised against Sahara due to heat. Fez guided tours (e.g., Adil, €25/2pax for 4hrs) are recommended. Essaouira is windy but atmospheric; Marrakesh is busier with tougher bargaining. Morocco is generally safe and friendly, but cleanliness varies.

For those seeking a central point of reference in Casablanca, similar to Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg, inquiries suggest there isn't one single, universally recognized 'main street' that perfectly matches that description. Exploring the city center and its key landmarks is recommended for orientation.

The Grande Piscine Municipale in Rabat, Morocco, offers a public swimming experience with facilities including pools of varying depths (1.8m, 2m, 4m) and a diving board. Entry fees are 15 MAD for adults and 5 MAD for children under 14. Food and drinks are available internally at reasonable prices (e.g., 100 MAD for two people, ice cream for 3 MAD). However, amenities are basic, with limited shade and shared changing rooms (located in restrooms). Arriving early, around 9 AM, is recommended to secure a spot.

For long layovers (7-8 hours) at Casablanca Airport (CMN), especially when flying Royal Air Maroc (RAM) on a single ticket from Moscow or St. Petersburg to Praia, inquire about hotel accommodation and meals provided by the airline at the RAM counter. Note that baggage allowances have changed: typically 23 kg checked baggage plus 10 kg hand luggage. If no airline accommodation is provided, a short-stay hotel (approx. 6 hours) is available within Terminal A's transit zone, near the food court and gates A4-A6. This area also offers a smoking lounge and a pet relief area.

Rabat is highly recommended for a visit, often described as very clean and pleasant. Casablanca can be explored in a single day. For Marrakech and Fes, allocate 2-3 days each. If time is limited, prioritize Rabat for its cleanliness and atmosphere. Consider combining a visit to Rabat with Casablanca, potentially seeing Rabat more thoroughly and Casablanca transitively if needed.

Public transport (trains) is efficient for intercity travel in Morocco (e.g., Casablanca to Rabat). For beach destinations, avoid major cities and look at smaller towns like Asilah or Kenitra. Key sights in Tangier (Cape Spartel and Hercules Cave) are located ~20km from the city center and require a taxi or local bus. Casablanca is widely considered a low-priority destination for tourists (1-2 days max), while Rabat is often preferred for a more authentic urban experience.

Storks are present year-round in Rabat, Morocco. They frequently nest on urban infrastructure such as lampposts, minarets, and within the Chellah necropolis.

Casablanca offers enough attractions for about 1.5 days of exploration. Key sights include the Habous quarter with its numerous arches, a famous bakery, the Hassan II Mosque, the promenade, and various squares. A shorter visit of a couple of hours would be insufficient to appreciate the city fully.

Luggage storage in Casablanca is often unavailable at main train/bus stations. Travelers can utilize paid luggage storage services offered by nearby hotels, such as Hotel Al Walid near Casablanca Voyageurs station, for approximately 60 MAD per item per day.

Goats climbing trees, specifically 'argan goats', can be observed in Morocco in regions where argan trees grow, primarily near Agadir and Essaouira. These goats ascend trees to feed on argan fruits. They are commonly seen along roadsides in rural areas with argan groves, particularly on routes connecting Marrakech to Essaouira, and between Essaouira and Agadir.