Travel for senior citizens in Morocco

Morocco holds a special appeal for many travellers “from a certain age onwards”. At this point in a traveller’s life, the bustling boulevards of Paris and sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii are staid, almost boring. Morocco, on the other hand, is something different, something that is alive and vibrant and full of new sights, sounds and smells to experience. It helps, of course, that Morocco has its own lively boulevards and sun-drenched beaches. But what is a trip to Morocco for this age group like? Travel for seniors in Morocco.

That’s a good one to ask, and one which is not easy to answer. For the past 12 years, Sahara Morocco Travel has been helping people of every age, background and skill level explore this country. Here’s what our experience has been so far:

Travel for senior citizens in Morocco: The Cultural

Morocco is a country where there is still a deep sense of respect for the elderly. This also extends to those coming from abroad to visit. In Morocco, especially in the smaller towns and villages, well-travelled, adventurous travel of a certain age will feel right at home. The culture of Moroccan cities is similar to that of cities everywhere. There are lots of people hurrying to get somewhere quickly, especially in the newer parts of the city. You’ll get a lot of that “small town Morocco” cultural aspect in the older parts of town, the medinas.

Medication: Travel for Seniors in Morocco

Make sure you bring enough for the duration of your stay if you take any medication or supplements. It’s a good idea to allow for an extra 3 days. This is in case of delays at the airport. There is no guarantee that prescriptions will be filled during your stay in Morocco.

However, knowing the French equivalent of the generic (unbranded) medicine before you arrive can be extremely helpful. You will probably be able to find your medicine or supplement in a local pharmacy or notify a doctor if necessary, with your doctor’s prescription. You should also have a chat with your doctor at home about your trip and any dietary restrictions you should be aware of. For example, you’ll want to stay away from bananas if you’re taking an ACE inhibitor.

Travel for seniors in Morocco for older people: Other health issues to consider

For most Travel for seniors in Morocco, the traveller’s diarrhoea is a real concern. It helps with sticking with fully cooked foods, especially salads. Consider packing some loperamide (Imodium A-D) just in case you get the runs and make sure you stay hydrated.

Otherwise, make sure you protect yourself from the hot sun. Even on days when the sun isn’t so bright, you’ll want to apply plenty of sunscreens, especially if you’re in the mountains. As the saying goes, ‘Morocco is a cold country with a Warm sun’. A light-coloured shirt to cover your arms and a hat will do wonders for you.

Travel for seniors in Morocco: Questions about mobility

Morocco is not a country that is wheelchair friendly. It lacks much of the infrastructure needed for people with reduced mobility. Whether you’re trekking through the High Atlas, exploring the medieval medina of Fez, or simply checking into your local riad, it’s a country best experienced on your own two feet. If you have any mobility issues, make sure you check with all your accommodation providers. Sorry for the shameless plug, but this is where travelling with a tour operator like Sahara Morocco Travel can really be of help. With expert guidance on everything from accommodation to how to get around old cities, we’ll be able to describe the experiences you can have no matter what challenges you face.

Travel for seniors in Morocco: General safety

Morocco is safer than any city in North America. There is a distinct lack of gun violence of any kind in Morocco. In larger cities, you may be more of a target for pickpockets and purse-snatchers, so make sure you keep your important documents close to you. It’s a good idea to leave a ‘do not disturb’ sign on your hotel door. This can deter potential intruders in your hotel room. You won’t have much to worry about other than this type of theft (and the notoriously bad drivers)