Morocco for Seniors: Travel Guide 2026

Medicines

Bring enough prescriptions for the whole trip plus a buffer, in hand luggage and in the original packaging, with a doctor’s letter listing them (in English and French). Some brands are not sold locally. Pharmacies, marked with a green cross, are widespread.

Doctors

The major cities have private hospitals and clinics. Your hotel or riad can arrange a doctor, including a visit to your room.

Heat

The biggest risk. Inland cities get very hot in summer: go out early and late, rest through the middle of the day, drink plenty of water, and wear a hat and loose, light clothing. Dizziness, nausea and a racing heart are signs of heat exhaustion.

Food and water

Drink sealed bottled water. Eat where food is freshly cooked and turnover is high; tagines and grills are good choices. Carry anti-diarrhoea medicine and oral rehydration sachets.

Emergencies

Police 19 in towns, Royal Gendarmerie 177 outside towns, fire and ambulance 15, and 112 from a mobile.

1. 1

   Riads with a ground-floor room

   The most atmospheric choice, with personal service and a courtyard to rest in. Riad staircases are steep, so always ask for a ground-floor room and check whether the bathroom has a walk-in shower or only a bath. Staff can arrange drivers, guides and restaurant bookings.
2. 2

   International hotels

   Large hotels generally have lifts and accessible rooms. Ask for grab bars, a walk-in shower and wide doorways, and whether the concierge can book accessible vehicles and airport assistance.
3. 3

   Hotels in the new towns

   Modern districts such as Gueliz in Marrakech have flat streets, with pharmacies, cash machines and shops within walking distance, and a short taxi ride to the medina. Look for a lift and a 24-hour reception.
4. 4

   All-inclusive beach resorts

   Resorts in Agadir take care of meals and keep everything on site. Ask about adapted rooms with roll-in showers before you book.

1. 1

   Private guided city tours

   A private guide sets the pace for you, knows the easier routes through the medina and handles the shopkeepers. Licensed guides carry an official ID card; your hotel can find one.
2. 2

   Small-group tours

   Look for tours labelled “gentle pace” or “easy walking”, with comfortable hotels, air-conditioned vehicles and rest built into each day.
3. 3

   Cooking classes and food tours

   A cooking class is a low-impact way into Moroccan culture; ask whether it can be done seated, or privately. Food tours involve gentle walking with frequent stops.
4. 4

   Day trips with a private driver

   An air-conditioned car with a driver is the easiest way to see the Atlas Mountains or the Ouzoud Waterfalls, stopping whenever you like.
5. 5

   Gardens and palaces

   The Majorelle Garden, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Gardens are among the gentlest sights. Go in the morning, when it is cooler and quieter. Wheelchair access varies, so ask ahead.

Private driver

The most comfortable. The driver handles the road while you sit in air conditioning, and you stop when you want. Agree the itinerary, stops and total price before you set off.

First-class train

ONCF first class has assigned seats, more space and quieter carriages. The Al Boraq high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca is the smoothest ride in Morocco. Ask for boarding assistance at the major stations.

Domestic flights

Royal Air Maroc connects the major cities and spares you long overland days. Request wheelchair or buggy assistance when you book. Casablanca Mohammed V is the main hub.

Coaches

CTM and Supratours cover routes without trains (Essaouira, Chefchaouen) with assigned seats and air conditioning. Seats can feel cramped on long journeys; sit near the front. Marrakech to Essaouira takes about 3 hours.

A gentle introduction: 7 days, Marrakech and Essaouira

1. 1

   Day 1 · Arrive in Marrakech

   Airport transfer to your riad. Rest, and an easy evening walk in Gueliz.
2. 2

   Day 2 · Marrakech

   Private guided visit to the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden. Rest in the afternoon; a hammam if you like.
3. 3

   Day 3 · Marrakech

   A gentle medina walk with a guide. In the afternoon, a private cooking class.
4. 4

   Day 4 · To Essaouira

   Private driver (about 2.5 hours) with a stop at an argan cooperative. Seafront hotel and an evening walk on the ramparts.
5. 5

   Day 5 · Essaouira

   The medina at an easy pace, the galleries, and seafood at the port.
6. 6

   Day 6 · Back to Marrakech

   A free morning, then the drive back. Farewell dinner.
7. 7

   Day 7 · Departure

   A slow morning and a private transfer to the airport.

Imperial cities at a gentle pace: 10 days, Marrakech, Rabat and Fes

1. 1

   Days 1–2 · Marrakech

   Arrive and rest. Day 2: the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Majorelle Garden with a guide; a hammam.
2. 2

   Day 3 · Train to Rabat

   First-class train, about 4 hours. Hotel in the Agdal district; an evening tram ride.
3. 3

   Day 4 · Rabat

   The Hassan Tower and Mausoleum, then the Kasbah of the Udayas and tea above the river.
4. 4

   Day 5 · Train to Fes

   About 3 hours by train. A riad with a ground-floor room, rest, and an evening walk in the Ville Nouvelle.
5. 5

   Day 6 · Fes

   A private guided medina tour on the easier routes: the Bou Inania madrasa, the tanneries, artisans’ workshops.
6. 6

   Day 7 · Fes

   A cooking class and the Jnan Sbil garden, or a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis.
7. 7

   Day 8 · Train to Marrakech

   A long day on the train, about 7 hours. Rest in the evening.
8. 8

   Day 9 · Marrakech

   A free day for shopping, a spa or the Ourika Valley. Farewell dinner.
9. 9

   Day 10 · Departure

   Private transfer to the airport.

In the medina

• Hire a licensed guide who knows routes with the fewest stairs
• Go early, when the lanes are emptiest and coolest
• Wear supportive shoes with good grip for uneven paving
• Keep visits to an hour or two, with rests

Wheelchairs

• Traditional medinas are very difficult with a wheelchair
• The new towns (Gueliz in Marrakech, the Ville Nouvelle in Fes, Agdal in Rabat) are easier
• Large hotels have the best accessible facilities
• Request assistance at airports when you book your flights

Diet

• Tell your riad or hotel about dietary needs when you check in
• Carry a card in Arabic and French explaining any allergy
• Nuts are common in Moroccan cooking: warn restaurants if you are allergic

Staying in touch

• Buy a local SIM card at the airport
• Download offline maps and save your hotel’s address in Arabic
• Carry a card with the address in Arabic for taxi drivers

Essential, not optional. Compare several insurers before you buy.

1. 1

   Age limits

   Some standard policies stop at a certain age. Insurers that specialise in older travellers cover higher ages, at higher premiums.
2. 2

   Pre-existing conditions

   Declare every condition honestly: an undisclosed condition can void the policy.
3. 3

   Medical evacuation and repatriation

   The most important cover. Make sure it is included.
4. 4

   Cancellation

   Choose a policy that covers cancellation for medical reasons, including conditions that develop after you book.