Morocco 2020 duting Ramadan
 

Fellow riders,
Quick question and apologies if I repeat past questions.
We plan to ride in Morocco 27 april to 8 may. In 2020 this is right in middle of Ramadan. The plan is to do combined ride with small sealed roads plus few routes on easy unpaved routes.
Should we do hard effort to get different dates, which I ust admit is very difficult for us. We are not going for food and drink, so not having luxury is not a problem. But we need to eat and drink a lot of water all the time. And we not going to stay in big cities much. Advice will be appreciated. We also heard that local tempers may shift during Ramadan because of feasting. So, hence the question.

In principle, I think it would be best for you to avoid scheduling your vacation during Ramadan.

I've lived & worked in predominantly Muslim countries (Algeria, Libya) during Ramadan, and things slow down a lot. Past about 1PM in the afternoon (if it is hot, summertime) or 3PM in the afternoon (other seasons), no-one has much energy left due to fasting, and for all practical purposes, commerce stops, businesses are closed.

There is also the inconvenience caused by etiquette obligations upon non-Muslims during Ramadan. The Muslim folks who are fasting understand and appreciate that non-Muslims are not obliged to fast, but at the same time, it's only basic courtesy that non-Muslims should avoid eating, drinking (that includes water), smoking, chewing gum, etc. in the presence of people who are fasting. The logistics of doing that can be burdensome.

Even though Morocco is a very tolerant country with very gracious & polite people, I think it only makes sense to avoid scheduling a vacation that involves a lot of activity & moving around in the middle of Ramadan.

If I were you, I would re-schedule your holiday, simply because I think you would have a much more enjoyable time outside of Ramadan.

Michael

I wouldn't worry too much about Ramadan. Most won't expect a non-muslim to fast. Just don't go eating and drinking where every every man and his dog can see you.

Also, you are travelling. Many muslims would consider that a valid alibi to not fast.


Enjoy the trip. And if you have the chance share an iftar meal with the locals. It will be a worthwhile experience.


счастливого пути.


EDIT: just noticed you live around the corner from me. I'm based in Wilsele. Send me a PM if you fancy going for a beer and exchanging some stories.

I've traveled in a number of Muslim countries during one or another Ramadan. Basically, it's been fine, with minor inconveniences from time to time. I would refrain from, say, hiring a tour guide with the expectation of being served meals, snacks and libations, but I wouldn't hesitate to ride a motorcycle around.

On the other hand, if all else were equal and I had to choose 11 days during which to cruise around--as it appears you're doing--I'd choose to miss Ramadan just because of the increased potential for minor awkwardness.

If you end up in Morocco during that period, make a point of talking to people about what it all means and how it works for them. Not only will you probably get invited to an end of day meal or two--the iftar referred to above--but you'll learn how actual Moroccans feel about it, not just how HUBB members believe Moroccans feel about it.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Thank you! Absolutely would like to meet! I will pm you - perhaps next weekend?

Thank you all for insights. Since we have lot of problems with rescheduling we are going to keep original planning. My previous time in Morocco we stuck to 99% sealed roads but this time I have bike and tyres thay need to be taken off tarmac and I cant wait.

We're also heading to Morocco during Ramadan. As long as we can buy food and water in supermarkets, I think there won't be an issue. We're prepared to cook our own food, and we're planning on riding as much offroad as possible, so hopefully not too many people around to annoy. And I'm looking forward to experiencing Eid in a Muslim country, as we're leaving around the 25th of May. It's all part of the adventure :)

I will be travelling from Morocco to Senegal during Ramadan. Would it be an idea to carry some food just in case

You will be fine, bluesman.
Just follow duibhceK's guidelines.
It is widely known that many Muslims, including travellers, are exempt from fasting (they're supposed to make it up later). Tourism doesn't stop for a month and people still eat so you can buy food in shops - opening hours change with longer siestas.
A lot of spirited communal gorging goes on once the sun sets (about 19.10 in your case) with special Ramadan dishes.
If anything, people eat more. It's fun to be part of all this.
In my experience, the pre-dawn muezzin racket is as bad as it gets.

Its really not a problem as others have said above.

Non-muslims, travellers and the sick/ill are exempt from Ramadan. Most tourist places are open for business as normal. Don't expect to find shops open when you need them, it can be a bit hit and miss on when things are open, eg last year Tazenachkt was open as normal, couple of hours later in Ouarazazate everything shut. But with a little bit of forward planning you won't have a problem getting what you need.

Next few years Ramadan is creeping earlier over the very popular easter season for tourists

Thank you all. This is settled then.

And Chris - thanks for writing that book - planning is much easier with it.

I went to Morocco during Ramadan in 2013. I filled a camel back drinks carrier for use during the day on the bike. Whilst on main roads, I did stop for lunch a few times and there were other Europeans eating. I tried not to eat openly whilst walking around out of respect. To be honest, with the heat (it was August) I wasn’t that hungry anyway! I did have to drink when off the bike, and only once did anyone tut and waive their finger at me, and even then he had a smile on his face. I found the Moroccan people to be very warm and welcoming (like most places), so I doubt you’ll have any issues.

Eid is a pretty big event - it has about the same disruption to business as Christmas does in Christian countries.

Depending on where you are, it might be prudent to get your accommodations sorted out ahead of time - hotel rooms might be in short supply.

Michael

Thanks for the heads up. We're planning on staying in a small village or the like during Eid, probably without accommodation, so we'll most probably be using our tents.

I'm hooking up with some former colleagues on saturday, but sunday would still work. :thumbup1: