Planning a trip to Morocco from South Africa? You are in for something very different: Sahara dunes, old medinas, Atlas villages and a coastline on the Atlantic. This guide covers what South African travelers need to know: the visa, flights, the best season, money, plugs and the route. Our family team is from Merzouga and based in Marrakech. We wrote this to help you plan a trip to Morocco from South Africa without surprises.
Do South Africans need a visa for Morocco?
Yes. South African passport holders need a visa to enter Morocco. According to Wikipedia, South Africans may apply for an e-Visa only if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from certain countries. These include the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, or a residence document from Cyprus, Japan or the United Arab Emirates.
Without one of these, you apply through the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Pretoria. Rules and fees can change. Always check the official Moroccan visa portal, acces-maroc.ma, or the embassy before you book flights.
Flights to Morocco from South Africa
There is no nonstop flight between Johannesburg and Casablanca at the moment. Every trip to Morocco from South Africa includes at least one connection. Some routes connect through other African cities, and others go through the Middle East or Europe. Total travel time is usually more than 14 hours, so plan a rest day on arrival.
Casablanca is the main international airport, but Marrakech, Fes and Tangier also receive flights from Europe. Choosing your arrival city carefully can save a full day of driving. Read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco to see how each one works.
Best time to visit Morocco from South Africa
The seasons are reversed. When it is summer in South Africa, it is winter in Morocco, and the other way around. Here is how the South African school holidays line up with the Moroccan weather:
- December and January: Moroccan winter. Days in Marrakech are often mild and sunny, but nights in the Sahara and the Atlas are cold. Pack warm layers.
- March to May: Spring in Morocco. This is one of the best times to visit, with green valleys and pleasant temperatures.
- June and July: Moroccan summer. The Sahara and Marrakech get very hot, so plan early mornings and evenings outdoors.
- September and October: Autumn in Morocco. Warm days and cooler nights make this another excellent time for the desert.
See our full guide to the best time to visit Morocco and what to expect in Morocco in winter.
Money, time, plugs and driving
A few practical differences will make your trip to Morocco from South Africa easier:
- Money: The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange, or use ATMs in the cities. Cash is still important in the souks and in small villages. Read our guide to tipping in Morocco.
- Time: Morocco is usually one hour behind South Africa. During Ramadan, Morocco moves its clocks back by one hour, so the difference becomes two hours.
- Plugs: Morocco uses European two pin sockets, types C and E, at 220 V. Bring an adapter for South African three pin plugs.
- Driving: Morocco drives on the right. If you plan to drive yourself, read our guide on how to rent a 4×4 in Morocco first.
- Water: Most travelers drink bottled water. See is tap water safe in Morocco.
Language and culture
Moroccans speak Darija and Amazigh at home, and French is common in business and in the cities. English is spoken in hotels and by people working in tourism. A few words of Darija always help. Read what language is spoken in Morocco and our guide to Moroccan etiquette before you go.
Where to go on a trip to Morocco from South Africa
With a long flight each way, a trip of at least a week makes sense. A classic first trip combines a city, the mountains and the desert. Many guests start in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas, spend a night in the Sahara at Merzouga and finish in Fes. With more time, add the blue town of Chefchaouen or the imperial cities of Morocco.
Not sure how long to stay? Read how many days you need in Morocco.
The Sahara: the highlight for South African travelers
South Africans know wide open landscapes, but the Sahara is something else. The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga rise above the flat desert, and the silence at night is unforgettable. A camel ride at sunset, dinner at camp and a sky full of stars are the moments most guests remember. Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp and what to pack for the Sahara.
Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour is a good start, and our guide to choosing a 3 or 4 day desert tour explains the difference.
Why book a private tour of Morocco from South Africa?
After a long journey, it helps to have everything arranged. On a private tour, your driver meets you at the airport and handles the roads, so you do not need to drive on the right. We are a family team from Merzouga, so the desert part of your trip is run by our own people. Read how booking works or see our 7 day imperial cities and Sahara tour.
FAQ: Morocco from South Africa
Is Morocco visa free for South Africans?
No. South African passport holders need a visa. Some can use the e-Visa if they hold a valid visa or residence permit from countries such as the Schengen Area, the UK or the US.
Is there a direct flight to Morocco from South Africa?
Not at the moment. Flights from Johannesburg to Casablanca connect through at least one hub.
What is the time difference between South Africa and Morocco?
Morocco is usually one hour behind South Africa, and two hours behind during Ramadan.
Do I need a plug adapter for Morocco from South Africa?
Yes. Morocco uses European two pin sockets, so bring an adapter for South African plugs.
When is the best time to visit Morocco from South Africa?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. The South African school holiday around late September and early October falls in the Moroccan autumn, a very good time for the Sahara.
Planning a trip to Morocco from South Africa? Tell us your dates and we will plan your route.
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