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  #1  
Old 8 Feb 2020
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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.
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Old 8 Feb 2020
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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
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  #3  
Old 8 Feb 2020
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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 and exchanging some stories.
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  #4  
Old 9 Feb 2020
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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
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Old 9 Feb 2020
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Thank you! Absolutely would like to meet! I will pm you - perhaps next weekend?
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Old 9 Feb 2020
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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.
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Old 9 Feb 2020
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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
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Old 9 Feb 2020
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I will be travelling from Morocco to Senegal during Ramadan. Would it be an idea to carry some food just in case
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Old 9 Feb 2020
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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.
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Old 11 Feb 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hkon89 View Post
...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
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
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Old 11 Feb 2020
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesman View Post
Thank you! Absolutely would like to meet! I will pm you - perhaps next weekend?

I'm hooking up with some former colleagues on saturday, but sunday would still work.
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Old 12 Feb 2020
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Originally Posted by duibhceK View Post
I'm hooking up with some former colleagues on saturday, but sunday would still work.
Ok, I will pm on saturday so that we can may be meet on Sunday. Or if it is better for you - next weekend? Whatever wirks better for you. Thx!
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  #13  
Old 9 Mar 2021
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Never had any problems ,there is always a shop open where you can buy food,
and water .
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  #14  
Old 11 Apr 2021
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Ramadan begins Tuesday April 13th.

There is a thoughtful article on the DW.com website that examines what adaptations some Islamic countries are making to celebrate Ramadan during the COVID pandemic, here is the link:

Arab countries are adapting Ramadan traditions to pandemic.
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