A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of ancient Marrakech

During turbulent times in volatile countries overseas there are moments when the interests of many of us are not best served by the world’s news media. To judge by numerous headlines, one could be forgiven for imagining that political unrest is rife not only throughout much of the Middle East but right across North Africa too and that, as a result, travel to these countries, for Americans and Europeans especially, should be discouraged. How often have we been asked over the past year or two “Is Morocco a safe country to visit?”

The question is not surprising – people don’t know the facts because they are not well informed. Well, the good news is that, as far as this north-west corner of Africa is concerned, life goes on as normal, the political situation being entirely calm as, indeed, it has been throughout the so-called Arab spring. Apart from a couple of minor, well disciplined demonstrations in Casablanca and Rabat, no social unrest has taken place and the country is as safe to visit today as it has ever been.   Read the rest of this entry »