Cats are all over the place in Marrakech. You’ll find them relaxing in the streets, playing with one another by shop entrances, and even coming up to you for some cuddles! The whole city is their stomping ground. Cats are in cafes, restaurants, and, sometimes, we are pleasantly surprised to find a furry feline friend in one of our Riad’s!
These furry friends aren’t just cute. They help keep Marrakech rat-free! We love walking around the Medina and saying hello to these little kitties, they are just too cute! Dogs, however, are few and far between. We’ve seen a couple roaming the streets but cats have definitely established their dominance over the Medina.
If you’re lucky, you’ll run into this romantic little guy in the Medina. I mean, look at that perfect little heart!
Book your next stay in Marrakech with us and stay in the middle of the Old Medina, where cats are around every corner!
Every home in Morocco always has two ingredients on hand: olive oil and olives. These products are essential to Moroccan cuisine and culture. At breakfast, traditional breads and pancakes are dipped in olive oil to start the day; at lunch, olives are presented as an appetizer; at supper, coffee and mint tea are served alongside olives and bread; and at dinner, olives can be found in many tagines. The Atlas Mountains and rich valleys surrounding Marrakech, like the Saraana valley, are famous for their fine olives and high-quality oil. Every year, young Moroccan boys and girls from these regions look forward to November and December, when the harvest takes place. The community works together to farm the land. Landowners prepare home cooked meals for the local youth to enjoy under the shade of the olive branches when they take a break from picking their fruit and have done so for centuries. Once harvested, the olives are either preserved or pressed into oil so they can be enjoyed year round. Every child growing up in Morocco has watched and helped their mother stone the individual olives and add them to glass jars with water and salt. Nowadays, most everyone in Morocco heads to their local market to buy their olives. For those in Marrakech’s Medina, that means heading over to Souk Aploh, just outside of the Jema al-Fnaa square, to the cluster of shops that specialize in all things olive.
Shop number 10 is situated at the end of the small row of olive shops, amongst sellers with everything from leather shoes to traditional Moroccan dress to intricately designed brass lamps to piles of fresh mint for tea. Abed Moneem and his brother Omar run their family’s olive business in Souk Aploh, just outside of the main square, called Jema al-Fnaa. The shop has been in their family for generations and will be passed down for many more. They sell a rainbow of olives, neatly packaged in glass jars. The presentation is a feast for the senses, with red, pink, green, and black olives stacked alongside preserved lemons, garlic and infused olive oils. Bottles of green and red chilis line the walls, as well as specialty olives made with chilis or almonds. Certain varieties are solely for cooking and are to be added to other dishes while others are to be eaten raw with a meal or as a snack. The green and red olives, preserved in water and salt with or without the pit still inside are put into tagines. Another variety of green olives, preserved with salt and lemon, is for eating. Abed Moneem and Omar’s best seller is their green olives with herbs: za’atar, parsley, coriander, cayenne, garlic, thyme, and olive oil. The black olives are the second most popular and often mixed with pickled carrots and parsley, to make what Moroccans call mishirmil. For just 10 dirhams, you can get as much as half a kilogram of olives to take home and feast on. Most shops also offer argan oil, amloo (a mixture of almond and argan oils), and kaleaa (preserved meat).
Lemons are preserved in two ways: with water and salt, or just with salt. The preserved lemons that are made solely with salt are kept for a very long time, up to four months, and turn black in color. They are used in tangias for both their flavor and their high salt content as the only salt used in the dish comes from the preserved lemons. Both lemons and olives are found bottled in water and salt, olive oil, or vinegar and herbs. Each variety has a unique flavor and can be used for a variety of dishes.
It is not uncommon for Moroccans who live abroad to come back to the country to visit family and be sent home with a jar of olives and olive oil. The preserved good is emblematic of Morocco: representative of the country’s fertile land and varied cuisine. The Souk Aploh is a must visit while in Marrakech, and we invite you to join us in enjoying the many goods it has to offer!
Perhaps not what people first consider when thinking of Morocco, is the rich history of book trade and literature in this most curious country.
We are walking through an age where tablets and smartphones dictate much of our lives. Designed to make all of our needs accessible in one portable device, our phones make it possible for us to stay one step ahead.
There is of course, always a catch. This digital age is quickly pushing many of our well known learning resources into the land of irrelevance. With the birth of devices such as the kindle, our books are at risk of being left behind.
You might have heard of the Khizanat al-Qarawiyyin library, located in the ancient medina of Fez. The library was founded in the 9th century, by the daughter of a wealthy Tunisian merchant. It is widely recognised as the oldest library in the world and after heavy restoration to it’s former glorious state, the library re-opened to the public in 2016.
The walls of this impressive library house some very important pieces of literature. Perhaps the most notable, is a ninth-century copy of the Qur’an, written in ornate Kufic script on camel skin. This is a hugely significant part of Islamic history, and pre-dates a vast number of politically skewed versions of the Holy Qur’an. Of course, this book is kept safely locked in a secure room with temperature and humidity controlled climate.
What you may not know, is that Marrakech also has it’s own connection to historical book trading and preserving.
When you picture the vibrant souks of the city, you probably think of swathes of hanging textiles, wonky stacks of leather poofes, pointy babouche and aged metal jewels; but before many of these shops existed, there were booksellers.
The famous 12th century Koutoubia mosque itself, is known as the Mosque of the Booksellers and the thriving shops of the Jemaa El Fna which now stock a selection of modern artisanal goods aimed at tourists; were once the marketplace for handwritten works of literature and religious scrolls. Each bookstore was family owned, and the role of the bookseller was passed down through generations.
As the tourist trade has grown in Marrakech, the booksellers have been pushed outside of the walls of the ancient medina. Although many local Moroccan’s recognise that their place is truly in the heart of the medina, the government works in favour of boosting the tourism economy by replacing these historical stores with hard-sellers and items aimed specifically at souvenir buyers.
The booksellers were somewhat kicked aside to make space for a vast number of street food stalls & souvenir stands, which all participate in creating a bustling tourist hot spot. There is no denying the magic, exoticism of the Jemaa El Fna; with snake charmers, monkeys, drumming circles, acrobats, belly dancers and fortune telling – it is truly like stepping into a festival every single day.
The authorities’ determination to maintain this perceived tourist ideal of an oriental Marrakech, has forced the booksellers to settle in a new area of the city. Although numbers of book stalls have vastly diminished, you will still find these vendors in the district known as Bab Doukkala. This busy area is perched just on the edge of the old medina walls, and is home to not only the book sellers, but a typical fruit market and the main bus station.
Not much to look at from a first glance, the book stalls are made up of make-shift shacks from metal frames with plastic sheet covers. Do not be put off by first appearances, as this is really a joyful place to browse and shop; free from hassle or hard-sell.
Each store is packed with cardboard boxes full of amazing books in all genres. Many fictional novels have found their way into the corners of these shacks, from travellers old and current. There are also very useful travel guides of Morocco, with focuses on different aspects of Moroccan culture. Sometimes you might meet school children and students shopping for learning resources, or local Moroccans buying pieces of old religious script. Often, you will find copies of the Qur’an which have been translated from Arabic to English, French or Spanish; although some Moroccan muslims may tell you that it is not possible to literally translate the Qur’an.
Unfortunately, this trade has much to compete with in order to stay relevant. The livelihoods of the booksellers wholly depends on people valuing the books that they stock. Not only do they have to compete with the low literacy rates that exist in Morocco, they also have to compete with modern technology.
Of course, when you’re discovering a new country you might not feel implored to spend your time buying books; but a visit to this surviving market is recommended! Perhaps you might find a book title which really speaks to you. You could even consider buying a few books to donate to one of the many educational charities or orphanages that are working hard to improve social aspects of Moroccan life. Alternatively, you could leave a book in a cafe as a “pass it on” gesture.
To find the book market, you can use our recently updated Marrakech Riad Travel App Guide. It’s free to download on all devices and will lead you straight to the destination or on any scenic route you might choose.
The word “Caleche” may not be familiar to you, if you’ve never spent a week or two in Morocco before. The word itself is a french, feminine noun which found it’s way to Morocco during the French Colonisation in the 1950’s. The term Caleche is now a commonly used name for what is formally known by most as a Barouche, or horse-drawn cart.
A caleche is a type of horse-drawn carriage with a retractable cover for sun-protection. These fanciful modes of transport became popularised in 19th century France, and were mostly used for leisurely journeys in the summer.
The Caleches of Marrakech are light carriages with small wheels at the front, and two larger wheels at the rear, with inside seats for four to six passengers. The carriages are usually drawn by two medium-large horses of equal height.
In Marrakech you can take a tour of the city by Caleche, which can last from 20 minutes up to 2 hours depending on the time you have designated. There are several main pick-up points within the medina and the New City; which you can find by using our free Marrakech Riad Travel Guide App. This is a great way to explore the city if you are tired from walking, as the caleches can often reach areas of town which are not accessible by car. The open top of the carriage, and the slow moving nature of the caleche ride allows for some brilliant photo opportunities of major landmarks and historical features.
In previous years, the horses used to draw Caleches in Morocco, were not well kept. Often malnourished and dehydrated, they were thin, lame and in constant pain from untreated harness wounds; which caused an uproar amongst animal activists. Thankfully, attention around this issue caused a charitable organisation called SPANA to step in and take action.
SPANA is an international charity which supports working animals around the world, and their Morocco branch based in Doudiat is a literal life-saver for so many animals in Marrakech. SPANA’s Caleche Horse Programme has influenced major improvement in the overall care, health and wellbeing of the working horses in Marrakech. By teaming up with local authorities, SPANA created a licensing scheme whereby horses must be regularly inspected on various health factors, for their owners to be able to continue using them for work. They must be well fed, well cared for and have access to farriery, dentistry and veterinary care before the owners can obtain or maintain their Caleche license.
You might notice that many horses have a blue “SPANA” tag around their ankle, which indicates that they have been micro-chipped and are being thoroughly monitored. The charity have also installed several free-to-use water troughs around the city, to combat animal dehydration.
Bravo to SPANA for all their hard work in improving the lives of working animals around the world.
So, next time you visit Marrakech why not try out a Caleche tour for yourselves?
Contact us today to book your accommodation.
Located in the North Western corner of the medina, in the direction of Rue du Fez, stands Bab El Khemis. Bab El Khemis literally translates to “The door of the fifth day”, and in the Islamic calendar, the fifth day is Thursday.
One of just 19 gates which puncture the 19km long ramparts of the ancient medina, Bab El Khemis underwent heavy restoration in 1804. Until this point, it was known as Bab Fes; being the gate which travellers and merchants from the city of Fez would use to access the Marrakech Medina.
Since it’s early restoration, Bab El Khemis has been the entrance to a popular local souk of commerce. The tin covered souk area is almost exclusively artisanal, and houses a host of stores selling traditional carpentry, pottery, upholstery and brass.
Alongside the souk of commerce, is a thriving flea market which is scarcely frequented by tourists and travellers. Be prepared to sift through mountains of strange, second hand items and search across courtyards filled with 1920s telephones, retro metal signs and a wide range of antiques from all around the world. You will likely find yourself wondering how on earth all of these artefacts found their way here, onto this dusty heap!
Some basic Arabic will come in handy here, especially numbers and monetary value. As this is a local market, the traders rarely have a need to speak English or French, but wherever you are from you can expect a hassle-free experience and a small price for some weird but wonderful items. You’re almost guaranteed to walk away with a bargain!
These markets gave Bab El Khemis it’s name, as they used to be strictly on Thursday. Nowadays the markets are open every day, with the exception of Friday when you might find just a couple of traders, or on days when there is heavy rain. Generally, you will be met by a hive of activity with food, clothes, prayer, sports and plenty of cats.
If you’re accustomed to auctions & car-boot sales, they you’re bound to enjoy a visit to Bab El Khemis. You can find the gate using our free Marrakech Travel Guide app.
For the fashion conscious among us, Marrakech is a hub for inspiration. From textile shops stacked floor to ceiling with every colour of velvet, muslin, cotton and sequin cloth; to the enticing amalgamation of African, Arabian and Oriental influences within the characters, architecture, flavours and music of Marrakech. As an artist, it is almost impossible to avoid a creative boom.
If you’re visiting Marrakech with an interest in all things fashion, it is advisable that you take the needle & thread walk through the ancient souks. This well mapped-out trail will take you to several vibrant areas of the ancient medina, all relating to artisanal work in the field of textile design; from tailoring to dyers souks.
The Kaftan museum ‘Histoire de Caftan by Diamantine’, is really a must see for those who are intrigued by the beauty of modest Moroccan fashion.
Diamantine are an established atelier company, first stepping onto the scene 15 years ago. They now take the lead in terms of traditional and elegant Moroccan garments, with outlets cropping up in Morocco, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In 2015 they were awarded ” Best Brand of Moroccan Franchise” by the Ambassador of Moroccan Culture.
The company specialises in creating and selling unique pieces, in the form of modest, full-covering fashion. They work with garments including kaftans, tunics, gandouras, djellabas, wetsuits and accessories for women, men, girls and boys, all with the aim of modernising traditional Moroccan and Arabian dress for the whole family.
The incredible venue in Marrakech, is set inside an expansive turn of the century Riad. The building has been restored, but remains true to it’s traditional features including high ceilings and an open central roof section. The traditional painting and mosaic is stylish and a great backdrop for the luxurious garments on display.
Here you can find the opportunity to shop for unique pieces in an abundance of dazzling textiles, all of which have been crafted to perfection. The pieces on display are traditional and regal, whilst the concept-store supplies more everyday, wearable and lightweight pieces.
You wont pay for entry to this Riad, and the museum exhibitions are also free to view. The exhibit delves in detail into the history of the Kaftan, and Moroccan haute couture. A testament to the rich history and culture of Morocco and adornment within the Maghreb.
Customers who find the Histoire de Caftan by Diamantine, using our FREE Marrakech Riad Travel Guide App; will be awarded a 10% off all purchases made within the concept-store. An irresistible offer!
The dyers district covers two sides of the main path, through Souk Sebbaghine. If you choose to take the “needle and thread” walk, then you can use our Marrakech Travel Guide App to help you along your way. The app is free to download to your phone or tablet and functions without internet connection, so you may never need to lose your sense of direction when navigating the labyrinth of the ancient Medina!
You might wish to take a guide with you when you visit the dyers souk, to have somebody who is multilingual and can give you an explanation in your native language, as to the processes taking place here. You should view this as a service, and expect to make some payment for it. Alternatively, any one of the dyers in the souk will be happy to give a demonstration of their work for you.
As you head along the route past the Mouassine fountain, you’ll meet a fork in the road and take the path to your left. Take another left and you’ll be led to the dyers district via several shops selling colourful textiles and tagine pots! Here you have the option to take a hidden path to your left which opens out into the larger of the dying areas, or a hidden path to your right which opens into a tiny nook filled with wool-dying workshops. If you are looking for a calm, hassle-free experience, then you are probably best taking the right hand path, which runs just between the mosque and the row of stores. You will know you are in the right place because the walls are covered with brightly coloured patches of dye & handprints.
In this little opening, you might find artisans sitting enjoying a mint tea on their lunch break or busy activating the large dying pots. You will notice that their hands are stained a dark grey shade, which is created by a combination of the natural dyes they handle as well as the charcoal used to heat the vats of boiling water.
Within each workshop, a different task is undertaken. The largest of the tiny spaces is occupied by the dying apparatus, which includes several large metal pots or vats for dip dying, boiling and setting the colour, as well as a kind of washing machine drum for spinning and draining wool, all hand driven.
Other workshops focus on making sections of felt from the wool, using the black olive soap and a technique of scrubbing wool strands layer upon layer. This method is known as “wet felting” and is used to create a variety of final products such as bags, shoes and decorative pom-poms.
Waiting on the sidelines, you will find merchants with chariots and buckets; bringing raw wool strands and taking away bundles of coloured wool to sell in the market. Apprentices help to carry heavy loads, and bring pots of tea for the artisans.
Of course, it is possible to dye any organic textile in this souk and if you take the left hand route then you will see examples of natural leather being dyed. As the dyes are made with natural colourants, synthetic textiles wont take the colour with the same vibrancy as the organic textiles.
It seems that the small regions within the dyers souk, focus on one specific colour each day. This is because the vats need to be cleaned in between each colour used, as to not let the dyes become muddy or mixed. This makes for great photos of vibrant, rich coloured cotton threads hanging out to dry. The dyers souk transforms every day, as the colour in the pots is changed.
To experience this for yourselves, contact us today and book your trip to Marrakech.
Frequently asked questions about your excursion
Why book ahead?
Where we still have availability you can of course book while you are on holiday.
- Medina walking tours require at least 48 hours notice
- Car seats require at least 48 hours notice
- Spanish, Italian or German speaking drivers require at least 48 hours notice
- English or French speaking drivers can can always be provided.
Where will we be collected at the start of our excursion?
You will be collected from your Marrakech accommodation or the nearest vehicle access point.
It is essential that you include your contact details and information about where you are staying in the booking form. Our excursion partner will make best efforts to contact you or your accommodation in advance to confirm the pick up point. If you are staying in the old town you will be collected from the nearest medina gateway.
Departure times from Marrakech
We recommend departure from Marrakech at the following times.
Ourika :09:00
Imlil :09:00
Essaouira 08:00
Kasbahs :08:00
Ouzud waterfalls: 08:00
Desert : 08:00
Grand tour : 08.00
If you wish you can leave a little later, however, you may have less time than planned at your destination because all our tours are scheduled to return to Marrakech before dark.
What time should I expect to return to Marrakech?
Ourika and Imlil excursions return to Marrakech around 4pm. Our experience is that it’s best to drive to your destination, enjoy your walk in the late morning away from the heat of the afternoon sun, have a leisurely lunch locally then return to Marrakech.
All our other excursions are scheduled to return to Marrakech before dark. This is because other road users including pedestrians, cycles and even tractors or cars very often do not use lights. Consequently it can be extremely difficult to proceed safely at a normal speed. Unlike the UK and the rest of Northern Europe day length does not vary much with the seasons. It usually goes dark around 6 to 7pm.
Can the driver drop me off to another location than the one he collected me?
That will be no problem, as long as the new location is on the excursion route or in Central Marrakech. For Riads in the old town medina you will be dropped at the nearest Medina gateway.
What footwear would you recommend?
Sturdy footwear is required for all excursions.
Are there discounts for multiple bookings?
When booking through us you are already benefiting from our buying power as well as our expertise. We do not offer discounts for booking two or more excursions.
What currency will I pay in?
Our excursions are priced in Moroccan Dirhams and your deposit will be paid online or over the phone in UK poundsor Euros. You will pay the balance to your driver in cash either in Moroccan dirhams or Sterling/Euros at the exchange rate on the day you travel. There are plenty of ATM’s where cash can be withdrawn in Marrakech or for larger amounts most of our excursion partners can accept credit cards. Paying by card will require a detour at the beginning of the excursion to operators office.
Is the driver also a guide?
Your driver is not a registered guide. He will be friendly and approachable and will have a good knowledge of the route including viewing points and places of interest to stop and allow you to explore. If you wish he will be able to suggest restaurants etc. For the avoidance of doubt your driver will not accompany you when you are away from the vehicle.
Will the driver speak English?
Your driver will have a reasonable level of English to allow you to communicate with him. Alternatively, if you give at least three days notice we can usually provide a driver who speaks French, German, Spanish or Italian.
If languages other than English are preferred please ensure you specify at the time of booking your excursion.
What type of vehicle will I have?
You will have a comfortable air conditioned vehicle appropriate to the size of your group. Normally a car for 3-4 people, a minivan for 4-7 people, and a minibus for 8-14.
Are there other extra costs?
With the exception of the dinner and show Fantasia meals are not included in excursion prices. There are many local restaurants en route and a substantial meal will generally cost around ten Euros per person.
Gratuities for your driver are not required but they are very much appreciated.
Can we visit the Souks?
Souk is the arabic word for market. The vibrant Souks of Marrakech will be included in our private walking tours of the old town (coming soon!). The Marrakech Souks are a little quieter on Fridays (the sabbath) and religious holidays but remain open seven days a week.
In the Atlas mountain towns there are weekly Souks which are a real focus of social and economic activity.
We are compiling a list of the towns the Souk visits and the relevant days to include Asni and Tahanoute
Check back in this this space soon!
There are places on the outskirts of Marrakech and elsewhere on our excursion routes where camels can be hired and your driver will be able to drop you at them on request. On our Night in the Dessert excursion you will be offered the opportunity to finish your journey to the desert and arrive at the camp on a camel. The costs are modest and payment will be made to the camel handler.
Camel riding is at your own risk! Hip and our excursion partners are not qualified to asses the competence of camel handlers. You might also want to consider whether it invalidates your travel insurance.
The monkeys that are indigenous to this part of Morocco are naturally tailless Barbary Apes.
Performing Apes are a common sight in the south west corner of the main Jema Al Fnaa square.
How much better to see them wild in their natural habitat? The Hip Waterfalls and Monkeys day trip from Marrakech takes you the spectacular waterfalls at Ouzoud, the highest in North Africa.
You are guaranteed to see monkeys on this excursion. See monkeys roaming in the wild, or we will refund the cost of your excursion!
Fantasia is great family entertainment and the seaside at Essaouira is an excellent excursion for children. Imlil is a good choice if your children are comfortable walking on uneven terrain and Ourika is a fun option if they would enjoy an hour and a half or so walking and scrambling up the river bed to make it up to the waterfalls.
The Kasbahs, the Grand Tour and Waterfalls and Monkeys all involve a lot of driving and are less suitable. We would definitely not recommend the night in the desert which is a really ambitious trip that even some adults find tough going.
Car seats can be provided when they are clearly requested at the time of booking your excursion, and when your booking is made at least 48 hours before departure.
Stunning value for groups
Our excursions are private tours. With us you pay for the exclusive use of your own vehicle and driver.
We believe our excursions are good value for couples, they are undoubtedly GREAT value for families and larger groups.
For example, a full day excursion for a family of 14 to the stunning waterfalls at Ouzoud three hours drive from Marrakech would be £120 which is less than £9 per person.
Can you arrange a transfer from the airport?
We are experts in helping English speaking guests select appropriate accommodation and make the most of their stay.
In our experience airport transfers are best organised by your Marrakech accommodation. This will provide the best arrival experience for you and the most seamless communication, particularly in the event of flight delays. If you are staying at our own riads please get in touch and we would be delighted to arrange the transfers for you
Ready to book your excursion? Click here to return to the excursions overview
Chez Ali, Fantasia
Chez Ali is a long established attraction in the Palmeraie district of Marrakech. Visitors are treated to dinner in a Moroccan tent while being entertained by minstrels and dancers representing the regions of Morocco, this is followed by a circus style show in a large central arena including displays of horsemanship, gunfire and sometimes fireworks. The show, also known as Fantasia, frequently figures on the itineraries of the large tour operators.
We think Chez Ali great entertainment for families, and equally well suited for groups of friends. You will be served a fabulous banquet comprising harira soup, mechwoui slow roasted lamb, couscous, Moroccan patisserie, fresh fruit and mint tea. Alcoholic beverages are available but not included.
The excursion price includes return transfers, dinner and show. You need to be picked up by 20.00 pm and you can expect to be back at midnight.
Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in one of our riads to book Fantasia through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up.
As with our other excursions if availability is showing you can book. Even booking on the day of the show is not a problem. We would ideally need to know by 15.00 to leave time to organise your transfers.
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The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour circuit packs in as much as it is possible to see in a day from Marrakech
Departing at 8am you will first drive up the picturesque Ourika valley passing numerous Berber villages before climbing up the ski station at Oukamdem. Your route then descends into the Sidi Fers Valley where you will stop for a traditional Berner meal (not included in the price of the excursion, typically around 10 to 15 GBP per person).
The packed itinerary then takes you down to Asni and up to the settlement of Imlil for a 1.5 hour walk with a guide which is also included in the price of the excursion.
It is normally possible to arrange a visit to the famous Kasbah Toubkal in Imlil, entrance to the Kasbah and refreshments there are not included.
Finally you will return to Marrakech via Asni and Tahanoute to be back at your accommodation around 6pm.
Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in one of our riads to book an excursion through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up.
Do not be concerned about late booking, if availability is showing on our system there is a vehicle available for you. Excursions are commonly booked the day before travel.
See all excursions
A night in the Desert
The desert is not so close to Marrakech, more than a hundred and fifty miles, and of course the Atlas mountain range sits in the way so the route to the Sahara at Zagara is seven hours drive. That makes a one-night excursion to the dessert a packed itinerary. Leave Marrakech at 8.00 am, drive down via Ait Ben Haddou stopping at its famous Kasbah then Ourzazate and on to Zagora. There are many options for lunch en route (not included). Arrive at your desert encampment before sunset. Enjoy a meal with your hosts in the local Taureg style. This evening meal is included in the excursion price, if you have special dietary requirements please tell your driver in the morning so he can call ahead to the camp.
Experience the majestic calmness of the desert and its unique night sky. If you wish you can get up early for the sunrise. After breakfast you will leave for the return journey to Marrakech. Your will stay in a traditional Taureg tented encampment. Standard tents sleep up to five people and if the camp is busy you may be sharing a tent with another group. Premium tents are more spacious and more attractively furnished, they sleep two people (double or twin are available) Please note this is not Luxury accommodation to the standard you will find in Marrakech. It is an authentic desert experience with warm and welcoming hosts in clean and comfortable accommodation. The tents are not en suite. All tents (standard and premium) share the camp facilities including toilets. Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech at 8.00 am on your departure morning. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in one of our riads to book this desert excursion through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up. Do not be concerned about late booking, if availability is showing on our system there is a vehicle available for you. Excursions are commonly booked the day before travel.
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Imlil, High Atlas
Also highly recommended is a trip to the high Atlas village of Imlil, gateway to the magnificent Jbel Toubkal crowning wonder of the Atlas range and the tallest mountain in North Africa. Please note that even in winter the snow line is normally above Imlil. The scenery is truly stunning and remarkably accessible from Marrakech at around an hour and a quarters drive.
The excursion normally leaves at 09.00 and you can expect to be back in Marrakech at 16.00 Imlil has a number of authentic and great value restaurants (lunch is not included). There are also two internationally renowned hotels either of which make excellent lunch stops. Richard Bransons Kasbah Tamadot is on the route and the stunning Kasbah Toubkal dominates the skyline above the village of Imlil when you arrive.
Your driver can normally help with a reservation for the restaurant of your choice though this is not guaranteed at the Kasbahs which are sometimes let for exclusive use. Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway. You do not have to be staying in one of our hotels to book an excursion through us.
Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up. Do not be concerned about late booking, if availability is showing on our system there is a vehicle available for you. Excursions are commonly booked the day before travel.
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Kasbahs
A memorable one day excursion from Marrakech to the spectacular Kasbah’s at Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou. Two ancient fortified cities on the former caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech. Ait Ben Haddou is a world heritage site that has been the backdrop to a remarkable 16 feature films including Gladiator, The Man Who Would Be King and Marco Polo. You will have an English speaking driver and a comfortable car or Minibus with air conditioning. The driving time is normally four to five hours covering 190 miles.
Your party will have exclusive use of the vehicle and can vary the itinerary as you wish, the driver can recommend viewing points and stops along the way. There are a variety of excellent places for lunch en route (not included in the price). The normal departure time is 8.00 am and you can expect to be back in Marrakech at 18.30.
Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in one of our riads to book an excursion through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up.
Do not be concerned about late booking, if availability is showing on our system there is a vehicle available for you. Excursions are commonly booked the day before travel.
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Essaouira
The picturesque fishing port of Essouira is the nearest seaside to Marrakesh and well worth a visit. You can break the journey with stops at argan oil producers and other tourist stops. Once in Essauoira your driver will leave you for around three hours to explore the town and its small Medina which it is most fun to do by yourself.
There are a wide variety of restaurants – why not try the fresh grilled sardines by on the seafront! Previously known by its Portugese name Mogador, a fortress still commands the entrance to the harbour and the Medina itself has walled ramparts. Essaouira is usually much cooler than Marrakech and can be windy at times, it is no coincidence that the world wind surf championships are held here. The Orson Welles movie Othello was shot in this location and its bohemian atmosphere has attracted a stream of celebrities notably including Bob Marley.
The normal departure time is 8.00 am and you can expect to be back in Marrakech at 18.00. Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest Medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in our riads to book an excursion through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up.
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Waterfalls and Monkeys
For the more adventurous a three hour drive will take you to the mid Atlas and the majestic Ouzoud waterfalls, the highest in North Africa, with three spectacular tiers. This is also the home of the famous Barbary apes, the naturally tail-less monkeys that you find performing in the main square in Marrakech. It is delightful to see them roaming free in their native habitat. There are several lunchtime restaurants (not included) all of which have spectacular views.
The normal departure time is 8.00 am and you can expect to be back in Marrakech at 18.30.
Your driver will not walk with you down to the waterfall however you will be approached on arrival by local guides and it is a very good idea to hire one for about 200 dirhams. Make sure the fee is agreed and also that you can communicate reasonably well with your guide and feel comfortable in his company.
Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in one of our riads to book an excursion through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up.
Do not be concerned about late booking, if availability is showing on our system there is a vehicle available for you. Excursions are commonly booked the day before travel.
See all excursions
Ourika Valley
Our top destination for a day trip from Marrakech is along the beautiful Ourika Valley to the waterfall at Setti-Fatma, You will have an English speaking driver and a comfortable car or Minibus with air conditioning. The driving time is normally around an hour and a quarter each way. Your party will have exclusive use of the vehicle and can vary the itinerary as you wish, the driver can recommend viewing points and stops along the way. There are a variety of excellent places for lunch at Setti Fatma (not included in the price).
Your driver will not walk up the waterfall however there you will be approached on arrival by local guides and it is a very good idea to hire one for about 100 dirhams. Make sure the fee is agreed and also that you can communicate reasonably well with your guide and feel comfortable in his company.
The normal departure time is 9.00 am and you can expect to be back in Marrakech at 16.00. Your dedicated vehicle will collect you from any hotel or accommodation in Marrakech. If you are staying in one of our wonderful Riads in the old town you will be met at the nearest medina gateway.
You do not have to be staying in one of our riads to book an excursion through us. Please pay attention to input the correct email address and phone number in the booking form. After your reservation is secured the local operator (patente 45191146) will use those details to contact you directly to arrange pick up.
Do not be concerned about late booking, if availability is showing on our system there is a vehicle available for you. Excursions are commonly booked the day before travel.
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As you pass through the ancient medina, with your senses being overwhelmed by sounds, smells and colour, you might miss a few small details. A detail which is particularly worthy of noting, are the small signs which are dotted around the walls of various attractions or industrial areas which read “Initiative Nationale pour le Developpement Humain”. These signs are indicative that the project or co-operative it is mounted onto, is backed and maintained by the Moroccan Government’s National Human Development Incentive.
The incentive was launched in May 2005 by His Majesty the King Mohammed VI in an effort to reduce poverty, instability and social exclusion for Moroccans. The project aims to make steps in changing these factors by way of providing activities which aim to combat unemployment. Examples such as training programmes, job creation, sports leadership and income promotion have been cropping up all over Morocco, and are designed to spark motivation for generating income without participating in criminal activity. The programme promises to be accessible to all Moroccans, and inclusive of the most impoverished areas.
There are four programmes at play, which all strive to benefit different targets and these are as follows:
- Fighting against rural poverty in all regions of Morocco.
- Fighting against social exclusion in urban areas of Morocco.
- The program of fighting against precariousness (unstable situations such as homelessness, the poor elderly and street children).
- The transversal project which aims to support unemployed people living in non-target communal spaces.
The project has a budget of 10 billion dirhams and in time, this incentive aims to lift the human development index of Morocco which has been ranked as relatively low; due to low rates of literacy, life expectancy and income.
Partially due to the Arab Spring in 2011 and the marginalisation it caused for young people from the labour market; the role of growth in reducing unemployment is key in Morocco.
Morocco is a low medium income country and the majority of income in the economy comes from services and tourist trade, followed by agriculture, industry and lastly construction.
The good news is that in the years since the project was launched in 2005, Morocco has made huge steps in addressing poverty and improving living situations for Morocco’s poorest residents. In the last decade, Moroccan economic growth patterns have been increasingly stable; and in the past 15 years the growth of Moroccan economy has been continuously positive.
In terms of statistics in the past decade, each year has recorded on average 123,000 new entrants into the labour market within Morocco and beyond this, approximately 164,000 jobs were created each year between the years 2000 and 2008. The sectors of construction and service are recorded as being the most efficient in creating jobs; but the incentives aim to increase jobs in the industrial sector too. The leather industry is one of the oldest historical industries in Morocco, but it has been shrinking since 2005 – so the government are backing training programmes which will ideally introduce young Moroccan’s to this sector and promote a sustainable career in the field.
There are also many grass roots organisations cropping up, which aim to make a change in the structure of Moroccan employment and education. Non-profit organisations such as Henna Cafe Marrakech, provide free classes to Moroccans and refugees of all ages in various subjects such as literacy, numeracy, languages, study-groups and kids club.
Your tourism has a great impact on the economy of Morocco, so contact us and plan your visit today. It’s time to see all that this diverse country has to offer…
Nestled into the medina just around the corner from the beautiful Riad Papillon, you will find this trendy little spot which is aptly named “L’atelier des Saveurs”. This attractive, open fronted eatery is on the section of street that runs between the palace at Dar ‘l Bacha and the busy taxi drop-off point of Riad Laarouss. It’s location, as well as it’s open front and ground floor dining area, makes for a perfect lunch date with a view of passing Marrakech life.
In this joint, they have really maximised space available to them and despite the fact the cafe is cosy, the minimalistic and stylish design creates a spacious feeling. There are plenty of seating options depending on how you’re feeling; you may choose to sit out front in the sun, or find a more tranquil spot at the back of the room for added privacy whilst dining. It is easy to appreciate the clean, simplistic style of this venue; with it’s amalgamation of European, Moroccan & Senegalese influences.
When you enter the space, you’ll receive a warm and friendly greeting from the waiter or the manager. The staff here believe in service with a smile, and have a professional but calm approach to serving you. As the staff are mostly of Senegalese nationality, service is in French (menu in French & English).
The staff have an appreciation of good music (a clue is given in the musical instruments hanging around the place), and you will find the playlist consists of a variety of world music tracks from many genres. Largely, they play chill-out, ambient house music. The combination of relaxing music and soft burning incense creates a very laid back lunch break.
The menu is extensive, and you will find dishes to suit every palette – from the fussiest to the most adventurous of eaters! You are sure to eat a lot of native Moroccan dishes when you visit, but if you find you are craving some of the hot chilli flavours that are often missing in local cuisine – then you will find plenty of options here to quench your appetite! From a classic tagine, to Mexican chilli con carne; the menu is enticing and great value. Most main dishes will cost you between 6 and 7 euros, whilst drinks and desserts are between 2 and 4 euros each. If you feel like trying something different in Marrakech, there is a Senegalese dish on the menu too.
We tried and tested the ‘Burger Montagnard’, a delicious sandwich of juicy beef, goats cheese, onion confiture and fresh salad. This dish had a subtle, spicy heat in the onion confiture which was totally moreish. The portion size was generous and as a snack, it was enough for two people to share. We would also recommend the seasonal fruit juice; a refreshing blend of locally sourced, ripe fruits. At this time, the juice was made with red apples, sweet oranges and “beldi” bananas. A fabulous and healthy lunch for the price of 9 euros!
The best news is that L’atelier des Saveurs participates in our 10% discount scheme. If you find the restaurant using our Marrakech Riad Travel App guide, then a 10% discount will be applied to your bill!
Enjoy…
For Moroccans, food is a big deal! A full belly is the key to a full and happy mind, and within the framework of this culture; a person takes immense pride in cooking delicious, fresh meals.
When in Morocco, you will find that the most accessible groceries in the local markets are the required ingredients to make a tagine. This can feel quite limiting to a Western visitor, who may be used to a wider range of options at their fingertips. Fear not, for there are many restaurants in Marrakech serving world foods from all corners of the globe. Moreover, an abundance of tagine recipes exist; and you can try them all!
“Tagine” refers to the vessel in which the meal is prepared, rather than the ingredients. The tagine is an earthenware (terracota) pot which has a conical lid to seal it when cooking. Traditionally the tagine pot would have been placed on an open fire but in the modern age they tend to be placed on a gas hob at a low heat, with a heat diffuser in between. These pots might be glazed, but often in a Moroccan household the presentation tagine pots are glazed, whilst the preferred pot for cooking is not. Over time, the non-glazed clay will absorb the spices and flavours of the meals prepared within it & this adds a beautiful depth to the flavour of the food prepared thereafter.
You might find recipes online which refer to a tagine as a “stew”, and although it is fair to draw comparisons; it is inaccurate to state that they are the same. A stew and a tagine are both slow cooked dishes, but where a stew might have a thick sauce made predominantly with water, a tagine is (in most cases) prepared solely with an oil base to the sauce.
In this post, you will find the recipe for a tagine with fish, the local Darija Arabic word for this is “mqualli”. You can use almost any type of white fish for this one, but we used shark meat! Shark is known locally as “l’kash” and is available in many of the small fish markets located within the walls of the old medina. When buying meat in Marrakech, you can always ask the fishmonger or the butcher to portion it into “tagine sized” pieces.
The ingredients (to serve 4):
- Approx 1kg of white fish (“hout” in Moroccan arabic) of your choice, in this case shark.
- 2 green bell peppers (fiflah heloa, meaning sweet pepper).
- 5 medium white potatoes (patatas – that’s an easy one).
- 3 large tomatoes. (matisha)
- 6 cherry tomatoes.
- 2 carrots (hizou).
- 1 fresh bunch of parsley (l’kzoh).
- Juice of 4 small lemons (hamt, meaning bitter).
- 3 cloves garlic (tuma).
- 2 hot birds-eye chilli peppers (harra, meaning burning hot)
- 2 tablespoons cumin (l’kamun).
- 2 tablespoons turmeric (l’ krqum).
- 2 tablespoons paprika (tt’Hmira).
- 3 to 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil (zeet).
Preparation:
- Begin by peeling and soaking the potatoes and carrots in a bowl or pan of cold water. Then cut the green bell peppers endways to create round, chunky slices. Add those to the cold water too. You can also soak the hot chilli peppers whole.
- Once the carrots have been soaking for a few minutes, cut out the middle section from the carrots. You can see how this is done in the photos within this article. In Moroccan food preparation, the centre of the carrot is always removed to allow the carrot to cook faster and become softer. Then proceed to cut the carrot lengthways into thin sticks.
- Wash and finely chop or dice the parsley.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Rinse the tagine pot with cold water & leave a splash of water in the base.
- Wash the shark meat (or white fish of your choice) under the cold water tap & place the pieces in the centre of the tagine pot.
- Scatter all of the parsley over the top of the meat, followed by the garlic and a generous helping of vegetable oil.
- Squeeze the lemon juice from all 4 lemons over the ingredients in the tagine pot. Be liberal, the lemon juice really activates the flavours of the white fish.
- Sprinkle the spices onto the top of the ingredients and mix everything together by hand so that the spices, parsley and garlic are equally distributed.
- Remove the marinated meat from the tagine pot and place onto a separate plate or bowl for the moment. Leave some parsley and garlic in the oil at the bottom of the tagine pot.
- Cover the base of the tagine pot with the carrot sticks, these need to be closest to the heat source as they take longest to cook, then the green bell peppers to follow.
- Re-assemble the meat into the tagine pot, upon the carrots and green pepper. Then add slices of large red tomatoes over the meat, followed by thick slices of potato.
- Finally place the cherry tomatoes and hot chilli peppers on top of the other ingredients, and cover it with the tagine lid.
- Place on a low-medium flame for 2 1/2 hours. You can cook the tagine on as low of a heat as you like, but adjust the time accordingly. Once the tagine starts to cook, it is advisable to create a small gap for air between the base and the lid. A simple and effective way of doing this, is to place a large metal spoon in the opening.
- Enjoy the tagine with fresh baked bread and a cup of mint tea!
If you are interested in Moroccan cuisine, then you should consider participating in one of our fabulous cooking classes at Riad Star. We have an abundance of delicious recipes at the ready…
Contact us to find out more.
Newly opened in 2017 and a welcome addition to the fashionable Kaat Benahid district of the Medina. Le Trou au Mur (the hole in the wall) expresses the personality of talented young Englishman James Wix who is often in attendance front of house.
The cosmopolitan menu includes Moroccan cuisine, old favorites like Macaroni Cheese and Fish and Chips as well as some exciting fusion dishes. Don’t miss the signature Berber Shepherds Pie.
Le Trou au Mur is destined to be one of the top foodie addresses in Marrakech for many years to come.
If you know Morocco, then you will likely be familiar with the ritual of the hammam. If you are not familiar with the word, then in essence it is a combined sauna and bath house. Hammam is an arabic word that roughly translates to “public bath place”.
In Marrakech, you are spoiled for choice in terms of the ways you can experience this form of self-care. Not only are there several luxurious spas offering this treatment (such as the spa at the Riad Star); but nestled into the winding walks which make up the ancient medina, you will also find a collection of local hammams which are still used by men and women on a weekly or daily basis. It is an experience you should treat yourself to when visiting Marrakech.
The process of the hammam is not dissimilar to that of a Turkish Bath. In fact the practice of this particular type of public bathing is generally associated with the Ottomon Empire, but is more widely practiced in the Islamic faith and countries where this faith is prevalent. In Islam, it is considered compulsory to be physically clean before beginning a dialogue with God in the method of prayer. Where feasible, Mosques will always provide a place to wash the face, hands and feet; but for those who feel compelled to undertake a more thorough cleansing, a hammam will usually be located close by. In Islam, washing the body under running water is preferred, as opposed to the way we bathe in more Western societies (by submerging ourselves in water).
The typical Moroccan hammam experience, will involve pouring plenty of warm water over your entire body inside a heated room, which rinses away any dust or dirt but also creates steam to soften the skin. Following this, the skin will be massaged with black soap which is a natural soap made from black olives and sometimes perfumes of jasmine, orange blossom or rose. The soap encourages dead skin to loosen, which is then gently removed by a method of scrubbing with a rough glove (known in local dialect as a “kees”). The dead skin is rinsed away with slightly warmer water, before the body is washed again with a bubbly and perfumed soap. Often and if you like, the hair is also washed with shampoo. In the local hammam, you will witness many different regimes as each person has his or her own preferences when it comes to washing. Without a doubt, the outcome of this experience is that the participant feels cleaner than ever before, and it is required that you take a restful period with food & water afterwards to rehydrate.
The local Moroccan hammams are gender segregated. Each neighbourhood has a man’s hammam & a woman’s hammam; and although the two might be found side by side, the men and women must never mix in this intimate and sacred space. There is an exception to this rule only in the instance that a young boy uses the hammam with his mother. There is no fixed age that is the cut off point when a young boy must move to the man’s hammam, but ultimately the decision is always made by the woman who is in charge of running that particular hammam.
The gender segregation of the spaces creates a multi-purpose function, particularly for the women’s hammam. You will notice in Morocco that privacy is hugely valued, and what goes on inside the home is totally separate to life on the streets. Women, when walking in public are most often covered from head to toe; the conversations they have on the street might be casual, friendly uttering between neighbours, but it is highly unlikely that they will delve into personal matters in a public place. Inside the home, women run the show; often known as “the queen of the house”. This role is taken very seriously, and a woman will not rest until home orders are in place, so it is also rare to see Moroccan women sitting out in cafe’s drinking coffee with their friends. As time moves on, and Morocco is influenced by visitors from around the world, as well as Western media – there are younger generations of women who are dissatisfied with this lifestyle and those young women are inspiring a change in the gender roles of men and women in Moroccan culture.
In the hammam, women can bare all in a physical and emotional sense. These windowless bath houses offer a sanctuary where women can unwind, cleanse their bodies and minds from the stresses of the week. This is a very important social space for women, where they are completely separate from men, and can share secrets with their confidants. As there is a local hammam in every neighbourhood, in fact almost in each derb (street); families will attend the same one for most of their lives.
The buildings consist of an entrance, where you can change, leave your dry belongings and drink a glass of water. Following on from this room are three simple chambers, the first you walk into is the coolest of the three rooms and it seems the least used area (apart from perhaps by women with young babies), but is a place to cool down gradually after the use of the hot rooms. The second room is warmer & as you make your way through each room the temperature rises by several degrees. It is typical that a person begins their hammam in the hottest room, sitting for perhaps 10 or 15 minutes before moving to a room with a slightly cooler and more comfortable climate. The hot room is used for oiling and scrubbing the skin, whilst the warm room is for soaping and washing after this treatment.
It is common to find that each room has a large domed ceiling, which is covered in small clear or coloured glass windows. These small openings for natural light create a beautiful soft lighting and ambience, eradicating the requirement of artificial light as well as maintaining a total sense privacy from the outside world. From the street it may be difficult to identify a local hammam, but from a rooftop terrace the domed roof is always a quick giveaway.
If you choose to have the local hammam experience, then you might wish to ask your hosts to recommend somewhere close by. As a tourist, you can expect to be charged up to 50 moroccan dirhams (5 euros) to use the space. Included in this price will be a full body scrub by a woman working in the hammam, and you can stay in the space for as long as you like.
There are several items which you should take yourself to the local (beldi) hammam. A pot of black olive soap (savon noir) can be purchased from most spice merchants; and although you can buy just a small amount in a plastic bag, it is perhaps advantageous to buy a resealable pot which has come from one of the co-operatives outside of Marrakech. This way you can take your black soap away with you after the hammam and use it again in the future.
You should also bring waterproof footwear such as a pair of flip-flops. In Morocco it is considered unhygienic and bad for your health to walk barefoot in the home or the hammam. In a practical sense, the flip-flops will stop you from slipping over on the wet floors. If you didn’t bring flip-flops with you on your vacation, they are available to purchase from street vendors for as little as 20 moroccan dirhams (2 euros).
You should also bring your own kis (pronounced kees), which is a rough scrubbing mitt. These are usually available to buy for a few cents in the spice market or local convenience stores, and some hammams will have them available to purchase. It is best to have your own and not to share, for hygiene reasons. These are reusable, so you can take them home with you if you enjoy the feeling of intensive exfoliation!
A small plastic mat or towel to sit on is essential. You can also purchase these plastic mats in the medina, or a yoga mat will suffice if you are travelling with one!
Finally you should bring your own soap and perfume, whatever your personal preference is. You can bring what you are travelling with, or a small amount of what is provided in your accommodation. It is advisable that you bring your own bottle of water too, as you will feel quite dehydrated by the end of your treatment.
If you are hoping for a more regal experience, then you might wish to try a spa hammam. These are readily available in Marrakech at various levels of luxury! As a tourist, this is a much more care-free way to enjoy the wonders of this tradition because everything is prepared and laid out into a wonderful, pampering package. All you need is yourself, and an hour or two of free time. There are various packages available and many of those will also include a relaxing massage to follow your wash and exfoliation. In most cases you will also be served a cup of tea and a sweet treat following your treatment too. This is a guaranteed delight, leaving you with a feeling of complete bliss.
If you are planning a trip to Marrakech, you can find out about the spa treatments available at Marrakech Riad’s, Riad Star. An abundance of carefully designed packages are available to suit your personal requirements and preferences. Our hammam in ambient and cosy, fully stocked with a variety of locally sourced, naturally perfumed soaps and oils by ‘Les Sens de Marrakech’ which will leave your skin feeling brand new!
Contact Marrakech Riad today to find out more…
If you’ve done your research on Marrakech before visiting, you might have come across some off putting exerts from people who have had a negative experience when trying to make a taxi journey.
In this article, we will offer advice on how to make your taxi journey easy & your interaction with the drivers more positive. Of course, we hope to help make your visit completely enjoyable, and avoid those awkward misunderstandings that can happen when language and cultural differences are present!
First of all, it is really key that you let go of western concepts of time & standardisation – because part of the beauty of Morocco, is the laid back attitude towards time and planning. If you can do this for the duration of your visit, then you will absolutely learn new techniques for being calm, composed and relaxed. It will also help to make all of your interactions with locals even warmer.
There are three types of taxi that exist in Marrakech; private taxis, petit taxis & grand taxis. A private taxi is the only type of car that can be pre-booked, for example when booking your holiday you can also request that we send you a private car to transfer you from the airport to your riad. This can be particularly useful if you have a time in mind that you would like to be picked up, and saves you waiting or hailing a cab.
Petit taxis are readily available all around the city. There are taxi ranks close by to all of our riads and if you are unsure of where to find them, our riad management will be able to point you in the right direction. The petite taxis can take a maximum of 3 people per car by law, so if you have a larger party then it might be worth reserving a private car, or you will need multiple petite taxis. It is common that the taxi drivers waiting in the ranks for a fare, will try to offer the price of the journey to you. This is totally normal, because everybody is just trying to make a living – but if you don’t feel happy with the price being offered then you are within your rights to negotiate. You can also ask the driver to put on the meter which is known locally as the “counter”, some might refuse as they have already decided what they would like to be paid for the fare. It is tried and tested that the best method for taking a petit taxi, is to hail one from the roadside rather than take a waiting cab. Get into the taxi first, and then tell them your desired destination – and ask that they switch on the counter. This way, the driver will understand that you know the value of the journey and that you don’t wish to negotiate. It is a misnomer that Marrakech taxi drivers are all unkind, and if you approach them with the right attitude then you can have a friendly interaction and a good experience.
Grand taxis are a particularly strange phenomena for anybody with western ideals. These cars are old v123 Mercedes, which seem to be very reliable (enough so that they haven’t been updated for tens of years). These cars have only 5 seats, but interestingly by law the taxis can carry 6 passengers! You will often see passengers squeezed into the front and the back of the vehicle, and nobody seems bothered by being cramped up regardless of the temperatures in Marrakech. The grand taxis can travel further than the petit taxis, and so groups of locals who are travelling out of the main city towards the smaller surrounding villages might choose to share the fare of a grand taxi. If you’re a single person travelling, and you wish to make a journey to one of the aquaparcs or golf courses, then you can grab one of these grand taxis from the Jemaa el Fna. Just be aware that the driver will not take you to your destination until he has filled the seats (and more)!
You will notice that all of the grand & petit taxis in Marrakech are a yellow colour, this means that they belong to the region of Marrakech and must not pick up fares within other cities. If you visit other cities, you will find that their taxis are also colour coded. For example, Essaouria has blue taxis. If you see a large blue taxi in Marrakech, then it has likely transported a group of people from Essaouria to Marrakech, and can only take another group back to Essaouria. It is not authorised to pick up fares within Marrakech; the same rule applies to all cities.
You can download our free Marrakech Travel App to help you find the main roads around the medina, and those will be the best places to hail a cab. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our boutique riads in the near future.
A shop selling and repairing second hand shoes in Marrakech, Morocco.
A credit is due to the Marrakchi (local Moroccan) people, for their ability to restore and salvage materials and items which we might usually disregard or replace. There is really no disposable attitude towards possessions. If something is acquired, it is generally worked hard for and therefore treasured. Not only plastic bottles and bags, electrical equipment and appliances are mended – clothes and shoes will usually have a second or third life.
Hand-me-downs are valued highly within the family home in Morocco. If something can be passed down to a younger relative or a peer, then it will be without question.
Buying second hand clothes in the market (such as Bab el Khamis, the Thursday market) is also a popular choice amongst locals. It’s a great place to visit and pick up bargains, you might be very surprised by the obscure things you can find there.
If you happen to find a pair of shoes you like, but they do not fit you – it’s not a problem. You will find several shoe repair shops in Riad Laarous where for a few dirhams, the shoe maker will place your shoes on a special vice for some hours to resize (stretch) them! He will also have many piles of second hand shoes for sale, it can be so fun to see the eclectic mix of footwear he has acquired.
If you are someone who enjoys the thrill of finding a bargain in a charity shop, thrift store or a car boot sale, then you will find so much fun to be had at the second hand markets of Marrakech.
Book your trip with us today! Contact us for more information on your visit…
Available for purchase, local organic virgin olive oil in recycled plastic bottles.
Looking at the topic of recycling in Marrakech, there are several ways in which the locals maintain a “waste not, want not” mentality. It is wonderful to behold the reality of a community in which people salvage what they can use again & look for practical solutions to step away from a throw-away, disposable society.
As well as the plastic bag ban, another great example of these waste combating incentives is the trading of plastic bottles in exchange for household items.
During a week, the Moroccan household is likely to accumulate an abundance of plastic bottles from various products, such as 5l water bottles or vegetable oil containers. Rather than casting away the bottles into the trash, the family have a much better solution available to them. It is possible to trade the plastic bottles for essential household cleaning products, at a variety of small outlets which are dotted around the ancient medina and surrounding suburbs.
These tiny trade spots specialise in homemade cleaning products, such as floor cleaner, bleach, dish and laundry soap. The products are very strong and often have a heavy perfume. Amongst the housewives of Morocco, they are favoured over the branded products which are also available.
The more plastic bottles you offer to the shop keeper, the more product you can take away without any monetary payment. The merchant will use these bottles for future customers or, if he has enough, will sell the excess bottles on to olive farmers who re-fill them with their olive oil .
If you’re just visiting Marrakech, you probably wont be doing much cleaning – but you certainly should be drinking plenty of bottled water! Look out for the stores selling only cleaning products or olive oil & offer them your empties. Alternatively you can always leave them with your local shop keeper or the housekeeper, as they will be ready to make the trade on your behalf.
Come and be a part of it all, contact us to book your stay today!
Guedra represents several aspects of a form of dance which is particular to Southern Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria.
The primary meaning of Guedra is cooking pot, when this pot is covered with a stretched leather skin to create a drum, the drum is also known as Guedra. When the drummer plays a beat representing a heartbeat using the transformed pot, this beat is also called Guedra. The form of movements made by the dancers responding to that beat, at all times whilst the dancer is on their knees is called Guedra. The dancer is also called Guedra.
For the most part the dancers are covered by a piece of fine fabric whilst performing, but beneath this veil they are heavily adorned, with henna, jewels and headpieces.
The dance is generally performed in Nomadic tents, and as such the women remain on their knees for much of the performance.
If you are staying as a group in one of Marrakech riad’s beautiful Medina homes ask about a traditional musical performer to visit during dinner one evening. We are here to make your holiday magical.
Ahwash dancing is from the areas around Ouarzazatte and the High Atlas mountains.
Women in colourful dress stand motionless around a group of men who are in turn sitting around a fire. The men each have “bendir’s (simple wood and skin frame drums) A piercing cry breaks the silence, and the performance begins. The men begin to beat their drums and the woman sway slowly from side to side. The pace builds throughout the performance.
Ahwash is generally performed by two large groups of people who alternate their performances of song, dance, poetry, and drumming on frame drums.
Ahwash may have originated in Telouet, a small High Atlas village, though historians have struggled to conclusively determine its origins because of the lack of written history.~
Ahwash is woven into early Amazigh History, and is likely to predate Islam, it is however often performed outside the tombs of saint during regional Moussems.
If you are staying as a group in one of Marrakech riad’s beautiful Medina homes ask about a traditional musical performer to visit during dinner one evening. We are here to make your holiday magical.
Fodor’s Travel Guide is the world’s largest and professional travel guide book.
Marrakech has been placed at the top of its “Travel Go List for 2018.” beating 51 other renowned world holiday destinations to top the 2018 list.
“This romantic desert oasis is set to be one of 2018’s most fashionable vacations,” Fodor’s said.
“Marrakech really is a magical world that deserves to be explored,” said Jeremy Tarr, the editorial director of Fodors.com.
“Marrakesh is a dreamy maze of spice-scented streets filled with vendors, cafes, and hidden palaces.”
Given its alleyways and winding labyrinths full of home-made crafts, Marrakech is a city full of secrets and the best way to explore it is by getting lost. We at Marrakech riads have developed the free Marrakech Riad Travel app which will help you to ‘get lost’ but to safely find your way back to your Riad home.
Marrakech is a famous city, both within Morocco and worldwide, it holds peoples hearts and captures a deep sense of historical and cultural wealth and many great tourist attractions.
Fodor’s website suggest some must-see places in the ochre city, including “the lush Jardin Majorelle, outside the walls of the city centre, is a respite from the sensory overload of the medina” adding that “The Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Medersa are a step back in time through Marrakech’s royal past, with breathtaking architecture and attention to detail.”
For 80 years, Fodor’s Travel has been a trusted resource for travellers.
Contact us to reserve your Marrakech trip today!
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