travelling in morocco?

Question

hiya - i'm off to marrakesh in 2 weeks - i've bought the guidebook, done some research and checked out trip advisor etc... - and thought i'd ask the good folk here for 'real' advice.

my plan (by plan i mean idea that i don't mind ripping up and going with the flow) is to spend a few days in marrakesh and then head down towards the southern oasis routes and the edge of the dunes. ride a camel. camp out under the stars. say 'wow there's loads of stars, london has about 4' rather a lot.

what i'd like to know is if you have any experiences that you'd like to share, any things/sights/places that you found that blew your socks off. hotels in marrakesh you like? is is bloody cold or am i being barmy as it's positively balmy? anything you'd say 'good god man don't go without .......'

thanks all - appreciation in advance. i'm only there for 6 days - and i really want to make the most of it

Answer 1

Marrakesh - a truly amazing city, especially as it only takes about 2.5 hours to fly there from London.

I went there years ago and stayed there, in a small guest house in a side alley just off the main square Djemna el Fna (probably spelled this wrong!), where all the main action happens. Sit there, in a cafe, drinking mint tea all day, into the evening, and watch the world go by. You will be enthralled! Or take a trip into the medieval maze of souks that surround the square.

We visited in February, when the weather in Marrakesh was quite pleasantly warm & sunny (like a British summer). We then took a bus up to the Atlas Mountains and hiked, via a series of village stop-overs to the Neltner refuge hut. Beware!!! in February this is a major undertaking - we were snowed in for several days. You'll also need to aclimatize for high altitude. When the weather cleared, the snow was tinged with red saharan dust. We climbed to the top of Toubkhal (highest mountain in Africa north of the equator?). Amazing. On a clear day, you can see Toubkhal, and the snow-bound Atlas range, from the centre of Marrakesh. When we descended, we found that whilst we had been in the mountains, it had rained in Marrakesh and all the desert cacti had simultaneously come out into bloom.

Bear in mind- you are likely to get tummy trouble. I'll spare you the details, but do bring plenty of immodium tablets . It helps if you can speak even rudimentary french. If you have never gone to Morrocco before, you will perhaps find the "hassle" intimidating. People will haggle with you - you must be prepared to haggle with honesty & respect in the souks. But everyone will be incredibly polite, if you treat them with respect. Bear in mind that, even if they are obviously trying to rip you off, that they are just trying to make a living, and you are more than likely much better off financially than they are.

You are unlikely to be mugged or robbed in Morrocco but take care (just in case). That's common sense. It's a muslim country, so don't abuse their traditions (you should not enter mosques). Trousers rather than shorts should be worn, definitely if you're a girl, but recommended best practise for blokes too.

The best memory I have is chilling out late one afternoon in one of the citiy's tranquil palmeries (gardens) and simply lying there and listening to the general commotion of the city, and the calling of the mosques.

And it really is true what they say about the stars. You won't see that many from Marrakech (it's often dusty and hazy), but get out into the mountains or the desert,and the night sky will blow your mind!

Have a great time!

Answer 2

Marrakech is truly amazing and whatever you do in Morocco you will have a great time!!!

You should definitely visit Djemma El-Fna, as already mentioned. The atmosphere is amazing day and night, in the evenings they set-up food stalls, great food and very cheap.

There's lots to do in Marrakech but just outside Marrakech and heading into the mountains is Oukaimeden. It's a lovely village with beautifull scenery, lovely restaurants to eat in and a waterfall!

If buying anything make sure you haggle, you can get at least 50% off the price and it is expected by the locals. Dress as you normally would but do be aware of the culture and religion. It is advised for women to dress sensibly and respectfully but not necessary to completely cover up or wear local clothes.

Morocco is perfectly safe, just use common sense as you would visiting any foreign country, especially a busy city. Yes there will be beggars and people trying to sell you things, as long as you are polite you will be fine.

Marrakech will be lovely and warm during the day and just a little cooler at night. However if you head towards the coast it will be cooler in the day.

Once you get there ask the local people anything, they are so helpfull and kind. They will recommend places to you, tell you how to get there...........

Hope this makes sense and helps, I've also added a link for you.

Answer 3

The temperature is boiling in Marrakesh. The shops and markets are amazing. The food is pretty good and you can do all you plan to do.
Just make sure that the taxi drivers put the meter on when you get in. They will try telling you that the meter is busted but don't believe them. Fares are cheap.
Use the small red taxis or a bus, The white taxis cost more.
Also, make sure that you are charged the right price for beer and food. Ask for the menu before ordering.
Enjoy!

Answer 4

Of course it is okay to travel alone =] Just dress respectfully and don't go outside during the late night hours in the alleys by yourself =] Otherwise, you'll be okay. It would be more fun to have a friend come with you. Try making friends and get to know the people around you =] Have a great stay!

Answer 5

i love to go there myself. let me know how u got a gud deal plz dying to know why do all tickets and hotel price cost more than a grand (£1000)!