Peter J Smith - The World Traveller :: Expert Travel Advice and Tailor Made Travel Itineraries

theworldtraveller.net :: Expert Travel Advice and Tailor Made Travel Itineraries

Hot Shot!

Ta Prohm Temple at Angkor Wat

Destinations: Marrakech, Morocco

There is something about Morocco, a whiff of danger a sense of mystery that runs deep into our subconscious. Travellers have returned throughout the ages to tell stories of Kasbahs and Medinas in old Marrakech and wild tales of camel journeys through the desert to ruined forts and luscious oases.

An exotic land of spices, smells and secret souks Morocco enchants the visitor at every step. From the High Atlas mountains to the rugged Atlantic coastline tribesmen come to ply their goods and trade with the cityfolk of Marrakech. Long a focal point for the region it is a magnet for the traveller, once one enters into the magical realm that is the Djemaa el Fna a sense of timelessness and ancient tradition is discovered.

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Sipping on a mint tea from a sidewalk cafe is a national pastime, the rustle and flicker of Le Monde and the Herald Tribune newspapers reveal tourists attempting to blend in, their pale skins giving them away.

It's a long way from the nostalgia of Casablanca and Ricks Cafe but Marrakech is an acceptable replacement for those souls wanting romance and intrigue. The bazzars beckon and the foolhardy may soon be parted with their money.

Places to stay

Without any question you should stay in the old town. The Medina is only a few dirhams by taxi from the train station and only a short walk from the bus station.

For those travellers who prefer not to book, a rabbit warren of streets behind the Djemaa el Fna will provide ample choices. At peak times this could be a little trickier with roof space nearly always a possibility.

Others will prefer to book ahead and are able to choose from sumptious riads to basic dormitories with much in between.

You can book a room online through my website, it will cost no more and I get a little commission to keep the site going so it's up to you.

book here Book a room

I usually stay at the Grand Hotel Tazi, a bit of an eclectic mix but it does have a large swimming pool and the only real bar in the Medina!

Things to do

Shopping is of course top of the agenda with Souks a-plenty the visitor will have no problem finding just the sort of thing that they always wanted....really!

The main square, the Djemaa el Fna (place of the dead) is where all the action is. During the day fresh fruit drinks are made while you wait and the various water sellers will try their best to relieve you of a few Dirhams or Euros.

It is at night that the square comes alive with hundreds of foodstalls and whole circus troupes performing for the masses. Storytellers and snake charmers abound but watch your wallet in those big crowds.

Some would favour the Hammam, a type of bathhouse. These range from simple hot and cold rooms with the locals to the wonderful women only Hamman Ziani in the Medina not far from the Grand Hotel Tazi.

There are various palaces to visit including the Palais Badii and just wandering down a few alleys will get you lost enough to feel like an explorer. Take heart though, apart from the pressure selling of some store owners the locals are friendly and will try to help if you get lost. A little french would be a good idea.

You can eat in the evening at any market stall and their are many palace restaurants in the sidestreets aound the Medina. Sometimes you may need the help of a local to find the more hidden ones.

In the day, to the city side of the Djemma el Fna in a small souk you can order a tajine for later on or take one which has already been prepared. This can be real local eating at its best.

If you need any advice about travelling to Marrakech or Morocco or would like more information, please feel free to drop me a line and I will do my best to help out. Enjoy.!

Peter J Smith