Marakesh & Morroco, Do's & Dont's??

[DaveShark]

Hi fellow PH'ers.

I'm planning a trip to Morocco next Easter. Looking at doing an intrepid tour, start at Marakesh, bit of camel trekking into the Atlas mountains, into the Sahara desert, couple of nights under the stars and then to a place called Essauiria (Jimi Hendrix used to hang out there).

I'm just wondering what kind of experiences some of you may have experienced in this reigion?

[Rollin]

Are you driving?

[V8mate]

DaveShark said:

Marakesh & Morroco, Do's & Dont's??

Don't.... go.

Don't.... say I didn't warn you.

[DaveShark]

Rollin said:

Are you driving?

I wish!! Camels and minibuses att the way.

[knk]

Go to Comptoir in Marrakesh. The food, drink and dancers are great.

Hang out in the square, just take in the atmosphere.

[Crook]

The old town is totally insane. We stayed in a lovely riad and it was a great stay BUT too much of Marrakech wears you out. There is a great blue house whose famous owner escapes me but lovely gardens.

[Ynox]

The gardens are owned by Yves St Laurent. Well worth seeing and a nice break from the mental place that is Marrakech.

Watch out for taxi drivers, taxis are cheap but the drivers will try _everything_ to rip you off. Their driving is also mental and they get offended if you wear a seat belt! They also like to try to shove 6 big guys into an old model E/S merc benz (grand taxi) including 2 guys in the front passenger seat...not fun.

Nice enough place to see, the main square is amazing at night too. The souqs are fun to go around if a little draining. I stayed in a hotel in the new town, maybe if I went back I'd like to stay in a riad in the medina but it was nice to be able to buy beer in the hotel and chill out at the pool (I went in March and the weather was pretty decent).

[OldSkoolRS]

Went there last year for a few days on a work meeting thing. We stayed out of town in an all inclusive complex, but they arranged a trip into the main town. We wandered around for about an hour and got hassled by people trying to sell us things we didn't want, put a snake round a collegue's neck (trying to get you to take a photo so they can ask for money), little kids doing cartwheels then holding their hands out for money, that sort of thing. Don't take any photos with people in as they will demand money. It was an experience, but we were quite glad when we realised we could go into the sister hotel to the place we were staying at just off the main square to have a drink and wait for the coach back to the complex......

[pugwash4x4]

just got back from 3 weeeks overlanding in Morocco in a self organised trip with 3 trucks.

didn't go to Marrakech, but had lots of experiences everywhere else. what would you like to know specifically?

[B16JUS]

we go agadir every other year its a lovely place but only 2 hotels worth staying.

we have done the marakesh thing but didnt really like it far too much hastle etc, do yourself a favour stay in agadir and do the day trips to marakesh or overnight stay

J

[anonymous-user]

B16JUS said:

we go agadir every other year its a lovely place but only 2 hotels worth staying.

we have done the marakesh thing but didnt really like it far too much hastle etc, do yourself a favour stay in agadir and do the day trips to marakesh or overnight stay

J

Erm..right.

If you look and act like a typical English 'ooh where can I get my eggs and bacon for breakfast' (no offence intended) tourist then this is exactly what you'll get. For the vast majority of visitors it ain't like that at all.

Would suggest to do;

- Seeing the sun rise over the Atlas at dawn on a balloon ride - via Ciel d'Afrique
- Saadian Tombs
- Djemma El Fnaa at night and eating at a stall
- Tea and Cakes at La Moumounia - how the posh folk 'do' Marakech
- Souqs - particularly Iron, Leather, Dyers. Walk without a map and get lost - it ain't a big place and there's always the taxis..
- A beer in the hotel Tazi - nearest place for a beer to the DEFnaa and an essential 'experience'
- Ensure where you eat has a licence if you want a beer - most don't
- Look confident and if you DO get hassled - then a firm 'no' and looking into the eyes in a confidant fashion works fine
- Speak French (or Arabic or Berber) if you can - always much appreciated

Don't

- Go and see a 'show' or eat in a 'palace' most are cack and very expensive
- Hold back - it is a wonderful and a very, very different place - there is much to see, learn and experience if you're up for it

PM me if you want more insight - know the palce well and have a few local friends there

[zac510]

Yes stay out in the country areas, they're much nicer

[pugwash4x4]

zac510 said:

Yes stay out in the country areas, they're much nicer

lol= absolultely they definitely won't throw stones at the vehicles because you haven't given them bon bons or stilos!

[zac510]

oR cadeaux!