Shopping & Haggling
by sue_stone
When you visit Marrakech you will no doubt spend some time exploring the colourful souqs (markets) and you may well want to make a purchase or two. Well, be prepared to haggle before you buy!
In the souqs, you will find that there are no prices marked on any of the goods (except maybe in some of the 'proper' shops that are scattered through some parts of the markets). If you want 'fixed price' shopping then you will have to go to the New Town area.
So, if you want to buy something you will need to ask the price. The trader will tell you a ridiculously high price which they don't really expect you to pay, and then you need to make a counter offer (I usually offer about a quarter of what they originally asked) and then you negotiate from there until you both agree on a price somewhere in the middle.
It is ok to ask the price of something, but don't make an offer back yourself unless you are really serious about buying the item, as once the negotiation starts you are expected to buy the item at the end when the trader agrees to your offer.
Sahara Expedition
by Bigjones
We found that organization at Hotel Ali. But their office is located on the corner of Avenue el-Mouahidine and Rue Bani Marine. They offer different kinds of trips (from 1 to 15 days). The organization is excellent and the people very honest.
Before going to Morocco, we had an idea of the places we wanted to explore and the things we wanted to do. But soon we realized that traveling by bus wouldn’t be easy because the bus system is not reliable enough, we would lose a lot of time depending on the timetables and delays and we wouldn’t be able to see everything we wanted to see. Ait Ben Haddou for example was on our list but not on the bus way.
We also thought of renting a car but personally, I wouldn't have liked to drive, I found it quite dangerous on the road (we saw many accidents) and it's easy to get lost, they were no road signs in some places.
Finally, we opted for the 4 days-3 nights package for the south of the country and didn't regret that choice. The tour was exactly what we were looking for. We even got a discount. We only needed to be six people before leaving to get it. Easy to find in a city full of tourists like Marrakesh.
The advantages of our package : we had a driver who knew exactly the way, we didn’t have to worry about busses, timetables, hotels etc., we traveled by 4x4, the number of participants was limited to 6 people.
Now, I'm really glad we traveled this way. We could take ways that would have been impossible by bus or even by car. And thanks to our driver, we didn't lose our time and could simply enjoy that fabulous part of the country.
Cruise around the Djemma
by Adamis
The Djemma el Fnaa is the main square and the central point of the Medina. Lining the endges are cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and shops and an entry point for the labyrinth of Souhks. It's a great place to sit, relax and watch the world go by over a glass of mint tea.
As dusk falls the Djemma really comes alive. Dozens of open air food stalls emerge, all vying for your custom (see next "things to do") and performers, snake charmers, magicians and storytellers set up their pitch in the bustling square.
Jardin Majorelle
by suvanki
Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) moved to Marrakesh from France to work on his paintings. He also set about turning his land into these landscaped gardens, opening to the public in 1947. The vivid blue colour that covers the buildings and garden accessories was first used in the early 1930's and is known as Bleu Majorelle. (I think this is my favourite colour)
Following the death of Majorelle, the property was famously bought by Yves St Laurent.
Majorelles former painting studio now houses the Museum of Islamic Art (I didn't have time to view this, but intended to return later, afraid I didn't though!)
The gardens provide a peaceful refuge from the bustle of Marrakesh. Cactii, bamboo and colourful flowers line the pathways that wind around the gardens, amongst the plants are colourful pots and decorative teracotta jars.Ornate Pavillions add to the attractiveness of the gardens, and provide cooling shelter. Fountains and fish ponds provide interest, while the trickling waters provide relaxing sounds.
There's a gift shop that sells quality items of pottery, guide books, perfumes exclusive to the Majorelle gardens and clothing. Expensive, but different!
Open 0800-1200, 1300 -1700 Winter
0800 - 1200, 1400 - 1900 Summer
No picnics!
- I wish they'd ban mobile phones from here too, as my peaceful wanderings were interrupted by one womans incessant loud ring tone, then a long noisy conversation.
Female? Be aware....be very aware!!
by Sheridon
I loved this City....the atmosphere,the music, but also came close 2 hating it 2! Be very careful here especially if your female. Had a few 2many scarey experiences here....maybe through my own fault most of the time, wandeing around alone! Which i wouldnt advise any female 2do.
The Djama El Fna was a wonderful experience in the evenings, all the crouds of people gathering around the sorts of Berber musicians& their hynototic music.
Worth goin there & would like 2visit again someday .....dressed as a muslim!
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Ourika River
grave stone of one of the nobles family
Medersa Ben Youssef
Marrakesh (Morocco)
