Africa Travel Blog

Category: Morocco

  • Best Day Trips from Marrakech

    Ourika Valley

    There are some great day trips from Marrakech that are worth doing if you have time while you are visiting Morocco.

    Just outside of Marrakech in the Ourika Valley. The area’s greenery provides a stark contrast to the dry land around the city. Its water source is from the Atlas Mountains, which tower above the valley and provide stunning backdrops to the landscapes and waterfalls in the area.

    The Ourika Valley is an easy day trip from Marrakech. You can get there by hiring a car or taking a tour. There are large bus tours, private tours, and van tours of the Ourika Valley, so you have plenty of options.

    Another good day trip is to the Palmeraie. The area surrounds the city and is home to some of the top resorts and hotels in Marrakech. You can go for lunch at the famous Amanjena hotel and walk around the pretty grounds, or just take a drive and explore.

    For trips further afield, consider taking a day trip to Essaouira. Just 2.5 hours from Marrakech by bus, Essaouira is a great way to escape the heat of the city and get some fresh coastal air by the ocean.

    Closer into Marrakech is the stunning Atlas Mountains. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the peaks. It is difficult to do a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, but if you can go on an overnight trip or multi-day excursion, it is highly recommended.

  • Best Hotels in Casablanca

    The best hotels in Casablanca can be found in various locations across the city. Some are situated along the famous Boulevard de la Corniche, and others are in the heart of the city center.

    While there are some excellent choices for accommodation in Casablanca, there are two particular hotels that I consider to be the best of the best: the Villa Blanca Urban Hotel and Hotel le Doge.

    Villa Blanca Urban Hotel – The Villa Blanca Urban Hotel in Casablanca is in a great location right on the Corniche. The boutique hotel features two restaurants, a bar, and one of the most popular nightclubs in Casablanca. Its focus on quality and providing guests with a superior experience make it one of the best hotels in Casablanca.

    Hotel le Doge – Hotel and Spa le Doge in Casablanca is a member of Relais & Chateaux. As such, it offers guests a true luxury experience in Morocco. Highlights of the hotel include its stunning Art Deco decor and its excellent Le Veyre restaurant. Hotel le Doge’s intimate charm and great service make it one of the best hotels in Casablanca.

  • Trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains

    Many visitors to Morocco take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.

    Given the proximity of the mountains to the city, it is an easy trip and makes for a great escape from the bustle of the souks and the medina.

    There are several ways to take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. These include hiring a car in Marrakech and driving to the Atlas Mountains, taking an organized tour to the mountains, or going on a small group excursion.

    Whatever method you choose to get to the mountains, it is best to stay overnight for at least one night.

    The distance from the city center is far enough that doing a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains is very ambitious, but doing an overnight or several night trip is well worth it.

  • Riad Edward, Marrakech

    Riad Edward in Marrakech is located in the Zaouia quarter of the Medina, near the Djemaa el Fna square. Riad Edward is notable for its beautiful original tile work, carved wood, and sculptures. Riad Edward has a large central courtyard with a plunge pool as well as a roof deck with stunning views of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

    Room rates at Riad Edward range from 120-240EUR/night, depending on the season.

  • Djemaa el Fna Marrakech

    The most famous place in Marrakech is definitely the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s main square. At the heart of the city center, the Djemaa el Fna is wide and bustling with food vendors, snake charmers, restaurants, and visitors and locals alike.

    Stop by the Djemaa el Fna during the day to try some fresh-squeezed orange juice and hone your bargaining skills or visit at night to eat from the many market stalls selling grilled meat and vegetables.

  • Top Places to Visit in Morocco

    When planning your first trip to Morocco, there are a lot of options for where you can go. While the best cities to visit are in traveling distance from one another, keep in mind that distances can be far and transportation is not always fast, clean, or reliable. With that said, the top places to visit in Morocco are:

    Marrakech – With the bustling Medina and busy souks, Marrakech is sure to keep your senses stimulated for your entire stay.

    Fez – The cultural capital of Morocco won’t disappoint with its beautiful architecture.

    Essaouira – This seaside town is a great retreat from the heat of the desert.

    Atlas Mountains – High above the desert, the Atlas Mountains are a beautiful place to camp or drive.

    Casablanca – Famous for the movie by the same name, Casablanca is an amazing city and well worth a visit.

  • Amanjena Hotel Marrakech

    For high-end luxury in Marrakech, nothing tops the Amanjena Hotel. Located a short drive from the city center in a larger-than-life complex, the Amanjena Hotel is a resort haven. Relax by one of the swimming pools, get a massage at the world-class spa, or enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music at the bar.

    If you can’t afford to stay at the Amanjena, you can head to the hotel for dinner at one of their wonderfully decorated restaurants. Get there before sunset to take a walk around the grounds and have a drink before your meal.

    Room rates at the Amanjena Marrakech range from 950-3350USD/night, depending on the season.

  • Gnawa and World Music Festival in Essaouira

    2008 Gnawa and World Music Festival dates are June 26-29, 2008

    The Gnawa and World Music Festival in Essaouira, Morocco is an annual music festival that celebrates music from all over the globe. The festival, which takes place every year in June, is one of the most popular music festivals in Africa.

    Now in its 11th year, the Gnawa and World Music Festival features 250 Moroccan artists and musicians and 150 musicians from other parts of the world.

    In addition to music, the Gnawa and World Music Festival offers artistic and cultural events, as well as conferences and meetings.

  • Best Time of Year to Visit Morocco

    Morocco is great for visiting during most of the year, but there are better times to go for several reasons: the weather gets very hot during the summer and the tourists get very crowded during several weeks of the year.

    The best time of year to visit Morocco is during the fall, winter, or spring. This allows you to avoid the extreme hot temperatures in the summer months. It is best not to book travel between early June and late August.

    The tourist crowds flock to Marrakech in droves around Christmas and New Year’s and again around Easter. If you don’t want to be caught in the crowds, you should avoid Marrakech during those times.

  • Morocco Hammams

    Hammams are traditional baths in Morocco. Locals and visitors alike enjoy relaxing and bathing in hammams, and it is easy to schedule an appointment for other treatments as well.

    Morocco hammams range from very basic to very luxurious, so visitors have their choice in what kind of hammam suits them best. Many hotels and riads also have their own private hammams.

    In addition to bathing, higher-end hammams usually offer an array of spa services. Traditional massages are always an option, as are private baths, scented massages, and a whole range of other pampering opportunities.

    Looking for a great hammam? My favorite is Les Bains de Marrakech.